1. Keep a journal!
You will encounter so many places with such a historical significance, that it will be hard to remember all of them. Research before you go on the trip and find out the history of the places you will be visiting. Carry a guide book with you so that you can read about events and places as you visit them.

2. Travel by car
There are several other means of transportation across Eastern Europe (train, bus, plane), but as distances are not so great between different locations, it is preferable to drive. This way, if you see a sign to a castle, you can detour and discover it.

3. Carry cash in the local currency
You will be able to pay with your credit card in large towns, but you may not find and ATM or a POS in smaller location. Hence, always carry some cash with you in the local currency.

4. Talking with your hands
Not all the local people understand or speak an international language. So, it is advisable to approach younger people when asking for directions, as they are more likely to know some English. If no one understands what you are saying, then you will need to use your phrasebook and your hands in order to "talk" to the natives.

5. Travel safe
Most of the Eastern European countries are nowadays politically stable. Still, watch the news and if a conflict is announced in the area, just avoid that country for your own safety.

6. Adapt your expectations
Tourism is boosting in this region and wonderful tourist facilities are being developed. Nevertheless, a visitor can still find places with services ranking low on the hospitality scale. Hence, it is better to adapt your expectations to the obvious possibilities of the regions visited.

7. Search beneath the surface
If you want to discover the real Eastern Europe, do not content yourself with just visiting the big cities and advertised tourist locations. You will be surprised to discover myriads of extraordinary places, of which some may not even be on a map.

Benny Horowitz

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