Next Adventure Booked: Central and Eastern Europe
Hello readers! I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve just booked my next adventure! Where to this time? Well, I’m not EXACTLY sure where just yet. What I can share is that most of my airfare is booked and the trip is starting to take form.
I’ve booked a ticket from Phoenix to Dublin on Friday June 25th. Once in Dublin, I’ll be arriving early in the morning on Saturday – which should give me time to find my way back to one of my favorite hostels in the Isles: Kinlay Hostel.
My stay in Dublin will be brief. By Monday the 28th I plan to be on a budget flight to Central Europe. There is a strong probability that I’ll be flying into Budapest, Hungary. From there I’ll be making a large loop (The loop may include Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, Poland and the Czech Republic, Germany) before flying out of Nuremberg, Germany on July 13th.
For those curious, I’ve added the Dublin portion as a way to cut costs. Airfare this summer is ridiculously high during the late June->August period. Fortunately, it should give me a quick opportunity to re-visit the Cliffs of Moher which I love. Unfortunately, I’ll also be flying US Airways to cut costs (can we PLEASE get more airlines to open hubs in Phoenix?). To say that I’m not thrilled about that fact is a gross understatement. Their track record thus far has been miserable, but the price was right – and I guess at this point I know what I’m getting myself into..
I’ve visited Prague and Dublin previously, the rest of the cities and most of the countries will be new. I can’t wait to explore the Czech countryside in greater depth and am really looking forward to getting back into Bavaria (Munich on previous trips). I’ve heard nothing but praise about Budapest and am very curious to see what incredible cultural, physical, culinary and natural beauty the region has to offer.
Have must see/stay places along the route? Post them in a comment! I’d love to hear your tips and suggestions!
Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic is great (Twitter: @krumlovhostel). For Budapest, check out Aboriginal Hostel (@Aboriginal)…
Great! Thanks Josh!
That's great! What prompted you to choose Central and Eastern Europe for this adventure?
You know, airfare and currency rates were a major factor. Last year I was able to book a July ticket into Ireland/Scotland for $630. This year the cheapest I found was $1114. At almost double the ticket price, I felt it best to stay off the Euro and go for more areas my dollar would have more bang for the buck. Tickets to South America were about the same price/more expensive, and I just did Central America. Asia was more expensive, and I have no desire to do Africa so – Eurozone it was.
I've done most of western Europe, but have yet to sink my teeth into Central/Far Eastern Europe beyond Prague, Bratislava and Croatia. My brother (http://www.davidberger.net) spent a lot of time in central/eastern Europe last year and loved it. So – it's the best opportunity for new adventures and countries.