šŸ¤« šŸ—ŗļøThe Best-Kept Secrets of the East

TravelReport Weekly Issue 063

AuthorAuthor

Daniel Lowry & Sasha
January 02, 2026

šŸ‘‹ Hey besties!

If you feel like everyone is posting the same photo of a pasta bowl in Rome, this issue is for you. Weā€™re going off the beaten path to find the rugged mountains, "Vampire" castles, and neon-blue lakes that the crowds haven't discovered yet.

Eastern Europe is chic, soulful, andā€”best of allā€”incredibly kind to your bank account. Letā€™s get into the top three spots you need to save on your maps ASAP.

šŸ§  The Travelerā€™s Trivia

Question: Which Eastern European country is home to the worldā€™s first-ever "Underwater Cabinet Meeting," held to raise awareness about climate change?

A) Romania B) Montenegro C) The Maldives (Trick Question! Did you pay attention last week?) (Answer: C! Just making sure you're still with me, besties!)

Wait, real trivia for today: Which city is known as the "Paris of the East"? A) Prague, B) Budapest, C) Bucharest (Scroll to the bottom for the answer!)

šŸ›”ļø Survival Guide: Eastern Europe Edition

Paradise is amazing, but traveling the East requires a little extra "travelerā€™s intuition." Keep these in mind:

  • Cash is Queen: Unlike London or NYC, many gems in Romania or Macedonia are cash-heavy. Always keep some local currency (Leis, Denars, or Leks) in your pocket for those cute market stalls.

  • The "112" Rule: No matter where you are in the EU or most Balkan countries, 112 is the universal emergency number. Save it!

  • Language Love: English is common in cities, but a simple "Mulțumesc" (Thank you in Romanian) or "Faleminderit" (Albanian) will get you the best service and biggest smiles.

  • Respect the Sites: If youā€™re visiting those gorgeous Orthodox churches, remember to cover your shoulders and knees. Some may even ask women to wear a headscarf (usually provided at the door).

Want more safety tips? Weā€™ve got you covered: Navigating Offbeat Destinations Safely. Travel insurance is your BFF. Missed flights, lost bags, or weather hiccups? Youā€™re covered. āœ… Understand the true benefits of travel insurance hereā€¦

1. šŸ§› Transylvania, Romania: The Fairytale Dream

The Vibe: Gothic castles, misty mountains, and medieval towns that feel like a movie set.

The Story: Forget the scary storiesā€”this region is actually full of colorful Saxon villages and lush forests. Brașov and Sighișoara are must-visits for their cobblestone charm and 14th-century vibes.

Loved for: Visiting Bran Castle (Draculaā€™s inspo) and the Libearty Bear Sanctuary.

Budget Hack: Take the trains! Romaniaā€™s rail system is incredibly cheap and takes you through some of the most scenic mountain passes in Europe for just a few dollars.

2. šŸ›¶ Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia: The Balkan Sea

The Vibe: Ancient lakeside serenity and crystal-clear water.

The Story: One of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes, Ohrid is a UNESCO site that feels like a coastal getaway in the middle of the mountains. Itā€™s famous for having (supposedly) 365 churchesā€”one for every day of the year.

Loved for: The "St. John at Kaneo" church view and eating fresh Ohrid trout by the water.

Budget Hack: Skip the expensive boat tours at the main pier. Walk 10 minutes along the shore and find a local "Rowboat Taxi"ā€”theyā€™ll take you to the best swimming spots for a fraction of the price.

3. šŸŒŠ The Albanian Riviera: The Mediterranean Secret

The Vibe: Neon-blue water and white-sand beaches without the Mykonos price tag.

The Story: Albania is officially the hottest "under-the-radar" summer spot. From Ksamil to Himara, the coastline is rugged, beautiful, and still feels authentic.

Loved for: Island hopping to the uninhabited Ksamil Islands and exploring the ancient ruins of Butrint.

Budget Hack: Use the "Furgons" (shared minibuses) to get between coastal towns. They don't have official schedulesā€”you just wave them downā€”but they are the cheapest and most local way to travel!

šŸ›”ļø Bestie Travel Hack

The week after New Year's is the "Golden Window" for travel. Prices plummet because everyone is heading back to work! If you have extra PTO, this is the best time to snag a high-end hotel for half the price. šŸ„‚āœØ

Ready to pack? ā˜€ļøāœØ

āœˆļø Post-New Year Flight Steals (Jan 5 ā€“ Jan 7)

Prices are for one-way tickets.

šŸŽ From New York City (NYC)

šŸŒ“ From Los Angeles (LAX)

šŸŒ¬ļø From Chicago (CHI)

Trivia Answer: C) Bucharest! It earned this nickname in the early 1900s for its elegant architecture and sophisticated elite. (Though Budapest often fights for the title too!)

šŸ‘‹ Until Next Time: Stay Adventurous!

Don't be afraid to take the night bus or try the "mystery" pastry at the local bakery. The best stories always happen when you step outside your comfort zone.

Next week, we're wrapping up our summer series with The Ultimate Packing List: 10 Items for a Month in Europe. You won't want to miss the "Carry-on Only" challenge!

Happy Travels,

Sasha
āœØ
Editor, Travel Report Newsletter

Links and Guides:
To assist you in planning your next adventure, here are some valuable resources:

Stay safe, travel smart, and enjoy every moment of your journey. Until next week, happy travels!