How to Enjoy Travel to Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe provides a glimpse of life before fast food and fast cars. Travelers to the locale can stay in centuries-old buildings and enjoy generations-old traditions and recipes. While in Eastern Europe, enjoy the geographical and cultural diversity, history and museums while saving money. The costs of meals, lodging, shopping and entertainment are less in Eastern Europe than other European areas. Follow the simple steps to enjoy travel to Eastern Europe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Realize that some Eastern European groups do not want to be photographed and that others want to be paid for their photographs. Show respect by requesting permission before taking pictures. Agree on the cost if the subject wants to be paid.
2. Buy fresh produce at street markets because grocery stores usually don't sell produce.
3. Pack protein bars and vitamins if you are a vegetarian. Know that the local cuisine is heavy and mostly composed of beef and pork. Be aware that travelers requiring special diets may have problems with the Eastern European cuisine.
4. Be aware that unrefrigerated milk sold in Romanian villages and outdoor markets may not be pasteurized. Un-pasteurized milk may make Westerners sick. Know Bulgarians commonly use mayonnaise-based filling in toasted sandwiches sold at street kiosks.
5. Pack necessities when traveling to rural areas. Be aware that some items that are standard at home may be of questionable quality or unavailable in Europe and Central Europe. Know that large cities usually sell personal-hygiene products and toiletries.
6. Carry a flashlight at all times when traveling in Bulgaria. Realize that streets and interior hallways are normally unlit.
7. Protect yourself against pickpockets in crowded areas such as public transportation, railway stations and big hotels. Keep valuables with you. Know that purses placed next to chairs or hung on chairs make easy targets. Men should keep wallets in a buttoned pocket. Women should watch their handbags.
8. Prepare against Eastern European tourist traps. Ask taxi drivers the approximate fare before getting into the taxi in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Ask for a receipt to discourage drivers from charging inflated fares. Use the receipt when you complain about a fare to a taxi dispatcher. Examine restaurant bills for accuracy. Be wary of anyone who demands to see your ID. Exchange money indoors only.
9. Be aware of local scams. Know that a common Romanian scam involves people who show fake police badges and accuse people of illegally exchanging currency. Refuse to give them money or your passport. Offer to walk with them to your hotel or a police station. Get the attention of a unformed policemen if you see one. Watch valuables on buses and trains because groups may cause distractions to steal from the unsuspecting traveler.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid taking pictures of Gypsies and anything associated with the military.
• Avoid un-pasteurized milk products and toasted sandwiches sold at street kiosks.
• Avoid tourist rip-offs.