Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why should I travel to the Balkans?
A. Because you’ve never been. If you have been, you may see a place differently when you go a second time, explore new cities, and learn about a part of history that you may not have known before.
In the Balkans, history is not confined to a museum, but is palpable in the food, people, and in the remnants of war that are still all around. Learning about and seeing firsthand the impact of war is important and you can do so while also exploring the beautiful and untouched Balkan landscape. A trip to the Balkans will be a fascinating and meaningful experience.
Q. Is traveling in the Balkans dangerous?
A. Safety-related issues should not deter travelers from going to the Balkans any more than going to other European countries. As of October 2019, the U.S. State Department international travel page for Bosnia stated that foreigners are rarely the target of violence but property crimes, such as pickpocketing, do occur.
An important part of traveling anywhere is to make a conscious effort not to be a target. One way to do this is to not look like a tourist. Avoid carrying a backpack and wearing American logos on your clothing that advertise you are not from the area. Perhaps most importantly, you can reduce the risk of being a target by feeling and appearing confident while traveling, such as by planning your route in advance to avoid getting or looking lost.
BalkanEyes recommends staying up to date on any U.S. State Department travel advisories for the country where you plan to travel and carrying the phone number for the local U.S. Embassy in case of emergencies.
Q. Is it difficult to travel around the Balkans?
A. As with visiting any city for the first time, it may seem difficult at first, but once you walk around and get your bearings, you should begin to feel comfortable. Cities in the Balkans can easily be navigated on foot making it easy to get around.
Traveling around the Balkans can require use of different modes of transportation. If you plan on traveling extensively in the region, rather than just visiting the largest or most popular cities, renting a car is required. You can cross international borders in a rental car as long as you have an insurance green card, which car rental agencies will provide to you, although some companies charge a fee. The only restriction with the green card for international travel is to Kosovo.
To avoid difficulty parking, ensure that your accommodations offer on-site parking. As an alternative to a rental car, you can travel by bus or by boat or ferry on the coast of Croatia. Train travel is available but very limited.
Q. Are there still landmines in Bosnia?
A. Yes, people still die every year in Bosnia from landmines. Since the conflict ended, organizations have worked to clear mines throughout the country. You will be safe in cities and on marked paths. The risk of contact with landmines primarily lies in rural fields and forests. If you plan to hike or literally go off any beaten path, you should research the area first to ensure the area has been demined. You can find information at the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Center.
Q. Does BalkanEyes recommend hotels and restaurants?
A. No, BalkanEyes does not formally recommend any hotels or restaurants. However, if you would like guidance on any areas to stay or travel logistics, please feel free to reach out to explore@balkaneyes.com.
Q. Will BalkanEyes include information about other countries in the Balkans?
A. BalkanEyes plans to continue expanding to cover more areas of Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Kosovo as well as other conflict areas around the world.