solo travel in eastern europe: is it worth the coach ride?
I’ve been thinking about taking a solo trip through Eastern Europe, and honestly, I’m torn. The plan is to hop from city to city—Zagreb, Split, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Budapest, Bratislava, Brno, and Prague—using coaches instead of trains. I figured coaches are cheaper and just as fast, but I’m not sure if I’m making the right call. I remember the last time I tried to save a few bucks on transportation, I ended up stuck in a cramped seat for hours, knees pressed against the seat in front of me, and the bathroom situation was... let’s just say, less than ideal.
I’m planning to stay in hostels, which is a whole other adventure. I still remember the time I walked into a hostel in London and the room smelled like someone had been boiling socks for a week. But I met some great people there, so maybe it’s worth the risk? My budget is tight—about $1800 for four weeks—and I’d rather not dip into my emergency fund unless I absolutely have to.
Has anyone else tried this kind of route? Are the coaches really as flexible and cheap as they seem, or am I setting myself up for a month of sore backs and questionable rest stops? And what about hostels in these cities—are they clean and safe, or should I be packing my own air freshener and a padlock? I’m excited but also a little nervous about making the wrong choices and regretting it halfway through. If you’ve done something similar, I’d love to hear what you wish you’d known before you started.
#solotravel #easterneurope #budgettravel #Travel
