Eastern Europe is not a destination that most college students would consider traveling to. Places like Paris or Rome are what most kids imagine when they think about going abroad, but they are missing out on so many great places and experiences that wait for them in Eastern Europe. While the region's traumatic history may scare away some college students, Eastern Europe has so many hidden gems that demand to be experienced and shared.
Here are three reasons why Eastern Europe is the destination for college students looking to go abroad:
1. The beaches
The beaches in Eastern Europe are one of a kind. Croatia has a coast that rivals almost every beach out there. Dubrovnik, a town in Croatia, is known for its breathtaking cliffs and its picturesque towns. Not only are there movie-like towns just resting on the water, there are thousands of islands that are begging to be explored. While the beaches aren't as popular as Greece or Italy, they are beaches that need to be considered if you are going to be abroad. Not only are the beaches of Dubrovnik beautiful, the city's a must-see destination for those of you who love Game of Thrones. The television show is filmed partly there. If you like to see different areas of the Croatian coast, I would recommend seeing the coast by boat, which is an extremely popular and inexpensive excursion. By boat or car, the Croatian coast is magnificent. The beach towns that surround Croatia are not only beautiful, but they are affordable if you are on a college budget looking for a glamorous beach adventure.
2. The bars
Having gone through multiple wars, most of the cities in Eastern Europe were destroyed, and while it was and still is devastating for the citizens throughout Eastern Europe, they decided to make something incredible out of something that was once so terrible: ruin bars. Ruin bars are a part of Eastern Europe that everyone needs to experience, especially college students. These bars are hidden within the streets of Budapest and allow for visitors to feel like they have entered a different time period. Once you enter the most popular ruin bar called Szimpla, you will hear either a modern pop hit or a 60's rock ballad. Ruin bars were created out of abandoned buildings that were once a home, and are now a home to the young and the old looking for a good time and an experience. Szimpla has around a dozen rooms each creating a new atmosphere due to the music, which changes as you enter a new room. The different rooms are filled with couches and chairs allowing for you to relax and have a conversation with the person next you. Ruin bars like Szimpla are completely different than any bar that you have experienced making Budapest and these ruin bars essential if you ever find yourself in Europe and on a college budget.
3. Did I mention cheap?
In the two reasons above, I've reiterated how cheap Eastern Europe is, and when I say cheap, I mean really cheap. Thankfully the U.S. dollar is doing extremely well allowing for the average college student to live lavishly while they are in Eastern Europe. It'll be no biggie when you drop three grand on lunch, because your really only spending around fifteen U.S. dollars. From going shopping in Prague, sitting on the beach in Croatia to bar hopping in Budapest, you will not be spending as much as you would if you were in Western Europe. The cost of an experience is usually what students are concerned about, however in Eastern Europe, the experience is usually worth more than the cost, making Eastern Europe an must-see destination.
Eastern European cities are some of the most beautiful and cheapest cities in the world, making it essential for students who are on a budget. So for all you students thinking about traveling abroad in the summer or ever, don't forget about the countries and cities in Eastern Europe, they are not only beautiful, but kind to your wallet.
So, please go make memories out in Eastern Europe, you will not regret it!
