Top 10 Reasons to Travel to Eastern Europe

1. Eastern European People

Eastern Europeans are friendly, warm, and more than a little curious about foreigners. Famous for their hospitality, Eastern Europeans will invite you into their homes for a meal or tea. They'll be concerned about whether you're too cold, hungry, or tired. Eastern Europeans also love to share their history and culture with visitors. If you want to meet some Eastern Europeans before your next trip, you may want to correspond with an Eastern European Pen Pal.

2. Eastern European Food

Eastern European food is hearty and varied. From the Mediterranean influences of Balkan cuisine, to the rich stews of Polish cuisine, to the dark breads and blini of Russian cuisine, Eastern European foods will fill you up and have you going back for seconds.

3. Eastern Europe is Still Cheap

Yes, Moscow has been one of the world's top most expensive cities the past few years in a row, but most of Eastern Europe is still relatively cheap to travel through. While the rock-bottom prices of the late 90's are long gone, you can still eat, drink, stay, shop, and be entertained for much less than you can in Western Europe.

4. Eastern Europe is Still Not Westernized

Sure, you'll fine some McDonald's here and there, but Eastern Europe is still Eastern Europe. Grandma's still sweep their doorsteps with handmade brooms, mushrooms are still picked in the forest, folk costumes are still worn in some regions, and traditions that go back centuries are still performed with pride.

5. Geographical and Cultural Variety of Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe has any type of geography or weather you'd want to experience. Bask in the sunlight on the Black Sea in Bulgaria, hike in the High Tatras of Slovakia, visit chilly northern cities of Russia while crossing steppe and taiga from the south, or experience the serenity of a Romanian forest in summer.

In addition, each country has unique cultural traditions, national influences, and historical experiences. These are apparent in cities and villages and among the people you meet there.

6. Ease of Transportation within Eastern Europe

Most countries in Eastern Europe have efficient public transportation of varying levels of comfort and cleanliness.However, as cars are still not a widely popular way to get around, you'll be able to find public transportation to practically anywhere you want to go - whether it's by bus, train, tram, trolley, metro, hydrofoil, or boat.

7. Historic Eastern Europe

Live and breathe history by staying in historic hotels and eating at historic restaurants. Medieval cuisine is served up at Rozengral's in Riga. The Three Sisters Hotel in Tallinn is a cluster of 14th century houses. And this is just the beginning. All over Eastern Europe, you'll be able to stay in centuries-old buildings and eat traditional cuisine that has been served at Eastern European tables for as long as anyone can remmber.

8. Souvenirs from Eastern Europe

One reason to travel to Eastern Europe is all the great stuff you can buy there. Precious and semi-precious stones, Lomonosov Porcelain, music, books, toys, crafts, textiles, baskets, fine Ukrainian embroidery, traditional hats, military memorabilia, and even some food and drink items will have you leaving Eastern Europe with your suitcase full.

9. Ease of Traveling to Eastern Europe

Under the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe was a mysterious place that few Westerners entered - especially as tourists. Now, visas are less difficult to obtain or totally unnecessary in most cases. English is understood to some exent in major cities and towns by many poeple. Currencies have stabilized, the tourism industry is picking up speed, and Westerners can enjoy Western conveniences outside of the West.

10. Eastern Europe Won't Be This Way Forever

As foreign investors grab hold of land and markets, the old world charm of Eastern Europe is slowly evaporating. In the future, potato chips may replace blini, historic artifacts may be lost, and reliable mainstays, like Lenin's Body may finally be laid to rest. Cities are growing and rurual areas that have maintained traditions are becoming urbanized. Capitalism and commercialism have invaded. So go now to experience why the Eastern Europe of today is so unique, beautiful, and welcoming.