Over at
Senior Travel, Ferne Arfin describes Eastern Europe as one of the great budget travel destinations for seniors. However, that isn't the only reason seniors should consider vacationing in Eastern Europe.
1. Food Like Your Mother Used to Make
It's true that I am always praising the virtues of Eastern European cuisine, but the Old World dishes of Eastern Europe should especially appeal to seniors. The natural way in which food is prepared, either at a local's home or in better restaurants, is more in keeping with a time long past in the West - where our diets now deprive us of flavorful fats, salted meats, and rich creams. Enjoy these foods while you're there, and walk off the calories while sightseeing.
2. Visit Personally Historical Sites . . .
If you are a first, second, or third generation citizen of your country, it will be both educational and emotional to visit sites that are personally significant to you or your ancestors. Many people fled Eastern European nations in the past century and a half to avoid persecution, seek fortunes, or find work. These brave souls (your father, grandmother, great grandparents?) left everything behind to build new lives. Visit that country to strengthen that connection with your past.
You can give your children or grandchildren a gift to remember by taking them with you to explore your ancestors' native country. While there have been radical changes in Eastern Europe during the past century, many of the streets and buildings remain the same, so you can be sure that you - and your grandchildren - are viewing much of the same scenery that was seen by your forebears.
There are more and more tour companies operating tours and group travel packages in Eastern European countries. If you don't relish the idea of traveling without an escort, these tours can make your travel much simpler and full of fun with people of similar (or dissimilar) ages.
If you're a cruise fan, there are some wonderful cruises that take passengers to the Baltic nations and beyond. Cruises will allow you to experience the luxury of being a ship's passenger while enjoying various ports of call en route.
Eastern Europe is still a great budget travel destination. While airfares can be a little on steep side to the farthest reaches of Eastern Europe, flights to the Central European countries are reasonably priced. When you get to your country of destination, however, the bargain deals really become apparent - stay, eat, sightsee, and shop for less than you would in most other European countries.
7. Get Around Easily in Eastern Europe
Many Eastern European cities are extremely walkable - meaning you can see many of the guidebook suggestions within a few blocks of your hotel. However, if you prefer not to walk, or wish to explore villages or landmarks outside of the immediate area, the public transporation in Eastern Europe is quite good. Bus, train, taxi, or metro - you can get almost anywhere in Eastern Europe without having to drive yourself.
Eastern Europeans take pride in their hospitality traditions. Strangers will invite you into their homes for tea and snacks, strike up conversations with you while you wait on the bus, and generally make you feel quite special. This hospitality surprises foreigners, but it is a great way to make friends and experience the culture of Eastern Europe.
