This travel blogger visited Bosnia and Herzegovina and she loved it

Marta is a London-based travel blogger with a serious case of wanderlust ! Travel has made her laugh and got her to step out of life comfort zone! Travel stories on her travel blog are written from her experience traveling around the world. One of those stories is about Bosnia and Herzegovina -on of the best destinations in the Balkans.  Here is why…

FRIENDLY COUNTRY

“Wherever you are traveling it is the local people you meet who make your trip so special”

What makes a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina such an unforgettable experience ? 

It’s not just the sights that make a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina such an unforgettable experience – the country’s beauty and undeniable charm lies in the smiles of the locals and their genuine friendliness. There are only two places in the world where, within just of couple of hours of my arrival, I felt completely at home – New York City and Mostar, the first town I visited in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

GREAT FOOD

“In Bosnia and Herzegovina kitchens are made to bring families together”.

What about food in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Food in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a perfect reflection of the country’s historical heritage – just like the buildings in Sarajevo, the local cuisine combines its Western roots with Turkish and Middle Eastern influence. This is great news for all  fellow sweet toothers – baklava, halva and Turkish delight are available in opulence, and the ever-present smell of freshly brewed coffee is a reminder of the country’s coffee culture, dating back to the Ottoman times.

Happiness comes in many forms and Bosnian coffee is one of them! Remember not to make the mistake of calling it Turkish – although they look similar, Bosnian and Turkish coffee are prepared differently.

Vegetarians and those on a gluten-free diet may be slightly disappointed – aside from the sweets,  the local cuisine consists mainly of meat and bread. The good news is, most dishes are organic and produced locally. Not only that, food in BiH is very cheap by the Western European standards – you can indulge in the country’s culinary staples for less than €10 a day! Don’t leave Bosnia and Herzegovina without trying tufahije – poached apples stuffed with walnuts , generously coated in syrup and served with whipped cream.

LANDSCAPES AND NATURE

I am yet to visit a country in Europe where every river is emerald in colour and so crystal clear that it’s practically see-through.  From the charming Vrelo Bosne park in Sarajevo, the mirror-like riverside in Republika Srpska’s Trebinje to Kravice waterfalls, the list of BiH’s natural wonders seems to have no end.

ARCHITECTURE 

What do you think about our beautiful Old Bridge in Mostar?

Stari Most in Mostar is the country’s most recognizable landmark but certainly not the only one worth visiting. Although Bosnia and Herzegovina has suffered significant damages during the war, it’s home to fascinating architecture, where Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influence mix with its modern-day identity.

What would you recommend to other travelers?

Unlike most places in Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina offers sights to behold without going too hard on your wallet. It’s basically a solo traveller’s paradise – you can easily find accommodation for as little as €10/room in the off-season (this includes even the popular cities like Mostar) while dining out costs as little as 3.5 – 10KM (€2-5). Public transport is also surprisingly affordable – to give you an idea, a 5 hour bus ride from Mostar to Sarajevo will cost €10, while a train ride on the same route will set you back a mere €5. Sounds too good to be true? All the more reasons to see for yourself…