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Sofia, Bulgaria has begun hitting the radar of backpackers traveling through Europe in recent years, and with good reason. Sofia is a city of just over one million inhabitants, and its size makes it easy to navigate and learn about.

Getting to Sofia by plane will take you through Sofia Airport, the busiest airport in the small country. From there, you can get to the city by bus, shuttle, or taxi. Once you get to the airport, the city center is only about 10 kilometers away, making for a short and affordable ride to your hostel.

Hostel Mostel is Sofia’s cheapest hostel and is located within walking distance to the city’s main attractions and central train station. The hostel offers a free all you can eat breakfast, free wi-fi access and a free meal of pasta and one beer. There is also a free laundry service (convenient if you’ve been on the road for a while) and more. A one night stay at Hostel Mostel begins at about $9 USD.

Getting around Sofia is easy due to its developed public transport system generally operates starting at 5 a.m. until midnight. The system consists of 15 tram lines, 95 bus lines, 9 trolley lines, and one metro line, but the metro line is expanding slowly. For about 4 euros, you get 10 transport tickets to use on the public transport system (including buses, trolleys, trams, or the subway line).

There is a lot of history in Sofia’s story, as it is one of Europe’s oldest cities. There are several must-sees, including several museums, the Ivan Vazov National Theater, and a number of places of worship.

The Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is an Orthodox cathedral and also one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Named after the Russian prince Saint Alexander Nevsky, the cathedral was constructed after Bulgaria was liberated from the Ottoman Empire following the Russo-Turkish War in 1877.

The Sofia Synagogue is also worth a visit as it is the third largest synagogue in Europe. Sofia once had a larger Jewish population that is an integral part of the culture of the city. The Jewish Museum of History can be found inside the synagogue.

Your stomach will always be satisfied in Sofia. Cheap fast food options are plentiful throughout the city, and there are also restaurants offering diverse Bulgarian cuisine. With European, Russian, and Turkish influences, Bulgarian food has a bit of everything for everyone.

As for its safety, there are some places in Sofia that you may want to avoid during the evening hours. The bus and train stations, as in most cities, are not the most welcoming of places after dark, and staying in well lit areas throughout the city center are your best bet. Just be aware of your surroundings and try to familiarize yourself with the parts of town you need to be more vigilant in, and you will have a smooth trip.

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Dublin is a backpacker’s dream, and one of the top cities that travelers pass through in Europe. It is a relatively small, but vibrant, city with plenty to see and do. Ireland’s other cities are also worth visiting, but staying and traveling in Ireland could take its toll on your wallet if you’re not careful.

Flights to Dublin are easy to come by if you are already in Europe, with budget airlines and frequent flight schedules from Europe’s major cities. If you are planning on heading to Ireland from somewhere else in the world, finding an affordable flight will take a bit more time and planning.

Dublin’s size makes it easy to navigate. The city is divided by the Liffey River, with the north and south sides offering differing things. North of the Liffey River, there are shopping districts with countless restaurants and bars, while south of the river is where you’ll find most of Dublin’s attractions.

It is easy to navigate Dublin on foot, but there are also options for public transportation, including the Luas (tram system), taxis, and bus. The Luas is simple with two lines, the red and green, operating in opposite directions. In conjunction with the Luas, the DART rail service covers a broader expanse, expanding out of the city center and into Dublin’s suburbs. The bus system also covers from the city center to the suburban neighborhoods, but can get confusing for those who aren’t Dubliners. Luckily, if you can’t handle the bus system you have other options, including a surplus of taxis to choose from.

Dublin is a safe city, but is not without the crimes that can occur in any European city. Police officers are readily available and helpful around the city. As long as you take the usual precautions of not walking alone in the middle of the night, and staying in well-lit areas, you should be generally safe.

There is a lot to see and do in this smaller city. The infamous Trinity College, with graduates including Oscar Wilde and Jonathan Swift, is located in Dublin and boasts the largest research library in the country. The campus is scenic and worth a visit if you have the time.

Another free attraction in Dublin is The National Gallery of Ireland, which is easily accessible on the DART. Entry is free and the museum has a few exhibitions going on simultaneously featuring Irish and other European art. You can find information on current and past exhibitions, hours of operation, and more at the gallery’s helpful website.

The Guinness Storehouse (and pub hopping around Dublin) is an especially popular thing to do. It’s not free, but your entry free includes a pint of Guinness at the Storehouse’s Gravity Bar with views of the entire city. You can save some money and get a 10% discount on admission if you plan ahead and book online.

From Dublin, traveling around to Ireland’s other cities, such a Cork, is highly recommended. Ireland is packed with rolling hills, views of the sea, and a rich history, and it is easy to get around. Just be sure to manage your budget well and your trip to Ireland doesn’t have to take a heavy toll on your wallet!

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This post is a paid advertisement by Vonage.

Imagine a future where your smartphone comes with unlimited data, but without a calling plan. Living in this distant future that’s already here doesn’t mean you have to abandon voice communication. The new Vonage Mobile app for iPhone and Android brings this new reality closer with free worldwide talk and text to all other users of the app. Whether your phone is connected over 4G, 3G, or Wi-Fi, your entire address book is only a tap away. Just remember that calls still use a portion of your data plan.

Vonage Mobile certainly isn’t the first smartphone app to provide free calling and text messaging from mobile phones, so what make this different? Unlike Skype for iPhone and Android, which maintains a separate address book, Vonage Mobile integrates your existing address book – which means free app-to-app calls and text messages are available without needing to reconnect with people who already provided contact information. And the Vonage Mobile multi-invite function lets you invite anyone (or everyone) from your contact list with one simple text. Skype requires you to search for users and invite each person one at a time.

Vonage Mobile doesn’t limit calls to people with the app, or even to people who have a smartphone. You can call direct from Vonage Mobile to virtually any phone number on the planet. You can dial internationally without needing to activate special services with your mobile carrier. And most importantly, you can do this with the address book on your phone and your existing mobile number.

There is a cost associated with calling phones directly, but according to Vonage, the app offers international calling with per-minute rates that average 70 percent less than major mobile carriers and 30 percent less than Skype. This savings estimate is based on per-minute rates to the top 50 countries called. Billing is also more convenient, with payment integrated directly into your iTunes or Android Market account, instead of maintaining billing in a separate login.

Vonage combines exceptional call quality with an integrated phone experience to offer a more complete calling solution. Unlike other free voice apps, which often echo badly or sound like you’re talking on tin can, when calling app-to-app Vonage delivers what they call ‘high-def’ voice quality, which is much better than a standard cell phone call.

These are some of the major highlights of the Vonage Mobile app:

• Free domestic and international calls and texts to anyone with the Vonage Mobile app.
• When calling a landline or phone directly, you get international calling with per-minute rates averaging 70% less than major mobile carriers and 30% less than Skype.
• In-app credit purchases are tied directly to your iTunes or Android Market account.
• Inviting multiple people right from your address book via SMS or email is easy.
• Vonage Mobile automatically identifies contacts who already have the app.
• Your mobile number double as your caller ID (so your friends won’t be surprised by an unfamiliar app-assigned number)
• Works on Wi-Fi and 3G/4G worldwide.

If better call quality to any of your existing contacts isn’t enough to make you try out Vonage Mobile, there’s just one more thing you should know. Vonage is currently offering free calls from virtually anywhere in the world to the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico. There are a few circumstances where free calling may not work, like business calls, premium and special service numbers, and satellite phones, but for the most part, free really means free. You also need to stay under 3000 minutes per month, but who talks that much anyway?

Download Vonage Mobile now and check it out on your iPhone or Android phone. Invite your family and friends so you have someone to text or call, then let us know what you think.

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The Philippines are often overlooked by travelers, including backpackers, because it is surrounded by several tourism giants. There are plenty of reasons that this nation of islands can appeal to visitors, and here are 10 of them (in no particular order):

1. If you’re from the United States, Europe, Australia, or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa for a stay of 21 days or less. If you and your trip fit this criteria, these requirements will make planning your trip easier without the hassle of arranging a visa. If not, you’ll have a little more work to do, but it’s worth it!

2. Apprehensive about your Tagalog language skills? You’ll have little to worry about in the Philippines because English is widely spoken due to heavy westernization. It is advisable to buy a phrasebook before visiting though, in case you find yourself hitting a language barrier.

3. Traveling within and between cities is cheap and easy. There are various modes of local transportation, including tricycle (similar to the tuk-tuk), jeepney, bus, and taxi. You also have a few options if you’re island hopping. There are ferries and flights, and while the ferries can take anywhere from hours to days, flights are faster, but also more expensive.

4. Filipino food is diverse and has the power to please. Various foreign influences and a rich culture are reflected in its food. Backpacking the Philippines brings with it a unique culinary experience, with dishes including “balut” (duck egg) and other street food that will be kind to your mouth and your wallet.

5. There are over 5,000 Philippine islands, and most of them are accessible by plane from Manila. That being said, each island offers different terrain and unique scenic ocean views that will appeal to all of your senses. 4,000 islands means you will always have somewhere new to go and something new to experience…all while in the same country.

6. The weather in the Philippines is warm and humid year round, meaning you will never have to pack those heavy winter clothes when coming here. Keep in mind that along with the tropical climate though, comes the rainy season, and in the Philippines that starts in May and ends anywhere between September and November every year.

7. The Philippines are one of the best places to scuba dive. The clear waters with their diverse underwater world make some Philippine islands a popular destination for scuba divers. Don’t know how to scuba dive yet? You can learn when you get there.

8. The town of Banaue is home to 2,000 year old rice terraces that are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Created by the indigenous population, many of the rice terraces are still in use today and tours of the UNESCO site are frequent and quite popular.

9. Finding affordable accommodations is not difficult as the Philippines are welcoming to budget travelers. Hostels and other budget hotels are relatively easy to find and can be booked online, prior to your trip.  Depending on where and when you go prices can vary, so visiting in early May will give you the best room rates.

10. You have the rare opportunity to swim and interact with whale sharks in Donsol, which gather there from November until June each year, where they are protected under Philippine law. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the world, spanning up to 12 meters in length.

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1. Backpacking In The Philippines

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Those who plan exciting backpacking excursions around France can find great deals on Paris flights with a little research. France is one of the most popular places to visit in all of Europe, and it is so educational with its rich history and culture. Of course, the trip begins after landing from one of those discounted Paris flights, so the wonderful capital city is the starting point for the French backpacking experience.

Paris

Of course, Paris is the capital city of France. Downtown Paris is a site of sites for everyone traveling in France. Several activities are free like visits to the Louvre every first Sunday of the month and every Friday night for those under twenty-five years of age. The parks and the walk along the River Seine are free public areas with fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower and other Paris downtown landmarks.

Alps and the Rhone Valley

Lyon is the Rhone-Alps’ capital city, and the region owns the spectacular Rhone Valley with the Alps to the East. Most of the historic and other sites of interest in the city of Lyon are free to tour. Then, the nearby foothills of the Alps offer walking tracks with stunning views, and the Rhone Valley countryside has much to offer backpackers with its river and small villages.

French Riviera

The famous French coastline, the French Riviera has such popular cities as Nice with its lovely waterfront Promenade des Anglais. Other cities connected along the coast are Cannes and its film festival and Monaco with its glamor. Small villages on hillsides overlooking the sea are like Gourdon and Eze, and other small towns provide perfumes, pottery and blown glass artisan crafts.

Provence

In the south of France from Marseille at the Mediterranean to the Alps, Provence offers the historic and charming town of Avignon, and other towns which can easily be reached walking or on bicycle. The picturesque countryside includes fields of lavender and vineyards. The area is known for its simple and exquisite cuisine featuring an abundance of produce, olives, fruit and cheeses.

Pyrennes and the Midi-Pyrennes

Capital city of the region of the beautiful and rural Midi-Pyrennes of France’s southwest, Toulouse on the River Garonne is a historic city with the Roman ruins and many buildings from the Middle Ages. Then, the Pyrennes Mountain Range has numerous trails leading to the east and west of Midi-Pyrennes.

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If you are traveling to the UK from the States or Australia to visit and family and friends then it is a wise idea to make the most of your stay whilst you are here and see as much of the surroundings areas as you can.

Long haul flights can be taxing and if you are anything like me then you will not want to do them often, so it makes sense to make the most of your trip. If you live in America and you have never seen places in Europe then you will no doubt want to take advantage of the UK’s proximity to fascinating places such as Italy, France and the Netherlands.

Hiring a car is great idea when you are here as it will give you a sense of freedom to be able to go out and explore the UK in your own time and at your own speed.

Of course if you are staying in the UK for a while and would like to travel a little further afield like Italy and France (remember these places are only a couple of hours flying time form London airports) then you can always leave your hire car at the airport car park and this will mean that it will be safe and you will be able to pick it up on your return and continue exploring the UK at your leisure.

If you think that you are going to make use of Airport Parking whilst you are away then try and make sure that you book your car parking as far in advance as possible, as this will make sure that you will get yourself the best deals. Nearly all of the airports in the UK have airport parking and you will be able to choose from on-site parking, which means that you will park right at the airport terminal so you are only minutes away from your check in desk or you can choose to park your car on an off-site car park (which usually works out cheaper). You will then be able to get a shuttle bus to the airport and these run 24 hours a day.

If you are coming from Australia (and we all know what an arduous flight that is!) and you are visiting family then the same still applies. Try and make the most of the UK’s proximity to different countries and cultures and really maximize the time you have in the UK – it will make the jet-lag worth it if you take away some great memories of weekends away in Paris and Rome!

A quick search online will bring up Heathrow Parking, Gatwick Parking and Liverpool Airport Parking as well as many other popular UK airports.

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England

England is a popular destination for backpackers with an extensive public transportation system and numerous hostels. As with much of the rest of western Europe, England is a relatively safe country for travelers and offers much interesting history in each of its vibrant cities, from London to Liverpool.

Getting to England is easy, as it is part of the European Union and London’s Heathrow Airport is a major international hub. Flying from the US or elsewhere in Europe is usually inexpensive. A tourist visa for Americans allows you to stay in the country for 3 months, and a mere stamp in your passport upon entry acts as your visa.

England is teeming with affordable hostels, but it is also one of the best places to couch surf, with more options to do so than any other country.

Morocco

Morocco is regaining the popularity it had in latter part of the 20th century for backpackers looking to travel to Africa. At the crossroads of several civilizations and cultures, Morocco offers a change of pace from its European neighbors across the Mediterranean, but a similar comfort in its accommodations and domestic travel. A mere boat ride from Spain across the Gibraltar Strait, Morocco is easily accessible from Europe.

Visas are relatively easy to obtain in order to visit Morocco, but if you are a citizen of the US, EU, or one of many other countries, then you won’t need to plan ahead for a visa. You can obtain permission to enter the country at the airport. Hostels and hotels are also easily booked online before you get there.

Morocco has an extensive taxi and train transport system that is also cheap. Shared taxis and trains are the best way to get from city to city, while regular taxis are an efficient way to travel within a city. The Atlantic coasts of Agadir are popular with surfers while Fes and Chefchaouen offer a rich culture and history.

Australia

Australia, like England and Morocco, offers a plethora of opportunities to an eager backpacker. A massive continent that has varying climates, cultures, and cities, Australia provides an escape for beach-goers and hikers alike.

Due to its location however, Australia is neither cheap nor easy to get to, so check out Hotel Club Melbourne. Once there, it’s advised that you invest in an Austrail pass, which gives you unlimited access to the entire country by rail for 6 months. The pass costs about $900 Australian dollars, but there are other rail options if you are planning on staying on a certain region of the country. Because of the sheer mass of the country, you should keep in mind where it is you are planning to go and allot enough time for yourself to do so.

Australian cities are also relatively safe and easy to navigate. There are many hostels to choose from, but it’s usually cheaper to stay somewhere outside of city centers. For more deals on cheap holidays abroad, check out Directholidays.co.uk.

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For anyone planning a purse-friendly backpacking trip around Europe, keeping costs down is a priority. However, this doesn’t mean sticking to hostel dorms with communal bathrooms. The increase of cheap hotels, in addition to the rising costs of many hostel chains, means that it’s possible to get a hotel room at the same price as a dorm. So it’s easy to travel in comfort in some of Europe’s best cities, without breaking the budget!

Paris

Being the city of chic fashion, art, and stylish cafes, one might believe that Paris is beyond the budget of your average backpacker. However it’s easy to get by on little. There are plenty of free attractions around, and pricier sights like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame are actually best appreciated from a distance anyway! Get around on one of Paris’s Velib hire bikes for just €1.40 a day. Accommodation is also budget friendly thanks to low-cost Paris hotels like the Hotel Iliade Paris XVIII, in the popular Montmartre district. Rooms cost as little as £23 per person per night (based on two people sharing) and come with a TV and ensuite bathroom.

Florence

A historic city which simply oozes art, Florence is known as the “cradle of the Renaissance”, thanks to its extensive collection of churches and monuments. While must-see art museums like the Uffizi, or the Accademia Gallery charge between €9-11 entry, you can couple these with free attractions – like the lavish Boboli Gardens, which offers incredible views over Florence. Meanwhile, you’ll be definitely able to save some money on your accommodation. The Bonciani Hotel in the central Duomo region is housed in a traditional 16th century Florentine palazzo. For about £20 per person per night (based on two sharing) you can enjoy an air-conditioned private guest room with TV and ensuite.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik sits on the Isthmus land bridge, and is a rustically scenic, culturally rich city. The beautiful walled Old Town on the edge of the sea is the focal point of most tourists, given its amazing warren of restaurants, bars and boutiques. Its historic links and well-preserved turrets, towers and walls have also seen it listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not surprisingly then, most of the hotels within the Old Town are quite pricey, but you can stay nearby – and close to the beach – for very little. The Hotel Kompas on the Lapad Peninsula offers an indoor pool, sauna, gym, and games room among other amenities. With two people sharing a room here costs as little as £21 per person per night.

Lisbon

Portugal’s capital is one of the oldest cities in the world, meaning plenty of historic sights to be discovered and explored, such as the 16th century Belem Tower and nearby Jeronimos Monastery. There are also some fantastic museums, including the beautiful Museu do Azulejo (the museum of tile mosaics) which offers pretty examples of Portuguese traditional art. Lisbon’s long summers and mild winters mean you can expect decent weather any time of year you visit. Whenever you choose to go, book a private room at the Residencial Horizonte Hotel in the town centre, for as little as £17 per person including breakfast, for two people sharing. What’s more, the hotel is also conveniently next to a tram stop, making it easy to get around.

Amsterdam

Wander the canals of the Jordaan district and take in the old, narrow canal-houses along the way. It’s well worth hiring a bicycle for the day and cycle through Vondelpark, 120 acres of beautiful gardens and waterways. A great option for lunch is to stop in at one of the many cafes specialising in Dutch pancakes, which are inexpensive but extremely tasty. The Thorbecke Hotel Amsterdam has twin and triple rooms with private bathrooms: a twin room costs £24 per person, based on two sharing, and even includes breakfast. On Sundays there is an art market in the square directly outside the hotel – a great opportunity to enjoy new art, and do some people-watching.

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Getting Around

Getting a Eurail train pass is the most economical way to get around to all of these places and travel throughout Europe. The train system throughout the continent is comfortable and convenient, and will get you anywhere you need to go. There are several Eurail train passes to choose from, so you can determine which one you need.

You have a choice between a few budget airlines that operate in Europe as well. Beginning as low as 1 Euro for a one way ticket (not including tax) you can fly to smaller airports throughout Europe on airlines such as RyanAir and EasyJet.

Portugal

Portugal is a small country at the each of Europe that is sometimes overlooked by travelers. It offers a unique Mediterranean feel like that of Spain or Italy, but is a bit more affordable in comparison.

Lisbon, the capital city, is smaller compared to other European capitals, but offers a rich history and culture. Consider getting a Lisboa Card when you get there. This will enable you to qualify for discounts or even free entry into various museums and attractions throughout the city. It will also allow you to travel for free on the metro, buses, and trams within the city for a certain period of time. Prices for the Lisboa Card begin at about 16 Euros for 1 day use and increase from there.

Porto is Portugal’s second largest city after Lisbon. Like Lisbon, it also has an impressive public transportation system with extensive metro and bus routes. As for accommodations, Porto Spot Hostel is highly rated on HostelBookers and costs about 17 Euros per night per person. It boasts being the newest hostel in Porto, and is housed in a historical building that was constructed in 1935.

England

England’s extensive and affordable public transportation makes it an ideal place for backpackers. Although the British Pound is strong in comparison to many other currencies, traveling on a budget does not mean you have to avoid traveling in England.

London is a good place to start your trip in England. The cost of living there is high, but you can still enjoy yourself without burning a hole in your wallet by finding budget London hotel rooms. There are numerous popular and free museums in London, such as the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Tate Modern museum.

The Generator Hostel London was ranked in the top 3 most popular hostels in Europe by HostelBookers, and accommodates over 800 people. It has a central location being only 5 minutes from the British Museum, and offers internet access, lockers, and more.

In Northwest England, travelers enjoy visiting the hometown of The Beatles: Liverpool. In addition to its music history, the city is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites. There are various sculptures scattered throughout Liverpool, and the architecture ranges from Tudor style to Victorian to modern. Traveling to Liverpool is easy because it has an international airport and England has an extensive rail system that reaches to all corners of the country. Local transportation includes affordable buses and trains, as well as a ferry system to gross the river that runs through Liverpool.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria and its cities are gradually being discovered by the backpacking community, which is refreshing because of the history and culture it has to offer. Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is not a huge city, so it is easy to get around by metro, taxi, and buses.

Saint Aleksander Nevski Cathedral, located in downtown Sofia, is an Orthodox Bulgarian cathedral. It is one of the biggest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, as it can hold up to 10,000 people. Construction of the Aleksander Nevski Cathedral began in 1882 and ended in 1912, in honor of the Russian prince and to honor the Russian lives lost during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877, which resulted in Bulgaria’ s liberation from the rule of the Ottoman Empire.

Art Hostel is a recommended hostel in Sofia (almost 7 Euros per night) and highly rated on HostelBookers. It is right around the corner from restaurants, bars, and other attractions.

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1. The Best Places To Backpack Around The World

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