It might not be the most ideal route for your travelling. But if you only have a week holiday, and you are hungry just to see what the other parts look like without really highlighting the importance of going into details, plus you are a first-time Europe traveller and financially limited. Then this could be the right reference for you. There is no shame nor secret that students mostly fit into some of those categories above, and I was one of them. I was quite crazy and strong willed back then in the days that I traveled in the most budget friendly way without compromising my goals.
As I wrote in my previous post before, how Poland is strategically located in the center of Europe. It really is, and the good news was the city where I studied, Lodz, is located in the center of Poland. So, go figure 🙂 Below is one of my routes for travelling to five neighbouring countries of Poland in a week with Lodz as your starting and returning point.
Berlin, Germany
What? Berlin is the capital city of Germany, it is rich in history, especially regarding World War 2, where it was occupied by the four alliances; Great Britain, America, USSR and France, until the fall of Berlin’s wall.
Where to go? Berlin Wall Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, Checkpoint Charlie, Alexanderplatz, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and Memorial to the Sinti and Roma Victims of National Socialism. Good news is, from my perspective, they all are quite near one another, making it possible for one to roam around in one effective day.
What to eat? Currywurst, Döner, and German Beer are must tried items!
How to get there? You can take a bus from Lodz to Berlin for an approx. 8 to 9 hours ride. My advice, if you want to save your budget and also maximize your limited time, always take the night bus.
Prague, Czech Republic
What? Prague is the capital city of Czech Republic. Imho, Prague is one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe. The streets and the architecture are charming. It was like a back-in-time experience. And the prices in Czech Republic in general don’t break your bank.
Where to go? Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Dancing House, and just stroll around the old town area really. You will see there are a lot of bars, cafes, cute shops and also eccentric museums.
What to eat? Trdelnik, Czech’s Pancake, and Czech Beer hehe!
Vienna. Austria
What? Vienna is the capital city of Austria. It is an artistic city, full of legacies from world famous people; Freud, Beethoven, Mozart, etc. If you love nature, you will prefer other cities in Austria more than Vienna, but this is a good start to meet Austria. Plus, you can reach Vienna from Prague only with 4 hours of car driving. How easy!
Where to go? Hofburg Palace, National Library, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Stadtpark, Belvedere Palace, Schwedenplatz. As I was strolling around back then in those days, it was already around Christmas time, so the Christmas market was open and ooh there were a lot of stands.
What to eat? Try Sachertorte, Tafelspitz, and Schnitzel!
Bratislava, Slovakia
What? So, now we are back in the Central again. And now at the end of your trip realize just how near these two capital cities are. But, do not change your currency just yet. Because unlike Poland or Czech, Slovakia uses Euro for their currency. Nevertheless, it is mostly overlooked compared with its neighbouring countries, yet so worth it to be visited.
Where to go? Slovak Radio building, Freedom Square, Old Market Hall, historical remains from Soviet-era Square, Old Town, just walk around the city and enjoy the view. If you see a church with a high tower, you can also go up and enjoy the panoramic view of the city.
What to eat? Bryndzové halušky, Pirohy, Kapustnica. They will remind you to Polish food, and taste as delicious as well!
Budapest, Hungary
What? Capital city of Hungary. Budapest is popular for being the most photogenic city in Europe. At night it is really beautiful when the bridge and also the buildings are lighting up along the Danube river.
Where to go? Matthias Church, Castle Hill, Chain Bridge, Hungarian Parliament, Freedom Square, you can take a break by visiting the local cafes and walking the streets of your favorite shopping area at Vaci utca.
What to eat? Well, you are in Budapest, so it is a must to try the famous Goulash. Then, you can try Halászlé and also Somlói Galuska for dessert!
That’s it! It is doable to travel to all of these neighbouring countries in a week effectively. But, before you decide to do a super tight schedule travelling, it is good to consider whether or not you want to do it in a more relaxing and enjoyable way. Your physical health is important and you should not risk your back or other parts for long hours of ride if you are in general not fit enough. Then again, the choice is yours. Stay safe, ‘hungry’, and happy 🙂
@globustrotterin 
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