Budget Travels

I am a big fan of fall travel. Since I started traveling, I often chose September and October (and, more rarely, November) as my get-away months. ►►►

During my recent visit to San Francisco, I stayed at the Pacific Tradewinds Hostel. I spent 5 days – and as many nights – in this hostel, upon the owner’s invitation. ►►►

Before going any further: yes, free walking tours (sometimes named simply “free tours”) are REALLY free. For a backpacker, these free walking tours are numerous gifts wrapped in a single “package”… ►►►

Often considered a “second class” European destination, Poland has everything it takes for an authentic experience… that will spare your wallet! ►►►

Guatemala, “the land of trees” in the Mayan language, will satisfy everyone, from the adrenaline-crazed adventurers to the most relaxed, slow-paced tourists. ►►►

Plovdiv (Пловдив) is the 2nd biggest city of Bulgaria (after Sofia). In terms of “bigger Bulgarian cities”, I have to say, Plovdiv was my favorite! ►►►

Veliko Tarnovo (“The Great Tarnovo” / Велико Търново): nested in the heart of the Northern Central Bulgaria mountains, this green and lush city is the second smallest town I visited during my Bulgarian adventure. ►►►

Varna (Варна): third biggest city in Bulgaria and gateway to the Black Sea beaches, a lot of casinos and luxury hotels. Still, in spite of all this luxury, this is a backpackers spot on the budget-traveler route across Bulgaria. ►►►