Looking for accommodation while traveling, especially if you plan to move around a lot and need to find many different hotels or apartments, can take a lot of time and effort. Finding accommodation becomes even more challenging with an overabundance of options, making it extremely difficult to choose. That’s why two words are essential in your search: filters and a map.
Filters help you choose only from those hotels that meet your requirements.
My filters:
Free parking near the accommodation (since I travel by car);
Free Wi-Fi;
Included breakfast (if there are no complaints about breakfast in the hotel reviews);
Free cancellation (in case of change of plans). It’s worth noting that a reservation without this option is about 10-15% cheaper;
Only available options – shows only those types of accommodation that have available rooms for your dates;
Budget up to a certain amount;
Housing rating. I strongly advise you not to choose accommodation with a rating below 7.
After you have applied all your filters, open the map. The map saves a lot of time.
You immediately understand which accommodation is on the ocean, near the airport, the city center, etc. Depending on where you want to live, you immediately understand which options suit you.
After you have looked at several housing options, read reviews sorted by date for the last 6 months. Don’t limit yourself to reviews in your native language, take reviews in foreign languages, paste them into Google Translate, and voila!
So, you’re planning a trip to the United States, and here’s what you might encounter. Picture this: the thermometer displays a balmy 75°F, you grab a couple of pounds of veggies and 2 gallons of OJ at the store, the GPS chirps about a right turn in 500 feet, and the city’s speed limit is a modest 25 mph. Feeling confused? Let’s demystify it. The USA measurement system has its English roots in the good ol’ imperial system. Feet, gallons, miles – all imported from across the pond.
While much of the world embraced the metric system, even the UK, the US held its ground. Attempts to convert were thwarted by hefty costs and a dash of American conservatism.
Adapting to most measures is a breeze, yet some require a bit of memorization or a trusty calculator. To make things easier, here’s a handy cheat sheet:
Money: The $ sign precedes the number, whereas the cent sign follows: $500, 25c.
Additionally, coins go by distinct names:
Penny – 1c
Nickel – 5c
Dime – 10c
Quarter – 25c
Length:
1 mile = 1.6 km
1 foot = 0.304 meters
1 inch = 2.54 cm
Area: Apartment sizes are often given in square feet. For example:
1 ft² = 0.09 m²
100 ft² = 9 m²
1 acre = 0.405 hectares
Weight:
1 pound (lb) = 454 grams
1 ounce (oz) = 28.3 grams
Liquid:
1 gallon (gal) = 3.78 liters
1 pint (pt) = 0.47 liters
1 fluid ounce (fl oz) = 29.5 ml
Notably, gallons are the go-to for water, juices, and milk due to their cost-effectiveness.
Temperature: To convert Fahrenheit ( °F) to Celsius ( °C), use the formula: ( °F – 32) x 5/9 = °C. Conversely, to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit: (9/5 x °C) + 32 = °F.
For quick reference, memorize these benchmarks:
32°C = 90°F
21°C = 70°F
10°C = 50°F
0°C = 32°F
-10°C = 14°F
-20°C = -4°F
-30°C = -22°F
-40°C = -40°F
Dates:
Unlike many other countries, Americans write dates with the month first, followed by the day and then the year. Furthermore, for single-digit days, omit the leading zero. For instance, 4/11/2019 translates to April 11, 2019.
Embarking on a culinary adventure doesn’t have to break the bank, and for food enthusiasts, exploring gastronomic delights can be an irresistible journey. Gastrotourism, a beloved niche among food lovers, continues to lure travelers seeking budget and tasty vacation experiences.
Some destinations hold a reputation solely for their exceptional cuisine. They are must-visit spots for any food aficionado. Contrary to popular belief, savoring mouthwatering dishes doesn’t always require a hefty wallet.
In this article, we’ll uncover several locations perfect for budget-conscious yet flavor-packed vacations. We’ll highlight where to find the best food gems that promise a tantalizing experience without draining your savings.
1. Tirana, Albania 🇦🇱
Albanian cuisine stands out for its distinctive flavors and diverse influences. It reflects the country’s rich history and geographical location. With a unique blend of Mediterranean, Balkan, and Turkish culinary elements, Albanian dishes offer a delicious mix of tradition and innovation.
From the renowned Tave Kosi, a succulent baked lamb and rice dish topped with yogurt, to the flavorful Byrek, a flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach, each dish tells a story of cultural heritage. Another staple, Fërgesë, combines peppers, tomatoes, and meat. It highlights the country’s agricultural bounty.
The affordability of a trip to Tirana, Albania’s capital, further enhances the appeal of experiencing this cuisine firsthand. Accommodation prices are fair. The average meal costs around €10 per person. Tirana invites travelers to indulge in the rich flavors of Albania without straining their budget. It is an ideal destination for culinary exploration.
Georgian cuisine is a culinary treasure trove celebrated for its distinctiveness and rich flavors. It stands out as a vibrant mosaic of taste, spices, and textures. Renowned for its emphasis on fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and diverse ingredients, Georgian food reflects the country’s deep history and cultural diversity.
One of its most iconic dishes is Khachapuri, a delectable cheese-filled bread. It comes in various regional variations across the country. Another favorite, Khinkali, consists of savory dumplings typically filled with spiced meat or mushrooms. This dish reflects the traditions of Georgia’s mountainous regions. Additionally, dishes like Mtsvadi, which are grilled meat skewers, and Pkhali, which are vegetable-based spreads, showcase the country’s agricultural abundance and culinary creativity.
Georgia is also an affordable travel destination. Accommodation prices are fair, and the average meal costs around €20 per person. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Georgian cuisine without worrying about overspending.
Czech cuisine offers a delightful and distinctive culinary experience. It showcases a rich tapestry of flavors deeply rooted in Central European traditions. Renowned for its hearty and comforting dishes, it features specialties that reflect the country’s history and agricultural heritage.
One iconic dish is Svíčková, a marinated beef sirloin served with a creamy sauce and dumplings. It represents a blend of Bohemian flavors. Another favorite, vepřo-knedlo-zelo, consists of roast pork, dumplings, and sauerkraut. This dish embodies the Czech love for robust flavors and satisfying meals. The country’s desserts, such as trdelník, a spit cake, and vánočka, a Christmas bread, highlight the Czech passion for sweet indulgences.
The Czech Republic is an easily accessible and affordable European destination. Accommodation prices are fair, and the average meal costs around €20 per person. Travelers can immerse themselves in the authentic tastes of Czech cuisine while exploring this culturally rich and welcoming country.
Naples’ cuisine is a testament to Italy’s culinary prowess, renowned for its simplicity, freshness, and deeply rooted traditions. Unique and revered across the globe, Neapolitan dishes boast a rich history and exquisite flavors that capture the essence of Italian gastronomy.
The city’s iconic pizza originated in these vibrant streets, exemplified by the Neapolitan-style Margherita with its thin crust, San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. Additionally, dishes like Spaghetti alle Vongole (spaghetti with clams) and Eggplant Parmigiana showcase Naples’ coastal influence and love for fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Moreover, the city’s culinary diversity extends to street food delights like Sfogliatella (a shell-shaped pastry) and frittatina (fried pasta omelet), offering affordable yet delicious options.
Naples is more budget-friendly compared to many other Italian cities, featuring accessible eateries catering to various budgets while maintaining exceptional quality.
Lviv’s cuisine stands as a testament to Ukraine’s culinary richness, offering a unique blend of flavors deeply rooted in its history and cultural heritage. The city is renowned for its diverse and flavorsome dishes, reflecting influences from various regions of Ukraine. Visitors to Lviv can experience an array of traditional Ukrainian cuisine in its thematic restaurants, each offering a glimpse into the country’s culinary traditions.
Signature dishes like Borscht, a hearty beetroot-based soup, and Varenyky, delicate dumplings filled with potato, cheese, or meat, embody the essence of Ukrainian comfort food. Additionally, Lviv boasts specialties like Deruny (potato pancakes) and Holubtsi (cabbage rolls), showcasing the region’s agricultural abundance and culinary ingenuity.
Notably, Lviv stands out as an affordable destination, with lower living and travel costs compared to other countries, providing travelers with the opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of Ukrainian cuisine without breaking their wallets. This affordability, coupled with the city’s thematic eateries offering traditional fare, makes Lviv an inviting and budget-friendly destination for those eager to explore the vibrant tapestry of Ukrainian gastronomy.
Sometimes, the cost of airline tickets can be half of the travel budget. How can you buy airline tickets cheaper, and what principles should you follow when planning your trip?
Start monitoring prices 6–8 months before your trip. Spend 1–2 weeks on monitoring, then you will have an objective view of the market prices for the destination you are interested in and can buy tickets at the best price.
I always look for tickets on Skyscanner. It also makes sense to subscribe to the newsletter of airlines that fly to the destination you are interested in. They often have promotions with attractive ticket prices that are only available if you book on their website.
Useful principles and tips when buying airline tickets:
Let’s say I planned to vacation for 10 days, but Skyscanner shows that the return flight on the 11th day will be $100–200 cheaper. In this case, I will always prefer to rest for one more day and spend that $100–200 on my vacation rather than on the flight.
On connecting flights, it is very important to consider the waiting time during the transfer. It is important to balance the long wait for the next flight with the risk of missing the plane. Of course, the less time you have to wait at the airport for your flight, the better since waiting is as tiring as the flight. But a connection that is too short can ruin all travel plans. The optimal time for a connection is 3–4 hours.
If you have a connecting flight, be sure to check which terminal the next flight departs from. Changes in other terminals are quite common. Allow an additional 40–60 minutes for this.
Check at the check-in desk at the point of departure whether you need to pick up your luggage and re-check it for the next flight. As a rule, it goes directly to the final destination, but exceptions exist. If you don’t consider this, you may arrive on vacation without your luggage.
Exploring the highways and byways of the USA? Before you hit the road, it’s essential to understand the key traffic rules in the United States, especially if you’re from Ukraine. Buckle up for some important differences, with a focus on California.
Essential Traffic Rules in the United States: What You Need to Know
Distances measure in miles: 1 mile = 1.6 km, and 100 mph = 160 km/h.
Most road signs use text rather than symbols. They clearly state what drivers can or cannot do in a particular situation. Even with basic English, most signs are easy to understand.
A yellow line always separates oncoming lanes.
Right-of-Way and Traffic Light Rules
At unregulated intersections, the first car to arrive has the right of way. If two cars arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first. Forget about the typical right-of-way rule used in other countries.
Drivers can turn right at a red light unless a sign prohibits it or the turn has its own traffic light section. Before turning, they must yield to all vehicles and pedestrians.
Traffic lights sit behind the intersection rather than in front. This setup may feel unusual at first.
A double solid line only prohibits overtaking. Drivers can safely cross it when turning left into a yard, gas station, or driveway—just ensure the turn doesn’t disrupt traffic. However, never cross two double solid lines.
Passing a stopped school bus with flashing signals is one of the most serious violations. Even if you’re driving in the opposite direction, you must stop. Fines start at about $700.
Speed Limits and Road Regulations
On highways, a special Carpool or HOV lane serves vehicles with two or more passengers. Driving alone in this lane results in a fine unless you have a hybrid or electric car (California’s exception).
City speed limits range from 25–35 mph, while highways allow 75–85 mph. Speeding by 5–10 mph on highways or intercity roads rarely results in a fine, but penalties start at $150. Near schools, kindergartens, and construction zones, fines double.
Drivers must keep open alcohol containers in the trunk or sealed and far from the driver. Passengers cannot drink alcohol inside the car. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers over 21 is 0.8 ppm.
Everyone in the car must wear seat belts. If a passenger doesn’t buckle up, they receive a fine.
If police signal you to stop, pull over immediately and stay inside. Do not exit unless instructed.
Approximate fines for reference:
Running a red light — from $70
Traffic block at the intersection — from $500
Not wearing seat belts — from $70
Drunk driving — depends on the ppm (fine from $1000 to a prison term or correctional labor up to 6 months)
If you want to learn more about the specialties of the United States, read our article about Measurement Maze in the USA. Understanding the traffic rules in the United States will make your driving experience safer and more predictable.
Everything You Need To Know For Your First Mountain Hike
So, let’s imagine someone heading to the mountains for their first overnight hike. What do they need to know, and how should they prepare for the adventure? In this guide, I’ve gathered essential mountain hiking tips for beginners, addressing common questions and insights from experienced hikers, including expert photographer Oleksandr Kalinin.
Before heading to the mountains, is it worth going somewhere out of town with a tent? For example, to a river or lake. What are the pitfalls of doing so for the first time?And what mountain hiking tips can you share?
If you have no camping experience and have never slept in a tent, I recommend starting with a local summer overnight hike. Preferably not far from infrastructure and houses. As strange as it may sound, the first overnight in a tent should be in your garden in the country or near a place where you can hide in case of bad weather. This is usually the best way to test your equipment: learn how to quickly assemble a tent, check the comfort and warmth of the sleeping system if it starts to rain, check the reliability of the tent, the comfort of your clothes and shoes, learn how to cook on a burner, and get an idea of how much food you need for a day of hiking. The next step is to go on a simple hike in the Carpathians. For the first route, easily accessible ridges with many kolybas (shepherd’s houses) are suitable. Specific examples of such places are the Stanimir, Kukul, Lisnivskyi, Kostrych, Khomyakiv meadow, and the low Svydovets spur stretching from Mount Blyznytsia to Rakhiv.
Can you make a list of equipment that you need to take on a hike?
A desirable minimum list of equipment includes the following:
The basic three are a 40–50 liter backpack, a reliable tent that can withstand an average downpour, and a sleeping system consisting of a sleeping bag and a mat. Proper gear selection is one of the key mountain hiking tips to ensure comfort and safety.
Kitchen: gas burner, gas cylinder, pot, spoon, mug.
Electronics: flashlight, power bank, and phone charging cable.
First aid kit and hygiene products: medicines you take regularly, adhesive plasters, insect repellent, sunscreen, fat cream, and hygienic lipstick.
I recommend that you also bring an inflatable pillow, trekking poles, sunglasses, earplugs, and a seat.
Should a beginner look at ultralight equipment? I read somewhere that it is not advisable for beginners to start with it.
I recommend taking into account the weight of the equipment when buying it. If possible, you should choose the lightest equipment. A backpack packed for a hike should be as light as possible but at the same time fully meet your comfort needs. After each hike (especially the first one), one of the most important mountain hiking tips is to analyze how certain items were used. You should consider taking something on your next hike if something is useless.
How do you know if you can handle the weight of your backpack? Are there any norms and correlations with your body weight?
It’s unlikely that such norms exist. You need an individual approach. Similarly, there is no single kit that will suit everyone. Everyone has their own priorities and “luxury items” without which they will not go hiking. The situation is similar with equipment, food, and many other things (clothes, electronics, etc.). I recommend keeping the backpack’s weight within 6–14 kg for a short hike (2–3 nights) and 8–17 kg for a week-long hike.
What clothing should I bring for a summer hike in the Carpathians? Are sports shoes sufficient, or do you need hiking shoes?What’s your ultimate mountain hiking tip?
The most comfortable and versatile option for summer hiking is three layers. Top: thermal T-shirt, fleece jacket, light down jacket. Underneath: thermal underwear, fleece trousers, trekking trousers. Be sure to bring clothes that protect you from the rain (a raincoat on top and waterproof trousers underneath). A light-down waistcoat is also a great additional warm layer.
Hiking boots are not necessary for a summer hike in the Carpathians. It is better to use lightweight trainers (so-called ‘runners’), which don’t protect against rain and moisture but dry very quickly. As with othermountain hiking tips, choosing the right socks is crucial – trekking socks help prevent blisters and dropsy, whereas cotton socks retain moisture and cause discomfort.
What about navigation and mobile communication? How to avoid getting lost? What maps should I use?
In the open countryside, mobile coverage is almost everywhere in the Carpathians. There is no connection everywhere in areas bordering other countries. I recommend using smartphone apps that can perform offline navigation functions for navigation. The most popular is MapsMe. It is quite enough for route planning and basic navigation. It uses a map of trails from the OSM website (a map-based analog of Wikipedia).
When preparing, don’t forget to download maps of the areas you will visit in advance. Along with other mountain hiking tips, such as marking key landmarks and knowing emergency routes, this will help you stay on track and avoid getting lost.
What about food and water during the hike?
When planning your route, you should consider the location of sources along the route. It is best to find out in advance about the state of water sources from people who have recently completed the route you are interested in. You can ask in telegram groups where tourists communicate (for example, TravelBook). Towards autumn, some weak springs dry up. Hiking food is usually as dry and high-calorie as possible. Cereals (couscous, buckwheat, semolina, oatmeal, lentils), canned food, dried fruit. For a snack, I advise you to choose natural high-calorie foods with a lot of vegetable fat (nuts, peanuts). Sweets, although they give you a feeling of satiety faster, but it passes very quickly. Depending on the seasonality, the diet can vary by picking blue, black, and cowberries. In autumn, mushrooms can be used for dishes, but it is better to do this with extreme caution and use only mushrooms that are familiar to you. Keeping these details in mind, along with generalmountain hiking tips, will help you plan your nutrition effectively.
Are there any unspoken rules about toilets in the mountains?
Pollution by waste products is a very acute problem in popular Carpathian campsites. The basic rules are at least 200 meters from the campsite, at least 60 meters from the nearest water source, dig a hole at least 15–20 cm deep, cover it with earth, and never leave behind wet napkins (underground and especially on the surface). It is better to warn other hikers, “I’m going to the toilet/to think, I’ll be back in 10 minutes”. It is desirable that they understand in which direction you went.
How to choose a place to spend the night in the mountains?
It is advisable to make a route plan before the hike and find out about the conditions at potential overnight accommodation. You need to find out if there are any springs near the campsites. Often, the choice of a place to spend the night depends on the weather conditions in the mountains. If the forecast promises heavy rain, you should look for a place on a small hill. You should visually assess the terrain, understand where the rainwater will flow, and how to protect your tent from these streams. In the event of strong winds, you should refrain from pitching your tent under trees (especially dry ones).
We collected some basic recommendations on how to find proper accommodation for newbies in this article.
Is it possible to go on a first mountain hike alone or in a group where no one has experience of such hikes?
You can, but I don’t recommend it. If it is impossible to find a “seasoned” tourist in the group, I advise you to thoroughly work out the route and consult someone with experience. This can be done conveniently through social media by writing to experienced hikers. It is advisable to ask for advice providing as much information as possible. Following mountain hiking tips from experienced adventurers will help you prepare better and avoid common mistakes.
How great is the danger of meeting a bear and other predators in the Carpathians?
The probability of meeting wild (especially dangerous) animals in the Carpathians is minimal. You may see a group of roe deer somewhere in the Gorgany, wild boars may visit your Marmarosh campsite at night, or a fox running away from you on the Svydovets spur. These are the most common cases of interaction with Carpathian animals. Although there are bears and wolves in the Carpathians, they are very few in number and rarely come into contact with people. If it happens, it is by accident. To protect yourself from this, you need to move through the forests, making noise. The animals will hear you coming and go deeper into the forest.
You’re caught in a thunderstorm in the mountains, what should you do? How can you protect yourself from lightning?
If it happened in low meadows, you should wait out the storm in a hut or at least get out of an open, high place. When on an open ridge crest, it’s best to try lowering your altitude. The likelihood that you will make a mistake in a hurry and, as a result, be injured is much greater than the likelihood that you will be struck by lightning.
You get lost or injured. What should you do? Are there any emergency numbers?
Almost everyone who goes mountain hiking has a smartphone. It is very difficult to get lost with this device (if you install offline navigation apps in advance). Sometimes, the trails are blocked by trees or flooded with rising streams. In this case, I advise you to look for an alternative route using other marked trails. Often, beginners do not stick to the trails, trying to shorten the route. At best, the group runs into impassable blockages of trees and strawberry thickets and decides to return to the trail. In the worst case, they continue to make their way through the Carpathian jungle, spending a ton of energy and increasing the possibility of injury. Before you go hiking, I recommend finding out which rescue unit is responsible for supporting tourists at the place of your route and writing down the unit’s phone number.
Have you had any extreme incidents while hiking?
The storm arrived unexpectedly and scared me a lot. I found myself in one of the worst possible spots — an empty saddle suddenly filled with wind, horizontal rain, and thick fog. In seconds, it felt like the turbine of a take-off plane was roaring in front of me. The backpack was sailing and turning me to face the storm. I crawled with difficulty to the hut 400 meters away, taking every step and clinging to the ground. I spent the night there. Only when I came down from Marmaros did I see the extent of the destruction caused by the storm. Power lines were cut in many villages, and trees blocked the roads. In Romania, about ten people lost their lives because of it.
Perhaps I did not take into account some nuances. What else would you advise beginners before their first hike?
Enjoy hiking and don’t make grandiose plans that border madness. When planning your first hike, avoid routes with long (15 km or more) transitions. Instead, take your time exploring places at a relaxed pace, camera or sandwich in hand. My second and final piece of advice is mutual support. Always during transitions, the weakest and slowest participant should set the pace. If someone is lagging behind, offer help and support. The last mountain hiking tip is to try to find ways to control feelings of fear, anxiety, and panic. You can’t just stop being afraid; knowing your characteristics can help you tame these feelings. I’ve found that listening to podcasts, singing, or doing a Rubik’s Cube works for me. It helps to distract me. Finally, I would like to remind you that there is no shame in asking for help. If you don’t know something, write to the “experienced”. In most cases, they will be happy to help you. No one will do all the work for you, but you can always find out something.
