Islands
Ferries, walking days and the sea. Example: the Dodecanese, a group of Greek islands in the south-eastern Aegean; the largest are Rhodes and Kos, and the Medieval City of Rhodes has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988.
Destinations
Destinations
It is easier to choose a destination by type of trip than from a list of countries: what do you want to do each day? Ride ferries, walk in the forest, stroll through old streets or drive with no fixed plan? Below are six types of destination with short examples, plus four questions that help you pick yours. There are no prices, timetables or entry rules here: check those with official sources before you travel.
A place stays with you not because of how much you saw, but because of how well it matched your mood and pace.
How this section works: a type of destination is included if a trip of that kind can be planned independently, without buying a tour, and the examples are based on verifiable sources.
Types of destination
Six ways to travel, each with its own rhythm, transport and preparation.
Mountains and national parks
Trails, forests and valleys, plus the rules of protected areas. Example: Uzh National Nature Park in Zakarpattia, established in 1999 in the valleys of the Uzh river and its tributaries.
Uzh National Park: a short note (in Russian)
Small towns and villages
Unhurried walks, old estates, local museums and the surrounding countryside. A good choice if you want quiet and history without the crowds.
Fortresses and castles
Town walls, fortresses on headlands, castles and old estates with parks. Pay attention to opening hours and wear comfortable shoes.
Big cities
Museums, architecture, public transport and nightlife. Well suited to a first independent trip, since transport and accommodation are easier to arrange.
Road trips
Travelling by car or train with stops along the way. It gives you freedom but needs spare time, a checked route and rest breaks from driving.
How to choose a destination
Four questions worth answering before you buy tickets.
What do you want to do each day?
Walk, swim, visit museums or drive. Your answer decides the type of destination more than the country on the map does.
How much time do you have?
On islands and in the mountains, a lot of time goes on travel and weather. For a short trip, choose one place and its surroundings.
What documents and entry rules apply?
Check document requirements with official sources and read the official travel safety advice for the region you have chosen.
What is your budget?
Estimate travel, accommodation, food and a reserve for the unexpected. If your budget is tight, start with a destination closer to home.
Related sections
- Routes
Three routes: islands in a week, a national park in a day and a small town over a weekend.
- Sights
Fortresses, castles, old estates and natural sites: how to visit them and what to check in advance.
- Uzh National Park: a short note (in Russian)
A note on Uzh National Nature Park in Zakarpattia and how to prepare for a forest hike.
Sources
- UNESCO World Heritage List
- Encyclopaedic and local history sources
- Official travel safety advice
Information is current as of the date of preparation. Entry rules, timetables, prices and carrier terms change, so check them with official sources before you travel.