Six Reasons To Visit Central And Eastern Europe

It’s safe; it offers great value; and best of all, it’s beautiful and unique and fun. Here are six reasons to consider Central and Eastern Europe as a destination for your clients.

1. Excellent value for money.
Prices for travel services, from accommodations to transport to tours, are significantly less than those in Western Europe. A private walking tour, for example, might cost $100 or less; a nice meal for two with wine might cost $40.

2. Food glorious food.
This area is rich in gastronomic choices that will make any foodie drool—and some of the best beers, wines and liquors in the world. Generally these smaller countries don't produce enough to export so they keep the best for themselves.

3. Variety is the spice of life.
Within a small area you can experience so many unique and different cultures; from Finland to Albania is not a long distance but their cultures are worlds apart. Everything is within easy driving distance and no more than a couple of hours by plane, so you can visit multiple countries in a single week.

4. Strong traditions and authentic experiences.
While catching up with modern times, cities like Prague and Krakow still are steeped in tradition, and their people still celebrate local customs and festivals throughout the year. Cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways are fun and easy to navigate, with something unique around every corner. There are still places where the main form of transport is horse and carriage.

5. Landscapes and vistas abound.
The region provides so many different settings that cater to every type of traveler, from breathtaking nature with a variety national parks, mountains, lakes and seaside to countryside villages and cosmopolitan cities.

6. Tourist-friendly is the motto.
These once-closed countries now welcome visitors with open arms, and are as interested in getting to know us as we are in getting to know them. The countries here are some of the friendliest and safest in the world; it is rare to find areas that are off limits even late at night, and this area is not the target of any terrorist activities.

So why hesitate? Suggest a vacation in Eastern and central Europe to your customers—and they will certainly thank you for the trip of a lifetime.

Jay Ternavan is the owner and CEO of JayWay Travel Inc. in New Rochelle, NY.