Despite using the euro, Slovakia is a good enough value that it’s taking another country’s place for the Europe section of the next edition of The World’s Cheapest Destinations.

I used to think that the Czech Republic and Slovakia split up after the fall of the Soviet Union because of big national pride issues. In reality, it was mostly the politicians that wanted the split. People I’ve met on both sides of the line say had it been put to a referendum, the split would have failed miserably. The citizens of the two countries still think of themselves as one, but this way there were double the number of jobs for the people in power.

Unfortunately for Slovakia, much of the big business money and tourism stayed on the Czech side. There was already more industry there as the Slovak side was more agricultural. And the Czechs had Prague, which was 10 times more interesting to visit than Bratislava. So Slovakia is like the plain sister who is constantly overshadowed by her flashy older one.

Typical wine prices in euros: 2.5 to 6.5

The good news for you is, that makes it a better value for travelers overall. Bratislava has somewhat higher restaurant costs because of it being a river cruise stop and part of some coach tours, but it’s still far less expensive than Prague. The real values are in the lesser-visited but more interesting eastern part of the country, anchored by the beautiful small city of Kosice, pictured at the top. The whole main drag is pedestrian-only all day every day and it’s filled with cafes and restaurants with a view of the opera house and cathedral. From here you can get to dozens of interesting places, including the High Tatras Mountains, in 1-3 hours. Castles, great manor houses, caverns, monasteries, wineries, national parks with good hiking, skiing, rafting, cycling, and lots more.

Everything is priced in euros, but I’m doing the math for my fellow yanks to put it in dollars, at the current rate of 1 euro = $1.30.

Accommodation in Slovakia
Not many backpackers make it here—heck not many travelers from the west period do—so outside of the capital there’s not the bustling backpacker infrastructure you find in the northern Czech Republic or Budapest with dozens of hostels to choose from and day trip tours going out regularly. So lodging tends to be a better deal for mid-range travelers than shoestring ones as almost nothing is over $100 per night. It’s far easier if you’re a couple and not a single as hostels are rare. Camping is easy and cheap though and around the hiking areas you can rent a simple mountain hut for two for under 10 euros/$13.

Camping at Slovakian Paradise national park – $8 one person with tent, $12 two.
Mountain hut here or in High Tatras mountains – $6-$10 per person
Hostel bed in Bratislava – $17 – $25 per person
2- to 4-star hotel or pension – $26 – $70 double, usually incl. breakfast
Apartment for four with kitchen – $69 to $90
Best hotel in Kosice – often $120 standard double (Doubletree by Hilton)

Typical pension prices in Kosice

Food and Drink Prices in Slovakia

This is where the real bargains are. You can eat well and drink well (the wine and beer are both excellent) for a fraction of western Europe prices. This is one of those countries where a soda can cost more than a beer or wine, as can coffee. You can drink the tap water though.
Set meal 3-course lunch $3 to $8
Soups – $1 to $2.50
Main dishes – $1.50 to $6
500ml beer in a bar – $1 (happy hour) to $2.50 (nice place), average in the middle
500ml beer in a store – $0.60 to $1
Good bottle of wine in bar/restaurant – $6 to $12
Good bottle of wine in a store – majority $3.50 to $8, premium $8 to $20
Glass of house wine in a bar/restaurant – $1 to $2.60
Shot of local fruit brandy – $0.60 to $1.60
500ml of local honey – $5 to $7
Kilo (2.2 pounds) of seasonal produce – $0.75 to $2
Local cheese 100 grams – $0.40 to $2
Rolls and baguettes – $0.20 to $0.90

Transportation

There’s not enough demand here for any kind of tourist shuttle system, so bring a phrase book and a map or guidebook to figure out where you’re going. Trains cover most of where you’d want to go, but sometimes you’ll need a bus.
Long train ride (Bratislava to Kosice) – $24 2nd class, $35 1st class, 1/2 price for students
Short train ride (Kosice to High Tatras hiking point) – $8 2nd class, $12 first class
City bus ticket – $0.60 to $1
Short Intercity bus ticket – $2.25 for 40 kms
Long Intercity bus ticket – $22 for 400 kms
Taxi ride – $0.80 to $1.30 per km, Bratislava center to airport $14 to $18

What I got for 2 euros at the supermarket

Other costs in Slovakia

Some attraction places hit you with an extra charge for using your camera, so either leave it in a locker or be stealthy with a phone.
Admission to castles, manors, and castles – $2.60 to $6.50
Admission to monasteries & churches – free to $3.90
This boat trip on the border with Poland – $13
Bike rental in same town – $6.20 half day
One-day ski pass – $17 to $36

For some reason this Euro26 card seems to be more commonly known here than the ISIC card, but either should get you a discount of 50% off most attractions and trains if you’re a student.

This cheap travel blog has been packed with informative posts and photos to make you drool lately, so time for a bit of fun instead. It always gives me great joy to find the English language used as a mere design element rather than to communicate. In most countries it is very difficult to find a t-shirt in the local language. Almost everyone, it seems, thinks it’s better to have a message in English, even if they can’t understand what it says.

Sometimes it’s clear nobody knows what it says, or they wouldn’t be wearing it around. Like this one at the top I found in a storefront in Sofia, Bulgaria. I walked for miles in that city looking for something in the mysterious Cryllic alphabet, but the only thing I could find was ugly tourist shirts just spelling out Bulgaria or with the original alphabet scrawled out by the founder. Neither something any local would wear. Instead you get boob references.

The second one is much like a few I have bought over the years in Korea, Thailand, and Peru. Complete gibberish meant to look like a cool message. Really though, just a bunch of random phrases slapped together. If you can’t read the second one, here’s what it says:

Blog
Old Fashioned Root Beer Floats
Catfish Power
NewYork City
Sports Wear

I’m making my way through the cheaper countries of Europe right now, finding good values all over compared to their neighbors to the west. Next stop, Romania. 

I spent most of my time in Transylvania, which I’ll discuss without mentioning any mythical creatures of the night. This is the area where most travelers gravitate to if they’ve got some time, which they rightfully should. It’s a gorgeous area with well-preserved buildings from the medieval times through Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and more, with a strong Saxon/German influence.

The photo at the very top and the one to the right are from where I arrived on an overnight train headed east: Sighisoara. How can you even say that name without smiling? Yeah, it’s a tourist trap town, but a deserving one. Plus once half the tour buses pull out at the end of the day, it’s a lovely place to hang out and absorb the feeling of living in history.

It costs about $3 to tour the citadel, a couple dollars more for a taxi to the center from the train station, and there are hostels with beds for $10-$12. There’s also a campground outside of town with lots of facilities.

The next shot is from Sibiu, which is not as photogenic or hilly, but feels more like a real city than an open-air museum. There’s a long pedestrian-only street filled with bars, shops, and restaurants and it’s a lively scene at night. This was a European Capital of Culture a few years back. You can sit down and get a half-liter beer for a dollar and you can get 3 covrigs (simits in Turkey) for another dollar, so what’s not to like?

It’s not all about the buildings though. With high mountains in many directions, the scenery alone is often worth stopping for. This is the view from a monastery I visited. If you’ve gotta be a monk, seeing this every day would make it a bit easier. (You can spend the night there for about $16 double.)

I always ask myself when traveling to different places, could I live here? I didn’t really feel a yes anywhere in Romania until I got to Brasov. It’s near multiple ski slopes, it’s an easy train ride to the capital, and has another one of those long pedestrian streets full of fun places to eat and drink. And it’s got mountains right next to it. That’s a pic from a nice spring day above.

More later on prices, a real article later in Perceptive Travel, but for now some images to ponder from Romania. As with Slovakia, this is definitely a destination worth visiting, budget reasons or not. But if you are on a budget, this place is a great value.

Travel can be unpredictable. Sometimes that’s half the fun, sometimes it can mean big problems. This month’s issue looks at perceptions and impermanence in three destinations.

Michael Buckley is back with a timely story on a travel destination that may finally be getting its act together to stop being a pariah state: Myanmar. See Slipping Through Gates and Doors in Burma.

Tom Koppel returns with a tale of picking a bad week to visit Hawaii: when some of the world’s most powerful politicians came to the island where he was staying. See Locked Down in Waikiki.

James Dorsey, a former director of the Adventurers Club, met a Maasai warrior in the U.S., where he was getting a doctorate degree. The author then went to visit his new friend in the bush. See The Warrior Scholar from Kenya.

William Caverlee returns to highlight two new and noteworthy travel books, from the practical to the eye candy. I take on the world music reviews this month, including Rodrigo y Gabriela’s latest and an especially solid reggae album.

And you know we give away cool travel gear there each month, right? If you do and you’re not on the monthly newsletter list, you’re missing out. Go sign up here because last month we gave away Ecco hiking boots, this month we’re giving away a cool packable Helium 2 waterproof jacket from Outdoor Research. Next month…who knows?

Today’s guest post is from Darcie Connell, co-founder of Trekity.com. She’s been living in Antigua, Guatemala for the past three months and is giving us the lowdown on current prices. While Guatemala gets a bad rap for being dangerous (with a much higher homicide rate than more publicized Mexico), it’s quite safe for tourists if you’re aware of your surroundings and take precautions. Darcie’s never encountered any problems (knock on wood) and feels it’s a great time for adventurous and budget travelers to take advantage of the U.S. dollar’s purchasing power, which is currently equivalent to 7.75 Quetzal. Take it away Darcie!

First, a word on Guatemala.

In my opinion, Central America is the new Southeast Asia. Lively local markets sell everything from tropical fruits to handmade textiles. Beaches feature diving and snorkeling on the Caribbean side, surfing and fishing on the Pacific side.

Central America has most everything a traveler could want: and Guatemala is no exception. Great food, extremely friendly locals, and endless natural wonders – including 37 volcanoes, mountains, lakes and rivers.

All without the well-trampled tourist trails you find in many parts of Southeast Asia.

In short, Guatemala is under-rated. Perhaps it’s because 56.2% of its population lives below the poverty line (making it one of the poorest countries in Latin America). Or maybe it’s due to safety concerns. Or perhaps it’s because travelers haven’t heard much about it.

Whatever the case, those that travel to Guatemala are rewarded with a country rich in cultural history, natural beauty, and budget prices.

Antigua Prices for Travelers

The prices in this article are taken from Antigua, Guatemala (April 2012). Antigua is an affluent tourist town back-dropped by the massive Agua Volcano and sprinkled with Spanish colonial ruins on almost every street corner.

Budget backpackers and vacation value seekers flock to Antigua for several reasons:

1. To get out of Guatemala City ($10 / Q78 shuttle van to Antigua).
2. To book a tour to see the rest of Guatemala such as the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal ($31 / Q271), Atilan Lake ($10 / Q78), or natural swimming pools of Semuc Champey ($25 / Q194).
3. To study Spanish.  Antigua is regarded as the best place to study Spanish in all of Latin America. It’s common to see a 15 year old student studying in the cubical next to a 50 year old businessman. There are schools on every block and average prices are $85 / Q650 for 20 hours of one-on-one instruction.
4. To eat.  Antigua offers some of the best restaurants and cuisine in all of Central America.  From hand-made Italian pizza ($8 / Q60) to grilled chicken plates ($3 / Q20), there’s something for everyone at every price. And why not wash it down with a high-quality imported Chilean or Argentinian wine ($4 / Q30)?

The prices in Antigua range dramatically for all types of travelers.  Let’s take a closer look.

Accommodations

Antigua has a wide range of accommodations, from five-star hotels with crumbling ruins right outside your balcony to hostels with 3 sets of bunk-beds.

• Upscale Hotel (per night): $100-500 / Q775-3,875 
• Average 3-star level hotel (per night): $40-50 / Q310-390
• Average basic hotel, private room with bath (per night): $20-40
• Hostel (per bed, per night): $9-12 / Q75-100
• Home Stay: (per week and includes meals) $50-75 / Q390-580
• 2BR Apartment: (per month)  $645-1,290 / Q5,000-10,000

It’s advisable to book ahead of time during the high season, but rooms are generally available last minute if you’re willing to hunt for them.

Restaurant & Cafe Food

Lunch (almuerzo) is traditionally the biggest meal of the day. You can get a full plate of roasted (carne) meat or fish, vegetables, bread potato or tortiallas, and a non-alcoholic drink for $2.60-4.50 / Q20-35.

If you want variety, Antigua is loaded with international restaurants ranging from Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and French to full-on Argentinian steak houses.

You can spend as little or as much as you want. 

• Lunch (Inexpensive) : $2.60-4.50 / Q20-35
• Breakfast (Inexpensive) : $2.60-4.50 / Q20-35
• Dinner (Inexpensive) : $3.90-$6.50 / Q30-Q 50
• Hamburger w/ Potatoes: $3.90 / Q30
• Pizza: $7.75 / Q60
• Chow Mein: $6.50 / Q50
• Coffee / Tea: $0.60 – 2.60 / Q5-20
• Beer: $1.95-3.25 / Q15-25
• Wine: $2.60-4.50 / Q20-35
• Cocktail: $1.95-4.50 / Q15-35

Street Food

From roasted beef (rez), chicken (pollo), cerdo (pork) to delicious fried treats there’s a lot of variety in Antigua.

• Pupusas (traditionally from El Salvador): $0.65-1.30 / Q5-10
• Pollo Plate: $1.30-1.95 / Q10-15
• Taco Plate w/ Meat: $1.30-1.95 / Q10-15
• Empenadas: $0.65-1.30 / Q5-10
• Sandwich w/ Chile Rellano: $1.30-1.95 / Q10-15
• Fruit (mango, papaya, pineapple, banano*): $ 0.65-0.90 / Q5-7
• Ceviche: $6.45-7.75 / Q50-60
• Soda/Water: $0.65- 1.05 / Q5-8

Supermarket & Market

Supermarkets in Guatemala are a convenient one-stop-shop selling most of what you’d need, including toiletries. However, prices are generally higher than if you were to wander through a traditional local market.

A word of warning: traditional markets can wear you out. Be prepared for a maze of vendors selling everything – from household appliances, clothes, shoes, textiles, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and chicken to the weird and unusual such as dried iguana.  Remember the key phrase “Donde es la salida?” which means “Where is the exit?”

Local Markets Prices

• 1 Pound of Tomatoes: $0.40 / Q3
• 1 Pound of Onion: $0.40 / Q3
• 1 Pound of Mushrooms: $2.50 / Q20
• 1 Bag of Spinach: $0.65 / Q5
• 1 Bag of Snap Peas: $0.50 / Q4
• 1 Bundle of Asparagus: $0.40 / Q3
• 1 Head of Broccoli or Cauliflower: $0.50 / Q4
• 1 Banana: $0.15 / Q1
• 1 Whole Pineapple: $1.30 / Q10
• 1 Whole Papaya: $1.55 / Q12
• 10 Small Mangoes: $1.30 / Q10
• 1 Pound of Dried Beans: $0.40 / Q3
• 1/2 Pound of Pasta: $0.30 / Q2

From Bakery

• Small Bread Roll: $0.15 / Q1
• Loaf of Banana Bread: $2.50 / Q20
• Chocolate Muffin: $0.25 / Q2

Dentist Cleaning: $45 / Q350

Supermarket prices…

• Ham (1 Pound): $5.20-5.80 / Q40-45
• Roast Beef (1 Pound): $6.50-7 / Q50-55
• Salami (1 Pound): $3.25-3.90 / Q25-30
• Pastrami (1 Pound): $3.25-3.90 / Q25-30
• Bacon (1 Pound): $4.50-5.15 / Q35-40
• Turkey (1 Pound): $4.50-5.15 / Q35-40
• Deli Cheese (1 Pound): $9.70-12.90 / Q75-100
• Eggs (Carton of 30): $1.90-2.60 / Q15-20
• Bag of Coffee: $3.90-6.45 / Q30-50
• Loaf of Bread: $1.30-2.60 / Q10-20
• Bottle of Wine: $3.90-12.90 / Q30-100
• Bottle of Whiskey (1 Liter): $9.00 / Q70
• Bottle of Stoli Vodka (1 Liter): $15.50 / Q120
• Bottle of Jose Cuervo (1 Liter): $12.90 / Q100
• Bottle of Bacardi (1 Liter): $5.80 / Q45
• Bottle of Soda: $0.65-0.75 / Q5-6
• Can of Soda: $0.40-0.65 / Q3-5
• Can of Beer: $0.65-1.30 / Q5-10
• Bottle of Beer: $1.30-2.60 / Q10-20

Toiletries

Toiletries can be purchased from pharmacies or supermarkets, though are less expensive at supermarkets.

• Shampoo/Conditioner: $4.50-5.15 /Q35-40
• Lotion: $2.60-3.90 / Q20- 30
• Deodorant: $2.60-3.90 / Q20-30
• Toothpaste: $1.30-2.60 / Q10-20
• Sun Screen: $4.50-5.15 / Q35-40
• Toilet Paper (4 Rolls): $0.65-1.30 / Q5-10

Bad (But Fun) Stuff

Gallo is the most popular and cheapest beer for a reason.  The micro brews that are common in the U.S. are nonexistent in Guatemala. However, wine imported from Chile and Argentina is consistently good.

• Beer at a bar: $2-7.75 / Q16-60
• Wine at a bar: $2-7.75 / Q16-60
• Cocktails at a bar: $2-12.90 / Q16-100
• Pack of Cigarettes: $1.90-2.60 / Q15-20

Health

The health care system in Guatemala is based on Western medicine and is very affordable compared to the U.S. In fact, many U.S. medical students volunteer in Guatemala.

• Doctor Visit: $50-65 / Q400-500
• Dentist cleaning/checkup: $45 / Q350
• Chiropractor: $10-13 / Q75-100
• Gym Membership (1 Day): $4.50 / Q35
• Gym Membership (1 Week): $15 / Q110
• Gym Membership (1 Month): $30 / Q225

Transportation

Public transportation (aka Chicken Buses) in Guatemala are very inexpensive, but can be dangerous. If you take public transportation, don’t put your bags on the top or back of the bus.  Keep them in your lap no matter how uncomfortable.

• Public Bus to Guatemala City: $1.30-3.90 / Q10-30 
• Taxi to Guatemala City: $32.25-38.70  / Q250-300
• Shuttle Bus to Airport (One-Way): $9-10
• Shuttle Bus to Panajachel (One-Way): $10-15 / Q78-117
• Shuttle Bus to Chichicastenango (One-Way): $10-15
• Shuttle Bus to Monterrico Beach (One-Way): $15-20
• Shuttle Bus to Coban, Guatemala (One-Way): $25-35
• Shuttle Bus to Flores Near Tikal (One-Way): $35-40
• Shuttle Bus to Copan, Honduras (One-Way): $20-25
• Shuttle Bus to Lanquin (One-Way): $20-25
• Shuttle Bus to Semuc Champey (One-Way): $25-30
• Shuttle Bus to San Marcos or San Pedro (One-Way): $10-15 / Q78-117
• Shuttle Bus to Rio Dulce (One-Way): $20-25
• Shuttle Bus to Belize City (One-Way): $65-70
• Flight to San Jose, Costa Rica (Round-Trip): $475
• Flight to Managua, Nicaragua (Round-Trip): $ 360
• Flight to Panama (Round-Trip): $475
• Flight to Miami (Round-Trip): $575
• Flight to Flores Near Tikal (Round-Trip): $240

Tours

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for on tours.

My husband and I (and one other couple) hired a personal guide for the Pacaya Volcano tour. He provided comfortable transportation, snacks along the way, gloves in case we fell on the sharp rocks, and marshmallows for roasting off hot volcanic rock. We also arrived very early to catch the sunrise and enjoy the volcano hike without hordes of people who arrived later on a large tourist bus.

• Pacaya Volcano Tour: $10-15 / Q77-117
• Antigua Village Tour: $40-45 / Q310-350
• Antigua Walking Tour: $15-20 / Q117-155
• Coffee Tour: $10-15 / Q77-117
• Canopy Tour: $60-65 / Q465-504
• Horseback Riding: $15-20 / Q117-155
• Bird Watching: $50-55 / Q388-427
• Bike Tour: $45-50 / Q349-388
• Guatemala City Tour: $75-80 / Q582-620

Other

• Spanish School (San Jose El Viejo 40 Hours Per Week): $120 / Q930
• Spanish School (San Jose El Viejo 20 Hours Per Week): $85 / Q660
• Men Hair Cut: $3.25-4.50 / Q25-35
• Woman Hair Cut: $10-13 / Q75-100
• Manicure / Pedicure: $2 -4 / Q15-30
• Massage (Head, Neck, & Back): $2-4 / Q15-30
• Massage (Hot Stone): $2.50-5 / Q20-40
• Salsa Lessons: $3.90 / Q30
• Ice Cream in a Shop: $1.30-2.60 / Q10-20
• Handmade Textile: $20-130 / Q150-1,000
• Postcard: $0.30 / Q1
• Internet 60 Minutes: $1.30 / Q10
• Laundry / Pound: $0.65-1.30 /Q5-10
• Public Toilets: $0.60 / Q5

***

Darcie Connell is CEO of Trekity.com, a travel website that helps you find, plan and share your next adventure, and co-founder of TravelBloggerAcademy.com. Follow Darcie on Twitter here.

[First, third, and last photo by Tim Leffel, all others by Darcie Connell.]

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