Often overlooked, Bratislava is in a tough position. It’s location between popular Central European travel destination such as Vienna, Budapest, and Prague means that most people spend only enough time there to switch trains or buses before moving on to the more well-known cities. But those that take the time — even if it’s just » Read more
Slovakia: Budget Travel Guide
Modern tourism has reduced health to a commodity that is bought and sold. ‘Wellness’ breaks focus on massages and other treatments that promote a feel-good factor. But central Europe still boasts a wonderful range of historic spa towns that long predate the modern craze for pampering—and many offer remarkably good value. Claim to fame: Karlovy » Read more
Every now and again one runs across a specific European vineyard or a wider region of wine production which has become the stuff of legend. Think Pétrus (near Bordeaux), Corton-Charlemagne (in Burgundy) or Ornellaia (in Tuscany). Move to central Europe and there are many bright stars in the constellation of fine wines. None shines brighter » Read more
On January 1, 2009, Slovakia switched its circulating currency from the koruna to the euro, making it the 16th European Union member state to join the “euro zone”. The country was granted permission by the European Union to make the switch during the summer of 2008, when the exchange rate was pinned at 30.126 koruny to the euro. » Read more
Košice, Slovakia’s second city, ranks high on our short list of underexplored European gems. Set in a valley, with the Ore mountains to the west and the Salt Hills to the east, Košice remains a delightfully unspoilt place. Slovakia’s budget airline SkyEurope flies between Košice and Bratislava, making the city both easy and cheap to » Read more
