How I Explored the Balkans for $20 a Day Without Feeling Broke
I had $600 in my bank account, a one-way ticket to Sarajevo, and a backpack that barely zipped shut. I’d just quit my job — burnt out, directionless, and craving something raw and unfiltered. The Balkans weren’t part of the plan. In fact, there wasn’t even a plan. Just a feeling that I needed to go… somewhere.
Arrival in Sarajevo: Confused but Alive
The moment I stepped out of the airport, I was hit by a wave of cool autumn air and Cyrillic signs I couldn’t read. I booked the cheapest hostel I could find on HostelWorld — $7 a night — and walked an hour just to avoid paying for a taxi.
That night, over ćevapi and a cheap local beer, I met two travelers who changed everything: Marta from Spain and Luka from Slovenia. We shared maps, apps, and plans. They showed me how to use BusRadar for the cheapest routes and how to find free walking tours.
Living on $20 a Day — My Real Strategy
- Accommodation: I stuck to hostels and Couchsurfing. Sometimes, I even slept at bus stations (not recommended — but hey, it's free).
- Transport: Buses and shared rides. I hitchhiked twice — terrifying the first time, oddly liberating the second.
- Food: Local bakeries, open markets, and free hostel breakfasts kept me going.
Montenegro: Beauty Without Price Tags
One morning, I woke up in Kotor, staring at the bay surrounded by mountains. I spent the entire day hiking the fortress walls, picnicking with cheese and bread from a local vendor, and watching the sun melt into the sea. Total spent: $4.
That evening, I wrote a blog post for my site (yep, WanderEase) while sitting in a courtyard filled with cats. No, seriously — like 12 of them. Montenegro is magical like that.
The Emotional Side of Budget Travel
It wasn’t all beautiful views and laughter. Some nights, I felt lonely. Lost. I missed home-cooked meals and knowing where I'd sleep. But every struggle made me sharper, more grateful, and — weirdly — more myself.
Useful Links That Helped Me
- Workaway — volunteer in exchange for food & stay
- Rome2Rio — compare transport options in Europe
- Nomadic Matt — budget travel wisdom
Would I Do It Again?
In a heartbeat. The Balkans taught me that adventure doesn’t need a five-star hotel or a thick wallet. It needs courage, curiosity, and a bit of resourcefulness. If I could do it with $20 a day, trust me — so can you.
Want more crazy honest stories like this? Check out my post on Sleeping in a Desert Camp in Morocco — things didn’t go as planned there either.
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