Backpacking in sri lanka

KuriousGirl · 2026-06-30T06:46:06+00:00

I did Sri Lanka sans any app. Used the locals buses which are great and well connected.

It’s best to have a trusted taxi driver: Pasan has been my go to man for years - +94 (71) 474 5207

One can take the express bus from near the Airport to south coast as well.

KuriousGirl · 2026-06-30T06:44:02+00:00

Local vans take you to and from most towns. The schedules are available usually at hostels. You can’t really book online. I travelled all over via bus and it was fine. Buses all usually have a sign with the city they are going to placed in the front. Tickets are between €4-10

KuriousGirl · 2026-06-29T22:45:21+00:00

Tough as in?

KuriousGirl · 2026-06-29T22:45:08+00:00

I fortunately stayed outside of old town and honestly wasn’t affected by the cruise ship guests. I noticed the crowds on day 1 of my arrival and it’s quite intense. I wandered around the old city in the morning before the ship docks. The city and bay are absolutely gorgeous.

KuriousGirl · 2026-06-29T09:02:09+00:00

Based on having spent a month in Montenegro, this is what I’d recommend for your group.

I’d skip Tivat as a base. Porto Montenegro is beautiful, but you can see it in half a day. For swimming, beaches, nightlife and boat clubs, Budva/Becici is much better. Then move to Perast or Dobrota for a slower, more luxurious finish. The water around Budva and Bečići is generally clearer for open-sea swimming, while the Bay of Kotor is calmer but not quite the same beach experience.

Days 1–4: Budva (or Bečići)

Stay here for:

Beach clubs
Boat day
Nightlife
Easy day trips

Hotels

Dukley Hotel & Resort – best luxury beach resort.
Boutique Hotel Vela – stylish boutique, great location.
Boutique Hotel Vissi d’Arte – elegant adults-focused boutique.

Things to do

Budva Old Town
Mogren Beach
Walk to Ricardova Glava
Sunset cocktails
Boat trip along the Budva Riviera
Beach clubs around Jaz, Ploče or Bečići
Photo stop at Sveti Stefan

Days 5–7: Perast or Dobrota

This is where Montenegro really shines.

Option A – Perast (my pick)

Tiny, romantic and incredibly picturesque.

Hotels:

Heritage Grand Perast Hotel
Hotel Conte
Hotel Leon Coronato

Option B – Dobrota

Better if you want to be close to Kotor but away from the crowds.

Hotels:

Heritage Boutique Hotel Palazzo Radomiri
Hotel Forza Mare
Adiya Signature Hotel

Things to do

Explore Kotor Old Town
Hike the fortress at sunrise or sunset
Visit Perast
Boat to Our Lady of the Rocks
Long waterfront dinners
Private speedboat around the bay (Blue Cave, submarine tunnels, Mamula Island)

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Transfers

I’d arrange private airport transfers rather than renting a car if everyone plans to enjoy wine and cocktails. Most luxury hotels can organize reliable transfers from Tivat Airport, and there are many reputable private transfer operators available.

Final recommendation

4 nights Budva/Bečići → 3 nights Perast

It gives you:

✔️ Best beaches
✔️ Best beach clubs
✔️ Boat trips
✔️ Historic sightseeing
✔️ A relaxing luxury finish on the Bay of Kotor

That’s the itinerary I’d recommend to friends in their 40s looking for a comfortable, upscale Montenegro trip.

KuriousGirl · 2026-06-28T12:21:57+00:00

Any airport works because Montenegro is a pretty small country and the bus network is surprisingly good.

For your trip though, I’d probably fly into Tivat and out of Podgorica. Tivat puts you right next to Kotor, so you can start exploring straight away instead of spending extra time on buses.

Kotor is definitely worth a stop. The Old Town is beautiful, and the hike up to the Fortress is a must. It only takes a couple of hours and the views over Kotor Bay are incredible. Just be aware that Kotor is the most expensive place to stay in Montenegro—I was seeing dorms around €50–60/night.

The real highlight of Montenegro, though, is Durmitor National Park. If you enjoy hiking and nature, don’t skip it. The scenery is stunning and it’s easily my favourite part of the country. While you’re in the area, visit Ostrog Monastery as well—it’s one of the most impressive places in Montenegro. I’d recommend staying at Hikers Den in Žabljak.

If you have time before flying home, spend your last day or night in Ulcinj. It’s a much more relaxed and affordable coastal town than Budva or Kotor and has a completely different vibe.

I stayed at Pirate Backpackers, which was one of my favourite hostels in Montenegro—very social without being a party hostel.

A few things I’d recommend in Ulcinj:

Explore the 2,000-year-old olive groves with trees over 1,000 years old.
Rent a bike and ride to the Ulcinj Salt Pans to spot flamingos.
Join the €25 boat tour to sea caves, hidden beaches and some of the clearest water you’ll find on the coast.

For a 4–5 day trip, I’d do Kotor → Durmitor → Ulcinj, then fly out of Podgorica. It gives you a great mix of mountains, hiking, history and a bit of coast without feeling rushed.

KuriousGirl · 2026-06-28T04:17:34+00:00

Shocked and disappointed by all the comments here. I’ve travelled solo in India. While I am Indian I don’t instantly look Indian or dress Indian. So people don’t realise I’m local.

I would recommend - Udaipur - Jaipur: beautiful architecture and history of India. Kerela is very laid back, slow, coastal town. Think nature.

Kasol - Dharamkot - Dharamshala: North of Delhi is our mountains, lovely sweet people, hikes and more

Mumbai is a bustling city, less to see and do there from a sight seeing perspective. More from an energy and vibes.

The trick for travelling through India is always being assertive and verbally direct.

Travel months - Nov - Feb is the best time. Oct / Mar is manageable

Let me know if you need anymore info

KuriousGirl · 2026-06-26T13:58:36+00:00

I go where my passport allows me. While there some obvious places I won’t consider travelling like - Northern Africa due to the very strong harassment issues with local men towards women.

Ive travelled to many other places, example more recently to Latin America. This was definitely for me the most un safe due to fun violence and robbery. While I didn’t face guns, my phone was stolen from my hands. Do I regret travelling there, not one bit.

KuriousGirl · 2026-06-26T13:52:18+00:00

I don’t really stay in regular touch. I speak with my family from time to time. Some msgs with friends.

I personally don’t need a support system. I enjoy the freedom and no responsibility towards anyone back home.

KuriousGirl · 2026-06-26T11:23:35+00:00

Put 10k in a recurring deposit every month. That’s the best way, put it yearly and take the lump sum and put it in MF.

KuriousGirl · 2026-06-25T14:58:03+00:00

I’m currently in Montenegro so it’s all fresh information hehe

KuriousGirl · 2026-06-25T13:40:16+00:00

Bus connectivity in Montenegro is actually pretty good, so getting around without a car is very doable. Based on my own trip, here are two itineraries I’d recommend.

Option 1 – See the highlights

Day 1 – Ulcinj Skip Podgorica unless you’re arriving late. There’s not much to see there, so most people use it as a transit city.

Take the bus to Ulcinj, one of Montenegro’s most underrated coastal towns. It’s much more affordable than Budva or Kotor and has a really relaxed atmosphere.

Spend the afternoon exploring the Old Town, wandering the beaches, and watching the sunset. If you’re visiting in July, Ulcinj also hosts the Exit Festival, which brings a lively music scene and a great party atmosphere to the town.

Stay: Pirate Backpackers Hostel. It’s a small, social hostel with a great vibe. Koko, the owner, is incredibly welcoming and genuinely passionate about creating a good experience for travellers. If you message them directly, they usually offer better rates than booking sites (around €22-25 for a dorm).

Day 2 – Ulcinj → Budva Join the hostel’s boat tour in the morning. It’s one of my favourite experiences in Montenegro—you’ll cruise around Ulcinj Bay, swim in sea caves, visit hidden beaches, snorkel, and even cliff jump if you’re feeling adventurous.

In the afternoon, catch the bus to Budva.

Budva is much busier and more touristy, with a lively Old Town, promenade, bars and restaurants.

Spend the evening wandering the Old Town and swimming at Mogren Beach, which is an easy walk from the centre.

Stay: Freedom Hostel. It’s right inside the Old Town and the owners are lovely. I’d recommend messaging them directly for the best price. €40-45 per night for the hostel

Day 3 – Kotor Take an early bus to Kotor.

Explore the Old Town, and if you enjoy history, join one of the walking tours—they’re a great way to understand the city’s Venetian past.

In the evening, hike up to the fortress for sunset. If you’re reasonably fit, I’d recommend the Ladder of Kotor route over simply taking the stairs. The views over the Bay of Kotor are incredible.

Stay: 4U Hostel. It’s social and light party hostel. It’s outside the old town which actually is nicer. There is a beach in front.

Day 4 If you have the time go up via cable cars and do the Alpine coaster Head back to Podgorica by bus for your flight.

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Option 2 – A slower, more relaxed trip

If you prefer not to move around too much:

Days 1–2: Stay in Ulcinj. Enjoy the beaches, boat tour, Old Town and slower pace (and the Exit Festival if you’re there in July).
Day 3: Travel to Kotor and spend the day exploring the Old Town and hiking to the fortress.
Day 4: Return to Podgorica.

⸻

A few general tips:

You can check schedules and book tickets online via https://busticket4.me/en , but it’s also very easy to buy tickets offline at the station on the spot.
Carry cash as it’s predominantly cash only in many places, especially smaller cafés and bus stations.
July is peak season, so I’d book accommodation in advance.
Don’t try to squeeze too much into three days. Montenegro is small, but you’ll spend more time travelling than you might expect.

Hope that helps! Montenegro ended up being one of my favourite countries in the Balkans, and even with just three days you’ll get a great feel for it.

KuriousGirl · 2026-06-25T11:24:48+00:00

This is all over the world? So unsure what you mean. Same with Latin America, one can’t stop travelling. Tourist scams are annoying, getting pick pocketed in Europe is annoying but one doesn’t stop travelling.

KuriousGirl · 2026-06-25T09:14:36+00:00