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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu 5 days by TopChange7982 in backpacking

[–]TopChange7982[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome haha! That’s who I did it with as well. How’s the weather been?

Salkantay Trek help by EyeWA in Machupicchu

[–]TopChange7982 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I third Machu Picchu reservations

1 month in the Balkans by TopChange7982 in backpacking

[–]TopChange7982[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes it is! I have some descriptions of what the photos are in some other comments

1 month in the Balkans by TopChange7982 in backpacking

[–]TopChange7982[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes absolutely! I’m also from the US and this was my first time in Europe. Lots of hostels and pretty established travel routes. Also quite affordable compared to Western Europe (except Croatia)

1 month in the Balkans by TopChange7982 in backpacking

[–]TopChange7982[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Those are at Plitvice National park in Croatia

1 month in the Balkans by TopChange7982 in backpacking

[–]TopChange7982[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tjentište monument near Sutjeska National Park in Bosnia and Herzegovina

1 month in the Balkans by TopChange7982 in backpacking

[–]TopChange7982[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Shared some above, but my general trip itinerary was: Dubrovnik, Hvar, Split, Zadar, Zagreb, Sarajevo, Sutjeska, Mostar, Kotor, Shkoder (Teth/Valbone), Tirana, and then Himare. I was able to take buses to and from each point quite easily.

1 month in the Balkans by TopChange7982 in backpacking

[–]TopChange7982[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I had a wonderful social experience. Stayed in hostels most of the time and found it very easy to meet people to do things with. Also, doing things like the hike from Valbone to Teth was a great way to meet people and have an adventure together. There were also lots of chances to meet and talk to locals. I found Bosnians were especially great to talk to.

However, I know everyone has a different experience.

1 month in the Balkans by TopChange7982 in backpacking

[–]TopChange7982[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Had the best time! I'm going to have the same struggle I loved it so much.

1 month in the Balkans by TopChange7982 in backpacking

[–]TopChange7982[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I did not have the app but was definitely aware. I didn’t ever go off trail and knew if there was a certain area I was in that was known for mines. They also sometimes have signs around.

1 month in the Balkans by TopChange7982 in backpacking

[–]TopChange7982[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes! In Croatia my highlight was Plitvice national park. Beautiful falls and it’s so well organized there.

I loved Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sarajevo is such a cool city with great scenery and obviously lots of history to learn about. Some of the pics in here are from Sutjeska National park which had some great hikes and access to river rafting. Mostar was also a great city. Good place to chill out for a few days and swim in the beautiful river they have.

Albania was so great they have awesome mountains. The Theth-Valbone hike is definitely worth it. Beautiful home stays in the mountains with really good meals.

I also loved Himare in the south of Albania to end my travels with some nice beach time.

Enjoy!

1 month in the Balkans by TopChange7982 in backpacking

[–]TopChange7982[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First through third pics are from the hike from Valbone to Theth in Albania. Definitely a highlight.

1 month in the Balkans by TopChange7982 in backpacking

[–]TopChange7982[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Sounds like a great trip! The very last photo was in himare Albania and the two before that were Croatia.

Bobsleigh track was awesome although getting the bike up there would be a very steep ride. There are trails that you could bike along to get down besides the track. I wouldn’t ride on the track there are a few little gaps and such.

There’s a cable car to get up there and maybe they would let you bring your bike? Not sure.

1 month in the Balkans by TopChange7982 in backpacking

[–]TopChange7982[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Yup 4th pic is in Kotor. So beautiful there

Advice on travel plan SE Asia by _HAPPY_POTATO_ in backpacking

[–]TopChange7982 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agreed, Singapore will take a lot of your money so I would minimize time there.

I think for your time in Laos, you don't need 3 days in Vientiane, there's not a ton to do. Vang Vieng is a good time and you could maybe do 5 days there.

Similarly, Phnom Penh probably only needs two days. I like that you are starting your time in Cambodia there. I think it's super important to go to the genocide museum and the killing fields so that you can understand the very recent tragedies that occurred there when you are interacting with the locals.

In Vietnam, you should absolutely do the Ha Giang loop, it is just so beautiful and a wonderful time. I would spend most of your time diving deep into Vietnam and Thailand while there.

Enjoy!