Ever considered hiking the Peaks of the Balkans (POTB)? Read what our past guest Simon and his hiking group YOLO thought. In July 2024, they embarked on our week-long Montenegro to Albania hiking adventure, which includes a snippet of the POTB trail. Here’s how they got on. British hiker Simon Crowther first laid eyes on
This International Women’s Day, we’re bucking the trends and celebrating all female travellers, not just those flying solo. Because apparently, if it wasn’t for women and their wanderlust, a lot of family holidays and couples getaways might not get booked. A study revealed 82% of all travel-related decisions are made by women, who now outnumber
Couples who travel together, stay together. That’s our opinion anyway as a company founded by an adventurous husband and wife. And it turns out there’s some science behind it; studies show that escaping everyday routine and sharing new experiences strengthen relationships. Sure, sipping cocktails on a beach with your honey is great, but you can’t
A tourism boom over the past few years means that, despite the hype, South Albania’s beaches can feel decidedly discovered — but that’s because most don’t know where to look. This summer, my family and I set off on a research trip to carve out our new South Albania itinerary and proved that even in
Travelling to the Balkans for the first time and wondering what foods you should try? We’ve got you covered. From burek to rakija, you’ll find these traditional Balkan foods, accompaniments and beverages widespread across the region. Tick all of these off and you’re only just getting started, so be sure to go with a good
Considering an adventure in Bosnia and Herzegovina and wondering whether it’s suitable for families? Well, we can tell you it absolutely is. The locals adore children and there’s lots of things to see, eat and do for all ages. See our suggestions below which have been tried, tested and approved by the UB founders’ own
From world renowned music festivals like Ultra to outdoor sports events and art exhibitions, the cultural calendar in the Balkans for 2025 is chock-a-block. If you’re planning a visit to Albania, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro or Serbia in 2025, see below our round-up of the best activities and events to help you decide when to visit.
Nebija Qotaj first sat behind a loom at the age of 10, under the instruction of her mother and grandmother. Now aged 62 and a grandmother herself, she owns her own successful Albanian rug weaving cooperative and her passion for the craft is infectious. If you’re joining us in Albania, you’ll have a chance to
Kosovo is a small landlocked country nestled between Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Serbia. It’s in its infancy as a tourism destination and we don’t think it gets enough credit for its vast swathes of untouched natural beauty and fascinating culture. So, we’re putting the spotlight on it this week. Whether you’ve got an
Looking for a sunshine escape in Europe in October? Croatia, Albania and Montenegro all get a decent amount of sunshine and there are other advantages to visiting the Balkans at this time – fewer crowds, it’s cheaper, ideal temperatures for walking holidays, plus it’s rakija season, meaning ample opportunities for tastings. It’s also time for
