Liz Picurro, Author at Shared Adventures

Travel Apps You’ll Actually Use On Your Trip

July 15, 2026 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

In this technological world, there are so many apps available. It can be difficult to know which ones we’ll actually use and which will just take up space on your phone and prevent you from filling up that storage with fabulous photos.

Here are the Travel Apps, and more importantly, the types of travel apps that we recommend for your adventure. And, that you’ll actually use while traveling.

Apps to Use for Money Matters

It’s important to keep track of your budget and spending on your trip. To understand how you’re spending, how much you’re spending. Especially if you’re traveling in a group, it’s essential to keep track of expenses in an app that helps you split everything evenly. Regardless of the apps you use, we recommend a Currency Converter and a budget app.

Currency Converter Plus – This app finds the current exchange rate for almost every currency worldwide. Simply choose your starting currency, let the app calculate the conversion automatically. You can also calculate tips, discounts, and purchases directly in the app.

TravelSpend – If you have a specific budget, or just love keeping track of expenses this is a great lightweight app. It is easy to use with a simple, intuitive design. Plus, it was created specfically for travel and not just general banking.

TravelSpend lets you input every purchase, spread expenses across multiple days, and even split costs between a few travelers. It allows you to track your overall budget and your daily budget, with automatic currency conversion. So, it automatically converts foreign currencies into your home currency so you understand what you’re actually spending.

Use the statistics page to visualize which category you’re spending the most money on. It also works offline, so need to worry about using up data!

[Photo Credit: Liz via Shared Adventures]

Splitwise – This is a vital app to use when you’re traveling in a group. Splitwise helps keep track of shared expenses and split bills when traveling in a group. Instead of asking every waiter to split the bill 7-10 ways, you can take turns paying and use Splitwise to ensure everyone is paying their part. You can record the payments in local currencies and use “Simplify debts” to minimize transactions. At the end of the trip, use Splitwise to understand who owes who what with certainty.

Apps to Use While Getting Around Your Destination

Wherever you’re traveling, you should download the taxi app of the destination so that you can easily call a cab. But having a secure transit map is important. You want something that will help you understand the best route to take based on how you want to travel. While Google or Apple Maps can help with simple point-A-to-point-B trips, sometimes they don’t include convenient ferries in Venice or the metro route with the fewest transfers.

Rome2Rio – This app is perfect for a variety of travel options. You’ll be able to see the estimated cost for each type of travel. And, it is often more accurate than other map apps. With a huge database, it doesn’t matter if you’re using a big city system like London or traveling from tiny town to tiny town on a local train; this app will help you decide the best route vs cost option for you.

Citymapper – This app is best for big metros. If you’re traveling to places like London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam etc then this is the maps app for you. It shares the fastest, cheapest, and best routes as well as up-to-date delays. What makes it truly stand out is the accessible journeys option and advice on where to stand on the platform to optimize your journey.

[Photo Credit: Fabien Maurin via Unsplash]

Flush – When you gotta go, you gotta go. And Flush is here to help ensure you don’t fear staying hydrated as you walk around the city. With a huge database and a GPS-powered interface, it helps you quickly locate the nearest toilet. One of its biggest strengths is offline functionality. You can download the maps in advance so you don’t need a signal to utilize this valuable information.

Apps to Use for Language & Communication

When you’re communicating in another language, things can get tricky. You want a good translator to help you with asking questions and connecting with those around you. A good translator app that works offline is especially useful when you’re in more hidden-gem local locales.

It’s also important to stay connected to the people at home and reach out to the people around you – be it a restaurant or a tour guide. It’s important to have a travel plan or an eSIM and the common messaging app of the region.

Deepl – This translator app has more human, accurate translations. It includes 100 langauges including non-Latin languages, photo translation and text-to-speech. It offers multiple ways to translate different words and phrases to help you switch between informal/ formal tones.

Microsoft Translator – With a large database of languages, Microsoft is a solid translation app. You can have the translation turn upside down automatically to make it easier to communicate with the person across from you in real time. You can also use voice and camera translations. It has one of the broadest free libraries available. And the phrasebook with pre-loaded phrases is helpful if you want to give speaking the language a go yourself.

Top tip! Write the full phrase into the translator. If you translate words alone, sometimes you can get the wrong word or gender and therefore completely wrong translation. Liz learned this the hard way when she tried to order (finger)nails at the Italian hardware store instead of nails.

WhatsApp – This has become an essential communication app outside the US. What we find most useful is that it uses data/ wifi to send messages so no matter what your international phone plan. If you’re connected to the internet, you can send messages worldwide with no cost.

In many places in Europe it can also be used to communicate with hotels, tour guides, and restaurants! When combined with a translation app – communicating becomes even easier.

[Photo Credit: Liz via Shared Adventures]

KnowRoaming – There are many options for an international phone plan based on your carrier. But sometimes an eSIM is the easiest route. KnowRoaming has competitive pricing, unlimited data, and is easy to set up. It’s available in 150 countries and can be purchased for as little as 7 days. It doesn’t include traditional voice calling and SMS, but it allows data-based communication (like WhatsApp). The embedded electronic version of the SIM card works with most newer phones.

Apps to Use for Memories

If you’re not a common user of socials but still want to keep your friends and family at home aware of your travels. And keep incredible photos in more than just random folders on your phone; there are a few apps you can use to document your journey. Using an app is a great way to save your memories in the moment without taking too much time out of the experience and without coming home to an unorganized mess of photos leaving you trying to remember where that beautiful building actually was.

Snapseed – This is a photo-editing app that helps you make small tweaks to any photo. It can help put the finishing touches on a photo you took on your phone to help you really capture the blue of the sea, or the green of Ireland’s rolling hills. Or to crop out the 10000 other people at the Trevi Fountain. It’s intuitive interface and myriad of tools make it a stand out for us.

Tripcast – Perfect to keep your friends and family members updated about your journey. create a shared photo albums where you and the rest of your croup can upload and share photos easily.

The app uses photo geotagging to create a map of the places you visit. This is the best way to share photos as a group or keep people back home updated.

You can track photos by place, and once you get home you can download all the photos for safekeeping. It only shares photos with those who you allow access.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures — read about her Rhone River Cruise here! ]

JourniBlog -allows you to record your travel experiences as timelines and maps. At the end of your trip, you can even have them printed into a book. You can create public or private journal entries. This is perfect if you want to turn your trip into a photo book. You can add overlays like weather tags and flight info, and others in your group can comment on the photos

A Beginner’s Guide to Travel Reward Credit Cards

July 10, 2026 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Everyone dreams of taking a trip solely on the power of credit card points and miles. It feels like winning a free vacation and leaves your budget free to spend on experiences, adventures, and upgrades.We always get asked about what credit cards we recommend for travelers, but exploring your options can feel very overwhelming. To help ease this freeze response, this is your beginner’s guide to understanding how the rewards/points work, which cards are best while you’re traveling, and how to decide which card is best for you overall.

Basic 3 Rules to Remember:

1. There is no one right choice: There is no one-size-fits-all credit card. The best card for you depends on multiple factors, including your ovreall finances, where and how you spend your money, your credit score, and your travel goals.

2. Any credit card carries risk: As with any financial decision, taking out a credit card comes with risks. It’s important to take the decision seriously and consider your own financial situation before diving in to the world of travel reward cards.

3. Pay On Time: Ensure you’re able to pay your bills on time and in full so you don’t risk high interest rates and fees.

Deciding on a Travel Credit Card Step 1: Set Your Goals and Know Yourself

What are your travel goals with the points you accrue? It’s all well and good to want to earn points to help your travel be a better or less costly experience, but when deciding the best card(s), you should have some specific goals in mind first. Select which goal is most in line with your travel dreams:

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures]

Are you looking to upgrade your experiences to First Class or Luxury?

Do you want to supplement your budget with free nights and flights?

Are you looking for extra perks while traveling, like airport lounge access?

Do you want to use your points with very specific brands?

Where do you want to travel most? Are you looking for cards that will be most accepted and useful in the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, Africa?

Once you know your travel goals, it’s time to think about how and where you spend your money in everyday life. Credit card points are earned through the purchases you make on that card, so having a good understanding about your budget and spending habits will help you make the most of them. Make sure you know the answers to the following questions:

Where do you spend the most money in your day-to-day life? Is it on groceries, gas, retail shopping, or restaurants?

Do you have loyalty to one or more specific brands? Do you always shop at a specific grocery store or clothing store? Are there hotels or airlines that you always book with?

What is a reasonable spending limit you can reach in the first three months of signing up for the card, so that you can get the sign-on bonus?

How much can you afford to spend on an annual fee?

Different Types of Credit Card Rewards

There are a few different types of rewards out there. Each card may use a slightly different system. Here’s what you’re likely to find:

Transferable Points – These are the most flexible. You can use these points in your card’s portal. Or, you can transfer them to multiple different airlines and hotels (if they’re partners with that card). Usually, you can use these in the forms of gift cards, cash backs, or direct transfers.

Points vs Miles – These are essentially the same concept of currency with different names

Co-Branded – Cards that have partnerships with brands to give you points for specific airlines and hotels (i.e. a Delta Amex)

Sign-up Bonus: When you first sign up with a credit card, they usually offer a sign-up bonus between 40,000 and 70,000 (or more) points. To secure these points, however, you need to spend a minimum amount within the first few months of signing up. So you want to think about having some big purchases upcoming to get the bonus.

Step 2: Check The Card’s Rewards vs Payment

Now that you know what your goals and limitations are, you’re ready to dive into the world of cards to find your best fit for accumulating points.

One of the first things you notice on a card is the annual fee. You want to ensure that the annual points and travel credits exceed the annual fee so that the card pays for itself. Look for cards that earn at least 1.5 – 2x points in categories where you spend the most money.

It’s tempting to consider the rewards from a purely 1:1 monetary value. But it’s important to look at the additional perks the cards offer. Some cards offer travel insurance, rental car insurance, concierge services, automatic upgrades, lounge access, free bags, and other perks that add value to your vacation.

[Photo Credit: Nicole & Paul — read about their anniversary trip to Paris here! ]

couple with their luggage at the airport in Paris

Step 3: Is Your Card Usable When You’re Actually Abroad?

When you’re getting ready to go on your next adventure, it’s a good idea to inform your card company that you’re traveling so they don’t flag your card for fraud. Don’t forget to include places where you have long layovers and will probably buy something in the airport. You should also familiarize yourself with your card’s travel perks!

In Belgium Beth showing off her chocolate- shopping bags in the Brussels Shopping Mall

Not all credit cards are equal when you’re on your adventure abroad. You want a card that is widely accepted worldwide, with minimal or no foreign transaction fees.

You don’t want to rely solely on American Express, which is often not accepted in other countries. Look for a card you can confidently give to the little local chocolate shop in Brussels, and ensure that your card isn’t charging you a fee for spending money in another country.

[Photo credit: Beth & Bob – read about their trip to Amsterdam, Belgium & Paris here!]

Aside from worldwide acceptance and foreign transaction fees, you want to look at what the cards have to offer WHEN you’re traveling. Does the card offer built-in travel insurance or rental car insurance? Does it offer you lounge access in the airport? Some cards help you with lost baggage or flight delay coverage. Consider what the card can offer you when you’re on your adventure.

Which Credit Cards offer the Best All-Round Travel Card for Beginners?

With all of this in mind, you’re ready to start looking at specific credit cards and deciding which one is best for you! Below are four of the most beginner-friendly cards, which are a great starting point.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

This is a favorite among almost all the experts we looked at. With a low annual fee and a wide range of partners, this is a great beginner card. It has between 1x- 5x points for major shopping categories and 3x on most everyday spending. The points are valuable with beginner-friendly ways to use them.

Annual Fee: $95

APR: 19.24% – 27.49%

Perks While Traveling: TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, Car rental & Travel Insurance, Trip delay insurance

No Foreign Transaction Fees

Up to $100 annual credits for hotel bookings

Accepted in more than 250 countries

Wells Fargo Autograph

This is the best no-annual-fee card. If you can’t budget the extra yearly expense, you can still earn 1x-3x points in common spending categories. While this card comes with more limited travel partners, which might reduce its appeal for experts, it’s a nice, simple card to use. Points are worth the same whether you redeem them for travel or for statement credit. Points and redemptions are straightforward. And there is an interest-free window that gives you a little breathing room.

Annual Fee: $0

APR: Regular: 18.49% – 24.49% OR
Variable: 28.49%

Perks While Traveling: Travel Accident insurance, lost luggage, car insurance, travel emergency assistance

No Foreign Transaction Fees

No annual credits

Accepted in 200 countries

Citi Strata Premier

This is good for everyday life with earning categories that reflect typical expenses. Earn 3x points at supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations. You can also earn between 1x -10x points in lots of bonus categories that you don’t find on other cards. They don’t have as many useful travel partners as some other cards, but if you’re not loyal to a particular brand, this is a good option.

Annual Fee: $95

APR: Regular: 19.45% – 27.49% OR

Perks While Traveling: Trip Cancellation & Trip Interruption, Damaged Luggage, Car Rental Coverage.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

Up to $100 annual credits for hotel bookings

Accepted 210 countries

Capital One Venture X Rewards

This versatile card works well abroad since it is accepted wherever Mastercard is accepted. It offers rental car insurance, trip cancellation/ interruption insurance, and lounge access. The drawback of this card is that it requires you to spend mostly through their portal to maximize your points. However, miles can be redeemed to cover past travel expenses. With an easy-to-use portal, this is a good card for those who don’t have time to track bonus categories, where to spend, and how. With a $300 annual credit and 10,000-mile bonus, this card does pay for the higher annual fee almost on its own.

Annual Fee: $395

APR: 19.49% – 28.49%

Perks While Traveling: Travel & Car Rental Insurance, Lost or stolen luggage insurance,

No Foreign Transaction Fees

Up to $300 annual credits for hotel bookings

Accepted in 200 countries

Under the Radar Towns in Popular Destinations

June 18, 2026 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Our clients are always looking for hidden gems, authentic experiences, and adventures away from the crowds. While summer travel is blissful, it is rarely feasible to enjoy popular cities without the throngs of tourists. And “high season” is growing longer and longer each year. Rather than waking up at 5:00 AM to see the Trevi Fountain with only 50 people instead of 200, we propose venturing into more undiscovered destinations. Instead of following Instagram hype, consider the quieter, more local, and still stunning towns that offer their own unique magic. If your heart is set on the Eiffel Tower, there is only one place in the world to go, but if you are happy to see AN ancient Roman Colosseum instead of THE Colosseum, there are countless amazing places with incredible, undiscovered potential.

If you’re planning to go to any of the countries below – please take a look at our under-the-radar recommendations. You may just find your new favorite destination!

France

For travelers seeking a big city with incredible food, green spaces, and a vibrant cultural scene, France offers a wealth of alternatives to Paris that capture the essence of French life without the saturation. These towns range from the gastronomic capital of the south to the historic river cities and the sun-drenched Riviera. In these cities, you’ll discover quaint sidewalk cafes, intriguing museums, and a range of architectural wonders.

[Photo Credit: Kayla via Shared Adventures — read about her honeymoon in France here!]

Lyon: As the gastronomic capital of France, it offers a Michelin-starred dining scene and charming architecture that feels intimately lived-in.

Avignon: The historic Palais des Papes dominates this medieval city, but its charm lies in the relaxed Provençal atmosphere, vibrant theater scene and countless art collections and exhibitions.

Nîmes: Home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, this city blends ancient grandeur with a modern, sun-drenched lifestyle.

Nice: While the Promenade des Anglais is famous, the real magic is found in the old town’s narrow alleys, the Cours Saleya markets, and the stunning views from Castle Hill.

Toulouse: Known as “La Ville Rose” for its terracotta bricks, this city offers a perfect mix of aerospace history, vibrant student life, and the serene Canal du Midi.

Lille: Lille offers a delicious palate of variety. Walk between narrow cobblestone streets with pastel houses and the modern Euralille district with futuristic skyscrapers. Visit museums that host a diverse collection of sculptures and paintings, and weirder natural history. There’s a surprise around every corner.

Bordeaux: Beyond its world-class wines, this elegant city features stunning 18th-century architecture and a revitalized waterfront that is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Italy

While Venice, Florence, and Rome are the top three cities everyone knows, Italy has so much more to offer, especially in high season. These alternatives provide the same romantic and historical depth, with significantly fewer visitors.

If your idea of Italy involves winding cobblestone streets, cavernous churches with incredible frescos, and farm-to-table food, you don’t need to go to the big three to find it! Try the rolling hills and vineyards to the north, ancient monuments,and Renaissance architecture in the smaller towns, and seaside villages that are only a little less colorful than their famous neighbors.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures Travel — read about her Tuscany Adventure here!]

Verona: This city is steeped in history through the ages. Visit the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, medieval and Renaissance buildings and Juliet’s house complete with balcony.

Lucca: Encircled by perfectly preserved Renaissance walls, this Tuscan town invites cycling on top of the ramparts and offers a serene, unspoiled atmosphere.

Treviso: Often called the “Venice of the North,” this charming city features pristine canals and a relaxed pace that captures the true essence of Venetian life.

Piemonte: This region is a haven for wine lovers and foodies, offering rolling vineyards, truffle hunting, and elegant hilltop towns that are far less traveled.

Siena: Famous for its shell-shaped Piazza del Campo and the Palio horse race, Siena preserves a medieval soul that feels frozen in time.

Cilento Coast: With its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and ancient Greek ruins, this area offers a wilder, more authentic Mediterranean experience than the Amalfi Coast.

Lerici: Perched on a peninsula in the Ligurian Sea, this picturesque village offers stunning sea views, a historic castle, and a tranquil harbor perfect for a romantic escape just below the Cinque Terre.

Greece

The classic route of Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos is losing some of its original charm due to overcrowding. We advocate for a wider array of stunning islands and ancient sites that preserve the authentic Greek spirit, featuring whitewashed villages, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and crystal-clear waters that remain accessible and serene. We definitely recommend checking out the rest of the mainland, but if you’re looking for an island paradise, these offer a beautiful experience.

[Photo Credit: Hydra by Despina Galani via Unsplash]

Naxos & Paros: Naxos offers lush green landscapes and the largest ancient marble quarries, while Paros combines traditional villages with a sophisticated yet relaxed island vibe.

Milos: With its otherworldly lunar landscapes and hundreds of secluded beaches, this island provides a dramatic and less crowded alternative to the Cyclades.

Symi: This island is renowned for its colorful neoclassical architecture and tranquil bays, offering a peaceful retreat with a classic charm.

Folegandros: A hidden gem with dramatic cliffs and a charming main square, this island maintains a raw, authentic charm that appeals to those seeking solitude.

Hydra: This car-free island is famous for its donkeys, artist community, and pristine beaches that offer a serene escape.

Koufonisia: A group of three islands in the Cyclades, these small islands feature crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, and many hotels, restaurants and bars

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, Amsterdam is front and center, but the country has much more to offer for those looking beyond the main tourist trail and hoping to experience different architectural styles and local atmospheres. From the modernist port city to the historic canals of the “little Amsterdam,” these towns provide a more intimate glimpse into Dutch culture.

[Photo Credit: Leiden by Amanda MA via Unsplash]

Gouda: A typical Dutch city with its historic buildings, delicious cheese and, of course, a criss crossing of canals.

Rotterdam: As a hub of modern architecture and innovation, this city features striking bridges, futuristic buildings, and a dynamic waterfront that contrasts sharply with traditional Dutch towns.

Utrecht: Known for its unique wharf cellars along the canals and a lively student atmosphere, this city offers a cozy and authentic Dutch experience just a short train ride from Amsterdam.

Leiden: Photo-perfect, this town features tree-lined canals, windmills, wooden bridges and lush green spaces. With a wide range of museums and classic Dutch architecture, this is a perfect alternative to Amsterdam.

Spain

Sunny Spain is often synonymous with Barcelona and Madrid, known for vibrant culture, amazing food, tapas, beaches, history, and pumping nightlife. However, these incredible towns offer similar cultural richness and historical depth without the intense crowds of the major hubs, from the medieval streets of Catalonia to the Moorish heritage of Andalusia.

[Photo Credit: Damian and Sarah via Shared Adventures — read about their trip to Southern Spain here!]

Girona: With its perfectly preserved Jewish Quarter and colorful houses along the Onyar River, this city offers a medieval charm that rivals Barcelona but with a fraction of the visitors.

Valencia: As the birthplace of paella, this city combines futuristic architecture with an historic old town and wide sandy beaches, offering a vibrant and authentic Spanish experience.

Bilbao: Home to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, this Basque city blends cutting-edge art with a rich culinary scene and a revitalized urban landscape.

Granada: Nestled at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, this city is home to the majestic Alhambra and offers a unique blend of Moorish history and flamenco culture.

Seville: As the heart of Andalusia, Seville boasts stunning Moorish palaces, vibrant plazas, and a passionate flamenco scene that captures the soul of southern Spain.

Are you ready to start exploring the road less traveled? Let us know, and we can help you plan an adventure with the best of both worlds!

Looking for a hidden gem? Check out our introductory travel guide to Montenegro

June 18, 2026 by Liz Picurro Leave a Comment

Montenegro offers an authentic, unspoiled experience, which can be harder and harder to find in Europe these days. Whether you are seeking the adrenaline of canyoning, the serenity of a monastery, or the simple joy of a cliffside sunset, this small country offers a wealth of experiences without the overwhelming crowds. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering this amazing country for your next adventure:

The Basics

Montenegro is the smallest of the six nations that once formed Yugoslavia. Located just below Serbia and Croatia in the Balkans, this country boasts rugged mountains and stunning coastlines.

Montenegro is not part of the EU, so you will need to go through a traditional border control. Despite this, the official currency is the Euro.

Montenegrin is the official language, but they use both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets. In many of the main cities and towns, English is widely spoken.

The country is divided into three distinct zones – the coast, the central mountains, and the wild north. It’s most commonly combined with a visit to Croatia, and you can fly in and out of Dubrovnik, for a better assortment of flight options.

Charming Coastal Towns & Pristine Waters

The Adriatic coast is home to historic towns, stunning blue waters, sun-kissed beaches, and quaint cobblestone city centers.

Kotor, a UNESCO site with 2,000 years of history, blends medieval architecture with a beautiful bay and beach-town tranquility. The labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets brings to mind Venice and Nice. Narrow passages open up to small squares with tables of restaurants and cafes in the bright sunshine. This is certainly the most popular city along the coast for good reason!

[Photo Credit: Faruk Kaymak via Unsplash]

Further south, Ulcinj boasts rare long sandy beaches and a stunning, stone-walled old town, while the sleepy village of Perast offers a serene, charming vibe with its seaside promenade. The bay of Perast, although a sea, brings to mind the dramatic mountains and lake-like beauty of Lake Como. Budva, with its 2,500-year history and lively nightlife, provides a mix of family-friendly coves and vibrant evening scenes.

Dramatic Nature & A Green Retreat

Venturing inland, the central mountains around Lake Skadar and Cetinje offer a quieter, greener retreat.

With five national parks, the mountainous regions of the country are perfect for those looking to enjoy nature and bathe in the beauty of the forests. Each National Park features a criss-cross of hiking trails for all levels, panoramic views, and diverse wildlife.

The “Wild North,” encompassing Durmitor National Park, is a realm of glacial lakes, pine forests, and craggy peaks. Here, you can find the dramatic Tara River Canyon and Piva Canyon, perfect for canyoning, rafting, and hiking. It is a place where you can truly get away from it all.

[Photo Credit: Gleb Lucky via Unsplash]

Getting Around

A rental car is the best way to explore Montenegro. The roads are generally in good condition, though often narrow and winding, carved through dramatic landscapes. Be prepared for drives that take longer than expected, but know that the scenic rewards are immense.

If you are completely adverse to a rental car, there are a few train and bus options like the 11-hour train ride from Belgrade to Bar. You can take just sections of this inspiring train journey and we particularly reccomend the section from Podgorica to Bar for the best scenery.

[Photo Credit: Laurynas Zizys via Unsplash]

History, Culture & Food

Montenegrin culture is centered around gostoprimstvo or hospitality. They are generally very warm and generous towards visitors. Montenegrins have a relaxed attitude towards life, with a view to resting first and doing later. Similar to a coastal Spanish or Southern Italian relaxed culture. When the landscapes around you are so incredibly beautiful, how can you not stop to enjoy them first?

Because Montenegro has always battled for its independence against much larger armies, the national identity is built on pride and resistance. You’ll find plenty of history, art, and relics to visit throughout the country, and particularly in the central city of Cetinje.

The country has large populations of both Eastern Orthodox Christians and Muslims, so you’ll find both stunning temples and historic mosques. Both are open to non-religious visitors as long as they are respectful and dress modestly. You’ll also find that during major religious holidays of both faiths, stores and restaurants may close in observance.

[Photo Credit: Benjamin Nilsen via Unsplash]

Despite their constant battle for independence, Montenegro was ruled by several powers over its long history. The most prominent of these were the Venetians and the Ottomans. So you’re sure to see Italian and Turkish influences, especially in the cuisine.

The food is hearty, rustic, and generous, built around grilled meats, sausages, and savory pastries. Mediterranean vegetables and seafood are also main features, particularly near the coast. The star of the show is the local red wine, particularly from the Crmnica wine region, and homemade rakija (Balkan brandy). You will find traditional konobas serving these dishes in charming settings, from the coastal towns to the mountain villages.

[Photo Credit: Eirik Skarstein via Unsplash]

When To Visit

While July and August offer peak beach weather (86-95°F) and lively nightlife, they also bring larger crowds and higher prices.

The shoulder seasons of May, June, and September are arguably the best overall. May and June offer lush greenery, wildflowers, and comfortable temperatures (68-78°F), while September provides warm days (78-83°F) with dramatically thinner crowds, making it ideal for hiking.

[Photo Credit: Anastasiia Malai via Unsplash]

Are you ready to enjoy an adventure in Montenegro? Let us know and we will help you plan the perfect trip away from the crowds immersed in the beauty of this small country.

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