Slovakia, not to be mistaken with Slovenia, is a landlocked country sandwiched within Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Ukraine. For such a small country, Slovakia boasts of diverse landscapes from waterfalls to Karsts, and canyons to mountains. It is definitely worth a visit when you are in Central Europe!
Some Tips on Visiting Slovakia:
- The best way to get to Slovakia is via Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary or Poland by bus or train. You can visit local stations for updated schedules and fees, as only third-party agencies have their rather exorbitant rates published online.
- As there is no Slovakian consulate in the Philippines, it is best to apply for a Schengen visa with the EU country youre spending the most time in, or your first port of entry. For more info, visit VFS Global, now the only authorized Schengen visa processing facility in the Philippines.
- You can schedule your visit around these festival dates. Dates vary every year, so make sure you visit Slovakias official events page prior to travel:
- January 6- Ash Wednesday: Mardi Gras or Fasiangy period
- Early May: International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits at the Bojnice Castle in Prievidza
- June 29- July 2: Vychodná Folklore Festival in Levo?a
- Early September: Salamander Days in Banská tiavnica
- December: Christmas Fair in Bratislava
- (Interesting Fact): While January 1 is the Slovak Republic Day when Czechoslovakia split into present-day Czech Republic and Slovakia it may not be a good time to visit because it is celebrated by sleeping until noon!
- Download Google Maps and make use of its offline access feature. I used to download a different app per country, but this just beats all of them for finding the best routes and restaurants. Plus, I dont have to be on data all the time. CNET has a definitive guide on how to make the most of this new feature.
- As with any country in the world: eat (then walk), pray and love!
Get lost and find yourself. Happy travels!
P.S. The keys to sustainable travels are universal: take public transportation | stay in accommodations where cooking is allowed (private or shared, it doesnt matter) | walk as much as you can | wake up early | stay away from guidebooks | immerse yourself in local language, culture and history | visit local cafés | know that the possibilities are endless | listen to your gut
