look into a railpass for eastern countries.  buses are no fun.

Actually, a eastern railpass isn’t a very good value as the prices are already cheap.  Trains are the norm in the central part, but buses are quicker, cheaper, and more popular in the Baltics, and sometimes the only choice in the Balkans.  Its really difficult to calculate all the prices of transport, but from experience in the past few years, a rough estimate would be 30-40 euro for short international routes, and 10-20 for within the country. 
 
Your costs are going to vary greatly from one country to another.  E. Europe prices are slowly but steadily riseing, and most of them are not on the euro.  Last fall, in Romania and Bulgaria I only spent less than 20 euro per day (plenty of hostels charge 10 or less per night).  In Poland and hungary it was closer to 40 per day (most hostels are closer to western prices).  Of course this is probably directly related to the amount of tourism. 
 
I know last year aussies needed visas for Romania and Bulgaria, though they have been accepted into schengen agreement, not sure when it takes effect, I think sometime in 08. 

I think everyone should experience a 20 hour bus ride across Eastern Europe at least once in their life, it’s a real humbling experience

Plus you’ll look humble after that that bus ride, walking around like a hunchback.

I have written a lot about the country, and Cil, Tinsie, Malakka, Frihed, Oldlady, Segacs, Seraphim, Nadrazi, and a few others have also travelled there.  Do a Eurotrip Search on the country first, and let us know if you have any questions.

I am not sure what the Visa requirements are for Belrus and Russia for Australians, but for US citizens they require a Letter of Invitation.

If you ahve the time add the Ukraine to your list. I heard Lviv and Kiev are great cities. If you are going to Romania, you may be able to cross into Moldova and then into Ukraine. In Moldova there is Transdniestr, a self-declared republic.

Also you are not too far off from Czech Republic which is worth a trip.

And if you are looking to get a lot for your money I have read Bosnia & Hercegovina is a cheap country with great up and coming atmosphere.

Thanks for the replies, guys.
 
Just a few other questions…
 
What is my safety level? If I’m travelling on my own through all these countries, is it a bad idea? Am I likely to get kidnapped?
 
Where can I do a Eurotrip search on the countries?
 
And finally, is it vital to have a Visa?
 
Thanks again.
 
 

Not unless you also plan on visiting Colombia, Iraq, or Gaza. 

What on earth gave you that idea?  (Have you travelled abroad before?)



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Australian nationals don’t need a visa for any of the countries you mentioned except Russia and Belarus.

http://www.visatorussia.com/

Kidnapped?! Be serious! Statistically you’re about as likely to be kidnapped as you are of being burned to death in an Aussie youth hostel.
 
The previous advice about railpasses is correct, don’t bother. Buses are usually faster and are often cheaper.
 
Travel from one Baltic capital to the other is usually around the 10-15 euro mark one way and all the capitals are about 5 to 6 hours apart.
 
A youth hostel here in Latvia costs about 10-11 euro a night high season.
 
I (and others) firmly recommend avoiding Buchurest in Romania and sticking to the North parts of the country (Transylvania and surounds).

Indeed, I also recommend concentrating your visit to Romania on other spots, like Transylvania or the Danube Delta. Bucharest would only deserve a short visit of at most one day, but only if you necessary reach it.
 
All best,
radu

 
lol, actually you are probably much more likely to die in a hostel full of aussies, those bunch of restless drunks.  []

hey, i´m looking for information on Brest, Belarus since I might go on a 2-day trip from Warsaw. Do you know about any cheap hostel? Any other tips?
Thanx in advance!

Check to see if you need a visa for Belarus. You might be able to get by with a cheaper and easier transit visa if you’re only there a day or two, but you’ll want to work it all out and know exactly what you need weeks in advance.