Preparing for your trip
| Package: | Discover Serbia, Romania & Bulgaria, 2025/2026 |
Print this page and refer to it as you prepare for your trip!
Printed Mar 31, 2025. Please visit https://staging.friendlyplanet.com/before-you-go/?tourId=2051 for the latest updates.
Checklist
| Item | Due | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Ensure you have a current passport valid for at least six months after your return date. | ASAP |
| ☐ | Passport Pages. Ensure you have enough empty pages in your passport as per the entry requirements at your destination | ASAP |
| ☐ | Complete your registration. You'll receive a link to the registration form after you complete your booking. | Within 5 days of booking |
| ☐ | Request any additions or changes you may still want to make to your trip. (Fees and/or additional charges may apply.) | 75 days prior to travel |
| ☐ | Make your final payment, if any balance is due. | See your invoice |
| ☐ | Obtain any necessary travel visas and review any requirements for entry. | See below |
| ☐ | Print your itinerary and other final documents, which we will send you via email by 14 days prior to travel. | Prior to travel |
| ☐ | Print your policy documents, if you purchased travel insurance, and carry them with you. | Prior to travel |
| ☐ | Enroll in The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), if you're a U.S. citizen or national, so the State Dept. can locate and assist you in case of an emergency. | Prior to travel |
In addition, if you booked flights with your package:
| Item | Due | |
|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Book connecting flights to your departure city, if necessary. (Please confirm your international flight schedule first!) | After receiving your e‑tickets |
| ☐ | Make advance seat reservations for your international flight, if you have a preference. | After receiving your e‑tickets |
| ☐ | Confirm your flight times and any special meal requests with the airline, and print and carry a copy of your e-ticket. | 72 hours prior to travel |
| ☐ | Check in for your flights online and download/print your boarding passes (if available). | 24 hours prior to travel |
| ☐ | Arrive at the airport, ready for the trip of a lifetime! | 3½ hours prior to departure |
Documents & Entry Requirements
Entry requirements are provided for your convenience. However, unless otherwise stated, it is your responsibility to determine the requirements that apply to you and your trip and to comply with them, including obtaining any necessary visas or other travel documents by the required deadlines and carrying them with you. Especially with COVID-19, requirements are subject to change, so check back for the latest before you depart.
Bulgaria Entry Requirements
Advice from our partner Sherpa
Romania Entry Requirements
Advice from our partner Sherpa
Serbia Entry Requirements
Advice from Friendly Planet
- Capital: Belgrade
- Population: 6.7 million (approx.)
- Currency: Serbian Dinar (RSD)
- Languages: Serbian
- Drives on the: Right
- Time zone: GMT +1 (GMT +2 during daylight saving time)
Advice from our partner Sherpa
General Requirements & Guidelines
- In general, you must have a passport to travel abroad, which should be valid for at least six months after your return date. Passports expiring before then should be renewed as soon as possible. Passports contain at least 2 blank pages for each country visited. If your passport does not have this many pages, obtain a new passport as soon as possible.
- if your passport and visa are not in order, airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding, countries may deny entry, and your trip may be disrupted. Travel insurance may not cover such losses.
- Any changes in names or passport information should be reported to us immediately. Airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding if the name on your passport does not match your tickets.
- Minors (age 17 or younger) departing and/or returning to the U.S. without parents or with only one parent may be required by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to present a notarized parental consent letter and/or unabridged birth certificate (more information). Many other countries have similar entry requirements, especially for minors traveling with a parent/guardian with a different surname; check with the consulates of all countries you'll be visiting to learn more.
Final Documents
Your final travel documents will be sent to you via email by 14 days prior to departure. These will include your daily itinerary, hotel and emergency contact information, and other relevant information. Please print your documents and take them with you. If you're departing in less than a week and haven't received your documents, let us know immediately!
Travel Insurance Documents
If you purchased travel insurance, please print and carry your policy documents, including contact information for emergency travel assistance and instructions on how to make a claim. If you purchased the travel protection plan we offer, we recommend you print the full policy.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
We encourage all U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows you to receive important updates about safety and security issues in your destination, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy, as well as family & friends, to contact you in case of an emergency. To enroll or get more information, please visit the STEP website or any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Flights, Transfers & Arrival
Questions about your flights before you depart? Read the information below first. If you still have questions, contact our air specialists at
Tour Only Option
If you purchased this package without flights, you are responsible for arranging your own flights and transportation to the touring program start and end points, usually the first and last hotels listed in the itinerary. Please review the itinerary carefully, as some packages start and end in different cities, requiring "open jaw" flights. Also see airport transfers and what to do in case of arrival complications.
Flights & Tickets
If you selected flights with your package, we generally book your flights and issue tickets after your final payment due date.
If you requested flights from another city, our air specialists will research the best options and send you a tentative flight schedule and quote for your approval within 5 business days of your booking (or approximately 330 days prior to travel, if you booked further out than that).
Once we have issued your tickets, we'll send you an "e-ticket receipt" which contains all of your flight information, including times, carriers, an airline booking reference number, and an e-ticket number. If you have not received this, or have questions about the flights we booked for you, please contact our air department. You will not receive paper tickets. We recommend you print and carry a copy of your flight details, including the airline booking reference number and e-ticket number, as some airports require this to enter the terminal. You do not need to reconfirm your flights with the airline prior to your departure, as we will handle this for you.
Toll-free numbers for airline assistance:
- United Airlines (UA): 800-864-8331
- Lufthansa (LH): 800-645-3880
- Air Canada (AC): 888-247-2262
- Austrian Airlines (OS): 800-843-0002
- Swiss Air (LX): 877-359-7947
- Brussels Airlines (SN): 866-308-2233
- LOT Polish Airlines (LO): 212-789-0970
Flight Schedule
If you selected flights with your package, you will receive your flight schedule by email once we issue your tickets.
If you requested flights from another city, our air specialists will research the best options and send you a tentative flight schedule for your approval, and a confirmed schedule once we issue your tickets.
Airlines may change schedules at any time, even after flights have been confirmed, and we are not responsible for such changes. Please check for updates to your flight schedule prior to booking any connecting flights and again 72 hours prior to departure.
Connecting Flights
If you need to fly from (and/or return to) a different U.S. or Canadian city, we suggest you request those flights from us. If feasible, we will try to book all your flights together with a single carrier or a partner network on a single ticket. This ensures that your luggage will be transferred between flights for you, and more importantly, that if there are any schedule changes, flight cancellations, or delays that affect your trip, the airline(s) will adjust your flights to ensure you have sufficient time to make your connections and/or make alternate arrangements to get you to your destination. Besides offering the most peace of mind, this often yields lower fares than purchasing separate connecting flights.
If you plan to purchase connecting flights to your departure city, we strongly suggest waiting until after your final payment due date and after you receive the e-tickets for your international flights, to reduce the chances that that your departure might be cancelled or rescheduled or that your international flight times might change. Before purchasing connecting flights, verify the times for your international flights. Leave at least 3½ hours connecting time between flights, and if you're traveling within a few weeks of Daylight Savings Time changes (in March and November, when flight schedules may change even more dramatically), allow 5–5½ hours between flights. Nobody likes waiting around the airport, but missing your flight is far worse!
Airport Transfers
If you purchased this package with flights scheduled group airport transfers at the destination are included. Transfers are included only on the start and end days of the package. When you exit customs, please look for our representative holding a Friendly Planet sign, who will escort you to your transfer vehicle.
If you purchased this package without flights, transfers are generally not included. In most cases, private transfers are available for an additional fee; contact us for price and availability. Or you may instead arrange your own ground transportation to the touring program start and end points. (Note that there is no discount for any unused included transfers).
Arrival Complications
We make every effort to ensure our tours run smoothly and trouble-free. We don't expect any problems, and nor should you. But when things don't go as planned, here's what to do:
- You miss your flights, or your flights are cancelled: Please call us immediately. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox, with a phone number at which to reach you, and we'll get right back to you.
- Your flights are delayed and you're worried about missing your included transfers: Please contact us to let us know about the delay, and we will notify our partners in destination. If you are arriving on one of our group flights, or booked your own flights and supplied us with the details, our partners will be tracking your arrival and will plan accordingly.
- Your package includes transfers, but you can't find our representative at your destination: Don't panic—they may have been unexpectedly delayed. Wait up to 30 minutes. Then contact our local partners in destination, listed on the emergency contact page of your final documents. If you can't reach them, call us. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox. If all else fails, make your own way to the starting hotel (or cruise port), and we'll refund you the cost of your transfer.
Packing & Luggage
Baggage allowance: In general, our tours & packages allow per person: one checked bag, not to exceed 44 pounds; one personal item such as a purse or camera bag; and one carry-on bag, which should fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment. If your trip includes domestic flights within your destination and/or travel by motor coach, your carry-on should also fit should also fit under your seat or in the overhead bins on those flights or coaches.
Learn more about Baggage Allowances on your international flights. Note that our baggage allowances may be less than those for your international flights. If you exceed the baggage limits, you may be subject to excess baggage charges levied by the airlines and/or by Friendly Planet.
Regardless of the limits—we recommend a smaller size and weight for both your checked and carry-on bags. It's so much easier and faster for you to get around when you have fewer, lighter bags! For your carry-on, consider a soft-sided bag such as a duffel rather than a hard clamshell-type case, which may not fit as easily into overhead compartments or under your seat, especially on buses. For your protection, we suggest your checked luggage have a TSA-approved lock.
Luggage tags: For your safety, we are no longer mailing Friendly Planet luggage tags to you. We encourage you to use your own. Fill in the luggage tags with your name and contact information and attach to each bag, including carry-ons and camera cases, so that your luggage can be identified should it get misplaced during your trip.
What to pack: Check out our list of top 10 must-haves for international travel, as well as what not to pack. Pack smart: put your travel documents, medications, one change of clothing, and other essentials in your carry-on, in case your checked baggage is misplaced. And pack light, for your own comfort and convenience. For clothing, we suggest packing a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.
What not to pack: U.S. law forbids you to carry hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your checked or carry-on baggage or on your person, including explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids & solids, loaded firearms, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Common examples include paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, mace/tear gas and oxygen bottles. Restricted materials may vary by airline and destination. Some items, in quantities of no more than 70 ounces total, may be carried within baggage, including medicinal or toilet articles such as hairspray, perfume and certain medicines that are necessary during your journey. Please check with the airline and/or visit the FAA website prior to travel if you have any questions.
While on Tour
What to Expect
<p>This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking on uneven terrain and cobblestones, or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness.</p>
Remember that you're a guest in someone else's homeland, and that you're traveling to experience their country and culture. Be sensitive to local customs and manners, as many things may be done differently than what you're used to. And while we have made every effort to secure modern and comfortable accommodations and transportation, please note that the standards in other countries may be different from those you are accustomed to at home. Overall, you will find a polite, positive, patient, and open-minded approach generally yields the best travel experience!
Please keep in mind that you'll be traveling with a group. Sharing your explorations with like-minded folks can often be a source of joy, and some of our travelers become lifelong friends. But traveling with strangers can also sometimes be challenging, especially in a foreign country. We ask that you be patient and respectful with your fellow travelers, including their needs and preferences. Also remember that you have responsibilities to the group—please be prompt for group activities so you don't keep everyone else waiting. Lastly, please defer to your tour leader, guide or manager. They are there for your safety and wellbeing, and to ensure the journey goes smoothly for everyone. If you have a problem with one of our tour guides or managers, please let us know, either while you're on tour or after you return, and we'll make sure your concerns are addressed.
Accommodations
As you journey through Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria, you'll be captivated by the picturesque landscapes and charming countryside, reminiscent of a storybook. Carefully selected the finest accommodations to ensure your comfort. However, please note that even the highest European standards may differ from those you are accustomed to. Rest assured, all your hotels are Western-style, well-appointed with modern conveniences, and include a private bathroom. Additionally, as wall socket types may vary, we recommend bringing a travel adapter/converter kit, as these may not always be readily available.
Eating & Drinking
The meals included with your package are listed in the itinerary.
The cuisine in Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria is rich in hearty dishes, full of bold flavors, and often accompanied by a glass of local wine or beer. Traditional meals are heavy on meats, dairy, and high-fat foods, as these countries have historically relied on filling meals to sustain people through cold winters. While larger cities like Belgrade, Bucharest, and Sofia offer a variety of international and vegetarian-friendly options.
Non-Included Meals: On average, lunch in local cafes and restaurants ranges from $15 to $25 per person, while dinner typically costs between $20 and $35 per person.
Hotels accepts major credit card payments for non-included meals. Most restaurants and cafes in urban areas also accept major credit cards, though carrying some local currency is advisable when dining in smaller towns or rural locations.
Please see above for special meal requests.
Tipping
You will be traveling to four different countries in the company of a professional National Guide and driver who are very committed to making your tour the dream vacation you are counting on. These people feel great pride in being given a chance to show foreign visitors their country. If your guide, driver and others with whom you are traveling are doing a good job, please take our suggestions for tipping seriously. Naturally, tipping is personal and completely voluntary, and if you have not received good service, your tip should reflect this fact. (You should also let us know without delay.) But just as you would never think of having dinner at a restaurant without leaving an appropriate tip, you should apply the same thinking to tipping as you travel.
A small gratuity to your guides and drivers will be greatly appreciated by them. It is customary to collect group tips and distribute them among the guides in each city. The recommended amount is $15 per person per day for the tour guide, $5 per person per day for the local guide (if applicable) and $10 per person per day for your driver. It is also customary to tip the hotel staff. Our recommended amount is $5 per person per day for housekeeping. The same amount is recommended for restaurant staff. We recommend $1 per suitcase to the bellman who brings your suitcase to the room. As always, gratuities are an individual expression of thanks and should be based on the level of service provided.
Special Needs & Requests
Please see above for special meal requests and seat requests. If you have any other special requests, including wheelchair or electric cart assistance, please mention your request when you book with an agent, or in the special requests section when you book online. We will do our best to accommodate them!
Country FAQs
Bulgaria Fast Facts
| Overview |
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| Weather | Bulgaria experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are warm and dry, with temperatures averaging 77°F–86°F along the Black Sea coast. Winters (December–February) are cold, especially in the mountains, where snowfall makes for excellent skiing. Spring and autumn offer mild weather, ideal for exploring cities and nature. |
| What to wear | Pack according to the season. Lightweight clothing is best for summer, while spring and autumn require layers. In winter, bring warm clothes, especially if visiting mountainous regions. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring historic sites and cobbled streets. |
| Dining | Bulgarian cuisine is a flavorful mix of Balkan, Mediterranean, and Ottoman influences, known for its fresh ingredients and hearty dishes. A staple of Bulgarian dining is shopska salad, a refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta-like sirene cheese, often paired with a shot of rakia, the country’s signature fruit brandy. Traditional favorites include banitsa (a flaky pastry filled with cheese and eggs), kavarma (slow-cooked meat stew with vegetables), and kyufte (grilled meat patties seasoned with local spices). Yogurt holds a special place in Bulgarian cuisine, as the country is famous for its unique strains of probiotic-rich dairy. Desserts like baklava and tolumbi (syrup-soaked dough pastries) reflect the region’s Ottoman heritage. |
| Money & Credit Cards | The Bulgarian Lev (BGN) is the official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, though carrying cash is advisable for smaller towns and markets. ATMs are common in cities and tourist areas. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad. |
| Shopping | Bulgaria is known for its handmade crafts, including rose oil products from the famous Rose Valley, colorful ceramics, and intricately woven textiles. Shop for local wines, honey, and rakia (a traditional fruit brandy). Markets in Sofia, Plovdiv, and Veliko Tarnovo offer authentic souvenirs. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | Bulgaria uses Type F power outlets, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Travelers from North America will need a power adapter and possibly a voltage converter. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Did you know? |
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Romania Fast Facts
| Overview |
|
| Weather | Romania experiences four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are warm, with temperatures averaging 75°F–85°F, perfect for exploring cities and the Black Sea coast. Winters (December–February) are cold, especially in the mountains, where snowfall transforms resorts like Poiana Brașov into skiing destinations. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and beautiful landscapes, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. |
| What to wear | Pack according to the season. Light clothing is recommended for summer, while layered outfits are best for spring and autumn. If visiting in winter, bring warm clothing, especially for mountain regions. Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring Romania’s historic towns and rugged landscapes. |
| Dining | Romanian cuisine is a delicious blend of Balkan, Ottoman, Hungarian, and Slavic influences, with an emphasis on rich flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Traditional dishes include sarmale (cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice), mămăligă (a cornmeal dish similar to polenta, often served with cheese and sour cream), and mititei (grilled minced meat sausages seasoned with garlic and spices). Hearty stews like ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup) and tocăniță (slow-cooked meat stew) are popular, especially in colder months. Romania is also known for its pastries, such as papanasi, a fried dough dessert topped with sour cream and jam. Pair your meal with a glass of țuică, a strong plum brandy, or a locally produced wine from regions like Transylvania and Moldova. |
| Money & Credit Cards | The Romanian Leu (RON) is the official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but cash is recommended for small towns and rural areas. ATMs are readily available in cities and tourist hubs. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad. |
| Shopping | Romania offers a variety of unique souvenirs, including handcrafted ceramics, traditional embroidered clothing, and wooden carvings. Look for locally produced honey, wines, and plum brandy (țuică), a popular Romanian spirit. Markets in Bucharest and Sibiu are great places to find authentic crafts and gifts. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | Romania uses Type F power outlets, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Travelers from North America will need a power adapter and possibly a voltage converter. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Did you know? |
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Serbia Fast Facts
| Weather | Serbia has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures (June–August) range from 77°F to 95°F, making it a great time to enjoy festivals and river cruises. Winters (December–February) can be cold, especially in mountainous regions, where snowfall creates excellent skiing conditions. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor adventures. |
| What to wear | Dress according to the season. Light clothing is ideal for summer, while autumn and spring require layers. In winter, warm clothing and sturdy footwear are necessary, especially if visiting the mountains. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring historical sites and cobblestone streets. |
| Dining | Serbian cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Balkan, Mediterranean, and Central European influences, with an emphasis on hearty, home-cooked meals. Grilled meats like ćevapi (minced meat sausages) and pljeskavica (Serbian-style burger) are local favorites, often served with flatbread and ajvar, a rich red pepper relish. Traditional dishes such as sarma (cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice) and gibanica (savory cheese-filled pastry) highlight the country’s love for comfort food. Serbia is also known for its strong coffee culture and rakija, a potent fruit brandy enjoyed as both an aperitif and a symbol of hospitality. From lively taverns in Belgrade to rustic village kitchens, dining in Serbia is a warm and communal experience. |
| Money & Credit Cards | The Serbian Dinar (RSD) is the official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, but cash is recommended for rural areas and smaller businesses. ATMs are readily available in urban centers. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad. |
| Shopping | Serbia offers a variety of unique souvenirs, including handmade pottery, embroidered textiles, and rakija. Explore Belgrade’s artisan markets for locally crafted jewelry, honey, and traditional Serbian musical instruments. Novi Sad and Niš also have excellent markets for authentic handmade goods. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Serbia uses Type F power outlets, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Travelers from North America will need a power adapter and possibly a voltage converter. Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Did you know? |
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Fine Print
Terms & Conditions: Please review our terms & conditions for this package.
Cancellations: If something comes up and you need to cancel your trip, please let us know as soon as possible. All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellation fees vary by package; please see the cancellation fees for this package.