Studying abroad offers an unparalleled opportunity for travel, and immersing oneself in diverse cultures, cuisines, and people from across the globe is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Yet, when it comes to European travel, the usual suspects often steal the spotlight. While dreaming of wandering the streets and canals of Amsterdam, skiing the Swiss Alps, or lounging by the coast in Lisbon is certainly enticing, my own journey through GW’s Global Bachelor’s Program has led me off the beaten path.
Despite visiting over 35 countries during my three semesters abroad, I have yet to set foot in some of Europe’s most famous destinations.
Instead, I opted for Bratislava over Barcelona, Ohrid over Oslo, Vilnius over Venice, and Albania over Amsterdam. While some may raise an eyebrow at my unconventional choices, I stand firm in my belief that venturing down the road less traveled is always worth it. In this blog post, I aim to share my experiences in the "hidden gems" of Europe and hopefully inspire you to explore these lesser-known destinations.
Hidden gems provide many benefits that more conventional destinations do not:
Lack of tourists - Choosing lesser-known destinations allows for a truly immersive experience without the crowds. In Vilnius, my first stop during my first semester abroad, the slogan of the airport was, "I didn’t know where Vilnius was… luckily my pilot did." This sentiment encapsulates the real essence of these destinations. Walking tours may very well become personal private tours as nobody else signs up, American accents are rare to nonexistent, and dining experiences offer authentic, traditional cuisine free from tourist traps. Plus, almost all young people in Europe speak English, so the linguistic barrier is far from insurmountable in any major city you travel to.
Price - One of the advantages of visiting hidden gems is the cost-effectiveness. Unlike more touristy destinations where companies are able to charge egregiously high prices due to incredible tourist demand, lesser-known places usually offer better value for money. From accommodations to dining and attractions, you'll likely find that your budget stretches way further, allowing you to book more trips overall while staying within your budget.
New stories - Diving into the depths of hidden gem destinations unveils a trove of untold histories. While mainstream tourist spots offer well-known stories, venturing off the beaten path allows you to uncover lesser-known historical perspectives. I now know an ungodly amount about random topics, whether it be the Russo-Georgian Treaty of 1783, the pre-Christian history of Lithuania, or Bratislava’s history under the Hungarian monarchy. Through the experiences in these travels, I have learned so much more about the history of our world than I ever could have sitting in a classroom.
When can you do it again - This has been the guiding question for me as I choose places to travel. When choosing between a hidden gem destination and a more conventional destination, I sometimes ask myself the question: “How easy is it to travel here later on from the United States?” For most of the hidden gems in Central and Eastern Europe, it is pretty difficult. It is far easier and more wallet friendly, for example, to fly from New York to Amsterdam or Lisbon than to Tbilisi or Ohrid. Seizing the opportunity to explore these less-traveled destinations while they are affordable and within reach is a great idea!
My top 5 hidden gems:
- Tbilisi, Georgia
- Vilnius, Lithuania
- Riga, Latvia
- Dresden, Germany
- Tallinn, Estonia
By no means in this article am I saying not to travel to Western Europe, or more conventional destinations! I loved my time in Paris, London, and Rome, and definitely think they were worth a visit. The main point of this article, rather, is to argue that diversity in travel is essential to the study abroad experience. We can, and should, visit some of the most famous destinations in Europe. However, it is equally important that we look into places without lines of tourists, with lower prices, with lesser-told histories, and which are harder to get to from the United States.
It is hard to strike a balance between spending some weekends in your study abroad city (which is very important), taking trips to conventional destinations, and trying out some lesser-known spots. I know I have definitely struggled with this in Prague, which is in itself an incredible place with many weekends worth of attractions to offer. However, when you plan to travel outside your host country, striking that balance is essential. By mastering this juggling act, you unlock the potential for an extraordinary journey and learning opportunity that makes you far more aware of the world in which you live.
Joshua Blaustein
Spring 2024
Semester in Prague - Charles University (East & Central European Studies)
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major
The Global Bachelor's Program