Central and Eastern Europe
Evolving from closed and prohibited to popular
Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) includes the Eastern Bloc (Warsaw Pact) countries west of the post-World War II border with the former Soviet Union, the newly formed independent states in former Yugoslavia, the three Baltic states and some other countries in Eastern Europe.
There are 20 countries in this region: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine.
My homeland is part of this region too, so it feels natural that I have close connections with it. We share Slavic languages, history, pre-1990s values, social structures, and a desire to join the EU.
I have been traveling across the CEE region in different ways since my youth. For a while it was off my radar, but later I rediscovered its charm and beauty.
From communism and planning to democracy and capitalism
Following World War II, this region of the world became isolated from Western Europe. The governance was predominantly in the hands of communist and socialist leaders who maintained their authority for extended periods. The collapse of the Iron Curtain in the early 1990s marked the beginning of a challenging transition towards democracy and a free market economy.
The rise of unemployment, the creation of a private sector, new entrepreneurial ventures, political parties, and a major economic crisis transformed daily life. These changes replaced a system once defined by oppression, a single ruling party, a centrally planned economy, and enforced equality for all but the political elite.
Transformation of Central and Eastern Europe
After a demanding transition, the countries eventually stabilized, with many joining the European Union. They adopted democratic laws, a consumer-oriented lifestyle, and the principle of private property.
Several positive attributes of the old system prevailed, particularly the high-quality public education, a dependable healthcare system and general security, including social support.
In 2020s, the region is still experiencing economic growth, with many cities undergoing modernization and offering superior living standards.
The tourism industry has undergone substantial growth, successfully attracting visitors, generating job opportunities, and reshaping the identity of popular destinations. Croatia, Czech Republic, and Poland have established themselves as premier tourist destinations within Europe. Central and Eastern Europe offers affordable travel, rich cultural experiences, and became one of the fastest-growing destinations of the 2020s.
While the predominant incentive for visiting Central and Eastern Europe in earlier times was the low cost, the reasons for travel to these countries have changed significantly in the 21st century.
For me, the real charm lies in its traditional cuisine, wild nightlife, rich history, and those irresistible beaches with turquoise water.
My evolving relationship with CEE
Over the course of many years, I have traveled to all the countries within the region. I regard the nations that emerged from the former Yugoslavia as my personal playground.
In the 2020s, I have come to appreciate certain Central and Eastern European countries as tourist destinations much more than before.
For instance, Poland, Czech Republic, Belarus, and Hungary are places I would be eager to return to. I think this shift comes from their ongoing changes and many new attractions, landmarks and things to do. They also offer unique food and great value for travelers.
Countries visited in Central and Eastern Europe – 20 of 20
