Central and Eastern Europe
Evolving from closed and prohibited to popular
Similar languages, history and values
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 as well, therefore it is logical, that I have a lot of connection with it. Predominantly Slavic languages are similar to my mother tongue, common history, similar values until 1990s, the social dimension of the country’s structure and the desire to join the European Union.
From communism and planning to democracy and capitalism
Following World War II, this region of the world became isolated from Western Europe, with governance 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 emergence of unemployment, the establishment of a private sector and entrepreneurial ventures, the formation of political parties, and a significant economic crisis were all new elements introduced to a system previously characterized by oppression, a single political party, a centrally planned economy, and enforced equality among the general population, with the exception of the political elite.
Traditional cuisine, wild nightlife, rich history and beautiful beaches
After demanding transition, the countries have stabilized and many joined European Union, implementing democratic laws, consumer lifestyle and the principle of private property.
Nevertheless, 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. Eastern Europe, while still more affordable than Western Europe, presents a unique cultural experience and has recorded some of the highest growth rates in the 2010s.
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.
Among its main attractions are traditional cuisine, wild nightlife, rich history and beaches with turquoise water.
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 contrast, I found the Baltics to lack sufficient charm to warrant more than a few days in each country.
However, 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. This may be attributed to their ongoing transformations, the introduction of new attractions, the availability of unique culinary experiences, and a better value proposition compared to Western Europe.
