Belarus
Originally part of Kievan Rus, Belarus was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth until the Polish Partitions in the 18th century. After over a hundred years of Russian rule followed by seven decades as a constituent republic of the USSR, Belarus attained its independence in 1991.
Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe bordered by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Its capital and most populous city is Minsk. Over 40% of its 207,600 square kilometres is forested.
Belarus remains a underrated tourist destination for many foreigners.
Belarus welcomed 365,500 visitors in 2018. Belarus’ most valuable tourism source market was Russia (57%). Others included Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, Ukraine, Germany, China, Spain, Estonia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and Israel. Their average period of stay in Belarus was 5 days. (Sources: National Statistics Committee, Taxes and Duties Ministry of Belarus)
Where to go: 9 cities & towns to must visit in the Belarus
Minsk
Brest
Nesvizh
Polack
Lida
Vitsebsk
Mir
Babruysk
Gomel
“The Professional Hobo”
“Never Ending Footsteps”
Typical Costs When Travelling
Accommodation – Belarus offer a full range of accommodation from luxury to budget. Most bookings can be made online, directly with each hotel or hostel and payment is made either in advance or at the property. However, some hostels will accept payment by cash only.
Food – Modern Belarusian cookery is based on old national traditions, which have undergone a long historical evolution. But the main methods of traditional Belarusian cuisine are carefully kept by the people. Common in Belarusian cuisine were dishes from potato. Halal food is not so easily available so do check list of certified halal food products in Belarus.
Transportation – Belarus is not a large country, and a traveler can reach from one side of its border to the other in less than a day. You can use train, bus, minibus for intercity travel. Fares are very cheap and service is good.
Suggested daily budget – 30-40 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)
Money Saving Tips
1
cooking while travelling
There are many ready to eat halal products available. Instant noodles, mashed potatoes, instant vegetable and so on. These products are not expensive and you can prepare it in your hostel kitchen.
2
Ride like local
Public transport is super cheap in Belarus so try to use metro and trolley buses but if weather is pleasant then walking in Belarus is worthy too 🙂
3
Get Metro passes (Minsk only)
There is also an option to buy a swipe card for 2 or 3 days, but in this case, you need to choose metro + any other means of transport
4
Couchsurf
couchsurfing is popular among the backpacker and traveler. It give opportunity to meet locals and save money
My Must Have Guides For Traveling
Everything you neeed to know about traveling.
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September 27, 2018
