Eastern Europe in January

Hi all,

I've planning backpacking trip and have booked a contiki tour from Berlin to Budapest and this finishes on the 11th of January in Budapest. I then have until the 24th January to explore somewhere else on my own. I fly out of Warsaw on the 24th January and I am looking for suggestions of things to do and places to see?

Is this a bad idea doing this in January? I may change the date to fly out earlier if it is not worth it in the cold months.

I would like to stick to the cheaper countries. I was thinking about Romania then Poland or possibly catch a flight up to Estonia and travel by train through Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and then to Poland.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Pat

[ Edit: Edited on 14-Apr-2009, at 17:58 by phatpat ]

It will be very cold at that time of year - I spent a few days in Budapest at the end of December/beginning of January and it was around -8 every day and snowing. I enjoyed it and it was still beautiful but I wouldn't go to Eastern Europe again at that time of year. I think it would be more enjoyable in the summer months.

Please be aware, places like Romania and Poland are not the cheap places they used to be - and expect temperatures to average well below 0c that time of year.
You talk of backpacking - what sort of bed are you contemplating?? A room in all the countries you mention won't be less than €20 a night and camping just won't be an option that time of year.

Thanks, I have heard that.... but still cheaper than westeren Europe yeah?

20 euro should be ok I think.

I have budgeted 4000 Euro for all my accomodation, food, drinks, travel for 1 month (9 days of my accomodation and travel will be taken care of during the contiki though. Do you think that sounds ok?

Do you think I will need to bring a sleeping bag or will the rooms be warm enough?

[ Edit: Edited on 19-Apr-2009, at 17:37 by phatpat ]

You won't need a sleeping bag. All hotels, regardless of size and quality, will supply you with extra blankets if you need them.
A very handy tip.... Do some overnight travel on the trains - rather than in the day. That way you can sleep in your seat and avoid a night's fee in a hotel.

thanks redpaddy.

Do you think I will need thermal underwear/long johns?

Certainly not - unless you're planning on camping!! In which case, you'll need a space suit.

thank you, you have been a great help

You're welcome. I've been doing Eastern Europe for many years and if I can be of any help at all - please just ask.

It can be very cold in January ijn Poland. Sometimes -20 Celsius in the night, during the day it's usually between -10 to +5 degrees. You can get some information on www.fromtoinfo.com - there are links to weather information and official travel websites.