Witness The Beauty Of Chilko Lake In British Columbia – Travel Guide

BY  Ankita Nov 7, 2023

One of the most enjoyable jobs on the planet is being a tour guide. If you love to travel and enjoy sharing that love with others, as well as the knowledge you have gleaned about the destinations you are guiding them to, then you should consider building a career based on that passion, and become a tour guide! There are lots of options out there, walking guides for the city sights, cruise and bus tour guides, and museum or special attraction guides. Finding work is fairly easy as there is always a demand, and when that tour operator payment gateway sends you your reward you will feel great knowing you earned it doing something that brought a smile to people's faces! The best tour guides have a certain set of skills in place that suit their profession, here are some of the most important: Knowledge –                     A tour guide needs to know a lot about where they are taking their group, and what they are showing them. They should have an in-depth knowledge of the area and its attractions that they can share with their group in order to give them the best experience possible. They are always prepared to answer unexpected questions, and ready to give pertinent insights and recommendations. A knowledgeable tour guide is one the tourist never forgets, and they will recommend you to their friends. Communication – t's important for tour guides to have excellent communication skills, they should be able to speak clearly and informatively, with proper pronunciation in order to facilitate easy-to-understand directions and information sharing, and to avoid any potential misunderstandings. They should also have a loud enough voice to carry across a crowd without the aid of a microphone or bullhorn and be able to command the attention of many people at the same time. Charisma – Being a tour guide is very much a people-oriented profession, one must be able to share their passion for the experiences they are guiding people to, share information in an informative yet fun and engaging manner, and build a cheerful rapport with their group. A successful tour guide has enough charisma to bring repeat customers back, not just to see the sights again, but for the pleasure of their company! Understanding And Empathy – People sometimes experience difficulties, even when they are out on a pleasant excursion. A tour guide must be sensitive to the individual's needs, and be able to handle any problems their charge is having with sincerity, kindness, and grace, as well as be accommodating as possible. The best tour guides are quite simply put, nice people! Flexibility - Things don't always go as planned, and in the event of a course change, the tour guide has to be able to think on their feet and make adjustments on the fly. Always have a Plan B in place! Check out the Tourism Australia website for more useful information for both guides and tourists. Good luck with your tour guide career Read Also: Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia Top 5 Used Japanese Vehicles In Australia Top Ten Southern Africa Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures A Beginner’s Guide To Island-Hopping In Greece

BY  Sibashree Oct 22, 2025

“The cats protect the city from mice, and in return, the people feed them.” The local shopkeeper told me as I was walking toward a dozen cats sitting on the stone steps at a locality near the Old Town. On a backpacking trip to Kotor, Montenegro, I found cats on the ancient walls, in cafes, and everywhere! Stretching their bodies in the Sun and with their purrs, they indeed looked like the guardians of the city. And it is them who made me feel at home. However, it’s not just the cats that make Kotor in Montenegro an ideal budget travel destination for backpackers. It now features in the second spot as one of the most underrated budget backpacker destinations by Bamba Travel. Its medieval streets, historic architecture, hiking routes, and seafood offer the most affordable travel options for backpackers. Also, it is a less-crowded place than most hotspots in Western Europe. Is there more to a Kotor Montenegro budget travel experience? We will figure out the answer in this blog. We will also talk about how to reach Kotor, Montenegro, the modes of transportation for moving around and more. Let’s plan a trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Natural Beauty Of Kotor, Montenegro Speaks: Understanding Its Location  Another vivid memory I have of Kotor is how I started my hike to the Kotor Fortress before sunrise. I was halfway up, and nature was getting ready to be bathed with the first rays of the Sun. The chirpings of birds and that smell, a mix of the scent of an oven after a cake is freshly baked, and the dew-drenched leaves created an ambiance that was inexplicable. Nevertheless, a local shepherd offered some cheese and rakija (homemade brandy), and we talked about life. Then, the Sun illuminated the entire Kotor Bay. Now, if not this, what is magic for a backpacker or traveler? Now, thanks to the unique natural location of Kotor, Montenegro, you can encounter many such magical experiences. Located in the Bay of Kotor, Kotor is a coastal town of Montenegro, and it is a part of the Kotor Municipality. It sits between the Adriatic Sea and the Dinaric Alps and has a mountainous terrain. How To Reach Kotor, Montenegro? How Tourists From Different Parts Of the World Can Visit Kotor?  The easiest way to reach Kotor is to travel to the Tivat Airport. Located at a distance of around 7 km, it is the closest to Kotor. You have to travel the remaining route by local transport. Podgorica Airport (40 km) and Dubrovnik Airport (44km, Croatia) are the two other airports near Montenegro. You will get flights from major European cities to these airports, and buses also run from neighboring countries such as Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina to Podgorica and Kotor. Furthermore, you can travel from Belgrade in Serbia to Podgorica in Montenegro and from Belgrade in Serbia to Bar in Montenegro. In addition, if you are traveling from Italy, you can take a ferry from Ancona on Italy’s eastern coast and take a ferry to Bar in Montenegro. You will have to make a journey of around 13 hours to reach your destination. Flights, Trains, Buses, And Other Modes of Transportation  For a backpacker, it’s a must to explore the Bay of Kotor in a boat. This boat takes you to many nearby towns and villages. However, for me, the trip to Perast was the highlight of these boat trips. The village has fewer than 300 people, and the quaint village offers some of the grandest views. Furthermore, if you want to move around and explore Kotor and its nearby localities by road, you will get car rentals, taxis, and shuttles. Why Is Kotor Montenegro, Budget Travel So Popular Among Backpackers?  While Greece and Croatia get all the attention on big tourism platforms, Montenegro in the Balkans is emerging as a favorite of the budget backpack travelers, thanks to the steady numbers. According to a report published by the International Trade Administration on 20th May 2024, tourism contributes 30% to Montenegro's GDP. Furthermore, the country is planning to boost its tourism prospects with a great focus on the following areas. Ecotourism  Cultural Tourism  Rural Tourism  Furthermore, another report published in ReportLinger suggests that the number of tourists to Montenegro is likely to reach 3.4 million by 2028. This is again a 2.8% rise from the number of 2.9 million tourists in 2023. Also, the tourism revenue is expected to reach $95 million by 2028. Now, in this scenario, Kotor is emerging as a sustainable tourism gem after a successful sustainability assessment by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The Port of Kotor in Montenegro, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and the Municipality of Kotor have done a successful assessment of the city. Vladimir Jokić, Mayor of Kotor, has commented, “As the Mayor of Kotor, I am pleased to say that Kotor is one of the few cities in the region that has undergone an important sustainability assessment process as a tourist destination. Together with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and CLIA, we brought together various stakeholders from public life to gather their input. All participants from public life, city government bodies, state authorities, universities, the civil sector, the economy, and entrepreneurs took part in this process. The assessment results provided us with a clear insight into the impact of tourism on our city, which will help us develop effective strategies for sustainable tourism – that is, how we should move forward regarding tourism.”  So, Kotor today is a benchmark in sustainable tourism in the European region, and it is a budget-friendly travel destination among tourists for the following reasons. 1. Affordable Accommodation Options, Including Hostels And Guesthouses  Kotor has plenty of budget stays, from cozy guesthouses run by local families to hostels right inside the Old Town. Many include free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and kitchen access. Prices start at around €10–€15 per night during the off-season, and you’ll often meet other travelers sharing tips over morning coffee.  2. Stunning Natural Beauty With Mountains And The Adriatic Sea  Kotor sits where the rugged Dinaric Alps meet the calm Adriatic Sea. Whether you’re hiking up to the fortress or just wandering the waterfront, every corner feels like a postcard. The Bay of Kotor, often called Europe’s southernmost fjord, is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just soaking in the sunset.  3. Rich Cultural And Historical Heritage In The Old Town  The Old Town is a maze of medieval lanes, Venetian palaces, and stone churches dating back to the 12th century. Walking here feels like stepping back in time and the best part is that exploring them is absolutely free! You can easily spend hours admiring its architecture and lively squares without spending a cent.  4. Numerous Free And Low-Cost Attractions  Many Kotor Montenegro activities are budget-friendly and free. Strolling along the Marina is the most relaxing experience I had at Kotor, Montenegro. Furthermore, the entrance fees to the museums and cathedrals here are very few. You need to just pay a few dollars. Overall, the magic of Kotor lies in exploring the city on foot or by boat the Kotor Bay. 5. Easy Access To Hiking Trails Like The Ladder Of Kotor  1350 Steps! Yes, you have to climb 1350 steps to complete the Ladder of Kotor hike. However, climbing up so many steps is a rewarding experience as the panoramic views of the city and the surroundings are breathtaking. 6. Budget-friendly Local Cuisine And Street Food  Kotor Montenegro food is comforting and simple, an extension of the simplicity of the city. I fell in love with sell burek or the savory pastries here. The filling in these pastries will remind you of your mother or grandmother who can create the biggest magic on the plate with the simplest ingredients. Furthermore, the family-run taverns or konobas here served the best grilled meat and seafood at the most affordable price.  7. Proximity To Other Balkan Destinations  You can easily include visiting places such as gems like Budva, Podgorica, or Dubrovnik in your Kotor Montenegro itinerary. Regional and international buses are available during the daytime and nighttime to explore these places on a budget. 8. Friendly Locals And A Welcoming Atmosphere  Montenegrins are hospitable, and language is never a barrier here. Many people here speak English. Especially the younger ones are well-versed in the language. So, it does not matter whether you are visiting Kotor for the first time or the last time. You will connect easily. 9. Vibrant Backpacker Community And Social Hostels  Kotor Montenegro hostels are beyond budget-friendly accommodations. These turn out to be the local social hub for solo travelers. Many of these hostels focus on activities such as:  Hiking Trips  Group Dinners  Local Events  Pub Crawling  So, you make new friends and earn new experiences with the locals guiding you. 10. Opportunities For Volunteering And Work Exchanges  Are you a digital nomad? Or, are you staying longer in Kotor? Many cafes, hostels and eco-projects in the city offer work-exchange programs or volunteer services. Explore platforms such as Worldpackers and Workaway to explore the listed job opportunities. Furthermore, there are many hostels and cafes where you can work for a few hours and get free accommodation and food in return. I have found several such listings on Worldpackers. You will have to work for 20 to 24 hours a week and have to shoulder working at receptions, administration, cleaning and housekeeping. You will get a shared dormitory and one meal in exchange for these services.  How To Plan The Kotor Montenegro Budget Travel For A Week? A week in Kotor can cost as little as $300–€400. Here is a quick breakdown. Montenegro Budget Travel Expenses Cost Breakdown Accommodation in Hostels $15–$25 per night Meals $5–$10 per meal at local eateries Kotor Montenegro Transport $10–$20 for buses and local travel Tours and Entrance Fees $5–$15 Total Average Daily Cost $35-60  Top Budget-Friendly Hostels In Kotor, Montenegro  Have a look at the table below for the list of budget-friendly hostels in Kotor, Montenegro. Staying in a hostel is one of the cheap ways to travel to Kotor Montenegro for backpackers.  Hostel Name Address Highlights Google Maps Montenegro Hostel 4U Bokeljskih brigada bb, Kotor • 30 Seconds from the beach• Great social vibe• Rooftop terraceClick HereHostel Pupa Njegoseva 254, Suranj, Kotor • Near the bus terminal and Old Town• Cozy common area Click HereOld Town Youth Hostel Stari Grad 284, Kotor • Inside Old Town• Party-friendly• Great for solo travelersClick HereHostel Centrum Stari Grad, Kotor • 2-minute walk from Old Town gate• Communal kitchenClick HereMontenegro Backpackers Home Old Town, Kotor • Great location• Excursions available• Well-equipped kitchenClick HereGuesthouse STEP Near Old Town, Kotor • Terrace Hiking • Access Budget-Friendly Click HereKotor Nest Coliving Kotor, Old Town • Ideal for digital nomads• Modern amenitiesClick Here Is Visiting Kotor Montenegro, Worth It?  I was walking through Old Town and stumbled upon a group of elderly men playing traditional Montenegrin music on guitars and accordions. Locals stopped, clapped, and danced spontaneously. They even invited me to join in. I learnt the local dances right there on the cobblestones. Now, this is the spirit of Montenegro, it’s about living life to the fullest and understanding the magic of minimalism. Furthermore, the main attractions such as the St. Tryphon Cathedral, the town of Perast, the Blue Cave, the Bay of Kotor, and the City Walls allow you to soak in its cultural heritage, history, and scenic beauty on a budget. Is Kotor, Montenegro, Struggling With Overtourism? Yes, like Venice, Barcelona, and many other major European cities, Kotor, the “Unsung” coastal beauty, is also struggling with the perils of overtourism. The rising number of cruises to the city is leading to this problem. As a result, the locals are now advocating for higher entrance fees. So, discussions are going on about raising the entrance fee, which is 1 Euro. This is justified because housing costs are rising due to the increase in tourism, and there are also environmental concerns. And it is not just homeowners who are worried about these growing numbers. The local shopkeepers and NGOs who work for community development and environmental issues are also concerned by the sudden boost in tourism. During my trip, I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Mandic, an environmental activist in the city. She said, “Hundreds of tourists are visiting the city every day. They are writing the city’s future, which will be irreversible.”  The Municipality of Kotor and the local tourism authorities will monitor the numbers to maintain the pristine charm of the coastal town. Montenegro Budget Travel: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Montenegro budget travel. 1. Are 4 Days Enough For Kotor, Montenegro?  Yes, 4 to 5 days are enough to explore the city of Kotor in Montenegro. You can walk through the Old Town, enjoy a boating tour in the Bay of Kotor, visit the nearby towns, and explore local life by having food at the family-run taverns in Kotor. 2. Is Kotor Or Budva Better?  Kotor and Budva both places are beautiful. However, Kotor is less touristy with its quaint cafes and the medieval Old Town, which stands as the eternal witness. Furthermore, Kotor is more suitable for budget-travelers as walking, hiking, cycling and biking are the best modes of knowing this city of Montenegro.  3. Which Language Is Spoken In Montenegro?  Montenegrin is the language of the people of Montenegro. However, Montenegrin is a part of the Serbo-Croatian language variety. So, it is similar to other languages such as Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian.Furthermore, many people here, especially the younger ones speak in English.  4. Can You Drink Tap Water In Montenegro?  Yes, you can drink tap water in Montenegro. Furthermore, you will find fresh water springs around Lake Skadar and in the mountains. Furthermore, food in Montenegro is also checked in labs to ensure complete safety. 5. What Are The Common Crimes In Kotor? Burglary and theft are the most common crimes in Kotor, Montenegro. Along with pickpocketing and snatching of purses, these crimes also include theft at ATMs. Furthermore, these crimes increase in number during the peak tourist season or the summer months.Also, organized crimes, especially the ones related to drug smuggling, are quite common in Kotor. In fact, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report “Montenegro-UNODC Strategic Partnership Framework (2024-2029),” “..., organized crime in Montenegro is mostly related to drugs smuggling. Montenegro is part of the ‘traditional’ opiate route from Afghanistan to Europe, or so called ‘Balkan Route’. In terms of trafficking routes, heroin is thought to come via road to Montenegro from Albania, Kosovo or Serbia and travel further towards Croatia and other European countries. 6. What Is The Best Time To Visit Kotor, Montenegro?  The summer months of July and August are the peak months for visiting Kotor in Montenegro. However, for budget friendly travelers, November to February is the ideal time for a visit to Kotor. Despite rainfall being a factor, these are the months for skiing and watersports in nearby mountains. Also, with the number of tourists being fewer in these months, the accommodation charges are lower than in the peak season.On average, your daily expenses in these months will be around $5 less than the peak summer months.

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 26, 2024

For movement to selected countries without any problems and to stay there for a certain period, it is necessary to have a particular authorization document. These are so-called visas, which are ordinary and VIP. The latter are good because they have great power and give the holders a huge range of privileges. The Golden Visa for wealthy investors is one of them. It can be issued in the EU by anyone who wants to, but the main requirement is that you do not have European citizenship. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with all the conditions and peculiarities in detail to avoid problems later in the procedure. Golden Visa Programs Overview First, it should be noted that they represent the issuance of a residence permit with subsequent granting of permanent residence status to the country's migration program participant on improved conditions. The holder is entitled to many advantages and privileges that his family members can use later. The status can be obtained with the help of the following: acquisition of immovable property; buying back government bonds; opening a deposit account; registering your own business; other contributions to development funds. You should understand that the Golden Visa programs is a kind of pass that gives the right to obtain a residence permit in a particular country. Such a card can be obtained if you buy a house in the chosen location, make a large investment, or donate a significant amount of money. It also allows access to education in top European universities. Moreover, it is allowed to move freely around Europe. Furthermore, it is an opportunity to live legally in a civilized society with a high standard of living. The document is issued in several countries, which we will discuss in detail below. Each state has developed its requirements for programs to get the status. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with them more closely, especially if you are planning to move soon, being an investor, and fulfill the critical condition for issuing the card. Malta Malta is one of the countries with Golden visas. It is famous for its unrivaled beaches, warm climate, and hospitable locals. It is a top-rated tourist destination and a good choice for those who wish to change their residency. The program looks very attractive for those obtaining a residence permit to contribute to the state's economy. There are several ways - to invest in some property or contribute to the country's budget. This country is a member of the European Union and Schengen zone and unites in itself: a thriving economy; a stable property market; high-quality social services. Under the respective program, the decision on the application for a residence permit is often made in a short period - within 4 to 6 months. Once approved, the person is granted the requested one for 5 years with the possibility of an extension. It is worth emphasizing that this can be a pathway to citizenship for the principal applicant and his immediate family as long as all requirements are met. Cyprus It is the so-called "Pearl of the Mediterranean". It pleases with its hospitable residents, Adelaide weather, clean, attractive beaches, and stunning scenery. According to the Immigrant Invest Vladlena Baranova expert, candidates with dependent family members can travel to different European corners, live, work, and study wherever they want. Moreover, permanent residence in a given country is not a prerequisite. Greece Greece stands out among other EU Golden visa programs. After receiving the card, living anywhere in the country to come on holiday whenever you want becomes realistic. First, it is worth understanding that this is a tourist country, so you can get income from investments by renting out the bought flat or house. Moreover, you can choose, buy an object, draw up documents, and submit them remotely. Spain By participating in this program and getting what you want, you can move to the country with your relatives. There is a high quality of life in Spain, a low crime rate, and a good attitude toward foreigners. It is also possible to realize visa-free trips to Schengen countries. In this case, there is no need to obtain a work permit. You can open branches and set up a new company without fears and risks. Italy To participate in this program, you must invest the required amount, i.e., 250 thousand euros. It must be invested in strategic economic sectors, e.g., government bonds and charity funds. Read Also: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Auli? – Travel Guide Temporarily Unavailable Programs It became known that the Prime Minister of Portugal announced the end of his country's program. Portugal has indeed decided to eliminate the possibility of obtaining a residence permit through a financial contribution to real estate. However, he still allows foreigners to get it on condition of investing 500,000 euros in local companies or funds not related to real estate. We recommend that you seek help from specialists to avoid problems and misunderstandings while resolving issues. Read Also: Best Places For River Rafting In India Top 10 Best Travel Sites For Tour In 2022 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India