[Kelent]

Hey everyone! First time posting and... I realize there have been a few threads like these that've popped up in the past regarding "which country is better?" but I figure that this combination has never been tackled in one thread so why not post about it?

I will be 20 at the time of departure. Fairly new to game, in a terrible scene right now (plus university) in the US so despite being extremely discouraged I'm not giving up. In terms of height I'm about 5'9 (176cm, thereabout) and weight 180lbs. I realize I am not the most fit person in the world (really all it is is some stomach pudge, nothing I can't get rid of with running a km a day or so), but I feel I'm attractive and confidence is key, isn't it? I can speak to varying degrees three languages; English (native), Hungarian (B2), and German (A2).

While this forum is usually used for solely travel advice... My end goal is to get out of the US for my Masters or maybe sooner (study abroad isn't the best cost-wise at my current uni which is why I'm thinking of just flat out going abroad). I am going to most likely be back, is what I'm trying to say.

Without further ado is here a very brief rundown of how I view each country.

Hungary:
+ Language skills and being 1/2 Hungarian
+ Decent party scene
+ Decent quality of life (6/10 I'd say)
- Language barrier (I am not fluent)
- Possibly very tourist heavy
- Too much connection (I have only ever been to Hungary when abroad so far in my life)

Czech Republic:
+ Prague is beautiful and cheap
+ People on this forum seem to really enjoy the city
+ Czech women are just... yes
- Possible language barrier
- Not the best with game and figure they've seen it all

Serbia:
+ I have a few local contacts
+ Belgrade seems to be fun even without the girls
+ I have an interest in the Balkans historically
- I only know Russian Cyrillic..
- Belgrade seems oversold, if that makes sense
- Novi Sad seems to be too small for me

Bulgaria:
++ Cheapest option (outside of airfare)
+ Black Sea beaches
+ Cheap COL
- QOL not the best... some people I've talked with say it's a "richer Moldova"

As an aside... I've also thought of Poland. I realize that this is very sporadic, there's inconsistency in the pro's and con's of each country, and that overall it isn't all that comprehensive... but I figure it's a good barebones way to look at my thought process while trying to pick my first destination abroad that won't be with family.

If there's anything you think I missed, want to ask, or advice you'd like to give I'm happy to hear it.

PS- I realize that some guys here see EE/CE as some kind of cure-all.. that isn't how I'm approaching this.

[godzilla]

Most guys would not suggest Eastern Europe for young guys. It really depends why you're traveling...if girls are the primary reason you're traveling you should go to ASIA.

If not, Serbia and Bulgaria will have more to do besides girls and rent will be much cheaper. Budapest is great if you like western European tourist girls, otherwise the locals have been difficult for newbie gamers. But, many guys Ive talked to here have had at least a little success.

Im not sure how you're Hungarian will play in Budapest since you're still not fluent, (im basically saying you're still an outsider) but im sure it will help. Good luck

[JohnKreese]

How much time do you have before you go? If you have at least a month to get into a little shape, go to Budapest.

[subterfuge]

I wanna go with you! I hear good things about Hungary and I want to go there for a trip for a few nights soon just to see what the night life is like and see if it's any easier to get a 'hello' back from a girl there than it is here in the UK

[rudebwoy]

Your half Hungarian, pretty much a no-brainer.

[Kelent]

(07-07-2017 10:35 AM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

Your half Hungarian, pretty much a no-brainer.

It would be... if I haven't already been there twice and want to go somewhere else :/

[Kelent]

(07-07-2017 06:24 AM)godzilla Wrote:  

Most guys would not suggest Eastern Europe for young guys. It really depends why you're traveling...if girls are the primary reason you're traveling you should go to ASIA.

If not, Serbia and Bulgaria will have more to do besides girls and rent will be much cheaper. Budapest is great if you like western European tourist girls, otherwise the locals have been difficult for newbie gamers. But, many guys Ive talked to here have had at least a little success.

Im not sure how you're Hungarian will play in Budapest since you're still not fluent, (im basically saying you're still an outsider) but im sure it will help. Good luck

I didn't mention anything about budget in my initial post I realize but I'll be running on ideally $1,200 for three weeks after airfare. I am hoping to leave in 2018.

[rudebwoy]

(07-07-2017 10:51 AM)Kelent Wrote:  

(07-07-2017 10:35 AM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

Your half Hungarian, pretty much a no-brainer.

It would be... if I haven't already been there twice and want to go somewhere else :/

So why put that on the list.

All those spots are good, your results will depend on time of year you go and many other things.

No one knows you, so how can they recommend a place for you.

[Kelent]

(07-07-2017 11:30 AM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

(07-07-2017 10:51 AM)Kelent Wrote:  

(07-07-2017 10:35 AM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

Your half Hungarian, pretty much a no-brainer.

It would be... if I haven't already been there twice and want to go somewhere else :/

So why put that on the list.

All those spots are good, your results will depend on time of year you go and many other things.

No one knows you, so how can they recommend a place for you.

Yeah true, probably should've waited a bit before posting about travel plans. Also at 2am I probably should've written a bit more about what I'm looking for in the OP.

The only thing really putting me off from somewhere like Thailand is the general airfare costs. I'm also interested in going to a country for more than the girls, however amazing they might be haha

[rudebwoy]

What is your budget?
When are you going?
Other than girls, what do you want to see?

Do a search, those places have been covered a million times on this forum.

I first went to Prague back in 2005, I met an American kid fitting your description. He was studying there and I bought him a beer. So my point is your not the first American kid that has been there, the place is beyond played out.

Serbia would be the only choice on your list, considering you have local contacts there. Maybe you can get into their social circle and get invited to a house party.
Belgrade has been reviewed many times on here, Novi Saad has been mentioned before.

[Kelent]

(07-07-2017 11:44 AM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

What is your budget?
When are you going?
Other than girls, what do you want to see?

Do a search, those places have been covered a million times on this forum.

I first went to Prague back in 2005, I met an American kid fitting your description. He was studying there and I bought him a beer. So my point is your not the first American kid that has been there, the place is beyond played out.

Serbia would be the only choice on your list, considering you have local contacts there. Maybe you can get into their social circle and get invited to a house party.
Belgrade has been reviewed many times on here, Novi Saad has been mentioned before.

Budget: $1,100 after airfare (willing to spend $700 for a round trip ticket at maximum, if I can't swing that then I'll lower my overall budget)

When: Either March or May of 2018 (So either one week for spring break or three weeks in the summer)

Other than girls I'd like to maybe visit a few museums, historical sites, hike, and sauna.

I realize those countries have all been reviewed many times over, but due to the top thread by Roosh not being updated in five years and a lot of those guides going a couple years without updates (and with more than 100 pages over all of them) I'm not sure when to consider info "outdated' and in need of fresh perspective.

Prague, yeah, it's been played out but I think it's a good jumping off point. I've been to Hungary twice before (but only with family and for family trips), so while I know my way around and have local connections I'm not keen on visiting a third time since it's the only country I've ever been abroad to for more than two weeks (I've also been to Montreal but that was only for four days).

Hope this answers your questions

[rudebwoy]

A week isn't worth it and March is not a great time to go. May would be a good time and 3 weeks would be perfect.

Your budget seems a bit low to me, but I could be wrong.

Balkans is a good choice, Serbia I haven't reached yet. Croatia I liked.

There is info that is less than 5 years old, these places are getting more saturated if anything. Your trip is almost a year away, its not even this year.

[LAKings]

I preferred Prague over Budapest, both in terms of girls and things to do. But Budapest is a fine city as well. I can see Budapest being better if you stay longer, but if you only have a week then I'm not so sure. I'd personally go to Prague.

[Kelent]

(07-07-2017 02:00 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

A week isn't worth it and March is not a great time to go. May would be a good time and 3 weeks would be perfect.

Your budget seems a bit low to me, but I could be wrong.

Balkans is a good choice, Serbia I haven't reached yet. Croatia I liked.

There is info that is less than 5 years old, these places are getting more saturated if anything. Your trip is almost a year away, its not even this year.

I recognize my budget is low but I'm not planning on any huge hotel costs. Probably couchsurfing (if I can wing it) or hostels. Might also shack up with a few local contacts who are in university if I do go to Serbia.

I also realize it's more than a year away... Long term planning is kind of my thing. I'm fine with spontaneous shit once in country, but feel like for something like this where work isn't guaranteed (I've got a retail job now but go to university in the south which has much less opportunities) I feel like I've got to have some kind of contingency plan and if that means ballparking a lower budget than most then so be it.

That being said, do you have any advice on if it turns out I can't make that budget work (and it's a lot closer to the launch off date) where I could go? I've kind of wanted to hit up Vietnam/Thailand but having been to Japan before I feel like the cost of airfare will be fucking insane especially in the summer.

[Xen]

Really depends on what you're going after. If western tourists are your thing then you should hit Budapest. Else for cheaper accommodation Serbia and Bulgaria of course there. Just a word of caution though, too many tourists means less chances of you meeting the local talent.

[Kelent]

TBH I'm either going to Europe or if my budget doesn't work out Thailand might be a fun little trip for a first timer. Serbia tho... those legs!!

[rudebwoy]

(07-08-2017 08:12 AM)Xen Wrote:  

Really depends on what you're going after. If western tourists are your thing then you should hit Budapest. Else for cheaper accommodation Serbia and Bulgaria of course there. Just a word of caution though, too many tourists means less chances of you meeting the local talent.

I agree with this.

Serbia and Bulgaria.

You should be able to find cheap AirBnB in both those places. I could be wrong but I cannot imagine a decent gal, would want to come back to your hostel.

Your budget should do you fine for 10-14 days.

[Kelent]

(07-08-2017 06:44 PM)rudebwoy Wrote:  

(07-08-2017 08:12 AM)Xen Wrote:  

Really depends on what you're going after. If western tourists are your thing then you should hit Budapest. Else for cheaper accommodation Serbia and Bulgaria of course there. Just a word of caution though, too many tourists means less chances of you meeting the local talent.

I agree with this.

Serbia and Bulgaria.

You should be able to find cheap AirBnB in both those places. I could be wrong but I cannot imagine a decent gal, would want to come back to your hostel.

Your budget should do you fine for 10-14 days.

So for $1,200 you think I could do say... Belgrade and Sofia? Polvdiv? Burgas? For 3 weeks?

[Kelent]

Only replying and bumping the thread because I couldn't find any relevant info. is there any general rule of thumb/way to check on the budgets other people have made? The only decent ones I've found are for backpackers.. and I'm not looking to backpack this trip