Greetings, dear readers! Today I have another interesting interview on my blog about holidays abroad. Independent travel, what could be more interesting? About six months ago I met a charming and, importantly, smart girl, Mila Demenkova. Despite her young years, Mila has traveled to more than 10 countries, including: Belgium, Guatemala, Malaysia, Thailand, Mexico, and the Baltic countries.
Guatemala, Antigua, ruins of a monastery
Of course, it’s difficult to cover everything in one interview. Mila has a very interesting life, which many people dream of.
Interview with Mila Demenkova about independent holidays abroad.
Mila, I read about your life before traveling. But it will be better if you tell us briefly about yourself. After all, you have completely changed your lifestyle.
Oh where to start))). I once worked as a chief accountant in a reputable company. First in Minsk, then in Moscow. Good salary, bonuses, corporate apartment, own office, full benefits package, flexible schedule. But there was a feeling that after 8 years of work I had reached the ceiling in my profession.
And one day I became scared that I would sit my whole life in a big leather chair, accumulating material wealth, without ever trying everything that life could give. Then I went alone to Europe for a month with a backpack on my back, after which I decided to radically change my life. I saved up some money, wrote a letter of resignation and went to Asia for several months. This may sound like an escape from problems, but at that point in my life there were no problems. I just needed a fresh look, some kind of shake-up to understand what I wanted to do next.
Well then the question immediately arises, what funds do you use to travel? As you know, traveling abroad on your own is cheaper than an organized tour, but you still need money for tickets, food and accommodation.
I earned money for my first independent trip by working in an office. Then I realized that I didn’t want to go back and do my old job; I needed alternative sources of income. I started exploring the possibilities of making money remotely via the Internet. Now I provide travel consultations, help people plan their trips, create routes, write custom articles, translate, teach English, and develop several of my own Internet projects.
You have to learn a lot from scratch, and it’s incredibly cool! I never know how much I will earn this month, but there is also something in uncertainty. It mobilizes, allows me to test my strength, to find out what I am capable of. It turned out that for a lot)))
Hello Mila! If you do translations, then you have no problems with the English language, but what about other languages? Have there been cases when ignorance of the language of a particular country led to a difficult situation?
Languages are one of my main passions, I constantly learn them with great pleasure. True, I only speak English perfectly, Spanish is at a conversational level, I can string together a couple of sentences in Italian and German))).
Regarding the predicament due to lack of knowledge of the language, one point came to mind. I had just arrived in Malaysia and didn’t understand Asians at all. I was looking for a certain station in Kuala Lumpur, they sent me here and there. That day, in the pouring rain, I toured 3 bus terminals in different parts of the city. I remember how I stood all wet and cried from powerlessness. And it’s all due to lack of preparation. Now, of course, this would not happen, because the experience of independent travel is much greater.
Perhaps it was after that incident that you realized that you were strong and could continue to travel on your own. Dear, you have visited interesting places in Asia, Europe and America. Tell me please, what are the distinctive features of these continents? From a tourist's point of view?
Oh, the differences are colossal. In Europe everything is clear. The prices are high, but the quality is also high. This applies to the convenience of movement on public transport, to the organization of life, and to how everything is done for the convenience of people. Traveling around Europe on your own is very easy.
Nicaragua, Ometepe Island
Asia is cheaper and more exotic, but it has its own nuances. Helpers and harassers may follow you around, trying to scam you out of money; somewhere there will be unsightly-looking houses with dirt floors and garbage, but there people sincerely smile and enjoy life. We have a lot to learn from Asians. You should go to Asia if you are stressed or anxious. Everything there seems to be captured by hand. It’s difficult to say about Latin America, because each country is unique. Somewhere there is Asian chaos, as in Nicaragua, and somewhere European organization, as in some cities in Mexico.
If you sit in a 5* all-inclusive hotel, then the differences between the continents are not particularly visible. I travel in order to learn, see and feel the differences, so I often go to places where tourists don’t go, but that’s where you can see real life.
Nicaragua, volcanoboarding, Cerro Negro volcano
The more I look at your photos, the more questions I have. As often happens here... Someone came back from a trip and let’s show off the photos, this is me in front of the monument, this is me near the monument, and this is me and Sanya having a lot at the buffet table... And here it is completely exotic! Okay, I’ll ask about the orange suits in the comments.
Mila, you travel a lot on your own, but have you bought tours from agencies? What is better: an organized trip or an independent one?
Before I went on an independent trip, I traveled through travel agencies. Once I went on an excursion to Italy. I remember we were driven for 4 hours to Naples, and then we were allowed to walk around the city for only 40 minutes, because according to the program we had to return to Rome for dinner. As a result, we spent 8 hours on the road in order to walk for 40 minutes around one of the most interesting cities in Italy. After that, I swore off buying tours. Now I decide for myself where and how much time I will spend.
Sea trips can be purchased if it is a popular tourist destination. For example, a trip to Bulgaria and Egypt is cheaper than a plane ticket. Sometimes you don’t want to think and waste time planning a vacation, then it’s easier to buy a ready-made package. But this is boring compared to what you can organize yourself, often for less money)).
Mila, do you have a favorite country or city? If so, why are they important to you?
Favorite city is Minsk. I was born here, my family and friends live here. It’s amazing how four years ago I dreamed of leaving here, and now, having traveled halfway around the world, I understand the meaning of the word “home.” Only I’m completely different now. Now I know that it doesn’t matter where you live, the main thing is who you are, whether you do what you love, whether you experience joy and satisfaction.
Independent travel - Mexico, ruins of Tulum
My favorite country is of course Mexico. I ended up there by accident. I was going to Ecuador, but the ticket to Mexico City was cheaper. I thought I’d stay in Mexico for a couple of weeks and go to Ecuador by land. Two weeks stretched into three and a half months, then the visa simply ran out, and I had to fly to Panama, otherwise, I feel, I would have stayed to live in Mexico:D
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Mexico, because it has absolutely everything. Mountains, volcanoes, waterfalls, the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, Indian tribes and modern cities, shamans, colonial cities, rich history and culture, friendly people, fiery dances, and also one of the best cuisines in the world in my opinion. True, the women there are not as beautiful as ours, but I don’t need them))).
Holidays abroad - Mexico, Caribbean Sea
What wonderful photos! As for women, it really doesn’t matter, except perhaps if the holiday abroad is connected with a marriage agency))).
Mila, how do you feel about exotic cuisine? Do you have your favorite dishes?
Oh, I'm really having trouble with the kitchen. I choose a prettier name from the menu, then bite my elbows)). I once ordered soup at a Chinese restaurant. They brought it, and there was a chicken paw with toenails sticking out of the black slurry, and the first dish I ordered in Mexico was pork skin in mustard sauce.
I saw a photo of this dish on your blog, yes... the look is far from appetizing!)))
My favorite dish is Mexican steak Tampiqueña with guacamole sauce. Unforgettable taste. And of course mussels in Brussels. There is a street with restaurants where they sell a whole pan for 17-20 euros. The mussels have a strange taste at first, but it’s so addicting that you want more and more.
Mila, share your personal experience, or rather, the contents of your backpack. Which ones are really necessary when traveling on your own?
Tanya, this question can be discussed for a long time.Really necessary passport, money, bank card, laptop, camera, running shoes, good mood and at least one beautiful dress)). Everything else depends on the climate of the country where I’m heading.
Mila, you have met different cities and countries on your way. Were there any among them where you didn’t like the attitude towards Russian tourists?
You know, Tanya, probably not. On the other hand, it’s difficult for me to judge, because I’m Belarusian, not Russian. Few people know Belarus, so they always ask questions with interest. I often find myself the only Belarusian woman to visit such and such a hotel, or the first Belarusian woman to slide down a volcano, etc. In addition, I travel to places that are not very popular among Russian tourists, so local residents have no reason to be biased towards us.
What is the most difficult thing for you being away from your home?
There are days when everything goes wrong. I'm tired of traveling, everything doesn't go well, people come across strange people. I want to buy a return ticket and fly home today. Then the question arises: “What am I even doing here?” And the answer to it: “no, dear, you are here because you wanted to be here, so look for a way out of the situation, and don’t whine and complain about fate.” Moreover, such moments do not depend on whether I am traveling alone or with someone. Both at home and abroad, problems and difficulties arise that must be overcome.
Mila and last question. Which country is best to travel to on your own for the first time?
It’s getting colder now, so I advise everyone to go to Thailand))) The country is ideal for the first independent trip to the sea. And if you’re closer, the easiest way is to go to any European country. We got a visa, bought a plane ticket, booked hotels and were on our way.
Mila and I had such an interesting interview about holidays abroad. I hope you guys liked it. As you understand, you can talk with Mila for a very long time! Each of her stories is a separate story about beautiful places on our land.
Mila talks in more detail about her travels on her blog. about budget travel in Europe, Asia and Latin America http://bptrip.ru/. I always read it with great interest and believe me, it is not limited to one article.
Mila communicates a lot with fellow lovers of independent travel. So if you have questions, don't hesitate to ask! If you like to visit interesting countries and cities, be sure to visit Mila’s blog and stroll through the pages of her magazine.
I want to thank Mila for such a wonderful interview and kindly provided materials. My dear, I wish you to achieve everything you have planned! Let only kind and positive people meet on your way. May every new corner of our planet reveal all its beauty for you. And may all the knowledge gained be for the benefit of you and everyone around you!
Dear friends, I am pleased to present to your attention an interview with Mila Demenkova, who maintains a very interesting blog about her travels http://bptrip.ru. I first came across her blog just a couple of days ago. I immediately liked it and subscribed to the RSS feed. From Mila’s articles you can immediately see that she really loves blogging and does it with all her heart. I thank Mila for the wonderful interview, beautiful photos and her time.
So, meet Mila Demenkova!
Hello Mila! Please tell us about yourself. Where was you born, where did you grow up, where and who did you study for, what did you work for? What city are you in now? How is the weather there?
Hello, Mikhail! First of all, thank you very much for your blog, which I have been reading with pleasure and interest for about two years now, gaining a lot of useful information for myself. Thank you also for choosing to interview me.
Hello, dear readers of the Shakin.ru blog! My name is Mila Demenkova. I was born in Minsk, after which my family moved to the military town of Znamensk in the south of Russia, so my childhood was spent in the land of summer midges, delicious crayfish, ripe watermelons and severe winter frosts. In high school, she returned to Minsk again, where she first graduated from the Minsk State Trade College, and then from the Belarusian State Economic University, receiving diplomas in accountant and economist.
In parallel with her studies, at the age of 17 she began working as an accountant, at the age of 19 she became a chief accountant and worked in this position for several years in different companies. First in Minsk, then in Moscow. After I radically changed my life, starting to spend most of my time traveling, I do copywriting, provide consulting, and earn some money on my blog.
Now I'm in Minsk. As a child, my parents brought me to my grandmother in Minsk for the holidays, and since then I have loved spending the warm months in this city. Now the weather is beautiful, +20 and raining. But it's not hot.
How did you come to start traveling? Many are afraid to quit their jobs and change their usual lifestyle. How did you decide this question for yourself?
Perhaps this was one of the most difficult decisions in life. At that time, I had been doing accounting for about 7-8 years and thought that I couldn’t do anything else, and it was too late to master new areas of activity (how stupid!). I hated my job, but I didn't know what I wanted to do instead. And then I just went on vacation to Europe, met the guys who traveled for six months, a year, and realized that this is something that will help me now! I found out how much money I needed, realized that I could afford such a “vacation” for several months, and flew alone to Asia. And then off we went. Southeast Asia, Latin America, Europe. Remote earnings are enough to travel, so there is no longer a need to return to a job you don’t like and be tied to one city.
Mila, if any of the readers of my blog want to contact you about writing articles, how can they find your contacts?
All my contacts, as well as prices for services, can be found on the blog at the link http://bptrip.ru/copywriting/.
Mila, you have a very interesting blog. How did you decide to have one? After all, many people travel and either do not write about it anywhere at all, or publish their stories and photo reports in various tourist communities.
Michael, thank you for the compliment on my blog. At first it was just a diary on LiveJournal for family and friends, so they knew where I was, what I was doing, how I was doing. Then I decided to transfer the records to a separate domain. Over time, other people began to find the blog, ask questions, write messages by email, so I began publishing articles with useful information: where to live, what to buy, what to see, what prices are in a particular country. A blog is my territory where you can express yourself, experiment, communicate, and it is also a convenient tool for finding clients, like-minded people, and new friends.
🔥 By the way! I have released a paid course on promoting English-language websites. If you are interested, you can apply for the early list through this form to be the first to know about the release of the course and receive a special discount.Guard: Correct selection of keywords in wordstat yandex for website promotion.
Dessert for today is Mila’s video, in which she talks about how Armenians live:
Hello friends! Today I want to introduce you to my compatriot, a positive, open and friendly girl. She travels a lot around the world and runs her own blog about budget travel in Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Meet Mila Demenkova. We met on about. Samui and I recorded an interview with Mila so that everyone can understand what it’s like to live while traveling.
Mila, you have been traveling the world for a long time and working for yourself. Have you ever worked for hire?
Of course, I worked as an employee for a very long time, about 8 years, first just as an accountant, and then as a chief accountant in different companies.
What was your biggest impetus to start traveling and change your life?
The biggest push was that I didn't like my job. I understood that something was wrong here. A person should do what he likes, otherwise there is no point in living. This, in fact, was the first call. But then I met people who told me that you can look for opportunities and live a little differently.
When you decided to go on a long trip, how did your relatives react to your decision? Did they support you?
My relatives were shocked! At first they didn’t understand, they thought that this was some kind of whim and said that I wouldn’t go anywhere anyway. But then they realized that this was serious when I said that the ticket had been bought and I was leaving. Then they got worried and started trying to dissuade me. But not all. My mother supported me and I am very grateful to her that in any situation she supports me and is always on my side. It's great! Friends, of course, too, said that it’s great - go. And this is understandable, they are not coming with me. There were different opinions. Someone said that in a week I would return to my old job with my tail between my legs, and someone believed in me.
What was the first country you visited?
The first country for a long trip was Malaysia, then Thailand, the Philippines.
When you first started traveling did you have any difficulties? And if so, how did you overcome them?
There were difficulties, of course. There were many difficulties, first of all it was difficult to quit my job. Naturally, when you have been doing one thing for many years, you are used to a certain way of life, and I also had a serious relationship with a young man in Moscow. Therefore, the most difficult moment for me was leaving him and going on a trip. But travel at that moment was what I really needed, so I chose a dream.
And how has your life changed since you started traveling on your own?
My life has changed dramatically! I found my favorite thing thanks to traveling, I quit my unloved job, I live in a circle of like-minded people, I spend most of my time where I want, where I feel warm and comfortable. Or where I’m cold, but also good. Therefore, now I myself choose how much I work, when I work. And naturally my life became more harmonious and balanced. I like it much more than my old life.
Please tell us how you make money while traveling?
Initially, I had money saved up, which I used to go to Asia, then I started freelancing: I wrote articles to order, did copywriting, and translated some documents. But then I realized that this was a road to nowhere, because freelancing does not provide enough freedom. Because you still work for someone and earn money by spending your time, so I started developing my blog and over time it began to bring me income. I also provide travel consultations and I really like that too.
Mila, you said that you found your favorite thing. Please share how you found him.
To find it, I tried a lot of things. I was involved in affiliate marketing, sold WordPress plugins on the English-speaking Internet, taught English, wrote custom articles, did translations, and conducted on-site excursions. And then I looked at what I liked and what I didn’t. Some part of the classes dropped out. Now I can say for sure that I love to write. Everything else is coming and going. And, of course, I like to communicate with people.
How does your day usually go? What hours do you work and what hours do you rest?
My day depends on where I live, where I am, because the climate greatly influences this. For example, here in Thailand on the island. Samui, it’s very hot during the day and I don’t feel comfortable working in the heat because I like to work in the fresh air, on the street. And accordingly, during the day I see the sights, meet with friends, and in the evening I like to work. I like to write at night, work in the evenings, and in the morning I can't get up. Accordingly, I work either in the evening or at night.
Mila, what do you think is the secret of your success? After all, not every person can afford to live a free lifestyle and do what they love.
It also matters what we define as success. For me, success is when a person is happy. Therefore, the secret of success is that I do what I love, which brings me satisfaction and energy. I surrounded myself with like-minded people: people with whom I feel good and interesting. I live where I want, where I feel comfortable. That's all. That is, you build your life yourself and determine your success, you yourself can change, rebuild and add something that is necessary for you to be a happy, successful and harmonious person.
Thank you very much, Mila, for answering my questions.
Thank you for inviting me.
Good luck, friends! And see you again!
I am always glad to see your comments!
In contact with
Dedicate more than five years to studying economic disciplines, work for a long time as an accountant, dream of long trips, but do not believe in your strength and the possibility of fulfilling your cherished desire. And then one fine day, give up on everything, quit, take off, leave what is familiar and familiar and turn your life 180 degrees. Who would dare to do something like this? For inspiration, we all need an example of a crazy, but such a living and fearless act. Mila Demenkova can be called a real hero. Today she will tell her story herself.
At the top of the Tonina pyramid, built by the most bloodthirsty tribe of Indians in Mexico
Name: Mila Demenkova
Current place of residence: Saint Petersburg
Blog: Bptrip.ru
Blogging experience: 3 years
Main travel interests:, Europe, Southeast Asia, Latin America
Travel frequency: 7-8 months a year
Chocolate Hills - Miracle of the Philippines
About Me
About 8 years of my life were spent mastering the intricacies of accounting, auditing and other economic disciplines. I studied at college for three years, then at university. I worked as a chief accountant for a long time, but now I am a blogger, traveler, amateur photographer, consultant, as well as a video editor and part-time SEO optimizer.
View of Tallinn from the observation deck
I have always loved to travel, but even five years ago I thought that traveling was the lot of select rich people. Upon closer examination of the issue, it turned out that it is not at all necessary to be a millionaire. When I realized that seeing the world was a reality, the dream of travel completely took over my mind.
I quit my job and went to Asia for a few months on a one-way ticket. Money was more difficult. The savings I made while working in the office were enough for my first trip, but I couldn’t stop traveling. I had to establish remote sources of income and master professions that allow me to earn money via the Internet. So gradually I came to my current lifestyle: I work remotely and spend most of the time abroad.
Waterfall in Vietnam
About the blog
The Bptrip.ru blog is two and a half years old. When I went on my first long trip, friends and family asked where I was and what I was doing. In order not to write the same thing to everyone, I started a blog on LiveJournal, where I described events in the present tense. Then the blog moved to a separate domain, and the nature of the publications changed from a personal diary to articles with useful information that can help other people plan their trip.
Vulcanoboarding - riding a board from the top of an active volcano in Nicaragua (Central America)
How bloggers differ from travel journalists
Blogger differs from blogger, just as journalist differs from journalist. If by travel journalist we mean a person who is given the task by the portal or editorial office for which he works to go to a certain country and describe it in the right way, then bloggers have different tasks.
As a blogger, I can only write what I think, not what I'm told to write. And why should bloggers compete with travel journalists if each of them has their own tasks that don’t overlap much?
Antigua city in Guatemala. Even today, local residents - Mayan Indians - wear national costumes
Previously, I wrote custom materials for other resources, but in two and a half years I posted only two custom articles on my blog. At the same time, if someone does a good deed for me, or if I myself find a convenient service for traveling, I am always happy to talk about it on the blog.
Custom articles are no different from my entries; I express only my personal opinion. If I don’t have an opinion about something, then I won’t write about it, even for money. I don’t like custom articles and only publish them if I’m really confident in the site or product that they’re asking to advertise. Reputation is more valuable.
Winter in Portugal on the island of Madeira
About travel
Traveling stopped being a vacation for me a long time ago. It is rather a job that brings great pleasure. At one time, trips helped me understand myself, find something I love, understand what I want in life, set goals and priorities correctly, but trips are not an end in themselves, but rather a catalyst for life changes and internal transformations of my personality. Of course, there is also an element of relaxation, adventure and new acquaintances.
Marble Canyon Ruskeala, Karelia
Most of all I remember the trip to Georgia and Armenia. Amazing countries! Another interesting experience was when my friend and I hitchhiked to Kazakhstan as part of the “Practice of Poverty” project. Then we had only 4 days to hitchhike 5000 km from St. Petersburg to the border of Kazakhstan and China without spending any money. For both of us, it was the first experience of hitchhiking in our lives, but we managed it and got to the right place on time.
One of my favorite countries. Khor Virap Monastery and Mount Ararat in Armenia
I remember my travels through Mexico and Central America with love and tenderness. Five months in countries where they speak your favorite language is a fairy tale! Of my recent travels, I can’t help but mention Norway. Not a country, but a “bomb” that gives a fountain of emotions and new impressions every day.
About curiosities
One day, in one day, I lost all my things and was reported to the police somewhere on the border with Laos. True, the things were returned at the end of the day, and the police turned out to be darlings, but I was seriously nervous.
Autumn in Amsterdam
Another situation happened in Belgrade. I left the store and discovered that the car had disappeared from the lot. This huge minibus seemed to have evaporated. It was a lot of fun running around the Serbian capital trying to figure out where the vehicle might have gone.
About difficulties
One of the main difficulties, or rather inconveniences, is the need for visas to most countries in the world. A lot of time and money are spent on obtaining, renewing, collecting documents... Everything else is trifles.
Conquering the Nigardsbreen glacier in Norway
I try to get visas in advance. Now you can travel to many countries using Schengen. This makes preparing for travel much easier. I receive most visas in Moscow or along the way in neighboring countries, if possible. It is often much easier to obtain visas abroad than at home.
In all my years of travel, real difficulties arose only once, when I urgently needed to extend my six-month Mexican visa while in Panama. As it turned out, according to the law, Belarusians can only obtain a Mexican visa in Moscow. I bombarded all the Mexican consulates of Central American countries with letters, received several refusals, until one fine day the Mexican embassy in Costa Rica sent a couple of lines in Spanish, in which they promised to help. This was the most extreme way to obtain a visa, because according to all laws I should not have been given one.
Taking a yacht captain course in Croatia
Travel tips
In my opinion, the main thing is a positive attitude. You know, this inner unshakable confidence that everything will be fine. A sense of humor also helps when traveling. Often trips may not turn out as originally planned. The weather, people, some other circumstances interfere... You need to learn to enjoy the fact that everything is not going according to plan and see the positive side of it.
Behind 15-25€ per day for two.
If you don’t want to live in a hotel, you can rent an apartment or apartment. Prices for apartments in Montenegro depend on the specific resort, season and rental period. Moreover, the cost of rent is often not directly related to the quality of housing.
Average prices for daily apartment rentals in Budva by month:
April - from 15€
May - 20€
June - 25-30€
July-August – from 40€ up to 60-120 €
September - 25€
November - March - 250-350€ per month
In summer, most apartments are rented only daily, and in the low season, on the contrary, only for long periods (several months).
Utility bills for monthly rentals can be included in the price, but most often they are paid separately, and the amount of costs for electricity, water and internet can reach up to 100€ per month.
Tourist apartments can be rented at booking. There are housing offers from 15 euros per day in different cities of Montenegro.
We rented an apartment for a month through a group on Facebook, but the same apartments can be found on booking, post about ☞ (apartment with two bedrooms and mountain views).
If your vacation will last a couple of weeks, it’s easier to rent via the Internet and not bother.
For example, it took us 4 days to find an apartment and communicate with different realtors, plus a trip to the bank to transfer the advance. They even wanted to give up vacationing in Montenegro, but in the end they found an apartment that was more or less suitable in terms of price and quality.
Small bedroom in our apartment
Our apartment cost 540€ per month with utilities. Prepaid expense 160€ (30%) were transferred through the Contact system - it had the smallest commission.
As a result, it turned out that the apartment itself was rented out in May for 380€ with utilities, and 160€ - these are the services of a realtor.
It was possible to rent something for a couple of days via the Internet and look for accommodation on the spot using signs Sobe. In May, finding an apartment in Budva is not a problem at all, but sitting in Minsk, I didn’t know this.
There will be a separate detailed post about renting housing in Budva.
Sobe signs on the fences of Budva
Tourist tax
A visa to Montenegro is not required. Upon arrival, a free stamp is given at the airport. Russians for 90 days, Belarusians for 30.
In Montenegro there is such a thing as a mandatory tourist tax. If you rent private apartments, check whether this fee is included in the price of housing, or whether you will have to pay it additionally. This is usually stated in the description of the property.
The amount of the fee depends on the region and ranges from 0.8 before 1€ per day per person. This issue will be discussed in more detail in the guide article to Montenegro.
We paid a tourist tax to the owner of the apartment. Dali 56€ (By 1€ per day per person for 28 days) and passports. Now electronic registration has been introduced, so there is no paper confirmation.
If you are staying in a hotel, the tourist tax may already be included in the room price, and check-in may be done without your knowledge. Therefore, you can often find reviews on forums that there is no fee, but this is not the case.
Car rental in Budva
If you are vacationing with at least two people, then it is more profitable to travel around Montenegro by car, especially if you rent a car for several days and travel long distances (200-300 km).
Prices for renting a car in Montenegro
1-2 days – from 35 before 50€ per day
3-7 days – from 25€ in a day
During the low season there are discounts; you can rent a car for 10-20€. Prices are higher in summer.
For convenience, I partnered with the guys, so now you can check prices and rent a specific car in any city in Montenegro without leaving the pages of my blog:
Gasoline prices in Montenegro
95 petrol - 1.37€
98 petrol - 1.41€
Diesel – 1.23€
Transport in Montenegro
You can travel between cities by bus or train, and travel around the islands and bays by boat.
Boat Budva - St. Nicholas Island - 3€
Rent a boat for an hour - 20€
Train Podgorica – Bar – 2€
One way bus prices per person
Budva - Becici/Rafailovici - 1-1.5€
Budva - Sveti Stefan - 2.5€
Budva - Kotor - 3-3.5€
Budva – Herceg Novi from 5€ before 6.5€
Budva - Bar - 5€
Budva — Ulcinj 7-7.5€
Budva - Podgorica 5.5-6.5€
If you buy a ticket at the station, for some reason it turns out to be more expensive. On the way back, I always take a ticket on the bus from the driver. It turns out cheaper by 0.5-1€ than at a bus station ticket office. Bus ticket prices depend on the carrier company.
Current prices and bus schedules in Montenegro can be checked at busticket4.me
Bay of Kotor
Prices for food in Budva restaurants
There are restaurants of different price categories. On the embankment, prices are one and a half to two times higher than on the streets of the city far from the sea.
Cafe on the embankment
Hamburger with chicken - 3€
Spring roll - 2€
Oysters – 3 € /thing
Mussels, 800 gr — 10€
Menu of the Porto fish restaurant on the waterfront Cafe prices for locals
Mussels, 500 gr — 3.9€
Hake fillet with fries - 4€
Trout with boiled potatoes - 5€
Meat dishes - 4-6€
French fries - 1.5€
Pizza for two - 5.5€
Pljeskavica in a bun with salad - 1.5€
Hamburger with chicken - 2€
Soups (chorba, mushroom) - 2-3€
Salads - 2-3€
Breakfast (omelet) — 3€
Bread is provided by default and is included in the bill price. Additional 0.6-1€
Menu of a cafe near our house where we periodically go for lunch 
Grocery prices in Budva
Vegetables and fruits can be bought in supermarkets or at the market Zelena Pijaca(Zelena pyatsa). The assortment is almost identical, but in stores the prices are lower by 30-50% .
At the market they like to say that all the vegetables and fruits are from their own garden, but in fact now many goods are imported, and their prices in supermarkets are one and a half times lower.
I even buy strawberries, lettuce, and cherries in chain supermarkets Mega Market(three stores in Budva). The quality of the goods is the same, but the price is lower. If on some day there were no strawberries delivered to the supermarket, then I go to the market - they always look good there. The peaches on the market are also large and ripe, but in supermarkets they are still so-so.
Only tourists go to the market to shop. Local residents stock up in supermarkets, and for larger purchases they go out of town or even to Podgorica, where prices are much lower.
Fruits on the market in Budva. You need to ask for prices, you can bargain 
Prosciutto at the market in Budva I went to Mega Market, but upon closer analysis of prices I found out that, as in Minsk, it makes sense to buy different products in different places.
For example, in Mega Market vegetables, toilet paper, sausages are cheaper, but prices for pate, water and cheeses are more favorable in Idea.
There are also networks Aroma And Franca, where prices for strawberries, cherries, salad, chips and beer are lower than in other stores. But in Aroma And Franca the fruits often look bad, so I rarely look there.
When you come for a couple of weeks, you don’t pay attention to such little things, but if you come for several months, you can analyze the shopping list and understand where it’s more profitable.
Mega Market and market in the same building, but prices are different Vegetable prices
Fruits and vegetables are seasonal items, so prices may vary at different times of the year. I am writing what is observed now.
Strawberry - 2.4-3€
Cherries - 3.5-4€
Peaches and nectarines - 3€
Oranges - 0.6€
Bananas - 1.5€
Cucumbers - 0.6€
Tomatoes - 0.7€
Salad - 2€
Potato - 0.5€
Cheese prices
Blue cheese - 13€
Cheese with spices - 15€
A wheel of goat brie cheese - 1.6€
Suluguni type cheese, 250 gr - 2€
Milk 
Olives Prices in bakers
Cake - 1€
Sweets (various cakes), kg - 10-12€
Bread - 0.5€
Meat
Meat in Montenegro is not frozen. If you see frozen, it means it is imported.
Chicken fillet - 6€
Whole chicken - from 3.5-5€
Beef - 6€
We have never bought raw meat, because we buy ready-made pljeskavica, chicken fillet or sausages at the mesar near our house. For 300 grams of finished fillet I pay about 2€ , for a hamburger with chicken (bun, salad, fillet) - 1.5 €
Hamburgers on the embankment cost 3 euros, near the house - 1.5
Fish prices in Budva
Every day on the embankment in 16.00-16.30 The Tivat Fish car arrives. The guys drink beer and sell fish, shrimp, mussels and octopus to everyone. Seafood prices:
Dorado, kg - 12€
Seabass, kg - 8€ for small and 11€ for big fish
Shrimp, kg - 18€
The market also sells fish and there is also a small fish stall near the market. There are prices for 1-2€ higher than the guys on the pier.
When I went to Herceg Novi, I saw a fish farm in the Bay of Kotor. There seafood is one and a half to two times cheaper than those sold in Budva. For example, in Budva oysters cost 3 euros/piece, and in the bay on farms they cost 2 euros/piece.
Mussels for 10 euros in a restaurant. They tasted better in Sicily
Prices for tea and coffee in Montenegro
If you cannot live without tea, bring it with you. Regular tea is not sold in supermarkets. What is sold for 2-3€
, it is impossible to drink.
IN Mega Market near the market there is Greenfield green tea ( 2.5€ for a small box and 4.5€ for a large one) and black Lipton. It’s hard to call it tea, but it’s still better than tasteless Montenegrin tea.
Montenegro is a coffee country. Coffee is sold in “powder” grind at 1€ per pack. I’m already tired of this kind of coffee in Georgia and Armenia, so I’m looking for regular grind coffee. It is only available in one store in the city - all in the same Mega Market near the market. Other shops sell finely ground Macedonian and Serbian coffee.
The picture on the left shows a pack of coffee for 4.3€ , grind like Lavazza.
Prices for tobacco and alcohol in Budva
Prices for cigarettes seem to be fixed - according to 2.5-3€/ pack
In different stores, prices for drinks may differ by half. In the city, alcohol is sold at the lowest prices in supermarkets Aroma, Mega Market, Idea
Beer cost:
Niksicko (local), 0.33 – from 0.69 before 0.88€
Jelen - 0.69€
Lav— 0.68€
Corona (Mexican) - 1.7€
Tuborg, jar 0.5 — 0.69€
Budweiser, can - 1.09€
Beer in cans is cheaper than in bottles 
The widest selection of beer in Aroma stores 
Wine from 2.5 to 20 euros
Personal care products
The assortment is pretty standard, but of what I use, almost nothing is sold here. For example, there is no Parodontax toothpaste, my soap with hares, I couldn’t find La Roche Posay cosmetics either (maybe they are somewhere, but I haven’t seen them yet).
If you have any special requirements for cosmetics and personal hygiene products, it is better to bring your own just in case. Nivea, Palmolive, Colgate and other brands that can be found all over the world are also sold in Montenegro.
In Montenegro, toilet paper is very cheap - from 1.49€ for 8 rolls. All other goods are more expensive than in Minsk.
Washing powder, pack - from 0.85 — 2€
Toothpaste - from 1€
Shampoo on average - 3-4€
Cream with SPF 30% – from 5-6€
Prices for pads: Naturella (8 pcs) - 0.99€, Always (10 pcs) - 1.39€, Always (20 pcs) - 2.43€
Excursions in Montenegro
Group excursions are sold on every corner and cost 15-40€ per person, you can also order any tour on the Internet, using a single database of excursions in Montenegro in Russian.
Kotor - 15€
Boka Kotor Bay - 25€
Minimontenegro, aka Montenegro tour - 30€
Durmitor Park - 45€
Individual excursions in Montenegro
You can book an individual tour in advance via the Internet. Then you will have personal transport and a guide who knows the country and can tell you a lot of interesting things.
Examples of individual excursions are given below. If you click on the name, you can read a detailed description of the excursion.
How much can a holiday in Montenegro cost?
Let's estimate the average budget for a summer holiday in Budva for two people for 10 days
1. Housing – 400€
We take the average price
40€ * 10 = 400€
2. Food – 500€
If the two of you eat in a cafe 2 times a day, you will get on average:
10€ per person * 2 people * 2 times * 10 days = 400€
Plus somewhere 100€ for breakfast, ice cream, fruit, drinks.
This is an approximate figure, which in your case could be as follows: 200€ , so 1000€ depending on what and where you will eat and drink. If you go to fish restaurants every day, your expenses will be significantly higher.
3. Insurance – 8€ per person
Travel insurance for a trip to Montenegro is not mandatory, as it is for Schengen, but it doesn’t hurt to buy it.
You can compare insurance from different companies and buy insurance online at. I wrote about which insurance companies I usually choose.
4. Car rental and gasoline - 220€
Lying on the beach for 10 days is boring, so you can rent a car for 4 days. You can rent a car for the entire duration of the trip in order to get transport at the airport and return it there, saving on the transfer. Gasoline costs will depend on where you travel.
25€ * 4= 100€
Gasoline - approx. 100-120€
5. Excursions - 130 euros per person or 260 euros for two
There are 4 most popular excursions, during which you can see the main attractions of Montenegro:
Canyons of the Tara and Moraca rivers + lunch - 45€
Boko-Kotor Bay from Budva - 25€
Skadar Lake - 35€
Mount Lovcen and Tsitinje - 25€
It turns out that buying 4 excursions and renting a car for two people for 4 days at a price plus or minus are comparable. If you are afraid to drive or don’t want to strain yourself, you can buy excursions where they feed, transport and tell you stories.
6. Transfer from the airport 50-80 € by taxi both ways
There are 2 airports in Montenegro: Tivat and Podgorica
The closest airport to Budva is Tivat airport.
TOTAL 1220€ + air tickets
Thus, the average cost of a self-organized comfortable holiday in Montenegro for 10 days for two people is about 1220€ + air tickets.
This amount can be much higher or lower. This includes meals in a cafe, accommodation, transfer from the airport, 4-5 excursions or car rental for several days.
The cost of a sun lounger and umbrella may be added if you plan to rent them on the beach (approx. 10-15€ in a day). Often sun loungers are located near restaurants. If you order food and drinks, you can lie down for free.
Tours to Montenegro
In summer you can buy an inexpensive tour to Montenegro on the Internet. A visa is not needed, so you can look at last-minute offers on or on - there are more specials there. offers and last minute tours.
There are tours around 300-400€ per person for tickets + accommodation + transfer, so it is obvious that the tour will often cost less than an independent holiday.
This article will be updated. If you are interested in prices in Budva for specific products and excursions, ask questions in the comments.
P.S. I wrote about the prices for renting sun loungers and umbrellas on different beaches in an article about.
We wish you low prices in Montenegro and a pleasant holiday!
Your Mila Demenkova
Prices in Montenegro 2018. How much does a holiday in Budva cost?
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