“Eastern Europe has held an air of mystery and seclusion since the days of the Cold War and the breakup of Yugoslavia. Traveling in these countries is as safe as traveling in Western Europe, and the sites within the region often surpass the highlights of Western Europe. Whether the destination is Ukraine, Croatia or somewhere in the middle, the region is just as safe, if not safer, than the go-to cities and countries in Western Europe.”

Read my suggestions on USA Today‘s travel page.