…talking about Georgia… citizens of around 50 countries can enter Georgia without a visa and stay for a year. Citizens from many other countries can apply for a digital nomad visa
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There is a bunch of Balkan states relatively close by. I once visited FYROM (the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as it was called then), spent a few days in Skopje with my daughter because there was a dirt cheap direct flight from our tiny local airport. Was interesting!
If that kind of considerations would not play a role, I think I would go for Istanbul. I want to look around there someday.
Thanks, I hadn’t thought about Georgia, I’ll add that to my list. I haven’t been to Cyprus or Turkey yet either.
I just looked that up, I had no idea I could stay in Georgia for a year!
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I’m considering Macedonia or maybe Montenegro. Croatia used to be my non Schengen destination, but it’s now part of Schengen. I’ve heard the rest of the Balkans are really nice too, so I may head there in June. Just have to keep track of which countries have joined the Schengen zone.
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2024 facts:
23 countries are both in the EU & Schengen Zone Members
27 countries are members of the European Union
29 countries are part of Schengen (as of 3/31/2024)
44 countries are considered “European” per the United Nations.
As of March 31, 2024 the following countries are signatories of the Schengen Zone Agreement: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria (on 3/31), Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania (on 3/31), Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland
I’ve never been able to select “European Union” on the website with map search…
A year or so ago, there was an EU button that, unfortunately, didn’t pass the test (I assume), as it was removed after a while
@systaran I will be in the same situation in July, needing to move to a non Schengen country to avoid overstay. As others mentioned, Georgia is currently at the top of my list. Have done Turkey but would consider it again as it is a fabulous country to visit, you wouldn’t be disappointed. Also considering Albania, I hear it is THE place to visit these days before tourism really takes over. Decisions, decisions.
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So many great places to visit, maybe I can get in more than one on this trip. Georgia and Albania both sound great. I’m planning to go to Turkey later, probably next spring.
You could do Georgia and Armenia together, Armenia only needs two to three days from all the research I have done. Azerbaijan also in the same area, I’m actually looking at doing day tours or multi tours from Tbilisi, Georgia to both Armenia and Azerbaijan if my time is short.
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We’re currently in Türkiye and loving it. We have one month in Istanbul then a five week road trip around the county. Off to Serbia in May then N. Macedonia and Albania will take us until the end of June. We’re taking a bit of a break from house sitting and then will be back at it in July.
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Montenegro is gorgeous. Serbia really interesting. Well be checking out Albania this year as its becoming very popular. Same with Northern Macedonia. Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan also look interesting.
I traveled in Georgia and loved it. It is indeed cheap, especially housing and using ride share apps.
I spent 2 weeks in Tsibilisi (capital, more cultural things) then took the very modern train to Batumi on the Black Sea. It’s an interesting town- very touristy but I could live there a bit as well).
There are a high number of young Russians living in Georgia: and also many Russian tourists. It was tough seeing them during this war- especially the rich priveleged tourists. But if you talk to the young ones, you get an interesting perspective on their fear and issues with their country.
Georgia can get very hot in the summer. I traveled as a solo female and felt very safe everywhere and didn’t have an issue with language. I primarily went to escape Schengen- and also at the time I was worried it was the next target of Russia and wanted to go before something happened.
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