As part of a tour in the Balkans in 2021, Montenegro was the next natural destination after a few weeks in Tirana. Budva hadn't been somewhere I was too interested in visiting but appeared a better option than the rather sombre capital of Podgorica.
If booking out of peak season you should have no problems getting a great deal on a good quality apartment. Even during peak summer months the cost shouldn't be prohibitive compared to other summer destinations.
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New legislation
Recent changes introduced by the Turkish government has made short-term rentals for under 100 days more restricted. Keep an eye on Reddit threads for up-to-date assessments of how the new legislation is impacting short-term rentals in practice.
Not a great deal of dedicated options for coworking, with a good looking option having opened a year after my visit. Plenty of coffee shops towards the centre.
Even though it is a predominantly tourist destination, restaurant prices are great value whilst compared to Western European destinations. Great deals on accommodation outside of the tourist season.
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The yen is currently at a 34-year low
While this is undoubtedly a negative for the Japanese, it makes for an exceptionally good time to visit Japan from abroad. Although this trend is unlikely to reverse significantly in the short term, it's still worth checking before visiting.
Read moreUnless you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach, there’s likely not enough to keep you entertained in Budva for more than a couple of days outside of work. While the old town is picturesque, it primarily serves as a tourist attraction, and there is no central urban hub to justify a longer stay.
Montenegro operates on Central European Time (CET), aligning with Western Europe.
I've written a guide on how to structure your day to get the most out of the time difference.
Without doubt, being able to speak Spanish with a degree of fluency is a huge asset when visiting South America. I had always put off visiting the continent due to my Spanish skills not extending beyond requesting a "cerveza grande".
But even with my incredibly primitive linguistic capabilities, it was not in any way to the detriment of the trip. English is spoken sparsely, but armed with a few phrases, some polite enthusiasm and a translator, it shouldn't deter you from visiting.
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