One lesser-known stopover destination can save you the cost of a long-haul flight to a hotspot like Dubai, while offering plenty to explore on its own.
TikTok travel creator “nicoletravelandlife” recently shared some smart tips on the app, noting that Bulgaria's capital Sofia is an ideal layover for budget-conscious travelers heading to Asia, the Middle East, and even parts of Africa. did.
Mario van Poppel, founder of currency exchange platform Manor FX, echoed this advice, highlighting Sofia as a valuable stopover that can save travelers hundreds of pounds on long-haul flights.
He explained: “By transiting through Bulgaria's capital Sofia, travelers can secure cheaper long-haul flights to destinations such as Asia, the Middle East and even parts of Africa.
“With its location in south-eastern Europe and its proximity to other continents, it is truly a hidden gem when it comes to travel savings. It also offers more affordable transfer fees than other European hubs.”
Mario also pointed out the added benefit of Bulgaria being an affordable destination in its own right, saying, “Not only are the flights cheap, but Bulgaria itself is a budget-friendly place, so it's well worth the trip.'' There is,” he said.
Many low-cost airlines operate from Sofia, offering cost-effective connections to major destinations. Long-haul airlines such as Emirates and Qatar also operate competitive flights from Sofia.
Sofia offers more than just budget-friendly flights. Sofia is a city worth exploring, as Mario points out: “From the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, to Mount Vitosha, just a short drive from the city, there is so much to see and do in Sofia.
“Visitors can also enjoy hearty local dishes such as cheese-filled pastries called banitsa and kavarma, a slow-cooked meat stew, at a fraction of the cost compared to other cities in Western Europe. Masu.”
When it comes to accommodation, Bulgaria remains affordable, with mid-range hotels averaging between £40 and £60 per night. If you're enjoying a pint, expect the beer to cost around £1.70 to £2.20.
The Bulgarian Lev (BGN) is pegged to the Euro at a fixed rate, providing a stable and predictable exchange rate, giving travelers more control over their spending.
“We are planning to introduce the euro, but for now Bulgaria remains one of the last countries in Europe to have its own currency,” Mario said.
“Another reason to visit now is that our independence from the eurozone means the cost of living is low, we are one of only six EU countries to have our own currency, and we absolutely I want to put it on my list of places to go.”
For those who like to explore, Bulgarian banknotes featuring famous historical figures such as Ivan Mirandinov and Ivan Vazov also serve as a mini-history lesson with each transaction.
Mario recommended exchanging money in advance to avoid exchange rate fluctuations in tourist-heavy areas to save even more.
