As the summer season winds down, many Brits are seeking a final escape to bask in the remaining sunshine, with temperatures still soaring in other holiday hotspots. Luckily for those wanting a final blast of sun, flight prices are at an all-time low as tourism hotspots begin to pack up for the season.
However, with changes to the European entry and exit systems (ESS), some Brits may face long queues at border controls as new digital systems are enforced. But travel experts at eurochange have shared one of the best “non-Schengen” destinations exempt from the changes: Kotor in Montenegro. The Bay of Kotor may not ring a bell for many. It is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, and, as a bonus, eurochange says return flights start from £34 in October flying from London Stansted to Podgorica. Accommodation starts from £23 a night, a 3-course meal is £39.74 per head and a beer is just £2.38.
Nestled in the Adriatic Sea in southwestern Montenegro, the beauty spot is set against a breathtaking mountainous backdrop. The nearby town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasting a stunning cathedral and medieval streets.
Despite UK searches for “Kotor Montenegro” surging by 100% in the past month, it remains relatively undiscovered, making it an ideal destination for those wishing to dodge the crowds.
The team at eurochange said: “Montenegro is quickly becoming one of the most popular up-and-coming destinations in Europe. A less crowded alternative to Croatia, it offers similar quaint towns, gorgeous beaches and a stunning coastline, but it is around 20-30% cheaper2.
“Kotor, a coastal town in Montenegro, is well worth a visit. This town offers outstanding natural beauty, looking out onto beautiful, bright blue waters, and is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Europe. This is a great spot if you’re after a chilled, slow-paced holiday, without having to pay extortionate prices.”
For foodies, there is an array of local dishes to choose from. Montenegro’s cuisine is is influenced by its mountainous terrain and Adriatic coast, meaning there are a lot of meat and fish-based dishes. The national dish is Cevapi. This is made up of minced-meat sausages, usually served with flatbread, and onions.
Other notable foods are the famous Njeguši Prosciutto, an aged meat made from the best quality pork, and a flaky savoury pastry called Burek.
For travellers to much of Europe in general this year, the new EES will mean British nationals may face longer waits at border control as a new digital system is introduced. The new system will see the manual stamping of passports being scrapped, in favour of visitors registering their biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo, which will automate the process of registering travellers’ entries and exits.
There are 29 countries that will be implementing the new system, which will affect all non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay. Popular holiday destinations for Brits make the list, including France, Portugal, Italy and Spain. However, there are 27 countries that are exempt from the system, known as ‘non-Schengen countries’.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital & engagement at eurochange, says we can expect to see an influx in people travelling to non-Schengen countries as a result. She said: “The introduction of this new border control system may be off-putting to people, especially those who like to keep travel as fuss-free as possible.
“I think we can definitely expect to see an increase in Brits travelling to countries that are exempt from the legislation over the next few months.”