subject: 3 Secret Destinations In Fyr Of Macedonia [print this page] It doesn't matter where you want to travel in the world, comprehensive travel insurance is the all in one package favoured by most people planning to go overseas. Whichever way you look at it, the best approach is to expect the worst and plan your insurance around that. If you take this approach you will avoid any nasty surprises in the form of unexpected medical or hospital bills on your holiday.
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, or simply Macedonia as it is known to locals, is a really visited country because of its relatively low status in both economic and social terms within the European community. Although travelling to this little-known country will delight and surprise you, adequate health cover in your travel insurance package is essential.
It has only been in the last 10 years that Western Europeans are waking up to this hidden gem in the eastern part of Europe. Landlocked by Albania, Bulgaria and Greece, Macedonia has struggled to survive because of its underperforming economy and lacklustre political environment.
For tourists however, there is plenty to look forward to. Let's take a look at three destinations that might convince you to include Macedonia in your next travel plan.
The Monasteries. Surprisingly, Macedonia has a wealth of historical monasteries sprinkled throughout the country. The monasteries are a relic of the Orthodox Christian faith and date back to as early as 1000 A.D. The Sveti Jovan Bigorski monastery was affected by a fire in late 2009 but the monastery itself was largely unaffected. Located in the Mavrovo National Park in the west of Macedonia, close to the village Galicnik, it is typical of many monasteries in that it houses some relics of patron saints, in this case John the Baptist. Icons adorn the walls and there are as many as 300 carvings depicting religious scenes from the period. Unusually, there are also frescoes painted on the exterior walls of the Church and although these have been weathered badly over the years, they still provide an amazing insight into the past.
Lake Ohrid. The crystal clarity of the blue green waters of this magnificent lake are sufficient in themselves to demand a visit! Located on the border of Macedonia and eastern Albania, the township has developed into a tourist mecca especially for German tourists looking for a cheap alternative to the more expensive Mediterranean coastline destinations.
Strumica. This charming township, the largest in Eastern Macedonia, has an eclectic collection of ancient monasteries, modern cafes and bars and architecture reminiscent of Middle Eastern flamboyance. Although a little decayed, it exudes the shabby chic associated with some parts of Paris, without the expense. You can enjoy a luxurious holiday here without breaking the budget.
It's important to work out your visa and travel insurance requirements before you arrive in Macedonia because it is not always easy to communicate from some of the more remote areas in the country.
by: Josh Harrison
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
