Visa-free trip to four countries! All the essential tips for enjoying Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Azerbaijan are here

Just got back after spending a whole month traveling through these four visa-free countries. Took it slow but had an amazing time. I gathered fresh, practical experiences at every stop and will share them with you one by one👇 First up, Serbia 🇷🇸 Highlights No visa needed, so it was my first stop. Started at Kalemegdan Fortress to catch the sunset. The evening glow turned the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers a warm honey orange. The breeze carried the scent of riverside coffee, making even zoning out feel wonderful. A 10-minute walk brought me to Mihailo Prince Street, where the old buildings’ vintage cream-colored walls made every photo look like it had a built-in filter. The colorful houses in Subotica looked like they were plucked straight from a fairy tale. Nearby, Lake Palić was peaceful. Riding a bike around the lake for half an hour completely relaxed me. Itinerary Spend 2 days in Belgrade exploring the fortress and old town, then relax at an outdoor café for half a day. On day 3, take a bus to Subotica and spend a day wandering at a leisurely pace. You can also visit Novi Sad on the way. Petrovaradin Fortress has plenty of artsy bars, perfect for enjoying the night view. Food recommendations Be sure to try the traditional Serbian smoked meat burger with pickles. The portions are so generous that a single bite crumbles apart. Also, try the plum brandy sold at street shops. After chilling, take a sip and the fruity aroma flows down your throat. Tips Local buses accept coins, so exchange some dinars in advance. Avoid paying with euros directly to prevent overcharging. Most attractions have young people who speak some English, so communication is easy. Next is Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦 Highlights The cobblestone streets of Sarajevo’s old town creak underfoot. The old stories by the Latin Bridge are hidden in street graffiti. When tired, turn into a nearby alley where bougainvillea blooms vibrantly on the walls. Mostar’s old bridge is famous. Standing in the middle and looking down, the Neretva River is a clear emerald green. If you’re lucky, you might see local guys diving straight into the water from the bridge with impressive moves. Nearby mountain villages have free-range lambs you can pet, and the air is filled with the scent of lavender. Itinerary Spend 2 days in Sarajevo exploring the old town and some lesser-known museums nearby. On day 4, take a bus to Mostar and spend a day there. Walk slowly along the river and find a spot to sit and zone out. No need to rush through attractions. Food recommendations Eat the pita while it’s hot. The thin flatbread wrapped around minced beef and cheese pulls apart in strings when bitten. The local yogurt has a strong creamy flavor. Pair it with honey for a perfect afternoon snack. Tips Some small restaurants in the old town only accept cash, so don’t rely on mobile payments everywhere. Locals are very friendly to tourists, and when asking for directions, you’ll often find someone willing to walk with you for a bit. Then Montenegro 🇲🇪 Highlights Kotor Bay is truly a gift from nature. Climb the old city walls step by step. At the top, the sparkling blue sea cradles the surrounding fishing villages like a sapphire resting on green velvet. Budva’s old town is by the sea. The pebble beach feels soft underfoot. At dusk, walking barefoot in the water with cool waves lapping is refreshing. Sveti Stefan Island looks like a floating block castle from afar. Photos taken there need no filter and can be used as wallpapers directly. Itinerary Spend 2 days in Kotor. Take half a day to climb the city walls and spend the rest of the time exploring small shops in the old town alleys. On day 7, go to Budva and stay for a day. Relax on the beach and soak up the sun. If you get there early, you can take a speedboat to nearby uninhabited islands for a quick tour. Food recommendations Grilled fresh sea fish brushed with local olive oil and sprinkled with freshly ground black pepper is so fresh you’d want to chew even the bones. The seaside shops sell orange soda that’s icy and refreshing to the core. Tips The summer sun by the sea is very strong, so bring multiple layers of sunscreen. When renting boats for sea trips, agree on the price beforehand to avoid last-minute price hikes. Finally, Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 Highlights When the Flame Towers light up at night, the whole city looks like it’s wrapped in flowing golden-red light. The breeze blows along the seaside promenade, and the Caspian Sea waves gently lap at your feet. Gobustan’s mud volcanoes are fascinating. Little mud bubbles bubble up one by one. The ground is soft and not sticky at all. Nearby prehistoric rock carvings are hidden in crevices, depicting local people hunting thousands of years ago. It’s like opening a living storybook from the past. Itinerary Spend 2 days in Baku exploring the Flame Towers and old town shops. On day 10, rent a car to visit Gobustan. You can make a round trip in one day. If you want to stay longer, nearby desert camps offer overnight stays with incredibly clear starry skies. Food recommendations The lamb in the hand-pulled rice dish is tender and stewed to perfection. The rice carries a subtle saffron aroma. The side dish of sweet and sour pomegranate seeds adds rich layers of flavor. Also try the thin-skinned Dargah bread, which is crispy on the outside and soft inside when freshly baked. Tips Don’t take photos of locals in public places without permission, especially elderly women in traditional dress. It’s more polite to ask first. Fuel is very cheap locally, and renting a car to explore remote areas is cost-effective and saves the hassle of crowded public transport. Traveling through these four places, I didn’t encounter any major issues. You can basically cross the border with just your passport, no visa hassle. If you have enough time, visiting them all in one trip is very convenient. Even spending a week in just one of them won’t feel boring. If you want to get away from crowds, this is a perfect choice.