Full-Time Travel – Backpacking in Europe With a Dog In 2022

After a fantastic time last year, our backpacking adventure in 2022 continued to see more of Europe with the dog. The plan was to see a combination of new places and revisit some old favourites on the way. 2022 is an entire year of Full Time travel for us, some of which is slow and some rather fast depending on the destination.

2022 was a bit of a deep dive into some new countries for us and the dog. Countries visited are;

• Romania
• Croatia
• Hungary
• Slovenia
• Italy

2022 Travel Stats From Google Maps

The Google Maps timeline is enabled on my phone and provides monthly statistics on my travels, plus an annual summary which is rather interesting.

The total distance travelled highlights that 82% of our journeys were sustainable. This figure was severely dented by our Christmas visit to the UK while Henry was in Romania.

Google Maps also breaks down travel types, including walking and public transport.

Finally, Google Maps does a country, city and places count for the year.

2022 Full-Time Travel Diary

Romania

We started the year in Braşov, a beautiful city in the mountains of Romania. Braşov is a lovely place to explore or go for a hike in the nearby mountains. Dining out is cheap in the city; thus, we did plenty and further researched the dog-friendly Brasov blog post.

A highlight of January was returning to Sinaia and trying out the gondola into the Bucegi Mountains. Being in the snow-covered mountains was a sight for sore eyes and it was inspiring.

Night Train From Romania to Hungary

The land border between Romania and Hungary is pretty straightforward in terms of restrictions. The night train from Brasov to Budapest is a perfect route for travelling with my dog and his potty schedule. Our private room was comfy; however, on this train, the shower was in the corridor, unlike on other trains. The two borders went smoothly, with no mention of green cards or QR codes.

Revisiting Budapest in Hungary

We returned to Budapest in Hungary for a longer, 2-week stay this time to further explore and revisit the big-box attractions. The Thermal Baths in Budapest delivered again and proved an excellent place to chill out. Revisiting Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament enabled me to see more and learn more about the sights. The dog also got to visit quite a range of dog-friendly bars and restaurants. Overall, returning to the city was a great call and a stepping stone for a bigger adventure.

Pecs in Hungary

After a great time in Budapest, we opted for the southern Hungarian City of Pécs for a visit. It is a beautiful city with lots to see, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train from Budapest to Pécs was pretty cheap and took just over three hours.

Pecs is full of beautiful buildings, including a cathedral, churches and some fine examples of art nouveau architecture. The food in the region is pretty special too and highlighted in the city’s restaurants. We found the city too great to visit with a dog, and there were many pet-friendly venues.

Hungary-Croatia Train

There was one train daily from Pecs to Zagreb, according to the Interrail App and the ticket office, where we got reservations. It was a late afternoon train; thus, a relaxing departure from Hungary was on the cards. The first leg was a slow train that hugged the Hungary/Croatia border. Lucky for us, most of the journey was during a very vivid sunset. Next up was an hour’s wait at Gyékényes, a small village on the main Budapest to Zagreb train line.

Getting on the train here was straightforward once we figured out the platforms. The train had rooms free, which was handy for travelling with the dog. Before departure, the Hungarian border police come on to stamp me out, and then they are followed by the Croatian equivalent. Border bureaucracies done, the train to Zagreb took just over 2 hours. Luckily, our dog-friendly hostel was straightforward to find, and their bar was open.

Zagreb

Croatia is Henry, my dog’s, 10th country he has visited with us; thus, Zagreb was a landmark for him. We stayed at a vibrant hostel which was dog-friendly, and they made the dog very welcome. Zagreb is a lovely city for sightseeing, with lots of things to see while mooching around. It has an abundance of parks and open places, thus making it a great city for walkies.

Zagreb has a great cafe and bar culture, and there are lots to choose from. Many of these were dog-friendly, thus a great place to visit with the dog. The food in Croatia was rather delicious, with some great budget options for local cuisine. Overall, Zagreb is a great city for us and a great launchpad into the coastal regions.

Croatian Trains With A Dog

After Zagreb, the next destination was Split with the dog, so the train was the best option for travel. The prices were quite reasonable: £25 for all of us on the 6-hour journey. The train was pretty slow and not overly comfortable compared to the older trains we prefer. However, it was dog-friendly, and the other passengers gave the dog some fuss and offered water. Sadly, there were no refreshments available onboard, so if doing this trip, supplies are imperative. Henry was a trooper and fine, as he had a very long walk and strategically timed meals beforehand.

Split in Croatia

Split is a city on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia and a lovely place to visit. It has many aspects that are great for travelling. First, Split has a lovely coastline to explore, including some beaches to chill out on. The old town of Split is beautiful and has lots of pleasant buildings to see and find out about – and their history. It is a rather pet-friendly city with many options to dine out and places to stay.

There are countless places to go for a dog walk or hike near the city centre. The bars and restaurants are also somewhat dog-friendly, and many people are out and about with their pets. The local restaurants have many great seafood options; however, if you are on a budget, Split Fish Market is a great place to get ingredients to cook.

Split to Zagreb Daytime Train

Leaving Split, the easiest way was to catch the direct train to Zagreb. This journey was an early start with the train departing at 8:30am and a 6.5 hour trek. As it was daytime, you could see how beautiful the inland of Croatia is. There are lots of mountains and some lovely fortresses to see from the windows.

For dog passengers, the train stops at Licko Lesce about halfway through the trip. Thus, this is a great option for a potty break; smokers all took advantage of the stop too.

Return to Zagreb

After a 6.5 hour jaunt on the trains, we opted to spend the night in Zagreb rather than travel onwards. We stayed in a dog-friendly hostel near to the train station, ready for an easy departure the next day. Further exploring the city was the aim, and also trying some new pet-friendly bars and eateries. We also stocked up on e-cigarette supplies after struggling in Split.

Train From Croatia to Slovenia

Our next destination was Maribor, for our first visit to Slovenia. This was a relatively straightforward journey, with one change, arriving in Maribor in under 4.5 hours. The border crossing on the train is in Dobova quite early on the trip. First the Croatian border police stamp you out, then the Slovenians follow them up the train to do their checks and stamp your passport.

Next up was a rather impressive train journey, following the River Sava up to Zidani Most. There is a break in the journey here to await the train to Maribor. The place is pretty and has a bar, a quick warning they only accept cash and the nearest ATM is 4km away. The next train was pretty painless passing through some pretty farmland onto Maribor. However, this was the 2nd time in 3 years of travelling that a conductor asked to put a muzzle on the dog.

Maribor in Slovenia

We chose Maribor as our first experience in Slovenia. Its small-city vibe, interesting history and nearby hiking were all big draws for me. The central areas of the city are very interesting, with nice churches, interesting museums and, overall, rather pretty. The city has many vineyards nearby, places to try local wine, and is home to the world’s oldest grapevine.

Dog walking and hiking in the city are fantastic. There are lots of hills to climb, nearby villages and lots of vineyards to wander through. Most bars and restaurants are pet-friendly, and many people go out with their dogs.

Maribor to Romania Train Journey

The next step of our adventure with the dog was an epic train journey from Maribor to Braşov. First stretch was a 15-minute ride to Pragersko, a remote train station, handy for a potty walk. The next train was a 5 1/4 hour train from Pragersko to Budapest Kelenfold, passing through lots of pleasant countryside.

From Kelenfold, we got the underground straight to Keleti station, ready to park up. We had 2 hours to empty Henry’s bladder, have some exercise, eat and buy supplies for the night train. This ran smoothly and settled into the night train quickly with the two obligatory border crossings around midnight. The journey was epic, and we were effectively on the move for 24 hours. Henry was a trooper.

Romania

Returning to Transylvania meant we could explore more locally in Braşov, including some fantastic hikes. Hikes include a return to Solomon’s Rocks and some time in the mountains of Poiana Braşov.

Solo Backpacking in Bucharest

Finally, I got the chance to do a solo trip to the Romanian Capital, Bucharest. This is a 2.5 hour train journey from Brasov. Bucharest is an interesting place with lots of options to see, including some great tourist attractions and museums. This includes the national village museum, where you can step into Romania of the past.

Bucharest has some fantastic architecture mixed in with the ugly brutalist buildings from the communist era. There are some fantastic bars and restaurants too, with an international vibe. Bucharest certainly exceeded my expectations for a city break.

Back To Transylvania

Easter weekend was quite the experience in Braşov. It kicked off with attending midnight mass at Biserica Sfânta Treime, a Romanian Orthodox Church. Biserica Sfânta Treime is beautiful inside and out and has a lovely mountain backdrop. The churchyard was brimming with people, and then at midnight everyone’s candles were lit while the mass continued. This went on for 5 hours; however, many left early. The streets of Braşov were alight with people carrying candles all the way home, which was quite the experience.

The Easter Sunday meal was rather special and included some delicious Romanian delicacies. This included lamb and drob, which is comparable to haggis and delicious. To round off the Easter meal, we enjoyed Cozonac, a delicious cake made by my wife. While in the city, I enjoyed two Tweetups and had great evenings out.

Epic Train Trip From Romania to Lake Balaton With a Dog

To depart from Romania, we again opted for the night train with the dog. The night train takes 13 hours to reach Budapest, and that’s a normal night’s sleep for Henry. He got to say hi to both the Romanian and Hungarian border police.

On arrival in Budapest, the plan was to have refreshments and to give henry a long walk while my wife had a coffee in one of our favourite dog-friendly cafes. The train to Balaton leaves from Kelenföld; thus, we had to navigate the underground with backpacks and a dog. Luckily, they have a lift we spotted last time. A large backpack while carrying a dog on an escalator gets a bit nerve-wracking. The train journey to Keszthely took 2.5 hours and was rather pretty, especially the part along the edge of Lake Balaton. The old downside was henry got busted by the muzzle police and had to mask up.

Keszthely a City on Lake Balaton in Hungary

First impressions of Keszthely at Lake Balaton are good. The lake is beautiful and a fantastic place to go for a walk. The lake has a few beaches and lakeside bars to enjoy a beer or a meal.

The city centre has some fantastic attractions to visit, the most popular being the Festetics Palace. They also have options for museums to see, including one with the Hungarian Parliament made from snail shells. Keszthely also has some fantastic restaurants that serve traditional cuisine from the region.

Keszthely to Zagreb Via Balatonszentgyörgy by train

The next stop for us was Zagreb, a city that is a great crossroads when entering Croatia from the east. First, we had a 11 minute train from Keszthely to Balatonszentgyörgy on the small branch line. This was delayed, and we were grateful we were planning on a liquid snack at the station.

We learned they don’t sell international train tickets at Keszthely or Balatonszentgyörgy railway stations. Thus, we had to find somewhere online to buy or hop on the train, hoping we could purchase it there. Anyway, after failed attempts on the OBB and DB apps, Hungarian Railways sites delivered. Have your translator ready for the billing address country drop-down if you don’t read Hungarian.

The train from Balatonszentgyörgy to Zagreb was rammed full; thus, with the dog, we sat in the corridor. Luckily, at Nagykanizsa, we got an entire room for us and the dog. Border control was pretty typical, except the Croatian border guard asked to pet henry, rather than see his papers. The views out of the window from the border were fantastic, as it corresponded with golden hour and sunset. We arrived late and checked in to our dog-friendly hostel in Zagreb.

3rd Visit to Zagreb in 2022

Zagreb has become a very handy city for us to stop in, mainly because only one train from the east arrives daily; thus, a night is required, and we don’t like one-night stops. Anyway, there’s plenty more of the city for us to explore, and more places to dine out. Croatia was kind to my feet, and I replaced worn-out boots and trainers with those that fit. Sizes over 12 seem like unicorns in Romania, so my struggle is over.

Ogulin

Our next destination with the dog was Ogulin, a small town in Rural Croatia. To reach it, we travelled by train, which took just over 2 hours, so it was a short, slow travel day. The local area is beautiful with some great countryside for walking and lakes for some wild swimming. There are a few attractions in the town and some rather nice cafe-bars to chill out in. Ogulin is a relaxing place with stunning scenery and is nice to be off the tourist trail for a week.

Train Journey With a Dog From Ogulin to Rijeka in Croatia

The train journey from Ogulin to Rijeka passes through some fantastic countryside on the way to the Croatian coast. Some of the river valleys and mountains were fantastic, including seeing views of Slovenia. They replaced part of the journey between Skead and Skrljevo with a coach service. Thankfully, the rail coaches allow dogs on board, unlike many other coaches in Croatia. Despite the unorthodox train journey, we arrived in Rijeka on time. This train trip was good value and cost about £18 for 2 adults and a dog ticket.

City of Rijeka

Our home for the week is Rijeka, the third biggest city in Croatia. It is also the gateway to the Croatian islands, meaning many people just pass through on the way to the ferry port. As well as being an important ferry port, Rijeka has lots of nice architecture to see, including lots of Habsburg-style buildings.

There is also a lovely cathedral and a castle overlooking the city. We found it easy to find pet-friendly accommodation, and so far the bars we have visited have been welcoming of dogs. The restaurants of Rijeka focus on serving delicious seafood, caught fresh from the Adriatic sea.

Jadrolinija Catamaran With A Dog

Public transport in Croatia can be confusing, with lots of conflicting information. The Jadrolinija catamarans were no different. Some sources state no pets; others state in a carrier with a maximum weight of 8kg for fast ferries. However, after visiting the Jadrolinija office, we managed to book a kennel for larger dogs.

Ticket in hand, we boarded the ferry, expecting things to not go to plan; however, we were greeted by a crew member who took us to the top deck and settled henry in his room for the next three hours. He got water and bedding to keep him comfortable.

The ferry journey to Mali Lošinj was like being on a bus with a bar and no decks to hang out on while it’s moving. The ferry shifted across the sea at an impressive pace. At each stop, they opened the front deck for smokers and those that wanted to stretch their legs.

As we pulled into the port, we were allowed on the crew deck to fetch Henry, but we had to wait and enjoy the view while the boat parked.

Mali Lošinj – The Island of Vitality

The Croatian Islands have a fantastic reputation for being a great holiday location. Mali Lošinj was a popular place for Austrian Aristocracy to holiday in the past and has the mantle “The Island of Vitality”. The harbour is lovely to hang out in, with lots of restaurants and cafes to relax in.

The island is proving a fantastic place to travel to with a dog, except for limitations on public transport. Pet-friendly accommodation is available, and most bars and restaurants are dog-friendly. Some of the boat tours to go dolphin watching and to the remote islands are also suitable for taking dogs. We opted to go on a pirate ship for a day out at sea.

Leaving The Island

After a fantastic time by the seaside, we opted to head inland into the mountains of Croatia. First was to catch the 6 am ferry with the dog and return to Rijeka. Henry had to stay in the kennel deck again, which we booked from the ferry office in advance. In Rijeka, there was time to pick up supplies needed in the small village and enjoy breakfast. Next was the train station, where there was a bus replacement for the train. The journey was rather nice, and I got to see some of the rollercoaster-like roads in the country. The bus dropped us off in the centre of the village of Fuzine.

Fuzine, a stop for a wind-down

Fuzine is a small village near a lake in a mountainous area of Croatia. We needed some quiet time with extra space, and the accommodation here fit the bill. It’s a beautiful village with a restaurant and some dog-friendly bars to visit. The lake is man-made; however, it’s a beautiful place for walkies. The village is rather laid back and has a few stores, ideal for making use of our kitchen and barbecue.

Fuzine to Karlovac Train

We accidentally selected Sunday as our departure date to leave; thus, there was one train running to the next city, Karlovac. The train was departing just before 3pm and should take 2 hours, 15 minutes. Thus, we made our way to the restaurant next to the railway station for lunch and beers. It was great that the train turned up on time, as the route is often a bus replacement that runs late. The journey didn’t run so smoothly. The train had a problem and parked up in the middle of nowhere for half an hour before, suddenly, it got going again. We arrived roughly an hour late in Karlovac and then found our apartment for the week.

Karlovac: The City of Parks

Anyone spending time in Croatia will have seen or drunk Karlovačko beer; well, this is brewed in Karlovac. The city is rather small but is a rather nice place to spend time. The parks, old buildings and 4 rivers certainly make it a relaxing place to hang out. There is also a castle and museums to visit, including an aquarium of river fish. We found most places in the city to be dog-friendly, and Henry is really enjoying his time here. As a bonus, it’s nice not to have to climb hills to do basic tasks while in the city.

Croatia to Slovenia Train

Our next Balkan train journey was the trip from Karlovac to the capital of Slovenia. It’s quite a cheap route, thus not suitable as an Interrail day. The travel day was long, with a 6-hour break in Zagreb to get a direct train to Ljubljana. The train had separate rooms, and crossing the border was very efficient. Henry also got a hello and a stroke by both sets of border guards.

Ljubljana: Mecca For Backpackers

Next stop travelling with the dog was Ljubljana, which seems a mecca for 1^st-time backpackers and Interrailers. The city seems to have a notable collection of younger backpackers in the bars of the city. Ljubljana, however, has many beautiful aspects to see and, in the main, is pretty dog-friendly, and Henry has enjoyed exploring the city. Highlights being the riverside area, the cathedral and the pink church.

Slovenia to Italy Train With The Dog

The train journey from Slovenia to Italy was a bit of a nightmare. There are few trains that cover this route; thus, I took the 14:20 train from Ljubljana. There was supposed to be a change in Trieste and then in Venice. However, a breakdown put the train 1.5 hours late into Trieste in Italy, meaning we would miss the last train to Bologna. We decided to stop the night near Venezia Mestre in the cheapest dog-friendly place.

The room we rented was functional, dog-friendly and very close to the station. While in the area, we found a lovely Italian restaurant, La Tana di Oberix, to enjoy some delicious food after the dramatics on the railways. The highlight of the meal was the mussel and clam pasta. After a good night’s sleep, we hopped on the midmorning train to catch up. This fortunately ran like clockwork.

Bologna in Italy

After a bit of research, we opted to choose Bologna as a destination. There were many factors in our decision, including food, busyness and things to see. Bologna is a fantastic place to visit; there are lots of beautiful things to see, and our dog-friendly accommodation is rather nice. Also, it’s not too busy, and Henry is getting lots of fuss. Highlights of our visit were the stunning architecture of the city and the climb to the Dome of St Luke overlooking Bologna.

High-Speed Train With a Dog In Italy

The next stage of our Interrail adventure required travelling on the high-speed trains in Italy from Bologna to Rome. These required an additional reservation, which we purchased on the day at the Bologna railway station. Henry introduced himself to the lady at the ticket office, and then she found a suitable carriage to travel with the dog. The train was quick, and the journey ran smoothly. Once in Rome, we hopped onto a regional train to reach the camping village at the edge of the city. Overall, they impressed me with the time saved on the high-speed trains in Italy.

Budget Backpacking in Rome

The only way we could balance the books for an extended stay in Rome was to find some cheap accommodation. After perusing Pitchup, we found a campsite that rents “sheds with beds” on the outskirts of the city. This was far cheaper than anywhere in the city and is only 1 Euro to reach the city by train, which is nice.

Rome is stunning, and there are lots of things to see and sightseeing to enjoy while here for a few weeks. The old Roman architecture and the Renaissance buildings are impressive. As we are budget backpacking, we are mainly seeing things that are free to visit or view from the outside.

As part of the Rome trip, Henry clocked up his 13th country, Vatican city, however he was not allowed inside St Peter’s Basilica. He is such a versatile dog and a pleasure to travel with. He enjoyed meeting other dogs in St Peter’s Square, drinking some fountain water and getting fuss from people from all over the world.

Rome To Pompeii

Our penultimate Interrail travel day was visiting Pompeii from Rome. This was a bit of a mission: 2 buses and 4 trains in total. Once we crossed Rome to Roma Termini station, we fancied brunch and ventured out of the station and had the full Termini experience. The train to Naples didn’t require seat reservations and was a rather pleasant journey with lots of space and nobody waking the dog. From Naples was a short train, then a switch to the rail replacement bus to reach Pompeii.

Pompeii

Visiting the ruins of Pompeii was at the top of my wife’s bucket list, so it made sense to visit. We needed somewhere nice to stay and relax after 16 days of shed life, so we opted for an apartment in the countryside at the edge of the city. The ruins of Pompeii are rather special to visit, with some excellently preserved buildings.

The site is massive and can take all day to see everything. Other than the ruins and main town square, there’s not much else to see in the city, which is possibly why many only visit for a day trip. Thankfully, we wanted a break from tourism and tourists, so the nearby countryside fit the bill. The major downside was the not-so-friendly strays and abundance of poorly socialised dogs in the area.

Epic Travel Day: Pompeii to Trieste

Some days it’s nice to shift some ground, especially on the last day of an Interrail pass. We travelled from Pompeii to Trieste using a mix of rail replacement buses, regional trains, and a high-speed train. The travel day started badly with getting on the wrong bus heading away from Naples. An error that cost nearly 2 hours of the day. Next up was navigating the Trenitalia ticket office to purchase a mandatory seat reservation. The queue was long; however, the next train meant we could grab a late brunch.

The high-speed train was pleasant, made so by having a table to ourselves, so Henry settled quickly. A quick change in Venice meant grabbing a few drinks and getting onto the next train to Trieste. This was busy, and we got busted for sitting in the bike carriage until they moved us on. We were staying near the station, thus no long walk with backpacks, which was nice. For a meal, we enjoyed a rather nice kebab near the railway station.

Trieste

We opted to stay in Trieste for 2 nights, as the previous journey was draining, especially for the dog. However, I’m not one to put a new place to waste and clocked up 34000 steps exploring.

Trieste is beautiful and a blend of Hapsburg and Italian architecture, with a port thrown into the mix. The castle walk was one highlight of the visit to see the views from above. However, the sunset from the pier was fantastic, as were the city’s buildings during the golden hour.

Train Trieste To Rijeka

Next up was the awkward task of buying train tickets from Trieste in Italy to Rijeka in Croatia. Basically, we had to get tickets from Trieste to Pivka and then buy the next one; however, closed ticket offices didn’t allow this. We had 2 hours in Pivka and thus found the nearest restaurant to the railway station, Pizzeria Herman. Pizzeria Herman had a fantastic menu, and I enjoyed a hearty mixed grill, which was delicious.

Next was back on the trains without a ticket; onboard we could only buy to the border, Sapjane. This was a cash in Euros only option from the conductor. At the border were the usual formalities in a timely manner. Then next up was the Croatian ticket inspector, from whom we also had to buy a ticket with cash only. The stretch of railway from here is rather nice, especially when approaching the Adriatic coast. We arrived in Rijeka on time.

Rijeka

As we knew Rijeka and were only planning an overnight stop, we opted to choose dog-friendly accommodation in the centre. Thus negating navigating the steep hills of the city. It was nice to return and enjoy the city without the leg burn.

Rijeka to Cres

The next day, we got the Jadrolinija ferry to Cres, a short 1.5 hour trip for Henry in the cage. The ferry ran smoothly; however, the departure time in September was different to in June.

Creš, a Croatian Island

Cres is a small town on the island of the same name. It’s a charming town with a medieval centre, lots of walking and a pretty seafront. The restaurants here focus mainly on fresh seafood and Cres Lamb, a local speciality. It’s a rather chilled place, and although similar to Italy, it is much more laid back. An ideal place to recharge the batteries and enjoy the last month of Summer.

Return to Mali Lošinj.

After Cres was a ferry ride down the coast to Mali Lošinj, the Island of Vitality, for an extended month-long stay. This meant we could hike more, enjoy the rest of what the island offered, and spend the tail end of summer near the sea. We enjoyed lots of seafood out and from the local market. The highlight was the vivid autumn sunsets in the town. Staying for a month on the Island was fantastic, and I never got bored.

Return to Rijeka

The 4-hour ferry trip to Rijeka was enough for one travel day, so I opted to stay in Rijeka again for 2 nights. The aim of this visit was to pick up supplies and get some boots for some imminent hiking in Slovenia. Rijeka had some fantastic out-of-town shopping options, and thankfully I didn’t have the shoe size problems I’ve encountered in Italy and Romania.

Train to Spodnje Gorje in Slovenia

Our next stop is the beautiful countryside of Slovenia, in Spodnje Gorje. To reach Spodnje Gorje, we got the Rijeka to Ljubljana train across the border. 2 trains later, we arrived in Podhom ready to figure out the local buses to our place. Thankfully, we met no muzzle police, only one jobsworth conductor that backed down about Henry. Croatian pastries and Union beer fuelled this journey.

Over a Week, Near Lake Bled

We stayed in a lovely village, Spodnje Gorje, in the hills above lake Bled for 9 nights during the Autumn. The entire area is beautiful and fantastic for dog walking, including around the lake and nearby hills. We enjoyed some delicious Slovenian cuisine while enjoying the fantastic kitchen at our holiday home. The walk around the lake was a frequent occurrence, and the views were stunning at all times of the day, from the misty mornings to the red sunsets. Bled Castle is a fantastic place to visit, too. It has amazing views, and the castle is nice for a mooch around.

One highlight was taking the dog for a day out to Vintgar Gorge, a truly beautiful place. The white water, deep gorge and autumnal colours made it special. We were lucky that it was a pleasant day and quiet when visiting.

Bled to Celje on Public Transport

We had issues with buses in Slovenia, however, because of the train line closing, we had to risk getting the bus to the next functional railway station, Lesce Bled. Thankfully, this worked a treat after getting a tip in the local bar to carry the dog rather than letting him walk. The trains from Lesce Bled to Ljubljana run smoothly and after grabbing some pastries, we were on to the next train to Celje without incident. As a bonus, Henry didn’t need a ticket on the 2nd train.

Celje a small city in Slovenia

We chose Celje to break up the trip between Bled and Lake Balaton in Hungary. The city has some interesting aspects to it, including some interesting architecture. The castle on the hill overlooking Celje was fantastic to visit and a great day out. Other attractions included some pretty hiking trails in the forest and the riverside walks.

Train From Celje to Keszthely

Next up was the trip from Slovenia to Hungary, a straightforward trip with a change in Janoshaza. The change was supposed to be 10 minutes; however, a delayed train meant we had over two hours to kill.

There’s not much in Janoshaza, but I found a friendly bar in the village. On entry it looked like the set of a horror movie; however, it was a fantastic place to kill a few hours. The £0.90 beers helped kill the time.

Return to Keszthely

We loved our initial stay in the city on Lake Balaton, so we decided another 10 days would be great to see the area during autumn. The autumnal scenery didn’t disappoint, nor did the early sunrises. This was the first time we rebooked the same place to stay while travelling.

I also enjoyed a day trip to Szigliget, a picturesque village overlooking the lake. The highlights of this visit were the castle, thatched cottages, and the quirky restaurant where I enjoyed lunch.

Keszthely to The Capital

Internal rail travel in Hungary seems pretty reliable, and it is easy to source train tickets via the MAV website. You can also book dog tickets online, which is helpful and avoids queues at the ticket office. The train was direct into Budapest and took 2.5 hours. From Deli railway station, we got our book of 10 public transport tickets and carried Henry down the escalators on to the underground, my favourite way to get around the city.

Another Week in Budapest

Budapest is a fantastic city to explore, and there is always more to see; plus, it’s always nice to get reacquainted with the stunning main sites. The city is also great for shopping and the furthest east that I can get my size shoes, so retail therapy was a big draw before heading to Romana. Henry also got the chance to do more research for his dog travel post.

Night Train From Hungary to Romania

Again, to return to Romania, we opted for the Dacia Express Night Train. We carefully timed this journey in terms of comfort for the dog and thus opted for Sighisoara as the end point of our trip. The train ran smoothly, and Henry got to meet the border guards, possibly the last time at this frontier if Romania joins Schengen.

A week in Sighișoara

As well as being handy for emptying henry after the long train journey, Sighisoara is a beautiful town. It is a medieval citadel with lots of old Saxon architecture and colourful buildings. We stayed in a dog-friendly pension that played along with the medieval theme well.

Transylvania Ping-Pong

The rest of the time in Romania has been spent flitting between Cluj-Napoca and Brasov. Something new was visiting the Cluj-Napoca Christmas Market in the main square. I have spent my time well by not doing many tourist things and lots of relaxing. Obviously more research for my bar guide and Henry’s imminent dog-friendly Cluj post.

Flight To UK

After lots of slow travel, we took our 1st flight in 18 months from Cluj to Luton in the UK. The flight was pretty straightforward compared to our previous flight during the worldwide restrictions and the quick-to-change rules.

Christmas in London

After a night in snow-covered Luton, we headed into London, our first time in the UK for 470 days. We had a great time in London and combined errands, sightseeing and a night out with Berkley Square Barbarian, another blogger. The time of the year meant Christmas festivities were in full swing, so I took the chance to see lots of the festive decorations around the city, the highlight being the Carnaby Street lights.

Train To Gloucester

The train from London Paddington to Stroud was pretty painless except for the wallet. The train was rather full; however, free seat reservations meant we didn’t require the floor seat this time.

Gloucester For Christmas

The last stop on our 2022 adventure is visiting Gloucester, my hometown, to spend Christmas with family and catch up with friends. Highlights are revisiting the sights, getting out in the countryside and seeing the festive decorations at Gloucester Cathedral.

Next Stop – 2023.