What's the shortest distance between two places? The obvious answer is "a straight line." Maybe that's true, but it isn't much fun. Besides, straight lines are hard to come by in a land filled with rolling hills and glorious countryside. When you decided to visit, it was because of the love of the country, its culture and its people.



No one goes to Hungary to be in a hurry. You are going to breath the fresh air and delicate countryside, and to find out why those who live their love their country so much. You want to taste the paprika from the markets, or watch the sunset high atop a hill, near where an old cathedral pierces the sky. You want to play chess ith the old men in the baths of Budapest and find out what drew Bobby Fischer to visit so often.

As you consider the maps below, thinking about how you need to travel. If you are hiking or biking, you might want a lamenated one. They can take the stress of being pulled in and out of backpacks and panniers. These maps are usually for a more limited area. If you are driving, you'll want a sturdy and thorough paper map that covers a great area with plenty of roads with landmarks.

Tourists aiming at a particular town will need a detailed city map, or book with several maps. An atlas can be very helpful, since you'll become familiar with its style.

TIP: Try Travel the World By Train: Europe 3 (DVD) to catch a good look at the countryside.
Also: Rick Steves Europe DVD:Eastern Europe (DVD), A Travelers Guide to East Europe (DVD)

Traveling in a new country requires some planning. Pick up a notebook, markers, highlighters, and some folders. Get organized. Know where you are going, how long it will take you to get there, and what kind of weather to expect.

A travel guide or two will help tremendously, but be sure, as with the maps, it is current. Last year's hotspots might be out of business or under new management. Likewise, there may be a new road not indicated on your map from 1968. Avoid getting lost or disappointed. Check the publication date.

One way to enjoy your trip is to contact the cities beforehand. Most of Hungary's main cities' homepages are listed on the right.

Need a gift? Try an Amazon gift certificate.