Montenegro wasn’t even on my radar until a friend mentioned this trip, and now I can’t believe I almost missed it. From the moment I was picked up in Podgorica, it felt like stepping into a slower, richer way of traveling—where nature, food, and people all matter just as much as the views (which, by the way, are stunning).

We started off at Selio Navidio Eco Village, a peaceful retreat tucked into the hills where time moves a little differently. From there, we hiked through Durmitor National Park—raw, untouched wilderness that makes you feel small in the best way possible.

One of my favorite moments was sailing across Lake Skadar. We spotted herons, eagles, and a few curious pelicans while gliding through the water—it was so quiet, just birds and wind. That night, we stayed at Cermeniza Eco Resort, where the food, wine, and views hit a different level.

I loved the hands-on parts too: olive oil tasting and helping out on an organic farm on the Lustica Peninsula, and later, replanting trees on Mount Vojnik. It felt good to give something back.

Exploring Kotor’s Old Town on a food tour was a perfect mix of history and flavor, and the traditional cheese-making workshop was surprisingly fun (and delicious). Everyone we met was warm, proud of their land, and eager to share it.

This trip had everything—mountains, lakes, coastline, purpose—and somehow it still felt relaxed. I came for the nature but left feeling like I’d seen a whole way of life.

— Nikolay