Slovakia
A landlocked country in Central/Eastern Europe, Slovakia is bordered by Poland and the Czech Republic in the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, and Austria to the west. Its population of 5.4 million people speak Slovak; the country’s only official language. A relatively new country often confused with Slovenia, Slovakia gained its independence from the former Czechoslovakia in 1993. Today, its capital of Bratislava-just hours from both Vienna and Prague-has emerged as a destination in its own right as a less touristy alternative to its more famous neighbors. Situated on the banks of the Danube, the capital offers a lively nightlife scene as well as historic architecture, including Bratislava Castle, which overlooks the river and provides magnificent views of the city. Visitors to Bratislava can indulge in Slovakian cuisine; hearty dishes of cheese and potato dumplings. Outside the capital, visitors can tour one of the most beautiful towns in Europe: V...