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21 Magical Things to Do in Bansko, Bulgaria’s Mountain Getaway

If you’re looking for a wonderful mountain getaway at any time of year, Bansko ticks the boxes.

Magical in winter under a dusting of snow, charming in autumn when the leaves start to do their yearly metamorphosis, vibrant in summer when festivals pop up throughout town, and fresh in spring when the flowers start popping up from their winter hibernation.

While Bansko may be best known as Bulgaria’s premier ski resort – and indeed, the largest  ski resort in the Balkans  – there are still plenty of things to do in Bansko at any time of year.

Between Stephanie and I, we’ve visited Bansko at three distinct times of the year: summer, fall, and winter. Each season offered different Bansko activities to take advantage of: hiking in Pirin national park in the summer, eating hearty Bulgarian meals on crisp fall evenings, and playing in the snow in the winter (since neither Stephanie or I are coordinated enough to learn how to ski).

With each visit, we feel Bansko grow on us a bit more, and we see why the small mountain town of Bansko is quickly becoming a hub for nature-loving digital nomads as well as skiers and snowboarders from around Europe looking for a budget-friendly winter holiday. From some of the tastiest food in Bulgaria to plentiful day trips to all the outdoor activities you can dream up for the season, here are the best things to do in Bansko, Bulgaria!

The Best Things to Do in Bansko (Year-Round)

Meet bansko’s adorable feline residents.

I don’t know, but cats in Bulgaria are generally not as friendly as their Greek or Turkish neighbors. This, however, is not the case in Bansko, where I was adopted by several adorable cats within an hour of arriving.

These friendly kitties proceeded to climb onto my lap unprompted, nuzzling me, and just generally being adorable. It was hard for me to leave without wanting to take them all home! If you’re a cat lover, you’ll love Bansko!

Visit the Bansko International Art Gallery

One of the largest art galleries in Bulgaria, the International Art Gallery in the town center of Bansko ( address : ul. “Nikola Y. Vaptsarov” 2) is well-worth a visit! There are dozens, if not hundreds, of talented artists from around the world on display at this gallery.

The gallery opened in 2016, and it’s home to artists from around the world, primarily from around Eastern Europe: from Bulgaria to Russia and beyond.

The artists there are really phenomenal, and I had to stop myself from buying several large pieces that were gorgeous but out of my budget! It’s free to visit and 1000% worth the time.

Wander the streets of Bansko’s Old Town

You may be surprised that Bansko, a small town of some 10,000 inhabitants, has an Old Town whereas Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, doesn’t!

While the Old Town of Bansko isn’t nearly as old as many other Old Towns in Europe, it’s still extremely beautiful and well-worth getting lost in its winding alleyways. It provides a quiet, nostalgic counterpoint to the modern developments happening around the gondola in Bansko’s northern end.

It’s a great place to wander with a camera – especially around golden hour – and snap some photos.

Visit the childhood home of Neofit Rilski

One of Bulgaria’s most beloved historical figures is Neofit Rilski, who was a major figure of the Bulgarian National Revival movement. He was born in the mountain town of Bansko and his childhood home has been converted into a museum dedicated to his legacy.

An educated monk, celebrated teacher, and talented artist, Neofit Rilski revolutionized education in Bulgaria and is best known for his work in standardizing Bulgarian grammar and translating the New Testament into Bulgarian for the first time.

See the colorful Velyanova House

Beautifully painted with intricate murals on both its exterior and interior, the Velyanova House is, in my opinion, the most photogenic place in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria has dozens upon dozens of house museums in its historic towns – I’ve visited ones in Koprivshtitsa, Plovdiv, and Melnik, and probably others I’m forgetting! Among all the house museums, the Velyanova House stands out strongly.

See the gorgeous Trinity Church (and its storks!)

The lovely Trinity Church located right on Bansko’s main walking street, Pirin Street, is an absolute can’t-miss in Bansko.

Plans for the church started in 1810, when locals decided they wanted a church in Bansko proper, rather than in an adjacent town. They began to raise money, and with the donations of nearly 300 locals, enough was raised to begin building a church.

There was only one problem: Bansko was currently under Ottoman occupation, and according to Ottoman laws, a church could only be built in a place where there was already a church (so basically: no new churches).

To get around this, the man behind the church’s idea – Dyado Lazko – snuck into the site of the future Trinity Church, added a small icon and some church relics, and then he asked a woman to ‘prophesy’ a dream about these relics in order to give a pretense for the construction to begin.

After this — and several other circuitous steps along the way, including obtaining official permissions — the church was still not given full permission to be built… so Dyado Lazko just began building it anyway, quickly so as to hide the original ‘origins’ of the church… those ‘origins’ being nothing more than a mere ruse.

Eventually, money ran out, and construction stopped. Dyado Lazko was imprisoned and later killed, mostly for his role in advocating for the church’s construction, and the Ottomans wanted to tear down the church in their rage against him and his many tricks.

But, the people of Bansko had one final trick up their sleeve. His friend, Lazar German, carved two Turkish half-moons next to the cross on the church door (seen above). Upon seeing this, this saved Trinity Church from destruction, and sealed the fate of Trinity Church’s preservation for future generations.

Nowadays, the church is really interesting to visit for its beautiful walled grounds with gardens, its spectacular inside with its murals and iconostasis, but also for its adorable resident storks who have taken residence in the tower and become the unofficial mascots of Bansko.

Visit the House Museum of Nikola Vaptsarov

This museum, set in a historic house where Nikola grew up, shows the story of the life of the poet and revolutionary Nikola Vaptsarov through three distinct stages in his life.

The museum opened in 1952 and has been renovated three times to continue modernizing the museum for guests. It shows documents from his life and family tree, typical Bansko-style furnishings, stories of the revolutionary years against the Ottoman regime, and another annex building contains traditional costumes and artifacts from Bansko’s older period.

Marvel at the imposing Monument of Paisii Hilendarski

In the center of Bansko, you’ll find a massive monument to Paisii Hilendarski. He was a key figure in the Bulgarian National Revival movement which sought to maintain a uniquely Bulgarian identity in the face of Ottoman dominance.

Both a clergyman and author, his main contribution to Bulgarian society was writing his masterpiece Istoriya Slavyanobolgarskaya  in 1762, which tried to capture the complete history of Bulgaria in order to wake up the sense of Bulgarian nationalism, which had been dulled under centuries of occupation.

Cowork with digital nomads at Coworking Bansko

Bansko has a thriving digital nomad scene, the heart of which is Coworking Bansko. The passion project of friends Mathias and Uwe, Coworking Bansko focuses on community, offering social events every single day of the week (sometimes multiple a day!) in order to really create a group of friends – not just networking.

My second trip to Bansko, I visited for the Bansko Unconference, which focuses on collaborative growth through communication, spontaneity, and community. I highly recommend it to other bloggers and travel entrepreneurs who want to grow their business collaboratively.

Enjoy the Bansko restaurant scene!

For some reason, I find that Bulgarian food in Sofia is just ‘meh’ – but when I go to Bansko, I fall in love with Bulgarian food all over again. They use such fresh and tasty meat, dairy, and produce, that it’s hard not to fall in love!

Bulgarian food is a synthesis of Slavic, Greek, and Turkish food traditions, and Bansko, being relatively close to the Greek border, seems to have absorbed Greek influence most of all. You’ll find phenomenal salads, fresh yogurts and cheeses, local grilled meats and stews, and the tastiest potato dishes you can imagine — all at affordable prices. Your average meal for two in Bansko should cost about 50 leva with wine, about 25 euros for two people.

My favorite restaurants in Bansko are: Banski Han, Banksi Aiduti, Zehtindjieva Kashta, and Baryakova Mehana.

The Best Things to Do in Bansko in Summer

Visit during jazz fest.

If you’re a fan of jazz music, you won’t want to miss Bansko during Jazz Fest. My first trip to Bansko was for Jazz Fest, since my husband is a fan of jazz music. The music festival takes place over the course of about five days, and includes about 3 hours of music acts every evening in the main square of Bansko.

There are paid-for seats near the stage or you can make like the rest of the crowds and buy a beer or cider from one of the local nonstops, find a comfy patch of grass or slab of concrete, and enjoy the tunes for the price of free-fifty.

Take a scenic gondola ride up to Bunderishka Polyana

While the gondola queues can get crazy in the peak ski season – such as around Christmas/New Year, school holidays, and long weekends – at other times of the year, taking the gondola from Bansko up to Bunderishka Polyana is a breeze.

Take in stunning views of the forest as you soar over Pirin National Park in about 30 minutes, up to the meadow where there is a restaurant, the starting point of several hiking trails, and even a shooting range, because #Balkans.

Hike in Pirin National Park, Bulgaria’s gorgeous nature escape

Pirin National Park is full of incredible hiking trails, and it would take several months to hike them all. Depending on your fitness level, there are a huge variety of hikes you can do.

My husband and I are pretty lazy hikers, so we just hiked from Bunderishka Polyana to the Banderitsa hut, where we had some delicious Bulgarian food and Somersby ciders, before moving onwards to the oldest tree in Pirin National Park (more on that below!) before heading back down to Bansko. It was about a 2.5-hour roundtrip hike at a pretty low exertion level, so it’s what I would recommend for beginner hikers.

For intermediate hikers, you could hike from Bunderishka to the Vihren hut and then go to one of the lakes nearby Vihren, like Bezbog and Popovo.

Alternately, you could take the shuttle bus organized by the tourist center up to Vihren hut and then hike to several of the lakes by Vihren to cut out a less scenic and more challenging part of the hike, but you wouldn’t be able to take the gondola in this instance.

For advanced hikers, I suggest starting at Vihren hut via the shuttle bus and then hiking to Vihren peak, which is the highest peak in Pirin National Park, the second-highest in Bulgaria, and the third-highest in the entire Balkan peninsula. It’s definitely a difficult hike and not for the faint of heart, so be sure you’re aware of your skills and be prepared before departing!

See the oldest tree in Bulgaria

One of the coolest places in Pirin National Park is Baikushev’s pine: a 1,300-year-old white fir that is the oldest known tree in Bulgaria.

It is truly massive: 8 meters in circumference and 26 meters high. It’s not super widely known except by locals, and you’ll see lots of Bulgarian tourists making the pilgrimage to visit this impressive, historic tree.

Things to Do in Bansko in Winter

Get a thrill on bansko’s ski slopes.

I’m not a skier, but the skiers I know love Bansko! There are several ski areas in Bulgaria – Borovets and Pamporovo are the two other most popular – but Bansko is by far the biggest and most popular among international tourists.

With 13 ski lifts and 75 kilometers of ski slopes, Bansko has someone for everyone! But do be aware that sometimes during holiday weekends and peak travel times, the lines for the gondolas can get extremely long, so do bear that in mind!

Enjoy its apres-ski scene (even if it’s not ski season!)

From my outsider perspective as a skier, the best part of skiing is the part where it’s all finished and all you do is, well, drink off the cold!

The area around the Bansko ski lift is full of fun bars with apres-ski scenes that will delight you. One of my favorite bars is Smoky Mountain Bar, which I went to on my most recent trip to Bansko. Another great one is Pirin 75.

Relax in thermal springs

To warm up cold muscles and achy bones, check out the thermal springs in Bankya, just 15 kilometers away from Bansko.

No car? This tour will take you there and back with a roundtrip transfer and entry fee for a reasonable price!  Check availability and inclusions here.

Snowmobile around the slopes

Want an adrenaline-pumping activity but you don’t know how to ski?  Check out Bansko skimobile tours!

Easy Day Trips From Bansko

Go on a day trip to the dancing bear sanctuary.

Unfortunately, for decades, bears were captured and mistreated throughout the Balkans: caged outside of restaurants, trained to “dance” and brought onto trams and down the street, and all sorts of other unnatural behaviors that involved captivity, abuse, and torment.

Luckily, countries around the Balkans are waking up to what a horrible injustice this is, and it’s become illegal in most countries to entrap bears and use them for human entertainment. But what happens to those bears, whose lives have been destroyed by human intervention?

They can’t exactly fend for themselves out in nature — and they’d be a danger to other humans if let go, as they now relate humans and food as hand-in-hand. So in the place of these horrible bear attractions now exist wonderful bear sanctuaries, where these poor bears can enjoy a more natural life while still being protected in a sanctuary designed to protect them and give them a nearly-normal life.

While of course, the better answer is that these bears never had to experience abuse at the hands of humans in the first place, this is as good of a place as they can live in now, after the damage has been done.

Belitsa ‘Dancing Bear’ Park is one such sanctuary, located about a 45-minute drive from Bansko, which makes a phenomenal place to visit. Do keep in mind that bears hibernate during winter and therefore it is only possible to see the bears during the months in which they are not hibernating.

Visit the impressive natural pyramids in Stob

For a landscape that looks like a slice of the American Southwest uprooted in the middle of Bulgaria, head to the small town of Stob and embark on an easy hike to visit the so-called Stob Pyramids.

Stephanie and I visited on a hot summer day after visiting the Rila Monastery, and while the heat made the hike more challenging that it should have been, it was still a delightful 1-hour return hike (with time for photo stops!).

It’s an ideal stop if you’ve rented a car and are already visiting Rila Monastery, the next item on this list!

See the enchanting Rila Monastery

We love Rila Monastery – it’s exquisite, and in our opinion, it’s the crown jewel of Bulgaria’s tourism potential.

From its ornately painted striped arches to its colorful mural ceiligns to its comic-panel-like storytelling on the walls of the church, there are so many beautiful things to see at Rila Monastery before you even enter the church!

Inside the church is, of course, also lovely, with a beautiful iconstasis, wonderful murals, stunning chandeliers, and an overwhelming sense of peace and importance.

Want to visit Rila Monastery from Bansko?  Check tours here.

Where to Stay in Bansko

We have a full post on the  best ski resorts in Bansko  which may be helpful, but here are our top 3 suggestions if you just want a quick tip.

Budget:  This small, friendly  Boutique Hotel Uniqato  has only 16 studios and suites, all with large and modern stylish rooms. There are three types of rooms available: double, maisonette, and suite.

All rooms have a balcony and you can choose either a view of the mountain or the city of Bansko! Breakfast is large and the choices vary daily, so it’s hard to get bored. It’s extremely well-priced and well-located, so book early!

>>  Check rates, photos, reviews, and availability here.

Mid-Range:  The charming  Astera Bansko  apartment and hotel complex has 105 rooms, with large windows and stunning mountain views. The rooms have a cozy cabin feel with all the wonderful amenities of a 4-star hotel. There is a ski school, and if you didn’t bring your own skis or snowboard, ski equipment can be rented.

The spa and wellness facilities are world-class at Astera Bansko. The ski resort offers well-priced packages that are sure to free you from tension and stress. They have an indoor pool, fitness center, beauty salon, hot tubs, hammam, steam room, and sauna, all for you to enjoy when you’re not hitting the slopes (or you’re recovering from them!).

Luxury : There’s only one 5-star option in town — luckily it’s pretty amazing! The spacious, gorgeously decorated rooms and luxe amenities at Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena are sure to impress even the pickiest of us.

Skiers don’t have to worry because they provide passes at the hotel for the gondola lift. The ski lift is only a short walk from Kempinksi so it’s a true ski-in, ski-out resort in Bansko! There’s also a ski room where ski storages are available.

The Kempinski Spa offers several unique relaxation experiences, from an Alphasphere to a snow room to saunas and pools to soothe tired muscles and reduce stress. They also have your standard massages and other wellness packages!

>>  Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability here

What to Pack for Winter in Bulgaria

We have a full  Bulgaria packing list , but in case you just want the quick version, here are a few essentials you shouldn’t forget to pack!

A good guidebook:  While travel blogs are great, we still think a good guidebook is always handy. We own and strongly recommend the  Lonely Planet Bulgaria & Romania  for travel in Pamporovo and beyond!

One or two swimsuits:  While swimsuits may not come to mind for ski season, if you’re staying in a ski resort with a sauna, indoor pool, or steam room, you’ll likely want one! We suggest bringing two so you never have to put a cold wet one back on.  We love this one .

Plenty of winter clothing:  You can check our packing list above for our full winter packing suggestions for men and women. At a minimum, you’ll want to bring a warm winter jacket (I love this  North Face parka ), cozy  snow boots , warm  wool socks , touch-screen friendly  gloves , a  scarf , and a  winter hat .

Any ski equipment and clothing:  We’re not skiers ourselves, so we don’t have specific ski gear equipment, but special ski clothes — waterproof pants and jackets, goggles, etc. — and ski gear obviously should be on your packing list, unless you have decided to rent it all when you arrive at your Bulgaria ski resort.

Moisturizer:  Travel will beat your skin up in the best of times — and winter travel in addition to skiing will really do a number on it! If you use a moisturizer at home, bring it. If you’ve never used  a moisturizer  before, you really should start. You’ll be happy to give your face a boost before heading outside in the cold all day.

Sunscreen : We strongly suggest wearing sunscreen when you spend time outdoors, no matter the weather outside. The higher altitudes combined with the reflection of the sun off the snow can lead to unexpected sunburns. I love this  solid Neutrogena sunscreen  – it’s mess-free, works well in carry-ons, is ultra-protective, and blends in well.

Bulgaria Travel Resources

We want you to have the best trip to Bulgaria possible! If this will be your first time in Bulgaria, check out our  Bulgaria trip planning guide  as well as our  packing list for Bulgaria  (which includes a winter section if you’re coming to ski). We also have a full guide to things to do in  Bulgaria in winter !

To help you, we’ve created a number of resources that will be helpful. If you’re visiting Sofia, this  101 things to do in Sofia  should be a nice start! Also read our  Sofia travel tips post  and  where to stay in Sofia .

For transportation, check out our guide to  avoiding taxi scams in the city.  If you’ll be flying into Sofia, you can read our tips for flying in and out of  Sofia Airport. We have a guide to getting from Sofia to Bansko here .

We also have  Sofia restaurant  and  bar recommendations.  We also have articles for popular day trips from Sofia like  Plovdiv , the  Rila Lakes , and  Buzludzha .

If you’re thinking of Borovets instead of Bansko, check out  how to get to Borovets from Sofia , our favorite  Borovets ski resorts , as well as our favorite  Borovets restaurants .

For more resources for your trip, check out our pages on traveling in  Bulgaria  and the  Balkans . 

Planning a Trip to Bansko? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

We strongly suggest that you travel to Bulgaria with a valid  travel insurance  policy. While the country is safe, accidents can happen anywhere. If you experience an accident or theft, travel insurance will help you recover your costs and enjoy the rest of your trip.

This is especially important in winter, since winter activities carry a certain amount of risk with them. We recommend the Explorer upgraded insurance plan if you plan to do any skiing or snowboarding so that you can be fully covered.

For travel insurance, I use  World Nomads .  I’ve been a happy customer of theirs for almost three years, and I’m happy to refer them to anyone I meet.

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.

Pin this Guide to Things to Do in Bansko for Later!

Originally from California, Allison has been living in Bulgaria for the last two years and is obsessed with traveling around the Balkans. She has been published in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, Matador Network, and the Huffington Post. She loves befriending dogs, drinking coffee, geeking out about wine, and cooking food from around the world.

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Hotel “Friends” is located in Bulgaria in the beautiful mountain town of Bansko - 150 km from Sofia Airport. Hotel Friends is at 450 meters from the Gondola Station and 5 minutes walk from Bansko town centre. Hotel “Friends” arranges transportation to all places in Bulgaria, also offering shuttle service to and from the airport for an additional cost. The main Bus and Railway station can be reached in 2 km. Hotel “Friends” offers comfortable accommodation in the heart of Bansko, making traveling easier with its smart design, authentic hospitality and commitment to our guests.

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• +421 905 985 070
• [email protected]
• Friends Travel
• Tehelná 4685/7
• Banka 921 01
• Otváracia doba
• Po - Pia: 9:00- 18:00
• Kde nás nájdete
• Obchodné podmienky
• Poznávacie zájazdy

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Hotel Friends

2 Raina Kniaginia str, 2770 Bansko, Bulgaria – Excellent location – show map

Cleanliness

Value for money

Excellent location!

Hotel Friends Reserve now

Lock in a great price for Hotel Friends – rated 8.3 by recent guests!

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Located only 1640 feet from the valley station of the gondola elevator and a 5-minute walk from the town center of Bansko, Hotel Friends offers comfortable rooms and apartments for every taste. The hotel is close to the main pedestrian street Pirin, where a variety of bars and restaurants can be found. You can enjoy meals from all over the world and taste the most interesting dishes from different cuisines. Hotel Friends is an ideal choice for any skiing holiday in Bansko.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.0 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Family rooms
• Airport shuttle
• Non-smoking rooms
• Excellent Breakfast

Property highlights

Located in the best-rated area in Bansko, this hotel has an excellent location score of 9.1

Breakfast Info

Continental, Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, American, Buffet

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Categories:

See what guests loved the most:.

Hotel area info

Restaurants 1 restaurant on site.

• Cuisine International
• Open for Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
• Ambience Family-friendly • Traditional
• Dietary options Vegetarian

Amenities of Hotel Friends Great facilities! Review score, 8

• Toilet paper
• Bathtub or shower
• Private Bathroom
• Free toiletries
• Wardrobe or closet
• Outdoor furniture
• BBQ facilities Additional charge
• Refrigerator
• Socket near the bed
• Clothes rack
• Ski school Additional charge
• Ski storage
• Happy hour Additional charge
• Evening entertainment Additional charge
• Kids' club
• Horseback riding Additional charge Off-site
• Cycling Off-site
• Hiking Off-site
• Fishing Additional charge Off-site
• Golf course (within 2 miles) Additional charge
• Sitting area
• Flat-screen TV
• Cable channels
• Coffee house on site
• Fruit Additional charge
• Wine/Champagne Additional charge
• Kid-friendly buffet
• Kids' meals Additional charge
• Special diet meals (on request)
• Street parking
• Invoice provided
• Private check-in/out
• Express check-in/out
• 24-hour front desk
• Indoor play area
• Board games/Puzzles
• Daily housekeeping
• Ironing service Additional charge
• Laundry Additional charge
• Fax/Photocopying
• Fire extinguishers
• CCTV in common areas
• Smoke alarms
• 24-hour security
• Grocery deliveries Additional charge
• Designated smoking area
• Smoke-free property
• Packed lunches
• Soundproof rooms
• Airport shuttle Additional charge
• Room service
• Upper floors accessible by stairs only
• Full-body massage
• Back massage
• Spa lounge/Relaxation area
• Turkish/Steam Bath
• Hot tub/Jacuzzi
• Massage Additional charge

Property practices

House rules.

From 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

Until 12:00 PM

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Prices for cribs and extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.

No age restriction

There's no age requirement for check-in

Pets are not allowed.

When booking more than 3 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Accepted payment methods

Cash Hotel Friends accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform Hotel Friends of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

In the event of an early departure, the property will charge you the full amount for your stay.

FAQs about Hotel Friends

What kind of breakfast is served at hotel friends.

Guests staying at Hotel Friends can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 8.8).

• Continental
• Full English/Irish

What are the check-in and check-out times at Hotel Friends?

Check-in at Hotel Friends is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM.

Does Hotel Friends have a hot tub for its guests?

Yes, there's a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Hotel Friends on this page.

What type of room can I book at Hotel Friends?

• Twin/Double

Does Hotel Friends have a restaurant on site?

• Restaurant Friends

How far is Hotel Friends from the center of Bansko?

Hotel Friends is 3,100 feet from the center of Bansko. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

What is there to do at Hotel Friends?

• Golf course (within 2 miles)
• Evening entertainment
• Horseback riding

How much does it cost to stay at Hotel Friends?

The prices at Hotel Friends may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

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Hotel Friends

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 15
• Very Good 11
• All languages ( 44 )
• English ( 21 )
• Russian ( 13 )
• Greek ( 6 )

" Have parking "

" the top floor is this biggest "

" not near the bar "

" Ask for the apartment with the greatest view to Pirin Mountains "

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Hotel Friends - UPDATED 2024 Prices, Reviews

(018) 511-002; (060) 7511-005;  (060) 6511-004;  (060) 7511-009 avio šalter

TPC „Kalča“ lokal D73

Pon-pet: 09h-20h; Sub: 09h-15h

Srednji kurs NBS na dan: link

*** Friends

• Information

Lokacija:  Hotel Friends je prijatan i moderan porodični hotel, Friends Bansko 3* udaljen je 500 m od početne stanice gondole i  par minuta hoda od glavne ulice u  Banskom .

Smeštaj:  Hotel Friends se sastoji iz glavne zgrade i aneks zgrade. Ova dva objekta se nalaze jedan preko puta drugog. U glavnoj zgradi se nalaze standardne, economy sobe i apartmani, mehana i spa centar. Aneks zgrada se nalazi 20 m od glavne zgrade.  Hotel ima kapacitet od 15o ležajeva raspoređenih u prostranim dvokrevetnim sobama i apartmanima. Sve smeštajne jedinice imaju balkon, minibar, SAT TV, telefon, besplatan internet.

• Dvokrevetna standard soba (2+2) : nalazi se u glavnoj zgradi i sadrži francuski ležaj i krevet na sprat ili dva pomoćna ležaja. Namenjena smeštaju porodica sa dvoje dece ili max 3 odrasle osobe.
• Apartman za 2-4 osobe (2+2):  nalazi se u glavnoj zgradi i sadrži spavaću sobu sa francuskim ležajem, dnevni boravak sa dva ležaja i dva kupatila. Namenjen smeštaju porodica sa dvoje dece ili max 3 odrasle osobe.
• Apartman LUX za 4-5 osoba (4+1):  nalazi se u glavnoj zgradi i sadrži spavaću sobu sa francuskim ležajem, dnevni boravak sa kaminom u kome se nalaze dva ležaja i dva kupatila – jedno kupatilo je sa đakuzijem. Mogućnost ubacivanja pomoćnog ležaja. Namenjen smeštaju 4-5 osoba.

Sadržaj hotela:  recepcija, restoran, lobi, sauna, parno kupatilo, đakuzi, fitnes, relax zona, masaža, internet, mini igraonica za decu.

Besplatne usluge:  korišćenje parnog kupatila, saune, đakuzija, WiFi internet.

Ishrana:  Polupansion (doručak i večera)

Destination

Not included, from our gallery.

1-2. dan Beograd - Bansko

Prvi dan: Polazak je DAN RANIJE U ODNOSU NA TERMIN IZ TABELE CENOVNIKA u 21:00 h, iz Beograda sa unapred dogovorenog mesta, a iz Niša sa parkinga kod hipermarketa “DIS”. Dolazak u hotel ili apartman u prepodnevnim časovima. Ulazak u sobe posle 14:00h po lokalnom vremenu.

2-7. dan Bansko

Drugi dan - poslednji dan: Boravak na bazi uplaćenih usluga.

8. dan Bansko – Beograd

Poslednji dan: Doručak za goste koji imaju uplaćenu uslugu BB, HB ili AI, napuštanje hotela ili apartmana do 11:00 h. Polazak za Srbiju autobusom u poslepodnevnim časovima po lokalnom vremenu (o tačnom vremenu polaska za Srbiju putnici će biti obavešteni od strane vodiča ili predstavnika). Dolazak u kasnim večernjim satima. ***U pojedinim smenama moguce je da će polazak biti pomeren ranije/kasnije kako bi se izbeglo putovanje tokom praznika i proslava.

• Doplata za boravišnu taksu iznosi 1 € dnevno po osobi (deca do 2 godine starosti su oslobođena plaćanja boravišne takse).
• Doplata za drva u kaminu u apartmanu – 18 EUR za ceo boravak
• Obavezna doplata za novogodišnju večeru u Mehani – odrasli 85 eur / deca od 4 do 11.99 godina 44 eur / deca 2-3.99 godina 14 eur
• Obavezna doplata za novogodišnju večeru u lobiju – odrasli 68 eur / deca od 4 do 11.99 godina 39 eur / deca 2-3.99 godina 14 eur
• Nije obavezna božićna večera u terminu 23.12.-30.12.

CENA ARANŽMANA OBUHVATA:

• Smeštaj u hotelu/app po izboru;
• Navedeni broj noćenja na bazi izabrane usluge;
• Troškove organizacije aranžmana.  

CENA ARANŽMANA NE OBUHVATA:

• Boravišnu taksu 1 eur dnevno po osobi (deca do 2 godine starosti su oslobođena plaćanja boravišne takse);
• Autobuski prevoz;
• Međunarodno putno zdravstveno osiguranje sa/bez COVID pokrićem- za skijaše preporučujemo doplatu za ski rizik;

USLOVI I NAČIN PLAĆANJA:

Gotovinsko plaćanje  – 30% prilikom rezervacije, ostatak 15 dana pre početka aranžmana;

Kreditne kartice :  Visa, Dina, Master Card, Maestro (isti uslovi kao gotovina);

Odloženo čekovima građana:  30% prilikom rezervacije, ostatak u jednakim mesečnim ratama najkasnije do 31. marta 2024. godine;

Preko računa  uz profakturu izdatu od strane NITRAVEL-a;

Administrativnom zabranom  30% prilikom rezervacije, ostatak u jednakim mesečnim ratama najkasnije do 31. marta 2024. godine.

ORGANIZOVANI PREVOZ:

Organizovani prevoz putnika REALIZUJE SE AUTOBUSOM TOKOM JANUARA I FEBRUARA 2024. godine (u špicu zimske sezone), odnosno AUTOMOBILOM/KOMBIJEM/MINIBUSOM TOKOM DECEMBRA 2023. I MARTA 2024. (tokom vansezone) :

Autobuski prevoz se realizuje visokopodnim autobusima turističke klase (audio, video, klima) na relaciji Beograd - Bansko – Beograd;

ZBOG PROMENA CENA NA TRŽIŠTU, MOGUĆA JE KOREKCIJA CENA ORGANIZOVANOG PREVOZA.

Cene su izražene u evrima, a plaćanje se vrši u dinarskoj protivvrednosti po srednjem kursu Narodne banke Srbije na dan uplate

Prtljag:   Putnici u prtljažnik mogu uneti maksimum 2 torbe srednje veličine po putniku.  Ova napomena je stavljena kako bismo izbegli neprijatne situacije koje se dešavaju kada pojedini putnici ponesu previše prtljaga i time ograničavaju komfor ostalih putnika u autobusu.

Maske:  U skladu sa epidemiološkim merama, svi putnici su u obavezi da nose maske.

Sedište u autobusu:  Ukoliko stranke žele da sede na tačno određenom sedištu u autobusu, doplata je 1.000 din po sedistu .  Prilikom rezervacije prevoza obavezno je naglasiti da li stranke žele određeno sedište u autobusu.

POSEBNE NAPOMENE:

                Ovaj program putovanja sačinjen je na osnovu uslova koji su na snazi u trenutku objavljivanja, što znači da, usled okolnosti koje su uzrokovane epidemijom ili pandemijom Covid -19, ili iz drugih objektivnih razloga, može doći do promena, na koje organizator putovanja ne može uticati, a koje se tiču raspoloživosti smeštajnih kapaciteta, načina usluživanja obroka, odsustva pojedinih sadržaja u hotelu, važećih pravila za pojedine vrste prevoza, pravila za prelazak granica i sl. što molimo da imate u vidu. U

                Imajući uvidu specifičnost novonastale situacije usled pandemije Covid -19, obaveza je putnika da se precizno upozna sa zdravstvenim i svim drugim propisanim uslovima, koji su važeći u periodu realizacije putovanja, kako u RS tako i u tranzitnim i odredišnim destinacijama, te da uslove striktno poštuje, kao i da sledi propisana pravila ponašanja i uputstva nadležnih u svim segmentima putovanja. Organizator putovanja nema bilo kakvih ingerencija niti mogućnosti da predviđena pravila i uslove menja, niti da svoje putnike amnestira od eventualnih posledica kršenja obvezujućih normi.  Obaveza je putnika da poseduju masku tokom realizacije organizovanog prevoza.  Putnik potvrdjuje da je upoznat sa mogućnostima promene formalnih uslova zahtevanih od strane nadležnih epidemioloških i državnih vlasti, procedura (popunjavanje odredjenih formulara na granici, posebni testovi koje zahteva odredišna ili tranzitna zemlja, eventualna izolacija u slučaju ne ispunjavanja uslova prelaska granice itd.) od trenutka zaključenja ugovora pa do završetka putovanja.

OPŠTE NAPOMENE:

• U većini hotela ulazak u sobe prvog dana je posle 14 h po lokalnom vremenu.
• Potvrda rezervacije hotela  se dobija u roku od 48 h. U slučaju nedobijanja potvrde, kupac ima pravo na povraćaj celokupnog iznosa uplaćenog za rezervaciju.
• Cene su izražene u evrima, a plaćanje se vrši u dinarima po prodajnom kursu Banke Intese na dan plaćanja. U slučaju poremećaja na tržištu roba i usluga, organizator zadržava pravo korigovanja cena za neplaćeni deo aranžmana.
• OSIGURANJE:  Prodavac na ovlašćenom prodajnom mestu dužan je da ponudi putniku zdravstveno putno osiguranje i informiše ga o postojanju osiguranja od otkaza aranžmana prema uslovima i tarifama Sava osiguranja. Ovim osiguranjem putnik, odnosno osiguranik je pokriven za sve nepredviđene i hitne medicinske intervencije, kao i troškove medicinske evakuacije i repatrijacije. U slučaju nastanka osiguranog slučaja, u toku putovanja, dovoljno je prezentovati pasoš i pomenutu polisu za pokriće svih troškova u roku utvrđenim uslovima zdravstvenog putnog osiguranja. Ukoliko putnik poseduje neku drugu individualnu polisu zdravstvenog putnog osiguranja, molimo da se kod te osiguravaju će kompanije informiše o proceduri aktiviranja iste.
• U slučaju neadekvatnog smeštaja  ili bilo kog drugog problema, mole se putnici da o tome obaveste ORGANIZATORA PUTOVANJA prvog dana boravka. Napominjemo da reklamacije za koje agencija sazna poslednjeg dana boravka ili po povratku putnika neće biti razmatrane. Molimo vas da se u slučaju bilo kakve incidentne situacije obratite nadležnim organima zemlje u kojoj boravite. Organizator putovanja je jedino ovlašćen da vam pomogne u posredovanju između vas i nadležnih organa.
• NITRAVEL  zadržava pravo izmena u redosledu i vremenu realizacije turističkog programa tokom putovanja zbog vanrednih okolnosti na licu mesta (zakašnjenje ili kvar prevoznog sredstva, radovi na putu, gužve u saobračaju, štrajkovi i slično).
• Putnicima koji poseduju biometrijski pasoš Republike Srbije nije potrebna ulazna viza za zemlje Evropske unije, a NITRAVEL  ne snosi odgovornost u slučaju da pogranične vlasti spreče izlazak putnika iz zemlje ili im onemoguće ulazak na teritoriju zemalja Evropske unije, zemalja u tranzitu ili u zemalje van EU, zbog neispravnih dokumenata, učinjenog prekršaja ili nepoštovanja viznih ili carinskih propisa.
• Zaustavljanje radi usputnih odmora predviđeno je na svakih 3 do 4 sata vožnje na usputnim stajalištima
• Mole se putnici da se brižljivo staraju o svojim putnim ispravama, dokumentima, novcu, vrednim stvarima i prtljagu. NITRAVEL  ne snosi odgovornost za njihov eventualni gubitak, krađu ili nestanak iz bilo kog razloga, tokom čitavog trajanja putovanja
• Popusti za decu i treću odraslu osobu važe samo u pratnji dve punoplatežne osobe, s tim da lica kojima je odobren popust spavaju na pomoćnim ležajevima (fotelja, sofa na razvlačenje, metalni ili drveni ležaj na rasklapanje sa tanjim dušekom), u tipovima soba koje dozvoljavaju smeštaj za više od dve osobe, osim ukoliko nije drugačije navedeno u cenovniku. Ukoliko je dete u sobi sa jednom odraslom osobom, plaća punu cenu smeštaja, osim ukoliko nije drugačije navedeno u cenovniku. Deca do 2 godine ukoliko ne plaćaju smeštaj i sedište, nemaju svoje sedište u autobusu ni ležaju hotelu kao ni ishranu. Krevetac za bebu u hotelu se plaća i uzima po ličnom zahtevu na recepciji, osim ukoliko nije drugačije navedeno u cenovniku. Za ostvarivanje popusta kod dece, merodavan je datum rođenja i starost deteta u momentu putovanja.
• U smeni 25.12.- 01.01. u nekim objektima obavezna je doplata za božićnu večeru. Raspitati se u agenciji.
• U svim objektima gde ima ishrane, usluga je po principu samoposluživanja - izbor više jela, osim kada u hotelima boravi manje od 20 osoba kada se prelazi na "menu" - klasičan način usluživanja (izbor tri jela). To se dešava najčešće na početku i na kraju sezone hoteli kada u hotelima nema dovoljno gostiju, hoteli  zadržavaju pravo da, otvoreni bufe-samoposluživanje (izbor više jela),  za doručak i večeru serviraju kao kontinentalni doručak i večera set meni - posluženje za stolom (izbor 2 glavna jela). Hoteli zadržavaju ovu mogućnost bez obaveza da umanje cenu boravka u hotelu.
• Mole  se svi putnici da pažljivo pročitaju  napomene i Opšte uslove putovanja  pre polaska na putovanje.NITRAVEL  smatra da se putnik u celosti upoznao sa Opštim uslovima putovanja i programom putovanja potpisivanjem prijave (ugovora) za putovanje i uplatom akontacije.

Uz ovaj program važe Opšti uslovi putovanja t.a. Nitravel Niš

Organizator putovanja NITRAVEL d.o.o. Niš; Licenca 101/2021, kat A; MB 17468898

Obrenovićeva 46, TPC Kalča, lok.D73, Niš

Red Br u Registru programa: 28/23

Tel.018/511-002, 060/7511-002 , 060/7511-005

GARANCIJA PUTOVANJA

U skladu sa odredbama Zakonu o turizmu, Organizator ima depozit u visini od 2.000,00 eura i garanciju putovanja za kategoriju licence A u visini od 100.000,00 eura, kojom se za slučaj  A)  insolventnosti Organizatora putovanja obezbeđuju: 1. troškovi nužnog smeštaja, ishrane i povratka Putnika sa putovanja u mesto polaska u zemlji i inostranstvu, 2. potraživanja uplaćenih sredstava Putnika po osnovu Ugovora o turističkom putovanju, koje Organizator putovanja nije realizovao, 3. potraživanja uplaćenih sredstava Putnika u slučaju otkaza putovanja od strane Putnika, u skladu sa Opštim uslovima putovanja, 4. potraživanja razlike između uplaćenih sredstava po osnovu Ugovora o turističkom putovanju i sredstava sniženih srazmerno neizvršenju ili nepotpunom izvršenju usluga obuhvaćenih Programom putovanja i za slučaj;  B)  naknade štete obezbeđuje naknada štete, koja se prouzrokuje Putniku neispunjenjem, delimičnim ispunjenjem ili neurednim ispunjenjem obaveza Organizatora putovanja, koje su određene Opštim uslovima i Programom putovanja: 1. za potraživanje uplaćenih sredstava Putnika po osnovu Ugovora o turističkom putovanju koje Organizator putovanja nije realizovao i 2. za potraživanje razlike između uplaćenih sredstava po osnovu Ugovora o turističkom putovanju i sredstava sniženih srazmerno neizvršenju ili nepotpunom izvršenju usluga obuhvaćenih Programom putovanja. Period pokrića Garancije putovanja je od datuma njenog izdavanja pa do završetka turističkog putovanja, odnosno do povratka Putnika na ugovoreno odredište.

Broj bankarske garancije 700761-021595/MV Izmena br. 3 od 18.09.2023. ProCredit Banka a.d. Beograd; Garancija po Ugovoru o Garanciji putovanja i davanja saglasnosti za izdavanje bankarske garancije broj 001/2023 od 02.02.2023. zaključenog sa Primaocem garancije Nacionalnom asocijacijom turističkih agencija PU “YUTA”, Beograd, ul. Kondina br. 14.

Primalac bankarske garancije može pozvati banku na plaćanje u periodu koji ne može biti duži od šest meseci, računajući od datuma kada je bankarska garancija prestala da važi. Korisnik bankarske garancije, putnik aktivira bankarsku garanciju bez odlaganja, odnosno u roku od 14 dana od dana nastanka propisanog slučaja preko Primaoca bankarske garancije Nacionalne asocijacije turističkih agencija PU “YUTA”, 011 3228 686, pisanim putem ili telegramom na adresu YUTA, Beograd, ul. Kondina br. 14. ili na mail: [email protected].

(Putnik svoja prava za naknadu štete ostvaruje na osnovu pravosnanžne i izvršne sudske presude, odnosno, odluke Arbitražnog suda ili drugog vansudskog rešenja potrošačkog spora, u skladu sa ovim Opštim uslovima i Opštim uslovima YUTE.)

Hotel Friends

rate per night

About Hotel Friends

• Hotel Room You’ll have a private room with all the hotel’s amenities
• Freebies This stay includes Wi-Fi and Breakfast for free

Situated in Bansko, this modern hotel is within a five-minute walk of Gondola Lift, and a short drive from Razlog. It also offers a sauna, a free shuttle service and a 24-hour reception.

This 3-star hotel provides luggage storage, a safe and snow sports. There is also a bank within the complex.

Every cosy room at Hotel Friends Bansko features a mini bar and all the necessities for a comfortable stay. They are also equipped with heating and a shower.

Hotel Friends Bansko provides a convenient base to explore Kutelo, Banski Suhodol and Vihren, as well as everything the local area has to offer.

Latest deals for Hotel Friends

* Total includes estimated local taxes & fees payable on check out.

Prices are based on 1 night, not including taxes and fees

Amenities at Hotel Friends

• Indoor pool
• Flat-screen TV
• Free toiletries
• Complimentary breakfast
• 24hr front desk

Things to do

• Bicycle rental

Health and safety

• Daily housekeeping

Parking and transportation

Media and entertainment

• Storage available

Services and conveniences

Family friendly

Reviews of Hotel Friends

All reviews are collected from real users with a verified booking made with KAYAK or one of our trusted external partners.

Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

What's nearby

• Bansko Ski Resort 426 yd
• Gondola Lift 437 yd
• Dobrinishte Ski Resort 4.5 mi
• Banski Suhodol 5.6 mi
• Kutelo 5.6 mi
• Vihren 6 mi
• Gazey 6.9 mi
• Polezhan 7.7 mi
• Chapel of the Holy Virgin 11 mi

When to book a room at Hotel Friends

Top tips for your stay at hotel friends.

• How long should you stay at Hotel Friends? KAYAK users usually book their rooms here for 6 days.

FAQs when booking at Hotel Friends

Where is hotel friends located.

Hotel Friends is located at 2 Raina Kniaginia street, 0.7 miles from the center of Bansko. Bansko Ski Resort is the closest landmark to Hotel Friends.

When is check-in time and check-out time at Hotel Friends?

Check-in time is 2:00 PM and check-out time is 12:00 PM at Hotel Friends.

Does Hotel Friends offer free Wi-Fi?

Yes, Hotel Friends offers free Wi-Fi.

How far is Hotel Friends from the airport?

Hotel Friends is 60 miles from Sofia. Hotel Friends is 72.2 miles from Plovdiv.

Does Hotel Friends have a pool?

Yes, Hotel Friends has a pool onsite.

How does KAYAK find such great Hotel Friends hotel deals?

KAYAK scours the web for all room deals available at Hotel Friends in Bansko and lets you compare them to find the best rate for your stay. Many different travel sites will offer discounts or deals at different times for rooms at Hotel Friends and KAYAK will provide you with prices from a huge range of travel sites. That means that you can always find a great deal for Hotel Friends.

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Hotel Friends Bansko

• 24-hour services
• Express check-in/ -out
• Sports activities
• Spa and relaxation
• On-site Dining
• Child-friendly
• No pets allowed
• Economy Inn Hermiston Oregon
• Reddoorz Premium Arzo Hotel Manila
• Sonder City Hall Park
• Laguardia Plaza Hotel

Tourist attractions in

• Fun Park Bansko  - 450 m
• Bansko - Banderitsa Meadow  - 450 m
• Aldo  - 250 m
• Bansko Ski Mania  - 300 m
• Ledena Parzalka  - 200 m
• Pirin Palace  - 300 m
• Flash club  - 150 m
• Pirin Street  - 450 m
• Jack's House  - 350 m
• Gondola Lift  - 400 m
• Sofia  - 163 km

Prices & Availability

• No smoking on site
• 24-hour reception
• VIP check-in/ -out
• 24-hour security
• Ski storage
• Coffee shop
• Smoke detectors
• Fire extinguishers
• Bar/ Lounge area
• Packed lunches
• Special diet menus
• Entertainment
• BBQ facilities
• Spa & wellness centre
• Turkish bath
• Back massage
• Full body massage
• Horseback riding
• Golf course
• Paid airport shuttle
• Room service
• Housekeeping
• Grocery shopping service
• Welcome drink
• Fax/Photocopying

Room Comforts

• Soundproofed rooms
• Sitting area
• Garden furniture
• Ironing facilities
• Free toiletries
• Flat-screen TV
• Children's buffet
• Board games
• Children's play area
• Carpeted floor
• Extra beds policy
• No extra beds are available.
• ❓ Does Hotel Friends Bansko offer airport shuttle service? Yes, Hotel Friends Bansko can arrange bus shuttle service.
• 🌇 How far is Hotel Friends from the city centre? Hotel Friends is within only 15 minutes' walk from the town centre.
• ❓ Is breakfast available for free in Hotel Friends? Yes, at Hotel Friends breakfast is served for free.
• 📧 Does Hotel Friends Bansko have a Wi-Fi network? Yes, Hotel Friends Bansko offers Wi-Fi throughout the property.
• 🕌 What famous landmarks can we find near Hotel Friends Bansko? Popular landmarks near Hotel Friends Bansko include Fun Park Bansko as well as Gondola Lift.
• ❓ Where is Friends based? Friends lies next to Gondola Lift.
• 🍹 Can you recommend restaurants near Friends? Guests can go to a nearby restaurant Stone Flower Barbecue for a taste of European, Eastern European and international cuisine.
• 🚗 Where can we park our car while staying in Hotel Friends? In Hotel Friends you can park your car at the public parking nearby.
• ❓ How can we pay in Hotel Friends? At Hotel Friends you can pay with Mastercard, Visa and Maestro.
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How to plan - and survive - a trip with friends

Illustration by Salini Perera

Sometimes, we keep it simple and go to a cottage. Other years, we journey farther, to the Bahamas, Palm Springs, Mexico and Spain, where we walked the Camino de Santiago to celebrate our 50th birthdays. While our lives have taken us in different directions, my girlfriends and I stay close because each year, we reunite to catch up and laugh until our sides hurt.

Our trips have been planned and executed with so little friction and fuss over the past 40 years that we never considered a friend trip could be an absolute bust. We’ve since realized how lucky we are to have a group that travels so easily together.

Friend travel can be fraught: personalities can clash and resentments build. In worst cases, tempers erupt and a dream trip with friends becomes a nightmare.

One of the most common mistakes Calgary travel consultant Andrew De Angelis sees people make is naively assuming everyone will get along fine – just like they do when they see each other socially at home.

“That easygoing dynamic can suddenly change when you’re travelling with a person 24 hours a day,” warns De Angelis of Civilized Adventures.

Long before flights are booked, Julia Hayhurst, founder of Toronto’s Hayven Travel, says it’s important to talk about what each person expects from the vacation. Everyone needs to be comfortable with the budget, the destination, the itinerary, even the personalities in the group.

Aly Tsourounis, owner of Toronto-based public-relations agency ART PR, says it is smart to book a holiday with a planned activity in mind, such as tennis. Handout

“If one or two people are unhappy with any of those things, hurt feelings and resentments can build, eventually ruining the trip, and possibly, even the friendships,” says Hayhurst. Before you go, everyone needs to talk about basics, such as: How active do you want to be? Do you want to travel with a guide or not? Do you want to share rooms, or each have your own?

Aly Tsourounis, owner of Toronto-based public-relations agency ART PR, has travelled many times with girlfriends, and over the years, has learned how to make each successive trip run smoother than the last. For instance, she met a small group of women through her daughter’s school, who hit it off instantly, and decided to go away for a four-day weekend. They chose a tennis trip in the Bahamas.

Given that they were all still getting to know each other, it was smart to book a holiday with a planned activity, she says. Their mistake was not choosing one individual to be the “voice” of the group. “Everyone was piping in, with ideas and suggestions, but no one wanted to overstep, so we were almost too polite,” says Tsourounis. “A couple of girls didn’t drink and wanted to go to bed early. Others wanted to stay up late. That wasn’t communicated beforehand.

“The next time we went away, we had a frank and honest conversation beforehand about what we wanted to do. That trip was so successful, the next year, we took our husbands.”

She is now in the throes of planning a 40th-birthday trip with eight girlfriends, whom she has known since high school. One of the women – a former management consultant turned stay-at-home mom – has taken the reins. Tsourounis said her friend did a “brilliant” thing, and sent everyone an anonymous SurveyMonkey with questions such as: What budget are you comfortable with? What are some of the places you would like to go (and do not want to go)? What time of year is most convenient?

“From the outset, we agreed: majority rules,” says Tsourounis. “Establishing ground rules is key.”

One great way to get everyone pumped about a trip is to start a dedicated group chat for sharing information and posting pictures of places they’d like to visit or things that inspire them, says Annie Pattillo, co-founder of Antigua-based travel adviser firm Ruth + Bud. Then it’s imperative to put one or two people in charge of the overall process.

Annie Pattillo, co-founder of Antigua-based travel adviser firm Ruth + Bud, says the bottom line 'is you have to pick the right friends for the right trip.' Handout

“If you’re not working with a travel designer, make sure you split up who does what in terms of booking hotels, excursions, restaurants or flights,” says Pattillo. “If you are working with a travel specialist, you still need someone to communicate the needs of the group. In other words, I need to know if the majority want to fly and flop on a beach or if they want to wake up and go golfing or hit an 8 a.m. yoga class.”

She also can’t stress the importance of choosing your travel companions wisely. Travelling with your college roommate or best friend from work might seem like a great idea, but you must consider if your likes and dislikes are in sync.

“The bottom line,” she says, “is you have to pick the right friends for the right trip.”

Group travel tips

Julia Hayhurst has a few more suggestions to make your next friend trip the best one yet.

• Don’t feel you need to spend every second together. It’s okay to go your separate ways and reunite for meals.
• Honour everyone’s need for downtime. Some people feel recharged by sleeping in, taking a nap or getting a massage. Others may recharge with an early-morning workout or a round of golf.
• If you’re travelling with friends who like to post on social media, have a quick chat about your comfort level. If you don’t feel like being featured in photos, make that clear ahead of time.
• Figure out the best way to split costs. Some pool their money in a “kitty” at the start of each trip, others use apps, such as Splittr and Splitwise.
• Go with the flow! Travelling with friends may require compromise, but it’s 100 per cent worth it.

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The Fabulous Four

It tells the story of two friends who travel to be bridesmaids in a surprise wedding of their college girlfriend. It tells the story of two friends who travel to be bridesmaids in a surprise wedding of their college girlfriend. It tells the story of two friends who travel to be bridesmaids in a surprise wedding of their college girlfriend.

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• As a travel planner, I regularly stay at all-inclusive resorts and book luxury trips for my clients.
• The vacations can be daunting and complicated to book, and many people make mistakes along the way.
• Booking the cheapest room , requesting an ocean view, and always bringing kids isn't the way to go.

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels , one of my areas of expertise is booking all-inclusive vacations.

The luxury trips can be complex to book, so it's easy to get tripped up if you're new to them. And if you're spending upwards of $3,000 for a weeklong getaway for two, you want to ensure you're getting your money's worth.

Here are the biggest mistakes people make while booking all-inclusive vacations .

Jumping into internet searches before thinking about what you want

When choosing an all-inclusive resort , it's important to consider your dream vacation before you even start looking online. Determining a trip bucket list will greatly help to narrow down your search.

I encourage clients to think about things like their budget, nonnegotiable amenities, ideal locations, flight accessibility, desired room features, and resort size.

Booking the cheapest room at the cheapest resort

In all-inclusive travel, you truly get what you pay for.

I recommend focusing searches on properties with at least a 4.5 rating. Value properties often struggle to provide quality food options, comfortable accommodations, and adequate service.

Although entry-level rooms are the least expensive, booking them can also come at a price.

The cheapest rooms can have views of the parking lot or construction sites. Or they're located on the ground floor, which can get musty if you're in a humid, tropical location.

You can often upgrade to a better room for a minimal extra cost, and I think it's more than worth it. If you're really on a strict budget, shorten your trip by a day or two to allow for a higher-quality experience.

Taking your kids along every time

There are many great kid-friendly, all-inclusive resorts, but taking an adults-only trip is so much fun.

Grab your friends, family, or significant others to rewind for a few days without the kids.

On a recent trip to Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancún, my husband and I appreciated the time we spent reconnecting, unwinding, and unplugging from work and family responsibilities.

Forgetting to research the food

One of the best parts of an all-inclusive vacation is enjoying the all-you-can-eat cuisine and top-shelf drink selections.

Spending up to a week at a luxury resort with mediocre food can be an unenjoyable experience. When reading reviews, p ay close attention to comments about the food quality.

I love the food and drinks at Palace, Sandals, and Beaches resorts and often recommend them to my clients.

Completely ruling out hurricane season

Booking a trip to the Caribbean or Mexico in summer and fall ( hurricane season ) carries some risk, but prices are usually significantly lower than at other times of the year.

The weather can be gorgeous, and there's no guarantee your trip will be impacted by bad weather. If you're concerned, definitely keep an eye on the weather and add on travel insurance while you're booking.

My husband and I honeymooned in the Caribbean in the fall , and the weather was some of the best I have ever had on a vacation.

Booking an ocean-view room

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Some resorts are more liberal with their categorization of partial-ocean-view and ocean-view rooms — maybe you can see a sliver of blue through the trees if you crane your neck.

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One of my clients might love a resort, but another may not enjoy the experience at all. Finding the resort that's right for you is a very personal process.

Not booking with a travel planner

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Most travel planners offer complimentary services (we get commissions from hotels and other bookings), which can greatly reduce the headache of planning your trip.

I always look for the best pricing and make sure to support my clients before, during, and after their vacations so they can relax.

As part of being an agent, I also visit resorts to vet them for my clients. Reading reviews online can be helpful, but they can also be confusing, so I like to be able to make personal recommendations.

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Hotel Friends

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HOTEL FRIENDS - Updated 2024 Reviews, Photos & Prices

Senate passes bill improving air safety and service for travelers, a day before FAA law expires

WASHINGTON — The Senate has passed a $105 billion bill designed to improve safety and customer service for air travelers, a day before the law governing the Federal Aviation Administration expires.

The bipartisan bill, which comes after a series of close calls between planes at the nation’s airports, aims to boost the number of air traffic controllers amid a shortage, improve safety standards and make it easier for customers to get refunds after flights are delayed or canceled, among other measures.

After passing the legislation on a strong 88-4 vote, the Senate passed a one-week extension to ensure that the law doesn’t expire before the House considers the bill next week. The FAA has said it would have had to furlough around 3,600 workers if the law expired at midnight Friday.

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The bill stalled for several days this week after senators from Virginia and Maryland objected to a provision that would allow an additional 10 flights a day to and from the heavily trafficked Reagan Washington National Airport. Other senators tried to add unrelated provisions, as well, seeing it as a prime chance to enact their legislative priorities.

But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called a vote Thursday evening after it became clear that senators would not be able to agree on amendments to the bill before the law expired. The Senate then passed the one-week extension that the House had already passed, sending that to President Joe Biden’s desk.

The FAA has been under scrutiny since it approved Boeing jets that were involved in two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019. The Senate legislation would govern FAA operations for the next five years and put several new safety standards in place.

The bill “gives the FAA the stability it needs to fulfill its primary mission — advancing aviation safety — while also making travel more convenient and accessible,” said Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.

The legislation aims to increase the number of air traffic controllers, provides for more safety inspectors at manufacturing facilities and requires the FAA to use new technology designed to prevent collisions between planes on runways. It would require new airline planes to have cockpit voice recorders capable of saving 25 hours of audio, up from the current two hours, to help investigators after safety incidents.

It would try to improve customer service for flyers by requiring airlines to pay a refund to customers for flight delays — three hours for a domestic flight and six for an international one. Lawmakers tweaked the bill this week to make it even easier for customers to receive refunds, revising language that would have put most of the onus on the customers to request them. The change put the Senate bill more in line with new regulations issued by the Biden administration last week.

In addition, the bill would prohibit airlines from charging extra for families to sit together and triple the maximum fines for airlines that violate consumer laws. And it would require the Transportation Department to create a “dashboard” so consumers can compare seat sizes on different airlines.

The legislation would also improve access for passengers with disabilities, requiring airlines to accommodate seating requests for disability-related needs, setting new training standards for airline personnel who handle and store wheelchairs and awarding grants for airport accessibility upgrades.

Failure to pass the popular bipartisan bill by May 10 would have been the latest setback after months of delays on the measure, and the last-minute deal to pass it was the most recent example of Congress struggling to pass major legislation that had broad bipartisan support.

Schumer, who had urged lawmakers to drop their objections and come to agreement on the legislation, said after passage that “passing this FAA bill is the best thing Congress can do to give Americans the peace of mind they deserve.”

Virginia Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, both Democrats, had pushed for a vote on their amendment to block the additional long-haul flights at Virginia’s Reagan National. They say the airport is restricted in size and too busy already, pointing to a close call there between two planes earlier in April that they said is a “flashing red warning light.”

Several Western lawmakers have argued for more flights at the airport, saying it is unfair to consumers that there is a restriction on long-haul flights. The provision’s chief proponent is Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, the top Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee, who is up for reelection this year and has argued that San Antonio should have a direct flight from the airport. Cruz blocked a vote on Kaine and Warner’s amendment when Schumer tried to bring it up shortly before final passage.

Like lawmakers, airlines are also split on the idea of additional flights at Reagan National. Delta Airlines has argued for more flights, while United Airlines, with a major operation at farther-out Dulles Airport, has lobbied against the increase.

The House last year passed its own version of the FAA legislation without additional Reagan National flights after intense, last-minute lobbying from the Virginia delegation — a bipartisan vote on an amendment to the FAA bill that saw members aligning not by party but geographic location. Lawmakers use the airport frequently because it is the closest Washington airport to the Capitol, and Congress has long tried to have a say in which routes have service there.

“Some of our colleagues were too afraid to let the experts make the call,” Kaine and Warner said in a joint statement Thursday evening, after Cruz blocked a vote on their amendment. “They didn’t want to show the American people that they care more about a few lawmakers’ desire for direct flights than they care about the safety and convenience of the traveling public. That is shameful and an embarrassment.”

Kaine, Warner and Maryland’s two senators, Democrats Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, were the only four senators to vote against final passage.