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Bulgaria Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

Often overlooked by travelers, Bulgaria is actually one of my favorite countries in Europe .

Because it’s under the radar, here you’ll find few crowds and plenty of affordable activities. I arrived with few expectations and was blown away by the country’s affordability, incredible history, mountainous landscapes, Black Sea beaches, and wild nightlife.

Bulgaria’s long history is evident everywhere, from ancient Neolithic settlements to mysterious Thracian tombs to fortresses left behind by powerful tsars. Even some of the smallest, most nondescript churches have elaborate religious artwork inside, including paintings of saints and vivid murals.

And, if you’re a nature lover, there are several mountain ranges throughout the country offering all kinds of stunning hikes.

In short, Bulgaria is amazing and I can’t speak its praises enough. Don’t speed through the place. There’s a lot to see and do here.

This travel guide to Bulgaria can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Bulgaria

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in bulgaria.

1. Explore Sofia

Sofia is Bulgaria’s dynamic capital city full of museums, Eastern Orthodox churches, communist architecture, and trendy galleries, restaurants, and clubs. The city has thousands of years’ worth of history and dates to the 8th century BCE when it was inhabited by the Serdi tribe. One of the oldest buildings is a brick rotunda that was built in the 4th century by the Romans. It was originally used as a bath but later became a church – and it’s survived almost completely intact. Don’t miss the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, built in the 1880s in the Neo-Byzantine style. It’s massive and has enough room for 10,000 people inside (you can even explore the crypt which is full of unique religious icons). Museums like the National Art Gallery, the National Historical Museum, and the National Institute of Archeology are all worth a visit and feature unique cultural and historical exhibits.

2. Relax in Varna

Varna is a major tourist destination during the summer when its beaches fill up with visitors. Like most of Bulgaria, the area has a rich history. Archeological remains of early settlements have been uncovered at over 30 sites, the oldest of which dates back to the Stone Age. Modern Varna was established in the 6th and 7th centuries when the Slavic people gained power in the Balkans, and the city emerged as an important hub for trade due to its prominent location on the Black Sea. Now it’s known as one of Bulgaria’s most popular seaside resort towns thanks to its beautiful beaches. I had a lot of fun wandering the streets, visiting the Roman Baths, walking through the big central park, and relaxing by the beach. Make sure to check out Aladzha Monastery, which is one of the oldest in Bulgaria (it dates back to the 4th century) and offers stunning views of the city.

3. Visit Plovdiv

Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria and is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe (archeologists have discovered evidence of settlements dating back to the Neolithic period in 6,000 BCE). Over the years, Plovdiv has been ruled by Greeks, Romans, Celts, Huns, Slavs, Bulgars, Thracians, and Ottomans. You can explore ruins spanning the centuries on a walk-through Old Town with cobblestone streets and architecture from the Middle Ages and the Bulgarian Revival. The city is the cultural hub of Bulgaria and was named the European Capital of Culture and is part of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. Be sure to visit the Roman Amphitheater, see the Archaeological Museum, and relax under the leafy trees in the Tsar Simeon Central Garden.

4. Go to Veliko Tarnovo

Once the capital of the Bulgarian Empire, Veliko Tarnovo is now a charming university town. Much of the city is perched on the cliffs with white houses and iconic red roofs spanning the hillsides. For excellent photo opportunities visit the Sky Walk which overlooks the city and the river winding through the cliffs. Not much happens here, but I loved the cobblestone streets, the historic castle ruins, the little cafes, and the nearby mountain hikes. Like any university town, there are some eclectic spots to grab a drink like the Hipster Art Bar which has a fun atmosphere and is a great place to meet people.

5. Explore the Rila Mountains

The Rila Mountains are the highest mountain range in the Balkans, with Mount Musala towering over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). Most of the mountain is protected within Rila National Park and the rest falls within the Rila Monastery Nature preserve, so it’s a hotspot for biodiversity and nature enthusiasts. You can trek to the top on a day hike or take on some of the less challenging hikes in the mountains. During the colder months, the Rila Mountains become packed with skiers, and if you want to treat yourself there are some luxurious spas around the area. Other highlights include the Seven Lakes route, Skakavitsa Waterfall, and the Rila Monastery. The monastery is the largest in Bulgaria and was established in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other Things to See and Do in Bulgaria

1. check out the museum of socialist art.

This museum in Sofia showcases art from when the country was under Communist rule (1944-1989). A large outdoor sculpture park contains everything from a giant statue of Lenin that once stood in the center of the city to the red star that topped the socialist party headquarters. Inside you’ll find all kinds of propaganda, documentary videos, photos, and more. Admission is 6 BGN.

2. Hike the Balkan Mountains

This mountain chain is at the center of Bulgaria. It’s part of the epic European Long Distance Route (E3) following the chain’s main ridge to the Portuguese seaside, spanning a distance of 6,950 kilometers (4,320 miles). For shorter day hikes, find a base town like Apriltsi and trek from there. The Mount Botev summit and the hike to Vodnite Dupki are two popular hikes.

3. Hit the beaches on the Black Sea

This 402-kilometer (250-mile) stretch of Bulgarian coast lies along the Black Sea. About one-third of this coastline is covered in pristine, sandy beaches. Avoid Sunny Beach (it’s tacky and crowded) and check out some of the quieter beaches instead, like Pomorie Beach or Sinemorets Veleka Beach.

4. Unwind in Balchik

Balchik is a small coastal town on the Black Sea. The area used to serve as the summer residence for Queen Marie of Romania (1875-1938). You can tour her Balchik Palace on the seaside promenade and admire the interesting blend of Gothic and Islamic architecture. There are not very many rooms, but they all contain original furnishings and paintings by Queen Marie herself. There’s also a botanical garden with over 600 species of plants. Admission is 15 BGN.

5 Go skiing

Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo are the three biggest resort towns in Bulgaria. Most people prefer Bansko because its resort has the longest ski runs and it’s doable as a day trip from Sofia. There are several hotels and budget accommodations within Bansko (although Bansko isn’t the prettiest of towns). A one-day ski pass is 90 BGN in Bansko and 85 BGN in Borovets and Pamporovo.

6. Stop and smell the roses in Kazanlak

Bulgaria is one of the biggest producers of rose oil in the world and the town of Kazanlak has hosted the Festival of Roses since 1903. During the first weekend of June, the local community organizes this international event that attracts thousands of tourists. There are rose-picking rituals, events to learn about the rose distillation process, a street procession, acapella choirs, folklore concerts, art shows, exhibitions, and even wine-tasting. Best of all, most of the events are free!

7. Visit the Varna Archaeological Museum

The Varna Archaeological Museum is home to the Varna Necropolis, a prehistoric archaeological site that contains the oldest processed gold in the world (it’s 7,000 years old). The gold was extracted from 62 graves (it was custom to bury people with gifts at that time). On display, you’ll also find intricate jewelry and other artifacts, as well as oddities like Roman surgical tools and ancient Hellenistic headstones. Admission is 10 BGN.

8. Explore Stara Zagora

Stara Zagora is a smaller city located in the south of Bulgaria, famous for its annual linden-tree bloom (the whole city smells incredibly floral — like a combination of honeysuckle and jasmine). For me, the main attraction is Stara Zagora’s historical significance. Other than once being an important crossroad for the Romans, Ottomans, and Thracians, Stara Zagora also contains some amazing prehistoric relics, including ancient burial mounds dating back 8,000 years. The Neolithic Dwellings Museum sits on one of these prehistoric mounds, along with the remains of a home. It’s 5 BGN to visit and super informative!

9. Tour the Bachkovo Monastery

Just outside of Plovdiv is the Bachkovo Monastery, dating to 1083 (although most of it was built from the 17th century). The main attraction in the monastery is the Church of Sveta Bogoroditsa, which has an interior completely covered in colorful frescoes painted by Zahari Zograf in 1850. The refectory (dining hall) is also full of murals displaying the building’s history. Pilgrims often come to the church to pray in front of the Madonna, which is encased in gold and silver. It’s free to visit the monastery, but the onsite museum costs 2 BGN and the refectory is 6 BGN.

10. Visit the Etâr Ethnographic Open-Air Museum

The Etâr 19th-century ethno-village in Northern Bulgaria is a recreated Bulgarian town lined with cobblestone streets and dozens of traditional shops and workshops devoted to cobblers, furriers (someone who works with furs), glass workers, jewelers, leatherworkers, potters, bakers, and more. Costumed performers move between buildings, making it feel like you stepped back in time (or at least onto a movie set). You can poke around recreated traditional homes, and some of the workshops are still powered by running water. It’s a bit cheesy, but you can pick up neat handmade souvenirs here. Admission is 5 BGN.

11. Hike at Emen Canyon

If you’re visiting Veliko Târnovo, head west to Emen Canyon. Carved out by the Negovanka River between tall limestone cliffs, the canyon is home to deep creeks (perfect for swimming) and picturesque waterfalls. A two-hour hike on the Negovanka Ecotrail takes you along 90-meter-high (295-foot) bluffs, leading to viewpoints over the canyon and a 10-meter-tall (32-foot) waterfall. It’s a beautiful region to explore on foot!

For more information on specific cities in Bulgaria, check out these guides:

• Plovdiv Travel Guide
• Sofia Travel Guide
• Varna Travel Guide
• Veliko Tarnovo Travel Guide

Bulgaria Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostel dorms with 5-8 beds cost between 15-25 BGN per night. Private hostel rooms cost 30-60 BGN per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also include self-catering facilities.

Budget two-star hotels range from 50-100 BGN per night. If you want to stay at one of the resort areas on the Black Sea, expect to pay double that amount during the summer.

Airbnb is available across Bulgaria, with private rooms ranging from 20-55 BGN per night. An entire home/apartment costs around 60-110 BGN.

For those traveling with a tent, there are also well-maintained campgrounds around the country, especially along the coast. Most tent sites start at 5-20 BGN per night for a basic pitch without electricity.

Food – Bulgarian cuisine is hearty and similar to that of its Balkan neighbors. Meaty stews with lamb, goat, or chicken are common, as are sausages and all kinds of yogurts (dairy products are big here). Popular dishes include kebapche (grilled mincemeat), shopska salad (a salad with tomato, cucumber, and cheese; similar to Greek salad), and moussaka.

Overall, food is very affordable throughout Bulgaria. Local street food eats like banica (cheese pastry) are as little as 1.50 BGN. You can pick up a hearty shopska or kebab for about 6 BGN.

For fast food (think McDonald’s), you can get a combo meal for about 12 BGN. A casual meal at a restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 14 BGN. A large pizza also costs around 10 BGN.

If you want to splash out, a three-course meal with a drink costs around 30 BGN.

Beer is 4 BGN while a latte/cappuccino is 3.50 BGN. Bottled water is around 1.50 BGN.

Grocery shopping is very cheap here, costing about 45-65 BGN per week for basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Bulgaria Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Bulgaria, expect to spend about 55 BGN per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like hiking and going to the beaches. If you plan on drinking, add 5-10 BGN to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 135 BGN per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for most meals at cheap fast food joints, have a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more activities and tours like visiting museums or going skiing.

On a “luxury” budget of 200 BGN per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in BGN.

Bulgaria Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Bulgaria is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. You can do a lot on a tight budget here as most of the country’s attractions (such as museums and historical sites) are cheap. You’ll find it hard to break the bank here unless you’re spending your time on the Black Sea coast during peak season and intentionally trying to splurge. Here are some ways to save money in Bulgaria:

• Avoid Sunny Beach – I don’t understand the appeal of a beach that’s overpriced and crowded with tourists. Hit up one of the other coastal beaches instead.
• Stay at Hostel Mostel – Staying at this hostel chain can lower your costs because they include free breakfast and free dinner. They have locations in Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo .
• Eat at the bakeries – Bakeries in Bulgaria have an inexpensive range of sweet and savory pastries that can fill you up. Two of my favorite snacks there are banica and krenvirshka.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find Couchsurfing hosts all throughout the country. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you’ll connect with a local host that can share their insider tips and advice.
• Take free walking tours – Walking tours are a great way to get familiar with a city and its culture. Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, and Plovdiv all have free walking tours. Just be sure to tip your tour guide at the end.
• Enjoy free events – Many of Bulgaria’s festivals are free to attend, and during the summer many city parks have free scheduled events and concerts. Ask your hostel or host what’s going on during your visit.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has lots of fun, affordable hostels around the country. Here are my favorite and suggested places to stay:

• Hostel Mostel (Sofia)
• Hostel 123 (Sofia)
• Hostel Mostel (Veliko Tarnovo)
• Hostel Old Plovdiv (Plovdiv)
• Yo-Ho-Hostel (Varna)
• Nomado Hostel (Varna)

How to Get Around Bulgaria

Public transportation – Public transportation in Bulgaria is very affordable. Sofia has a subway with two lines connecting the city center and the airport, as well as the central bus and train stations. Tickets are 1.60 BGN each.

In other cities, public buses are the most common mode of public transportation. Fares are usually between 1-2 BGN. Trolleybuses and trams are also common and generally cost the same.

Some cities, like Sofia, have a daily transportation pass for 4 BGN per day. A three-day pass is 10 BGN.

Taxi – Taxis are readily available everywhere, with rates starting at 2 BGN, costing an additional 1-2 BGN per kilometer. Always make sure your driver uses the meter so you avoid getting ripped off. Ridesharing like Uber is not available here.

Bus – Bulgaria has lots of private and public minibusses and coaches to get you between the smaller towns and cities. A bus from Sofia to Varna costs around 33 BGN and takes seven hours, while Varna to Plovdiv is 27 BGN and also takes seven hours. A three-hour journey from Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo shouldn’t cost more than 30 BGN.

Train – Train travel in Bulgaria is often cheaper than taking the bus, but it’s a lot slower. For example, the same Sofia to Veliko Tarnovo journey costs just 20 BGN but takes a little over four and a half hours by train (instead of three by bus). You can use the Bulgarian State Railways website (bdz.bg) to plan your trip.

Flying – There are limited domestic routes around Bulgaria, making this an inconvenient option for most travelers. That said, flying is affordable here. A one-way trip between Sofia and Varna costs about 160 BGN, while a one-way trip between Sofia and Burgas is about 106 BGN. Unless you’re pressed for time, though, I’d stick to the bus.

Car rental – Car rentals are super affordable here, costing as little as 25 BGN per day. If you have someone to share the ride with, this could be an affordable and flexible way to get around the country. Drivers need to be 21 years old and have an IDP (International Driving Permit).

To find the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Bulgaria

If you want hot weather and lots of time on the Black Sea coast, summer (June-August) is the best time to visit. Temperatures average 29-32°C (84-90°F) and the water is ideal for swimming. These temperatures are fairly consistent across the country, although the mountain regions can be cooler.

Spring and fall weather can change from day to day. Temperatures range between 5-21°C (41-70°F) in the spring and the weather can be quite foggy and cloudy, with not a lot of sunshine. But if you want fewer crowds and lower prices, this is the best time to come.

The fall months (September-October) are best for hiking as the autumn foliage is starting to show. Fall temperatures range from 2-21°C (36-71°F).

Winter can be frigid, with temperatures dropping as low as -5°C (23°F). The snow-capped mountains are beautiful during this time, and many people come here to hit the slopes. If you’re not coming here to ski or do winter sports, however, I’d skip a winter visit.

How to Stay Safe in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a very safe country to visit. Violent crime against visitors is very rare. Scams and petty crime like pick-pocketing are the most common danger you’ll face when you’re traveling the country, but even those are rare.

That said, it’s always a good idea to keep your valuables secure and out of sight when out and about.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

When taking taxis, always make sure the meter is on. A common scam is for taxi drivers to tell you that their meter is broken. Insist that you want a taxi with a working meter or negotiate the cost upfront.

You can read about common travel scams to avoid right here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Bulgaria Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Bulgaria Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• Europe Tours
• Bulgaria Tours
• Tour Operators

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Bulgaria 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in Bulgaria. Below you will find 11 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in Bulgaria offering in total 45 tours and holidays through-out Bulgaria. Combined they have received 90 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in Bulgaria are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Adventure and sport & Food, wine, events and nightlife.

• Tours in Bulgaria
• Bulgaria Travel Guide
• Best Time To Visit Bulgaria

11 Tour Operators in Bulgaria with 90 Reviews

Destination Services

• Address Edificio TUI, SM2, Calle Rita Levi, Parc Bit, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
• Response Rate 98%
• Response Time 3 hours

• Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
• Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
• Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Exodus Travels

• Address Grange Mills, Weir Road, London, England
• Response Rate 85%

Penguin Travel

• Address 2, Sveta Gora str. , Sofia, Bulgaria
• Response Rate 100%
• Response Time 1 hour

• Address 1B Osiers Road, Wandsworth, London, England
• Response Rate 90%

• Address Soi Pridi Banomyong 26, Bangkok, Thailand
• Response Rate 54%

• Address Nelson House, 55-59 Victoria Rd, Farnborough, England
• Response Rate 96%

Travel Talk

• Address 18 Exhibition House Addison Bridge Place, London, England

Intrepid Travel

• Address 380 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia
• Response Time 2 hours

Ciconia Travel

• Address 18 Exhibition House, Addison Bridge Place, London, England

G Adventures

• Address G Adventures Ltd, 60 Bastwick Street, London, England

Europamundo

• Address c/ Garcia de Paredes Nº 55 1ª Planta, Madrid, Spain

Traveling to Bulgaria? Chat with a local travel specialist in Bulgaria who can help organize your trip.

Bulgaria Tour Reviews

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• Bulgaria budget tours
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• Bulgaria last minute deals
• Bulgaria travel deals

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• Bulgaria Travel Tips

Why Bulgaria? Bulgaria is a country in southeastern Europe. While it may not be as well-known as a tourist destination, there is plenty to do and see.

With its beaches, mountain huts, hearty food, historical monasteries, beautiful cathedrals, and Roman ruins, Bulgaria has a lot to offer.

This Bulgaria travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular Guides

• Places to Visit in Bulgaria

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Bulgaria

• Power voltage is 230V at 50 Hz.
• The official currency is the Bulgarian lev and 1 lev is equal to 0.57 USD.
• The best way to get around is by car.
• To enter, you will need a U.S. passport valid for three months after entry.
• You do not need a visa if your stay is under 90 days.
• Vivacom, M-Tel, and Telenor are the most popular mobile providers. A prepaid SIM card can be purchased through either of them.
• The sales tax rate is 20%, with a reduced rate of 9% for hotel services.

Things to See and Do in Bulgaria

• Come explore the largest public park in Bulgaria .  Located in Varna, the park includes beautiful gardens, a zoo with tigers, kangaroos and bears, and an aquarium.
• National Historical Museum:  Come see the largest museum in Bulgaria. Featuring a vast collection of 650,000 historical items, there is plenty to see and learn here about Bulgarian history.
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral:  One of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world, come explore this majestic cathedral in Sofia.Dating back to 1912 and reaching heights of 148 feet, this cathedral holds numerous mosaics, murals, and royal thrones, as well as an Orthodox museum.
• Come see these Roman ruins. Built in the 2nd century AD, these ancient thermal baths were how the Romans once bathed.The third largest Roman ruins complex in Europe, the roman baths are a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Bulgaria Travel Guides

• 10 Places to Visit in Bulgaria This Year

Accommodation

Budget  – You can find prices for a hostel for about 18-22 leva. Enjoy dorm-styled or private rooms, free breakfast, storage lockers, and great locations in the city.

Mid Rang e – For mid-range hotels, expect to pay between 60-80 leva per night. Stay in private rooms, workout at the fitness center, dine at the hotel restaurant and bar, and swim in the pool (indoor or outdoor).

High End  – Upscale hotels will range from 150-300 leva per night. Take in the best with top-of-the-line service, polished guest rooms with minibars and refrigerators, room service, multiple restaurants and a nightclub, babysitting services, outdoor pools with a pool bar, and more.

Check out our favorite booking platforms  Booking.com ,  Tripadvisor  and VRBO   for the best deals on accommodation in Australia

Food : The cuisine of Bulgaria favors vegetables, dairy, meat like pork or chicken, seafood, and spices as staples. Shopska salad (tomato and cucumber salad with Bulgarian feta cheese) and tarator (cold yogurt soup) are popular dishes.

If you’re out for breakfast or want a treat, try a banitsa, a pastry with cheese and yogurt. Expect to pay around 10-20 leva per meal for an average restaurant or 30-50 leva for high-quality restaurants.

The Best Ways to Get Around Bulgaria

Getting to bulgaria:.

Getting to Bulgario:  The Sofia International Airport is the main airport and is just 6 miles from the center of Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital. Other major cities like Varna and Plovdiv also have their own airport, though only Varna takes flights from the US.

Flights:   You can check for the best flights on   Skyscanner

Transportation:

Train:  Trains, especially overnight trains, are a good way to get a more scenic view of Bulgaria.There are three types of trains express (ekspresen), fast (barz) and slow (patnicheski). Go from the capital Sofia to Varna in 7.5 hours for 25-30 leva.

Buses : Buses are a cheap way to get around and can be found throughout major cities and towns. Fares start at about 1 lev.

Metro:  Sofia has its own metro that travels throughout the city, with speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Prices start at 1.60 leva. The metro operates from 5 AM to midnight, with new trains arriving every 7-14 minutes.

Taxis / Uber  : Taxis are an alternative way to get around. Most taxis have meters, though rates will vary. You can find taxis with a starting fee of 0.70-0.80 lev and a meter of 0.70 lev per kilometer traveled. Take a taxi from the airport to the city center of Sofia, for example, for about 15 leva.

Car Rental:  To rent a car, you need to be at least 21 years old and have a U.S. license as well as an International Driver’s Permit. Prices average around 60 leva per day. 

You can also compare  prices here

When to go To Bulgaria

The best time to visit is right before or after the summer (April-May or September-October).

In these months, you can find lower prices while still having pleasant weather (about 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit for spring, 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit for autumn) for outdoor activities.

If you are going to Bulgaria to ski, then December-February is the best time, though note that some of the smaller towns will be shut down during this time.

Where to Stay in Bulgaria

Les Fleurs Boutique Hotel :  Stay in this trendy four-star hotel in the capital of Sofia. Attractions like the National Palace of Culture and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral are both just a short trip away. Once you’re done exploring, come back to relaxed rooms with minibars and flat screen TVs, complimentary breakfast, and the hotel’s restaurant.

Ramada Plovdiv Trimontium :  Stay in the heart of Plovdiv at this great four-star hotel. Great attractions like the Plovdiv Roman Theater and the ruins of Nebet Tepe are just a 15-minute walk away. The hotel comes with free breakfast and Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a casino.

Grand Hotel Varna :  Be right by the Bulgarian Black Sea at this all-inclusive 5-star hotel in Varna. Stay in great rooms with balconies and sea views, head to the gym, swim in the outdoor pool, relax on the private beach, and dine at one of the 3 restaurants. Nearby attractions include the Sea Garden, the Aladzha Monastery, and Evxinograd, the 19 th -century palace.

What to Pack for Bulgaria

• Power Adapter:  As the voltage is higher than the US, a power adapter will ensure all of your electronics can be charged properly.
• Walking Shoes:  Keep your feet comfortable with a sturdy pair of walking shoes.
• Modest Clothing:  If your trip itinerary includes going to monasteries, make sure to bring clothes that cover your knees and elbows

See our packing tips:  packing tips

Bulgaria Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Bulgaria Travel Guide: Related Articles

Bulgaria Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 126 most popular bulgaria trips. compare tour itineraries from 60 tour companies. 210 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular bulgaria tours.

Balkan Grand Circle - 16 days

• Feel the Montmartre-style charm of Belgrade’s Skadarlija
• Explore the castle of the infamous Vlad (Count) Dracula in Bran
• Discover the ancient city of Plovdiv and taste the famous lyutenica in Sofia
• Look for the Game of Thrones filming sites in the maze of narrow, marble streets in Dubrovnik

Amazing Balkans and Transylvania (4 Star Hotels)

Balkan Adventure

• 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
• 13 Breakfast (B)
• 4 Dinner (D)
• 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
• 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Bulgaria: Realm of the Brown Bear

• Engage in a vital brown bear conservation project
• Join daily bear-tracking walks with a brown bear expert
• Hunker down in a hide to observe wild brown bears
• Spot other elusive mammals, birds, butterflies, reptiles and rare orchids
• Explore remote landscapes in the Rodopi Mountains

London to Istanbul Rail Adventure + Cappadocia Extension

• An iconic rail journey across Europe to the gateway of Asia
• Stay in the iconic cities of Venice, Zagreb, and Belgrade
• Visit one of Serbia's rural wineries and Croatia's baroque town, Varazdin

Treasures of Transylvania (4 Star Hotels)

Bulgaria: Rodopi Mountains

• Explore stunning mountain landscapes with deep gorges, ancient forests and flowering meadows
• See unique flora, including many orchids and endemic species
• Look out for brown bears, wallcreepers and a variety of rare butterflies
• Experience daily life in a traditional Bulgarian village
• Enjoy delicious home-produced local cuisine

Western Balkans Uncovered

• Sail across the blue waters of Lake Ohrid – one of Europe's oldest lakes. No wonder North Macedonia and Albania share this beautiful attraction, who would want to let it go?
• Admire the World Heritage-listed architecture of Dubrovnik (of Game of Thrones fame) and Montenegro’s Kotor as you walk along their ancient city walls.
• Sit down for a fresh farm-to-table lunch experience in Fishte in the midday Albanian sun. Enjoy local produce, wild fish and organic meat, all prepared on-site with the freshest local ingredients.
• Enjoy walking tours with local guides who have all the insider knowledge in Prizren, Berat and Tirana.
• Venture out to Matka Canyon, a deep ravine cut into the Suva mountains by the Treska River and explore this beautiful natural area on foot and by boat.

All Bulgaria , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Bulgaria

Small Group Bulgaria Tours

London to Istanbul Rail Adventure

• Discover rural Serbia, from local wine producers to narrow gauge railway routes
• Take a boat trip on Europe's largest wetlands in Croatia and explore the waterways of Venice

Budapest to Istanbul

• Discover the rich and varied culture of eastern europe
• Visit 'dracula's castle' and charming slavic villages
• Explore the spectacular cities of budapest and istanbul

Private Balkan Grand Circle with Adriatic - 19 days

• Discover new flavours of indigenous wine at one of Fruška Gora’s most prominent wineries
• Explore the city of Bucharest, impressive with its palaces, gardens and the grandiose Palace of the Parliament
• Relax in the gentle sea breeze on the boat ride through the Boka Bay in Montenegro
• Listen to the peaceful sounds of the stunning waterfalls of the National Park Plitvice Lakes

Balkan Village Trek (8 days progressive ride in Teteven Balkan area)

Best Bulgaria Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Bulgaria Tours by Price

Top Bulgaria Attractions & Experiences

Top Bulgaria Experiences

• Explore the sacred and rustic hills around the peaceful Rila Monastery. 
• Relax sunbathing or strolling down the seaside promenade in the ancient town of Varna
• The wonder of watching the Sound and Light Show over the medieval Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo
• Spend the day tasting wines that the Trojans tried in one of the oldest wine regions in the world in Bessa Valley.
• Take in the ancient wonders while walking down the old town of Plovdiv that is older than Greece and Rome.

Bulgaria Tours & Travel Guide

Bulgaria Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Filled with historical ruins, rugged mountains, ancient cities, and a unique cuisine, Bulgaria is a country on the brink of stardom. From the stunning hiking trails of the Rila Mountains to the medieval fortress in Veliko Tarnovo to the bustling bistros of Sofia, Bulgaria will dazzle all of your senses and keep you coming back for more. 

Why Visit Bulgaria on a Tour

One of the main reasons you should visit Bulgaria on the tour is the language barrier. Bulgarian can be a challenging language to understand and read. Additionally, only about 25% of Bulgarians speak English. Learning some key phrases and words in Bulgarian can help, but having those expert guides who can help you navigate the restaurants and shops will be invaluable. 

Surprisingly to many, Bulgaria has a very long and diverse past. Bulgaria is actually home to one of the most prosperous ancient civilizations in the world, the Thracians. Their history, along with thousands of years of occupation, has given Bulgaria a detailed and extensive past.

Learning all of this or trying to see the best spots on your own is daunting, but tours to Bulgaria offer you the chance to see the main attractions and delve deeper into Bulgaria’s past. 

Bulgarian Culture

Bulgarian culture is a result of a combination of a variety of civilizations and cultures. With influences from Greece, Thrace, Rome, the Ottoman Empire, the Slavic people, and Russia, Bulgaria’s way of life is distinct in the Balkans. 

Bulgaria has played an important role in the world since the country’s beginnings. The country is home to large amounts of Thracian gold treasures, was a major political and economic power during the Middle Ages, where the Cyrillic alphabet was created, and has made multiple contributions to the arts and music. 

Another claim to fame is that Bulgaria is considered The Rose Capital of the world. The Rose Valley in Bulgaria produces over 80% of the world’s rose oil which is used in soap, perfume, and as a stress reliever. You’ll find countless rose bushes and vines in every part of the country, especially during the spring when the flowers begin to bloom. 

Common Bulgaria Tour Routes

There are three common tour routes of Bulgaria: Bulgaria-only tours, Bulgaria outdoor tours, and tours when Bulgaria is included with other Eastern European or Balkan countries. 

For guided tours of Bulgaria , you’ll often begin and end your journey in Sofia. You’re route typically will follow a counterclockwise path taking you through Rila Monastery on your way to Plovdiv, Varna on the coast, northern city of Veliko Tarnovo, and back towards Sofia. These tours hit all of the major sites and sounds that make up Bulgaria’s unique culture. 

An adventure tour of Bulgaria usually takes place in the mountains of western Bulgaria or in the Balkan Mountains. Hiking tours or snowshoeing tours of the Rila Mountains outside of Sofia are a common destination for these adventurous and picturesque routes. 

With Bulgaria’s central location in Southeastern Europe, Bulgaria is often included in tours of other countries in the area such as Romania, Turkey, Greece, Hungary, and Serbia. These tours last a couple of weeks and don’t spend as much time in Bulgaria as the above tours, but are an opportunity to see more of this region of the world. 

Cities in Bulgaria

While countries like India or Poland have what they call “The Golden Triangle” of cities to visit, Bulgaria has more of a “Golden Diamond.” Bulgaria has four main cities that are included on guided tours of Bulgaria for their rich past and importance to the growth of Bulgaria. 

The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia has something to offer everyone. With medieval Byzantine churches, funky cafes, retro Communist buildings, and public parks around every corner, Sofia is a bustling blend of each era of Bulgaria’s past. 

2. Plovdiv  

One of the oldest cities in the world, Plovdiv is a hotbed of ancient civilizations. Considered the cultural capital of Bulgaria, Plovdiv is spread out across seven hills and is the home of some of the country’s oldest ancient ruins. 

Bulgaria’s Black Sea mainstay, Varna is a summer oasis in Southeastern Europe. Locals and travelers visit during the warm months to take in the beautiful weather of the sea, relax on the beaches, and stroll down the romantic seaside promenade. 

4. Veliko Tarnovo

Bulgaria’s medieval center, Veliko Tarnovo was the ruling seat for the Second Bulgarian Empire. Nestled atop the bluffs above the Yantra River, the city harkens back to Bulgaria’s power and prestige during medieval times and is a great base for day trips into the surrounding villages. 

Bulgarian Cuisine

Not unlike the rest of Bulgarian culture, Bulgarian cuisine is the culmination of many cultures and peoples. You’ll find traditional Bulgarian dishes, but also influences and cooking styles from Turkey, Greece, and other Balkan countries. 

Traditional meals typically begin with a shopska, or salad, and the main course is based around a stew featuring a main meat and a variety of vegetables.

Grilled meat, especially sausage, is a main staple in Bulgarian diet, as is yogurt, stuffed pastries, the cold soup tarator, and cheese. Bulgarian dishes are noted for their bold flavors from the paprika, garlic, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary that are commonly used. 

Wine is a common drink to have with your dinner, but Bulgaria’s most iconic alcoholic beverage is "rakia". Rakia is a fruit brandy produced in the Balkans and is a staple in Bulgaria. The brandy isn’t for the faint of heart, some rakia can be as potent as 40 - 50% proof!

Nature and Wildlife in Bulgaria

Adventure tours to Bulgaria are growing in numbers. With much of the country dominated by the Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria has become a major hiking and skiing destination. Travelers can hike throughout the Rila Mountains or the Rhodope Mountains in the east or choose a slower, easier vacation by visiting the beaches on the Black Sea Coast. 

Bulgaria is also home to numerous national parks and preserves. Some of the country’s stunning natural wonders are the Rila Lakes, the naturally-formed Melnik Pyramids, and Pirin National Park. 

If you are out hiking and exploring Bulgaria’s natural wonders you may come across some of the country’s commonly spotted wildlife . Bears, foxes, vultures, and rabbits can be found when hiking in the mountains. On the coast you may find pelicans or dolphins swimming in the sea. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll see a local favorite of Bulgaria in the woods or even in the cities, the adorable hedgehog. 

Caving in Bulgaria

Bulgaria has over 2,500 caves with more still being discovered. With such a rugged landscape, caving has become a major activity for travelers visiting Bulgaria.

A few of the most popular caves in Bulgaria are: 

1. Devil’s Throat Cave

One of the largest in Bulgaria, Devil’s Throat Cave is the stuff of legends. Considered by many as the inspiration of some of the myths of ancient Greece and Thrace, the cave is a natural phenomena with large caverns and long underground river. 

2. Devetashka

Devetashka Cave is a karst cave in northern Bulgaria that has been occupied for thousands of years and is a major faunal and floral sanctuary in Bulgaria. Multiple protected species, such as the European trea frog, call this cave home. The cave’s most famous occupants are the some 30,000 bats that reside in the caverns. 

3. Snezhanka

Located in the Rhodope Mountains, Snezhanka Cave (“Snow White”) is small compared to others, but what the cave lacks in size it makes up for in wonder. Snezhanka Cave is home to beautiful and stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations. The Wonderful Hall in the cave even has a naturally created formation that resembles Snow White, which is how the cave came by the name.  

4. Ledenika

Bulgaria’s ice cave, Ledenika Cave is located in the Balkan Mountains and has been open to the public since 1961. Ledenika is considered the ice cave of Bulgaria because of colder temperatures that create ice stalactite and stalagmite formations instead of the salt creations in the other caves.

Bulgaria Reviews & Ratings

Rodopi bears.

A brilliant trip in all respects! Scenery, group leader, wildlife, hotel, food all get top marks Great walking and was lucky to be with a lovely group of just 6 of...

Bulgaria Bears. Excellent walks at a steady with informative breaks

Inspiring views with Julian who was very well informed and put the information across in any easily understood and entertaining way. Only saw one other group in t...

Unforgettable Trip!

This was the best trip I've been on in years. It's so rare to have a trip which includes both walking and wildlife, but Julian created the perfect combination of t...

Wonderful wildlife adventure

This was one of the best holidays I’ve ever had, combining walking in the mountains with the opportunity to see and learn about bears in the company of a true expe...

Beartastic!

This is a thoroughly enjoyable holiday if you enjoy the outdoors, walking, sampling local cuisine and of course tracking and even seeing bears! Our week could hard...

See all Bulgaria reviews

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A positive experience and better than others, a nice surprise.

I appreciate most reviews for this airline are poor, but my experience was a very good one. Check-in staff were polite, efficient and raised no questions re my having a case to check in plus a smaller case and backpack to take Onboard. The flight was called when at the time they indicated. Boarding was easy and seats more comfortable than other airlines such as Wizz, Ryanair and Easyjet. Seats had more legroom ( I'm 6ft 1in) normally my knees just touch the seat in front, but on this plane I had some 2 inches of clearance which was welcomed. We departed Varna exactly on time. When airborne great to receive a small bar of chocolate and a soft drink with their compliments. Pilot gave updates on the way to Sofia and we landed early. It was a good experience and would fly Bulgarian Airlines again. Maybe I was lucky based on other reviews but maybe they have listened and improved. Maybe negative comments are easy to make and positives ones sometimes harder to come by (we all like to vent once in a while). It was a pleasant experience, so keep it up Bulgarian Airlines.

Date of experience : November 19, 2023

no service totally ignore their passenger

J'ai payé 2 fois mon baggage en soute. I paid twice my luggage cost. They ask to repay for my luggage in the airport. Since then I try to get a reimbursement. They just ignore my messages. I receive an automatique message in Bulgarian that I cannot understand. To not trust this company

Date of experience : May 10, 2023

Terrible service- hidden costs

Terrible service- hidden costs, long lines for checkin without the option to do it online, delay in flight and literally no space on the airplane- seat was half the size of the normal one. And all of the above for a very expensive ticket.

Date of experience : October 02, 2022

Very bad UX, unclear pricing

Ive used BG Air a few dozen times now. While the Customer Support people are usually very polite, this company never ceases to disappoint me on multiple levels: 1. In general the website UX is ancient and doesnt work reliably - lack of modern payment methods, - forcing unnecessary information from you (obligatory passport number while you can buy the exact same ticket from a reseller without this - only company that REQUIRES IT), - website blocking and erroring out needing a refresh - not working loyalty program, no flight history, no overview of points, no clear discount perks (contradictory info sent by email and website) - "404 error" or "Request-URI Too Long" on the "webshop" in 25% of my interactions 2. ZERO flexibility. Recently tried changing the return leg of a flight which by policy is 70EUR + fare difference. Was quoted a price almost double the new ticket - no way this was calculated using their own formula. 5 emails later asking for a breakdown i was literally told - "We dont know why, its the system". Ended up doing a no show and booking a new ticket as it was the cheapest option. Completely ridiculous.

Date of experience : October 03, 2022

Avoid by all means...

Avoid by all means. Denied boarding due to overbooked flight. NO compensation whatsoever, NO response from the company to multiple emails, or to complaints filed in their online system. Hotline admits this should not have happend, but does not feel responsible and redirects you to the complaints desk. Since the company operates under a legal system that is stuck somewhere between inefficient and non-existent, you can forget about your EU passenger rights. They are not enforceable in the country because the company cannot even be bothered to respond to the national regulator. I leave it up to you to imagine what the general quality of services, or in fact the safety of that carrier might be...

Date of experience : December 12, 2019

Worst plane experience.

Having just came back from vacation with Bulgaria Air, im going to warn everyone I know about them. First off we arrive in the airport, and the minute we have to start boarding, we get told plane i delayed for 5 hours. We get zero explanation or information from anyone, even the information desk had no idea. After the first 2 hours they made sure everyone got something to eat/drink. A bottle of water, a dry bread and 2 slices of cucumber, and a cracker. Then we got further delayed for an hour, still no information. Finally in the airplane about an hour in, our 14 year old kid got sick, and vomitted all over himself and his seat, no vomit emergency bags anywhere.. had to ask the stewards over and over to bring bags, franticly trying to clean up the mess there was no assistance besides a few handy wipes from the personel, who all 3 of them, left the cabin while all this was going on and went in front of the plane with closed curtains. No assistance at all. You get what you pay for, but I wouldnt travel for free with this terrible company.

Date of experience : July 30, 2019

The worst airline one can choose

The worst airline one can choose. Their T&C are made to defend only their own interest. Their support center is unreachable. They claim to respond to emails in one working day - this is crap. Value yourself - don’t fly with them.

Date of experience : July 06, 2022

This company must be sued

This company must be sued. Waiting for my aunt to arrive from Paris. They should've been here already but no...2 hrs delay, no info, 2nd flight is also with a delay. Bulgaria air...do you like treating your customers as if they're one big NOTHING? DO YOU EVEN CARE? I believe people pay you enough money for flights. At least make it comfortable...get you stuff together...

Date of experience : July 02, 2021

We had booked a flight for June 1 from…

We had booked a flight for June 1 from Sofia to Berlin. Because of Covid-19 restrictions we had to cancel. We were promised a refund but that it would take a little time. Well, we still don't have it and the airline no longer responds. One more airline to avoid if possible.

Date of experience : October 12, 2020

Almost 4 hour delay and no compensation

I have been a frequent customer of Bulgaria air..usually quite happy until the last month when the flight had almost 4 hours delay on the flight which should last about 45 minutes, thanks to that I nearly missed my connection flight, was not able to check in my luggage as the gate was closed which caused that all the fluids such as parfumes, sun creams, in the luggage had to be thrown away (value around 150euros) and had to pay another 60 euros to have that luggage taken for the other connection flight. Since according the EU law I should get a 250eur refund for such a delay, I contacted Bulgaria air twice, however they did not get back to me, so going to leave this matter with a lawyer. The delay can happen time to time, however really very disappointed with the approach of the airline.

Date of experience : July 18, 2019

Absolutely awful service

Absolutely awful service. They are no where helpful. I had a flight booked originally on the 2nd of February 2022. I asked a few days before the flight if it was going to happen they said yes. It was cancelled and they offered my money back or to reschedule the flight for the 05/02/2022 to which I said yes re-schedule it. I receive an email with my ticket. On the day of the flight they said I was in the system but not on the plane???after which they told me to go and ask a help desk located in the airport. They said i cannot board the plane, and that the only way for me to fly on the day is to buy a new ticket, and the money to the newly bought ticket would be returned. I sent e-mails pictures of boarding passes and they said it would take them 2 months to process my issue. 10 months later I did not receive any answer so I emailed them. They returned the money for the first flight which was 150lev cheaper. The money I got refunded was not even the full amount! People are struggling to make ends meet and they don’t even bother to fix your issue and in the end they return not even the full amount of money. Absolutely unbelievable! I would never recommend flying with them, super unprofessional!

Date of experience : February 05, 2022

Absolutely avoid that company

Absolutely avoid that company! Poor service, poor food or no food and REALLY expensive prices... NEVER AGAIN!

Date of experience : June 21, 2019

Bad experience.

Bad experience. Pilot couldn’t land the first time and retried and didn’t even give us information.

Very good experience.

Very good experience. Easy to change any flight or date for 50 euros. Call-center answers very quickly. Best food.

Date of experience : December 26, 2019

AVOID AT ANY COST

It is unfortunate to say but even low-budget companies like RyanAir and WizzAir appear to be better and caring more about their customers than Bulgaria Air. I am exceptionally disappointed with the way Bulgaria Air handled the pandemic situation in such times of uncertainty! While all other airlines acted responsibly and cancelled their flights to and from destinations that are under lockdown making sure they contacted their customers keeping them informed, Bulgaria Air did not make an effort to contact us in any way to let us know of our options while our flight remained on schedule! Bulgaria Air decided to respond to the COVID-19 situation by "running flights" during times when everybody was either forbidden or strongly advised not to fly, sparking confusion and chaos amongst people. All this on the expense of passengers. I think Bulgaria Air's response was largely unacceptable and it is about time they start complying with common regulations. We are now exhausted trying to at least change our flights but with no luck so far. We have tried to email them more than 10 times and called them more than 200 times (no exaggeration) but their customer service is essentially non-existent. The few times we managed to get through there was always a problem and they could not solve the issue right away and we had to call again when finally one lady advised that we not only cannot change the flights but we have to even pay some kind of 'no show fee' even though we have been trying to contact them forever. This was her response after 2 of her other colleagues before that actually said that it is possible to change the flights we only had to call again in another time due to problems with the system.... Unbelievable! As I said right at the start - AVOID AT ANY COST.

Date of experience : June 18, 2020

The cost justifies a lot

Not the best flight option, but the cost justifies a lot.

Date of experience : June 24, 2022

The check-in staff is very moody and…

The check-in staff is very moody and unfriendly. Will avoid the company in the future.

Date of experience : August 26, 2021

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Daiwa BG Review: A Gold Standard for Saltwater Spinning Reels

With a drag smooth as silk, working on a Daiwa BG review wasn’t really work, it was a pleasure, especially since we love spreading the word about gear that has exceeded all our expectations.

Daiwa is one of those tackle manufacturers that just seem to get it right every time. And their Black Gold series of spinning and casting reels are outstanding examples of that product excellence.

In particular, the BG spinning reel family is among the finest spinners available in terms of features, build quality and accessibility. So, what is it that sets the BG spinning reels apart from the competition?

Daiwa BG Review: A Bit about Black Gold

The first Daiwa Black Gold spinning reels were released in 1981 causing a considerable stir among spin fisherman. The reels certainly ruffled some purist feathers back then with outstanding features and minuscule price tags. However, the concept was rock-solid, and the BG family of reels is still going strong 38 years later.

In fact, the initial BG series of reels saw an unparalleled 35-year product run without any significant changes made to the original design. Now, that’s an undeniable testament to Daiwa’s BG design philosophy specifically and the companies standing generally.

What of the new BG reels, though? Well, if anything, Daiwa has taken a stalwart product and elevated it to superhero status. Out of the box, today’s Daiwa BG spinners represent a marriage of value and quality that is very hard to beat.

One of the main ingredients in the success of the current BG reel family is Daiwa’s shared technology philosophy. This practice has seen features and technologies specific to their top tier products filter down to enhance reels like the BG.

So, the current crop of Black Gold spinners include features previously found only on the Saltiga and Saltist reels. These include the DIGIGEAR system, Air Rotor, and Daiwa’s proprietary Hardbodyz frame construction technology.

This technology cross-pollination has taken the tried and tested BG reels and turned them into the best selling saltwater spinners in the world today.

The Daiwa BG 4500: An In-Depth Analysis

Daiwa BG Saltwater Medium/Xtra

• Black Anodized Machined…
• Solid Screw-In Handle, Air…
• Braided Line Ready Spool,…
• Manual Return Bail (4500 and…
• Line Capacity (Lb. Test /…

The Daiwa BG spinning reel family includes 10 members ranging from the ultralight BG1500 to the game fish taming BG8000. For our Daiwa BG review, we will look at the BG4500, which is a mid-range saltwater spinner suitable for both in-shore and off-shore angling.

The Daiwa BG 4500 Overview

The BG spinning reel represents a bridge option between the light and heavy tackle sectors of the BG family. Here are some of the Daiwa BG spinner’s many noteworthy features.

The BG 4500 shares a common feature set with the entire range. Among these features is Daiwa’s DIGIGEAR system. The DIGIGEAR system is based on the biggest main drive gear ever to grace a Daiwa spinning reel.

This massive, precision cut gear offers greatly increased gear-tooth contact area that delivers an unbeatably smooth action. In addition, the DIGIGEAR system increases cranking power and torque while enhancing the service life of the gear train.

Manual Bail Trip

The 4500 is the first of the BG reels that features a manual only bail trip mechanism. This feature does away with the smaller reel’s internal automatic trip mechanisms and enhances the reel’s overall durability.

The Air Rotor system is another feature inherited from the BG’s boutique Saltiga and Saltist siblings. It is lighter by 15 percent than conventional rotors with improved balance, which adds significantly to the reel’s smooth operation. In addition, it’s unique design distributes rotational stress better, making for a stronger and longer-lasting rotor system.

Machined Aluminum Body and Anodized Finish

The BG reel family feature Daiwa’s Hardbodyz narrow-profile, machined aluminum bodies, and side covers. The Hardbodyz design is strong and rigid, affording the internal parts exceptional stability. All exposed parts of the body also receive the BG’s characteristic black anodized finish.

The anodized finish is a far better option than painting and won’t chip or peel, keeping the reel pristine for longer.

Solid Machined Screw-In Handle

The BG’s handle is a solid machined aluminum part that eliminates all play between the gear train and crank input. Consequently, this arrangement further enhances the BG reels exceptional strength and buttery smooth operation. The rest of the BG 4500’s vital statistics look something like this.

Specifications

• Monofilament line capacity (yards/pounds): 350/14, 280/17, 210/20
• Braid line capacity — J Braid (yards/pounds): 340/40, 270/50, 230/65
• Maximum drag: 22 pounds
• Line retrieve rate: 43.1 inches
• Bearing count: six plus one
• Gear ratio: 5.7:1
• Weight: 22 ounces
• Reel class: medium-heavy/saltwater

BG 4500 Pros and Cons

The pros and cons section in any Daiwa BG review is sure to be a very one-sided list. However, to be fair, here they are.

• Extremely smooth operation
• A powerful, predictable, and smooth drag system
• Exceptional build quality
• Rigid and strong construction
• Braid ready spool
• Very reliable and easy to maintain
• A very competitive price point
• Outstanding after-sales service and parts availability
• The maximum drag, while perfectly acceptable, is less than some competitors
• The BG is a little heavier than some competitors

Our Review Process

To keep this Daiwa BG review as objective as possible, we will make a balanced comparison between the BG 4500 and two reels of similar specifications and from equally well-respected manufacturers. So, in no particular order, here are the Daiwa BG review competitors.

1. Penn Spinfisher VI 6500

Penn Spinfisher VI

• Full metal body and sideplates
• CNC Gear technology
• IPX5 Sealed body and spool design
• Sealed drag system
• HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers

Penn is one of the oldest manufacturers of quality tackle and gear out there. It’s doubtful that many anglers don’t know of or haven’t used a Penn reel at some point. And, much like the Daiwa BG’s, Penn’s BG spinning reel are among their most enduring products. For this Daiwa BG review, we have chosen to look at the new generation Spinfisher VI in 6500 size in comparison to the BG 4500.

Penn Spinfisher VI 6500 Overview

Penn introduced the Spinfisher line in 1961, making them among the longest-serving of any spinning reels. The modern BG spinning reel is similar to the BG 4500 in that it represents a transition from light to heavy tackle options. So, to continue our Daiwa BG review, what makes the Spinfisher VI tick?

CNC Gear Technology

Penn’s Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) gears utilize an extremely precise, computer-controlled milling process in their production. CNC cut gears are more consistently accurate than those produced by casting or forging techniques. In addition, cut gears also tend to be stronger due to the use of more advanced metals or alloys.

IPX 5 Sealing

The entire Spinfisher range features Penn’s IPX5 seal system on all potential water ingress points. The international IPX standards system defines how water-resistant devices are with grading levels from IPX0 to IPX 8. The IPX 5 rating on the Spinfisher VI reels means they will effectively resist high-velocity spray and momentary immersion. Essentially what that means is you could fish in the salt spray and wade through the surf all day. And, when you’re done, you could hose the reel down without any water or sand having got into its innards.

HT-100 Drag System

The Penn HT-100 carbon fiber drag system has a long track record of exceptional performance. It’s the system used in Penn’s flagship Slammer models and lends the Spinfisher series the same smooth, powerful drag control. In addition, the 6500 has one of the highest maximum drag ratings in its class.

The Spinfisher VI is also the first of the Spinfisher models that incorporates a manual only bail trip mechanism. In addition, the bail wire itself is thicker than normal, ensuring enhanced reliability and service life.

Full Metal Construction

An all-metal body and side plates make the Spinfisher reels robust and lend great rigidity to the internal mechanisms.

Let’s look at the detailed specs for the Spinfisher VI 6500

• Monofilament line capacity (yards/pounds): 390/12, 345/15, 205/20
• Braid line capacity (yards/pounds): 485/30, 410/40, 335/50
• Maximum drag: 30 pounds
• Line retrieve rate: 42 inches
• Spool braid ready: yes plus line capacity indicators
• Bearing count: six
• Gear ratio: 5.6:1
• Weight: 22.3 ounces

Spinfisher VI 5500 Pros and Cons

This is another reel that has a lopsided pros and cons listing.

• Smooth, predictable drag with a huge maximum rating
• Braid ready
• Rigid and robust construction
• Very good after-sales support
• Excellent water resistance
• Smooth operation
• No user complaints reported as yet

2. Shimano Socorro SW10000

SHIMANO Socorro SW

• The Socorro saltwater spinning…
• X-Ship technology provides…
• Incorporates Shimano’s…
• Features Cross Carbon Drag…

Our second and last competitor reel in this Daiwa BG review is an offering from another industry giant, Shimano. The BG spinning reel is a similarly sized and featured reel to the Daiwa and Penn runners with an equally stellar reputation.

Shimano Socorro SW10000 Overview

Shimano reels have long held pride of place as top-drawer products. Although they are often seen as being overpriced boutique reels, there’s no doubting the outstanding quality of the Shimano brand . The BG spinning reel is no exception and carries an impressive feature set. Here are some of those noteworthy features.

Hagane Gear Technology

Shimano’s Hagane gears are CAD designed then cold forged using their own proprietary process. As a result, the gears possess outstanding strength and resilience. The Socorro gear train certainly delivers powerful, butter-smooth cranking action.

X-Ship Pinion Support

The pinion drive in the Socorro reels features Shimano’s X-Ship support system. This sees the pinion gear assembly supported on both ends with high-quality bearings. The X-Ship system eliminates the majority of friction between the pinion and the spool shaft. Consequently, you get longer casts with light lures and enhanced reliability.

Cross Carbon Drag

The Socorro reel family all feature Shimano’s Cross Carbon drag technology. The proprietary drag material delivers exceptionally smooth drag pressure across the entire rating range. Moreover, Cross Carbon drags are very consistent under prolonged high drag/high-heat conditions. So, what of the rest of the Socorro SW10000’s pedigree?

• Monofilament line capacity (yards/pounds): 500/12, 320/16, 220/20
• Braid line capacity (yards/pounds): 360/50, 290/65, 215/80
• Maximum drag: 27 pounds
• Line retrieve rate: 40 inches
• Spool braid ready: yes
• Bearing count: five
• Gear ratio: 4.9:1

Socorro SW10000 Pros and Cons

Again, there are not likely to be many negatives with the Socorro. However, let’s take a look anyway.

• Very good build quality
• Power and smooth drag system
• Outstanding pinion drive stability
• Powerful and reliable main gear
• Excellent frame rigidity
• Good support and spares availability

Closing Thoughts

The Daiwa BG lives up to the hype of being the best saltwater reel for the money one can get. It is bulit like a tank, it has a hyper smooth drag, fast retrieve, unending reverse, and comes with big money features such as the much hyped Digi Gear, which was a big surprise at this price point.

What’s more, this reel can take a beating and can easily double as a fresh water reel for, let’s say, trout fishing. The Daiwa BG has everything a saltwater spinning reel needs and some more. It is worth every penny.

Related Read: The Best Saltwater Spinning Reels For The Money

Paul Grove has been passionate about hunting for as long as he can remember. He recalls hunting squirrels with his dad’s trusty Winchester Model 63 as early as age 9. As he grew older, his hunting interests, tactics, and gear have refined. He was also fortunate enough to be born in Wisconsin, thus having unhindered access to some of the nation’s best whitetail deer hunting spots. When he’s not chasing deer or other large to massive game on public lands, he is field-testing various fishing gear in a never-ending quest to find that perfect fishing setup. Is his passion for hunting and fishing innate or acquired? Paul believes that it is more about passing down a family tradition.

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The 8 Best Travel Golf Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Make sure your clubs arrive safely with these durable and portable travel golf bags.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Other Gear You May Need
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

A durable golf travel bag is essential for protecting your clubs and giving you peace of mind whether you’re traveling by car or airplane to one of the world’s best courses. While there are plenty of storage options for safely traveling with your clubs, we tested the best golf travel bags based on qualities like durability, portability, and capacity. 

Our top pick for the best golf travel bag overall is the Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro golf travel bag, which thoroughly impressed us. The bag is made with durable nylon material with plenty of padding to ensure that your clubs make it to your destination safely. We were able to fit clubs, clothes, golf balls, and other accessories into the bag without any issues. If you’re looking for a hardshell case or a budget-friendly bag, we found options for a variety of categories to fit the needs of all golfers. 

Best Overall

Club glove last bag large pro.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

It’s built to last with single webbing reinforcement and burst-proof construction. 

The bag is on the heavier side.

The Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro golf travel bag is one of the best-made travel bags we've seen. Fit for a weekend golf getaway , the bag can comfortably fit a set of clubs in a standard-sized carrier, golf balls, shirts, shorts, towels, and two pairs of golf shoes between the main compartment and two exterior pockets. Despite the 45-pound weight after packing, we thought the balance was evenly distributed throughout the bag and the inline skate wheels rolled smoothly and felt sturdy due to the plastic wheelbase that is designed for high-impact travel. We noted the high-quality feel of the water-resistant nylon material that adds durability to the bag, which truly feels like it will last a lifetime.

The bag is outfitted with self-lubricating YKK zippers and ITW Nexus buckles that come from a manufacturer that makes military-grade hoops, locks, and buckles. An aluminum stiff arm to reinforce the padded protection for impact during traveling is included. We flew with this bag twice in one month of testing and it still looks like it just came out of the box. The durability, functionality, and sleek design of the Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro Golf Travel Bag make it well worth the price for golfers that are planning to travel with their clubs. 

The Details: 86 x 19 x 51 inches | 10.6 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Travel + Leisure / Kyle Tyll

Best Budget

Caddydaddy constrictor 2 travel cover.

This bag includes large pockets that can store all of your extra gear.

The sides aren't padded, so you may want to add cushioning to protect your clubs.

For frequent travelers or golfers who want a bag that can store even their bulkiest gear, this CaddyDaddy bag is the perfect option. Not only is the bag itself large enough to store all of your clubs, but we love that it also features side pockets big enough to pack your shoes and even extra clothing. Even with all of this space, the bag still doesn't feel bulky.

Made of thick rubber and nylon, we feel confident this bag won't break, tear, or otherwise fall apart making it a great value. The fabric is also thick and well-stitched. To give you added peace of mind, it comes with a one-year full replacement warranty so you can test it for yourself.

The Details: 27.5 x 18.9 x 14.5 inches | 9 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon and rubber

Most Spacious

Caddydaddy golf club travel cover with wheels.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

The interior has tons of room for clothing or shoes in addition to golf clubs. 

It has straps that are slightly uncomfortable.

The CaddyDaddy First Class Premium Padded Golf Club Travel Cover with Wheels has tons of space for not only clubs, but golf shoes, clothing, and anything else you would ever need on a golf trip as well. Since the golf travel bag weighs just 10 pounds, golfers can pack up to 40 pounds of clubs, clothes, and other accessories before reaching the general 50-pound checked bag limit for most airlines. We loved the spacious side pockets for toiletries and golf shoes, as well as the well-placed straps that can be tucked in during traveling to prevent damage.

The weight of the golf bag is mostly evenly balanced, and the wheels and handles make it easy to carry and maneuver; however, the top handle could have been a little more comfortable. The materials and the zippers of the bag feel durable and well-made. We're confident that this bag would last a very long time and would not be something you'd have to worry about replacing anytime soon.

The Details: 51 x 13 x 15 inches | 10 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Best Softside

Sun mountain clubglider meridian travel cover.

• Capacity 4.8 /5

There are fold-out legs in the center with wheels that make rolling the bag even easier.

Travelers might want to consider a stiff arm for added protection.

For golfers looking for a simple yet functional golf travel bag, the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover is a solid option. The design of the bag includes everything you need for hassle-free packing and travel experience, including a spacious interior for a cart or stand bag, two exterior pockets, and a pull-out leg mechanism with an additional pair of wheels besides the ones at the bottom of the bag. We found it very easy to collapse the legs in and out and the bag rolled a lot more smoothly than expected.

The high-quality, durable feel of the handles on the front, bottom, and middle of the bag equally impressed us by making it a breeze to lift and maneuver comfortably. While the nylon exterior material and padding feel sturdy and durable, the bag would likely only protect golf clubs against low-impact hits.

The Details: 51 x 15 x 14 inches | 8 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / David Engler

Most Durable

Club glove collegiate travel cover with stiff arm.

PGA Tour Superstore

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 4.9 /5

It comes with a stiff arm to protect the heads of the clubs.

Packing the clubs was a tight fit with the length.

Traveling by air with golf clubs can be risky considering the potential for rough handling that comes with checking in luggage, but the Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate Travel Cover with Stiff Arm is made of high-quality materials and includes a stiff arm that is designed to protect gear from hard impact. The adjustable stiff arm is made of nylon plastic and lightweight aluminum, and although it doesn’t take up much room, we had to jostle the bag to get the stiff arm in with the golf clubs. With the smaller-sized interior, we appreciated the two large exterior pockets that can fit items like shoes, clothing, or sunscreen. The fully-packed bag is comfortable to carry with top, bottom, and middle straps that evenly distribute the weight of the lengthy bag and we liked how it can stand up on its own.

After flying with this Club Glove design, there weren’t any scuffs or damage to the bag. The exterior of the bag is made of water-resistant ballistic nylon fabric and the backing has single webbing reinforcement — a common fabric used for climbing, military gear, and parachutes. 

The Details: 52 x 14 x 14 inches | 11.3 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen

Best Portability

Izzo golf high roller.

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Design 4.8 /5
• Durability 4 /5

There are six wheels on the bottom of the bag so it can be rolled upright. 

It feels slightly top-heavy.

The Izzo High Roller golf bag impressed us with how easy it was to transport by wheeling or carrying it. The six wheels on the bottom of the bag make it possible to push or pull it while standing upright. In addition, the bag can collapse down to just 12 inches for easy storage while traveling or at home.

While the bag felt a little top-heavy while being wheeled through an airport, the handles made it easy to lift and hold onto while rolling the bag. Even if the bag were to fall over, it has a solid amount of protective padding on the inside and outside, and it’s made of tear-resistant nylon that feels sturdy and durable. The interior of the bag is large enough for golf clubs and extra shirts, and the exterior pocket is big enough for a pair of golf shoes, but it was a tighter fit than we would’ve preferred. We think the Izzo High Roller bag is perfect for golfers who could benefit from having exceptional portability and durability while traveling through airports.

Dimensions: 53 x 16 x 12 inches | Weight: 8 pounds | Wheels: Yes | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Martin Schnurr

Best Hybrid

Caddydaddy golf travel bag cover with hard case top.

• Design 4 /5
• Portability 4 /5

Only the top half is hardshell, which makes storing the bag much easier.

It feels top-heavy while carrying.

The CaddyDaddy Enforcer Golf Travel Bag Cover with Hard Case Top is designed with traveling golfers in mind, especially those who live in big cities where storage space is limited. This golf bag has a unique design where the top half is a hardshell case and the bottom half is softside. The half hardshell gives you the protection you want for your clubs and we love how the bag can compress into itself, making it more space efficient for storing when not in use.

The exterior of the bag has two pockets for storing balls or shoes and although there aren’t any pockets on the inside, there was a good amount of room left over for clothes. Though the hardshell top makes it slightly top heavy, the bag maneuvers well on the inline skate wheels at the bottom, while the top, bottom, and center handle make it easy to lift the bag into a car or onto a weight scale at the airport. 

The Details: 51 x 13 x 13 inches | 9 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Allison Widmer

Best Lightweight

Tourtrek tc pro travel cover.

Dick's Sporting Goods

• Durability 4.8 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

It feels lightweight whether it’s being pushed or pulled over a variety of surfaces.

The interior of the bag could be bigger.

The TourTrek TC Pro Travel Cover offers an abundance of protective padding and excellent portability. We think this bag is a fantastic value thanks to durable design and interior space that’s roomy enough for a set of golf clubs and two mesh pockets for accessories, as well as an exterior pocket for a pair of shoes. The cushioning is very generous and the bag feels protective and sturdy with 360-degree padding to keep your golf clubs safe whether you’re traveling by air or car. The handles are padded as well, making them comfortable to hold onto while lifting or rolling the bag. And it includes a lock and key set for an additional layer of security and peace of mind.

Weighing 6.6 pounds, this golf travel bag is lightweight and takes up less of the allotted 50-pound weight maximum that most airlines limit checked bags . While we think the interior could be a little bit bigger, this golf travel bag has high-quality features that lead us to believe it will protect golf clubs and last a long time with prolonged use, too. 

The Details: 52 x 14 x 14 inches | 6.6 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel & Leisure / Chris Abell

We had our expert product testers and golfers take 19 golf travel bags on the road to find out which ones will keep your clubs safe whether you’re flying or driving. Our testers evaluated the bags by flying, driving, walking around, and carrying the bags and rating various attributes on a scale from one to five based on capacity, design, durability, and portability. 

Our testers packed their golf clubs into the travel bags and noted how easy it was to place the clubs into them and if there was room leftover for clothes, shoes, golf balls, or other accessories between the main compartment and any pockets. While packing the bags, we checked the quality of the zippers and buckles, as well as how much padding there was and if it felt sufficient for protecting the clubs. The bags with the highest ratings for capacity were spacious with extra room leftover, and the best performing bags for design had thoughtful and intuitive features that had golfers in mind and made packing easier.

After packing up the travel bags, our traveling golfers tested portability by carrying and wheeling the bag to get a feel for how it maneuvers. The top performing bags for portability were exceptionally easy to lift and wheel with comfortable, padded straps and handles. Durability of the travel bags was tested when they were transported by airplane or car. Our five-star ratings for durability went to the travel bags that had no damage to the exterior or items on the interior after being used and gave us confidence that they would hold up well with prolonged use. The testers determined that the bags with the best value performed as or better than expected given the price, especially pricier bags that needed robust justification for the cost.

Other Golf Travel Bags We Liked

While there were plenty of well-performing golf travel bags, there were a few listed below that almost made our list of best golf travel bags but fell short during testing. 

Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3 Piece Travel Set : The bag is functional and has a sleek design, but there isn’t much padding and the zippers are plastic, which made us question the durability of the bag while flying. 

Samsonite Hard Side Golf Case : The hardshell feels durable, but there isn’t much give so it was a tight fit to get the golf clubs in, and the case is difficult to store since it can’t break down.

Amazon Basics Soft-sided Golf Travel Bag : This bag is very affordable, but has an unstructured bottom, so it can't stand up on its own.

SKB Cases ATA Deluxe Standard Hard Travel Golf Case : This case was built to withstand a lot of rough handling and includes TSA-approved locks, but can become heavy due to its thick plastic.

Bag Boy Golf T10 Hard Top Cover : For minimalist golfers, this simple bag fits just what you need, but won't give you room for extra equipment or gear.

Other Golf Gear You May Need

When you're heading out for a long day on the course, be sure you're prepared with everything you need from sunscreen to golf gloves to ensure you stay completely focused on enjoying the game.

Titleist Players Flex Men’s Golf Glove: These high-performance gloves are a classic for a reason. The cabretta leather is silky smooth, offering optimal comfort and breathability, so your hands won't sweat mid-swing. Plus, the Satin Net materials across the knuckles provide plenty of flexibility.

Peter Millar Solid Performance Jersey Polo : If you're someone who gets caught up in the game and forgets to reapply sunscreen, this golf shirt is for you. Not only is it made of moisture-wicking materials in 13 vibrant colors, but it provides UPF 50+ sun protection as well, so you can stay safe without even thinking about it.

Adidas Men's Tour360 22 Golf Shoes : These shoes provide excellent cushioning to keep you comfortable all day long, and still feature 11 metal spikes for traction and grip. They're also designed with roomy toe boxes and heel reinforcement to ensure your foot stays in place.

Wilson Sleeveless Club Dress : This stylish golf dress is made with four-way stretch fabric that is breathable and feels good even in extreme heat. It also features hidden and roomy pockets so you can store any essentials you may want ready and on-hand.

Tips for Buying a Golf Travel Bag

Consider buying a stiff arm .

Whether you’re buying a hardshell or softside golf travel bag, a stiff arm can add another layer of protection to your golf clubs. A stiff arm is usually an adjustable metal rod with a plastic disc at the the top of it that extends longer than the driver or longest golf club. The rod is placed into a golf bag to absorb the hit if the bag is tossed around and prevent the clubs from being directly impacted. 

Hardshell versus softside 

When looking for a travel golf bag, you'll want to look at durability and padding. Both hardshell and softside golf travel bags can prevent damage to your golf clubs while traveling and are a worthwhile investment for golfers that travel several times per year. A hardshell suitcase can get more scuffed than a softside golf bag, but you might not need to buy a stiff arm since a plastic case offers a more structured layer of protection. Whereas a softside bag might need extra protection like a stiff arm, it’s easier to store a soft bag than a bulky hardshell case that can’t be folded down. Some airlines will only cover damaged or lost clubs that are in a hardshell case, so be sure to check with the airline to find out the policies. 

Look at the types of wheels

From upright wheels to inline skate wheels, golf bags are created with a variety of options to make transport easier for all types of players. You should look at wheels that will smoothly and easily roll over different terrains without adding weight to the overall bag.

You’ll want to make sure your golf bag and clubs can fit in a travel bag. While you don’t want to squeeze your clubs inside, you won’t want them swimming in a roomy case either. If there is extra room in your travel bag, stuffing the sides with clothes or towels can help keep everything in place, especially if you’re flying. If your club heads can be removed and covered, that can further prevent damage to your gear. 

Every airline will be different but most follow the same policies as regular check-in luggage regarding weight and size limitations. The weight limit for check-in luggage, including golf clubs, is almost always 50 pounds or less. If your bag weighs more, there will likely be a surcharge fee. Airlines also have different restrictions and policies for packing golf shoes or balls in your bag, and coverage for lost golf bags can be dependent on the type of golf travel bag. For peace of mind, consider securing an AirTag holder with a tracker to your golf bag.

Generally, airlines do not pay travelers for damaged golf clubs. Some, like American Airlines , may compensate if the equipment traveled in a hard-sided case that is visibly damaged and was properly packed, but you should always check your specific airline's policies before flying to guarantee safe and secure travel.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best golf travel bags based on a series of tests completed by our testers while using the golf travel bags in a real-world setting. 

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Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best

The best winery in North Carolina, according to reviews—plus, see the rest of the top 7

Posted: April 26, 2024 | Last updated: April 26, 2024

Highest-rated wineries in North Carolina, according to Yelp

Napa Valley isn't the only travel destination in the United States for a good glass of wine. While California's wine country is known for being a top winery destination (and also home to the award-winning bottle of chardonnay that won top honors at the Judgment of Paris competition in 1976), wine connoisseurs no longer have to travel all the way to California for a good winery experience. In fact, at this point, noteworthy wineries are available to visit in every state, if you know where to look.

As of February 2023, there are 11,691 wineries in the United States , an increase of more than 10% since 2020. A 2022 report from WineAmerica stated the wine industry generates $276 billion in total economic activity and employs over a million people.

With such a booming industry and a plethora of wineries to choose from, how does a vino-lover know if a winery is worth it? First, the location is a big reason why people choose to visit a winery; if they are tucked away next to a sprawling field of grapes for guests to explore, then the wine is likely locally sourced. The tasting experience is also key. Wineries will offer a selection of their wines by the glass, or even tastings where the customer can order smaller pours of a variety of their wines. Some wineries even offer cellar tours with glimpses into their winemaking process. Of course, the ambiance is a big draw. If it's the kind of place that makes guests want to post photos on Instagram to make their friends jealous, then that winery is probably doing something right.

So how do you know which winery to visit that includes some—if not all—of what makes a winery the best of the best? Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated wineries in North Carolina, according to Yelp , so you know exactly where to venture when wine o'clock hits—no trip to Napa necessary. Only businesses that had at least three reviews and are categorized as wineries on Yelp were included. Therefore, it's possible some businesses are miscategorized. Businesses that did not have a photo on Yelp were also not included.

#7. Cougar Run Winery

- Rating: 3.5/5 (22 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 363 Church St N Concord, NC 28025 - Categories: Wineries - Read more on Yelp

#6. Davidson Wine Co

- Rating: 4.0/5 (68 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 121 Depot St Davidson, NC 28036 - Categories: Wineries - Read more on Yelp

#5. Foxcroft Wine - Southpark

- Rating: 4.0/5 (104 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 7824 Fairview Rd Charlotte, NC 28226 - Categories: American (New), Wineries, Wine Bars - Read more on Yelp

#4. Rocky River Vineyards

- Rating: 4.5/5 (60 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 11685 Reed Mine Rd Midland, NC 28107 - Categories: Wineries, Venues & Event Spaces - Read more on Yelp

#3. Cats Paw Winery

- Rating: 4.5/5 (33 reviews) - Price level: $$ - Address: 1567 Fayrene Rd Rock Hill, SC 29732 - Categories: Wineries - Read more on Yelp

#2. Seven Jars

- Rating: 4.5/5 (27 reviews) - Address: 6148-A Brookshire Blvd Charlotte, NC 28216 - Categories: Wineries, Beer, Wine & Spirits, Distilleries - Read more on Yelp

#1. Kefi Vineyards and Winery

- Rating: 5.0/5 (13 reviews) - Address: 3109 Plyler Mill Rd Monroe, NC 28112 - Categories: Wineries - Read more on Yelp

This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Kiersten Hickman, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 35 states.

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Glitter: The Popstar Paedophile review – a most sickening nostalgia trip

This relentless documentary takes us back in time to meet the women abused by glam-rock star Gary Glitter as children … and the roadies who tried to stop him (and set his wig on fire) 25 years before he finally got caught

D o you remember – it feels so long ago now – the days when it was a shock to find out that a rich, famous, charismatic man had been using his riches, fame and charisma to rape and abuse women and children and cover it up for years and years?

Glitter: The Popstar Paedophile is the bleakest of nostalgia trips, taking us back to those quaint times, before the public Jimmy Savile revelations, before the R Kelly revelations, before the Rolf Harris revelations, before Harvey Weinstein, Jeffrey Epstein … I could, unfortunately, go on but I think the point is made.

This 90-minute film tells the story with whose main beats we are now grotesquely familiar. We see the fame, this time via plenty of Top of the Pops footage of the glam-rock star Gary Glitter – real name, the name under which he would eventually be prosecuted, Paul Gadd – the high-energy interviews on the likes of Saturday Scene with Sally James, the more stately stuff with Terry Wogan and other chatshow presenters, and even an episode of This Is Your Life that was devoted to him. And, as with most of the documentaries about British celebrity paedophiles and/or abusers, there is a stomach-churning interview with Savile himself from what looks like the late 1980s, by which time they were both well practised in their depravities and giving new meaning to the phrase “hiding in plain sight”. See also Glitter’s 1980 hit What Your Mama Don’t See (Your Mama Don’t Know) replete with lines like “You insist you’re not to be kissed / ’Cause your mama’s not far away … One more glance, I might take a chance / I’m a desperate kind of man.”

We hear, mainly via the prosecuting counsels, from and about the women who would eventually see him convicted of various sex offences. Woman A suffered an attempted rape by 31-year-old Glitter/Gadd in 1975 when she was eight years old. Two other girls, around the age of 12, were raped by him after concerts, their mamas ushered elsewhere by members of the star’s entourage. There is an incident recounted by music journalist Garry Johnson about two men who were hired to work security for a Glitter gig around 1990 who discovered in one of the boxes they were carrying from his van huge numbers of Polaroid photos of children. They confronted him. He cried and offered them money. They refused it and walked off the job, setting fire to his wig on the way. The bathos of the last act should not obscure the fact that this seems to have been the closest his victims got to justice for the next 25 years.

The film assembles its evidence meticulously, relentlessly and unsensationally, including not just the facts that would end up in court but moments that tell us almost more than the lawyers can. There is the fleeting look of absolute terror in Glitter’s eyes when Paula Yates interviews him on the infamous On the Bed segment of The Big Breakfast and asks of his girlfriends: “Are they very young?” Glitter’s relief when she appears to mean women in their early 20s is palpable.

Despite a 1993 story in the News of the World about him having sex with a 14-year-old (attention focused on the photo she had of him without his wig, completely bald) and the rumours that had been swirling for years, it wasn’t until child sexual abuse images were found on a laptop he took in for repair in 1997 that any charges were filed against him. Woman A added her complaint to the charge sheet but the judge reckoned too much time had passed and dropped her case. Woman B, from the News of the World story, was destroyed on cross-examination, and by the judge’s recommendation that the jury should bear in mind that there are 14-year-olds “who look like girls” and 14-year-olds who “look like sophisticated ladies” and consider which category woman B fell into. Gadd was cleared of offences against her, but the public gallery reeled in shock when he pleaded guilty to all the child abuse image charges.

The film slightly rushes the years he then spent in south-east Asia, free to exploit vulnerable children in poorer countries, and the legal systems that effectively function as an international ring of enablers for paedophiles and other abusers. But it does its job in reilluminating the horrors of the past, which are also the horrors of the present and no doubt the horrors of the future too. We have a little more knowledge, a little more awareness, a little more wisdom. Perhaps we are a little more protective. But, as Glitter et al’s long freedom (and usually nugatory sentences if ever caught) show, these terrible, terrible predators are ever in our midst, and we are no closer to ridding ourselves of them.

Glitter: The Popstar Paedophile aired on ITV1 and is on ITVX now.

The NSPCC offers support to children on 0800 1111, and adults concerned about a child on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood ( Napac ) offers support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331.

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How to buy New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival tickets: Dates and prices compared

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The 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is officially underway, and the lineup is a can't-miss experience. The Rolling Stones are among the many performers slated to play, making it one of the most highly-anticipated stops on the festival circuit this spring. With the festival just around the corner, we've put together everything you need to know about how to buy New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival tickets, including who's playing what day and how to find tickets to sold-out dates. 

First established in the '70s, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has become a staple of the music scene for both Louisiana and the country as a whole. The Rolling Stones were originally slated to play five years ago but had to reschedule. They intended to play again a few years ago, but the entire festival was canceled, so their upcoming headlining performance has been a long time in the making. This year's festival will also bring Vampire Weekend, Hozier, and Neil Young Crazy Horse to the stage, among many others.

Whether you're looking to spend a few days at the festival or just hoping to see Mick Jagger perform, we've got you covered. Here's our breakdown of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival schedule, purchasing details, and original and resale ticket prices. You can also peruse StubHub and Vivid Seats at your leisure. 

• See also: Rolling Stones tickets | Bruce Springsteen tickets | Stevie Nicks tickets | Aerosmith tickets | Noah Kahan tickets

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Schedule

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will take place over two weeks, April 25-28 and May 2-5. Single-day tickets are available, in addition to multi-day ticket packages. Below, you'll find the cheapest starting prices listed on StubHub and Vivid Seats at the time of writing. 

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How to buy New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival tickets

Tickets to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival are sold through AXS. Some tickets, like the May 2 single-day tickets and some multi-day packages, have sold out. Tickets and packages for every day are available through resale vendors like StubHub and Vivid Seats . 

How much are New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival tickets?

Original single-day tickets range in price from $85 (for the "Early Bird Ticket," which was available until February 19) to $225 (for the "Rolling Stones & More" single-day ticket on May 2). Original multi-day packages start from $240 (for a 3-day package on the second week that excludes May 2 performances).

There are several VIP ticket tiers like the GA+ 4-day, the Big Chief VIP, the Grand Marshall VIP, and the Krewe of Jazz Fest. Original VIP packages are sold out for the second week, but resale packages are still available on StubHub and Vivid Seats.

StubHub's cheapest single-day tickets start at $82 on May 5. Vivid Seats' cheapest single-day ticket listings start at $94 on May 4. Three-day listings for the second week start at $200 on StubHub and $342 on Vivid Seats. Four-day listings, which include the coveted May 2 tickets, start at $500 on StubHub and $568 on Vivid Seats.

Who is playing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival?

The 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has an impressive lineup. The first week includes performances from The Beach Boys (April 25), The Killers (April 26), Jon Batiste (April 26), Christ Stapleton (April 27), Vampire Weekend (April 27), and Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals (April 28), among others. 

The second week features performances from The Rolling Stones (May 2), Foo Fighters (May 3), Hozier (May 3), Neil Young & Crazy Horse (May 4), Greta Van Fleet (May 4), Queen Latifah (May 4), Bonnie Raitt (May 5), and Earth, Wind & Fire (May 5), among others.

The festival has always drawn in big names, even if they're not in the jazz music scene. Past performers include Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Miles Davis, Jimmy Buffett, Paul Simon, Linda Ronstadt, Gladys Knight, Van Morrison, and Willie Nelson, among many others. 

Note: Certain services and regions prohibit the resale of tickets. Business Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal reselling of tickets, and entry into an event is at the venue's discretion.

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Things To Do | Review: ‘A Strange Loop’ is a lively,…

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Things To Do | Review: ‘A Strange Loop’ is a lively, engrossing head trip in West Coast premiere

Black loves matter!

That’s one of many wry rallying cries in the badass new musical “Strange Loop,” as our hero Usher grapples with being “big, Black, and queer” on the Great White Way.

Silly and cerebral, tuneful and tart, this meta-theatrical musical, tightly directed by Stephen Brackett, sucks us deep into the whirlpool of a quarter-life identity crisis with heartbreaking authenticity.

Usher (the sweetly endearing Malachi McCaskill), an insecure musical theater writer about to turn 26, enters into a Thunderdome-style battle with his own pesky thoughts as he works as an usher at “The Lion King” on Broadway in this gleefully foul-mouthed 100-minute tour-de-fierce, the first musical by a black person to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Usher and six embodied shards of his stream of consciousness, from his daily self-loathing to his ambiguous sexuality (each played by separate actors), are the stars of Michael R. Jackson’s fourth-wall-shattering Tony-winning tuner, which more than lives up to expectations in its raucous West Coast premiere at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater, a co-production with the Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles.

Jackson’s cheeky exploration of coming-of-age in a chaotic world where labels are hard to shake and money is hard to make is both wry and genuine, playful and angsty.

He may sneer at Broadway’s middlebrow hucksterism but he also names his mom and dad Mufasa and Sarabi. He may loathe Disney commercialism but it still frames his sense of self, making navigating his plus-size blackness even more complicated. He often escapes from his vortex of self-loathing by channeling his Liz Phair vibe. “Inner White Girl” is one of many gems here.

His church-going parents only complicate matters further. His mom (a moving John-Andrew Morrison, a Tony Award nominee for the role) wants him to come to Jesus while his dad gets drunk and crosses lines into disturbing territory. They both beg Usher to write a Tyler Perry-style gospel musical, which he does with a vengeance in the musical’s blistering “Precious Little Dream” interlude, a showstopper punctuated by revelatory choral lamentation.

Jackson’s wild and wanton juxtaposition of the soulful and the unsettling, the high-brow and the kitschy — nodding from “Golden Girls” to Zora Neale Hurston, from the Chitlin Circuit to Tony Kushner — keeps us riveted to this dizzying funhouse mirror of a musical.

Contact Karen D’Souza at [email protected].

‘A STRANGE LOOP’

Book, music and lyrics by Michael R. Jackson, presented by American Conservatory Theater

Through: May 12

Where: ACT’s Toni Rembe Theater, 415 Geary St., San Francisco

Running time: 110 minutes, no intermission

Tickets: $25-$137; www.act-sf.org

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