According to Steph, who has visited 64 countries, Belarus stands out for its affordability and distinct character. 'Here you can get a meal for just €1 [87p] and take the bus for just 25 cents [22p],' she said. 'But this place isn't just about being cheap - it feels completely different from the rest of Europe.'
Belarus lacks McDonald's but has a local equivalent called Mak.by. KFC outlets are decorated with Soviet murals, and locals watch Russian and Bollywood movies instead of Hollywood, Steph said. The capital, Minsk, is described as 'mini Paris' with French-style architecture, and its metro is 'cleaner than almost anywhere I have seen in Europe,' she added. The country also boasts the largest open-air collection of Soviet tanks, rockets, and missiles, according to multiple reports.
Reactions from commenters on social media highlight both affordability and safety. A Belarusian commenter noted that while the country is cheap for EU citizens, it can be expensive for locals. Another commenter said they spent several months in Belarus and 'never felt so safe, comfortable and happy.' A third called Minsk 'one of the most beautiful cities in the world.'