Tips

There are two ways to fully savor Bulgaria while traveling alone. The first one is to go to the major tourist cities (Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo, the Black Sea shore in the summer, and Bansko and Borovets in the winter) where you will find many other travelers and locals with whom to mingle. The second one is to choose lesser-known destinations, such as mountain villages, architectural gems, or small towns, where you will be showered with the attention of the locals.

If you want to visit only the main destinations in Bulgaria (Sofia, Plovdiv, Bansko, etc.), you can do it by public transportation – buses and trains.
Transportation
When traveling across the country, opt for buses instead of trains. Train travel is the cheapest (and slowest) way to get from one city to another in Bulgaria. For example, a train ride from Sofia to Burgas only costs 11 BGN, but the ride can be 7-11 hours long depending on the type of the train. By bus, the same trip costs 28 BGN, but the ride only lasts about 5 hours.

Point It
If you don’t speak Bulgarian, Point It is a book featuring pictures of everything from toothbrush to cable car, so you can point to what you’re looking for.

Advice for solo female travelers
In general, Bulgaria is a safe country for solo female travelers.

Develop a taste for roses
Bulgaria is the main producer of rose oil in the world (over 75%!).If you want to see it first hand, head for the Rose Valley in the Kanalak region.

Don't forget to change money
Although Bulgaria is in the European Union, it is not part of the Euro zone. The country uses the Bulgarian lev (BGN), which exchange rate is about 1€ = 2 BGN.

Always carry some cash with you
You shouldn't run into much trouble to pay by card in larger restaurants and touristic places, but again, this has nothing to do about visiting Bulgaria like a local.
That's why you should make sure to always have some cash with you.

Don't remove the bracelets from the trees
On March 1st, Bulgaria celebrates Baba Marta. The date marks the welcoming of Spring that should come soon. On the occasion, people exchange bracelets made of intertwined red and white threads.
They wear the bracelets on their wrist until they see a blooming tree. Then, they attach the bracelet to the tree: it is believed to bring health, happiness, and fertility.

Beaching: yes. Skiing: yes too!

You need to know these 4 tips if you're driving in Bulgaria

• Enjoy the great customer service at the gas stations;

• Find a free spot to park... and leave your car there;

• No motorway fee;

• Drive with your lights on;