MileHacker Logo
Practical Tips & Hacks

Practical Tips & Hacks

Coastal Montenegro, Montenegro

Digital Resources

These digital tools support your exploration and navigation.

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Google Maps: For navigation; download offline maps.
  • Maps.me: An excellent choice for offline map access.
  • Google Translate: Download the Montenegrin/Serbian language pack.
  • Booking.com / Airbnb: Platforms for finding and booking accommodation.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Montenegro.Travel: The official tourism website for comprehensive information.
  • Herceg Novi Tourist Organization: Local details on attractions and events.
  • BusTicket4.me: Check bus schedules and purchase tickets for intercity travel.
  • Numbeo.com: General idea of prices for goods and services.

Social Media & Online Content

  • Official Montenegro tourism accounts: For inspiration and destination highlights.
  • Herceg Novi Tourist Organization/local businesses: For real-time updates.
  • Podcasts: Search for Montenegro travel or Balkan history and culture topics.
  • Digital Content: Explore Balkan history and culture through audio.

Further Digital Exploration

  • Duolingo: Learn Serbian/Croatian, mutually intelligible with Montenegrin.
  • Online phrasebooks: Quickly pick up local phrases for conversation.
  • Skillshare: Online courses for travel photography and creative skills.
  • Online forums: Reddit or TripAdvisor for recent travel advice and community interaction.

Print Resources

Traditional resources offer different perspectives and offline access.

Recommended Guidebooks

  • DK Eyewitness Montenegro Travel Guide: For broader context and detailed town sections.
  • Local maps: Often available at tourist information centers, hotels, or bookstores.
  • Navigating the Old Town: Maps are valuable for intricate streets.
  • General Montenegro maps: Helpful for country-wide touring.

Local Publications

  • Local newspapers: Available at tourist offices or cafes.
  • Event brochures: Listings for cultural events, concerts, and festivals.
  • English summaries: Some publications may have English sections or highlights.
  • Discovering local happenings: A way to find what's on during your visit.

Books on History & Culture

  • "Black Lamb and Grey Falcon" by Rebecca West: Offers deep historical and cultural context for the Balkans.
  • Historical overviews: Provides a rich background to the region.
  • "Shadow of the Balkans" by Paul Lowe: A contemporary view of the region's recent history.
  • Fiction set in the Balkans: Provides a feel for the region's atmosphere and people.

Other Print Resources

  • Photo books: Visual guides highlighting Montenegro's beauty.
  • Hiking trail maps: Essential for exploring the surrounding mountains.
  • Local cuisine guides: Discover traditional Montenegrin dishes and restaurants.
  • Historical pamphlets: Often available at museums and heritage sites.

Language Learning

Learn some local phrases to enhance interactions.

Basic Greetings & Phrases

  • "Zdravo" (Hello) and "Doviđenja" (Goodbye).
  • "Hvala" (Thank you) and "Molim" (Please / You're welcome).
  • "Govorite li engleski?" (Do you speak English?).
  • "Koliko košta?" (How much does it cost?).

Navigation & Dining Terms

  • "Lijevo" (Left) and "Desno" (Right).
  • "Restoran" (Restaurant) and "Kafe" (Cafe).
  • "Voda" (Water) and "Hljeb" (Bread).
  • "Pivo" (Beer) and "Vino" (Wine).

Emergency & Important Phrases

  • "Pomoć!" (Help!).
  • "Bolnica" (Hospital).
  • "Policija" (Police).
  • "Doktor" (Doctor).

Cultural & Politeness Terms

  • "Dobar dan" (Good day) and "Dobro jutro" (Good morning).
  • "Dobra večer" (Good evening) and "Laku noć" (Good night).
  • "Izvinite" (Excuse me / Sorry).
  • "Živjeli!" (Cheers!).

Online Communities & Forums

Connect with fellow travelers and gain local insights.

Community Platforms

  • Reddit's r/Montenegro: A community for questions and shared experiences.
  • Reddit's r/travel: Broader discussions and tips for various destinations.
  • TripAdvisor forums: Get recent advice from other travelers.
  • Local expat groups: Sometimes available on social media for insights.

Engagement & Information Exchange

  • Ask specific questions about Herceg Novi or Montenegro.
  • Receive up-to-date information on local conditions or events.
  • Share your own experiences and contribute to the community.
  • Find inspiration for less-known spots or activities.

Music and Art Experience

  • Traditional Montenegrin folk music: Explore local sounds and history.
  • Contemporary Montenegrin pop music: Discover modern artistic expressions.
  • Local art scene: Look for galleries or workshops in Herceg Novi.
  • Cultural events: Check for local performances or art exhibitions.

Documentaries & Films

  • Travel documentaries on Montenegro: For visual insights into landscapes and people.
  • Films about the Balkan region: Gain cultural context and historical perspectives.
  • Historical films: Learn about the rich and complex past of the area.
  • Cultural narratives: Experience diverse stories from the region.

Offline Resources for Connectivity

Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) and a translation app before your journey. This supports navigation and communication even without an internet connection.

Print Resources for Dives

Traditional resources offer different perspectives and offline access to information.

Recommended Guidebooks

Guidebooks like DK Eyewitness Montenegro Travel Guide provide comprehensive details and maps.

Local Maps

Detailed local maps, found at tourist offices, are great for navigating Herceg Novi's streets.

Local Publications

Pick up local newspapers or event brochures for cultural listings and events.

Books on History & Culture

Classic Accounts

  • "Black Lamb and Grey Falcon" by Rebecca West: Offers deep historical context.
  • Provides background to the Balkan region's rich past.
  • A comprehensive (though dated) account of the region's cultural mosaic.

Contemporary Reads

  • "Shadow of the Balkans" by Paul Lowe: Focuses on recent history.
  • Explores the complexities of the Balkan region.
  • Fiction set in Montenegro: Can immerse you in local atmosphere and people.

Beyond the Digital

Local publications often contain English sections or event listings. Look for them at tourist offices or cafes.