Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations are generally sufficient for Slovenia. These include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, consider a tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, especially in spring and summer. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended if you plan on exploring rural areas or have a sensitive stomach.
Note: Always consult with a healthcare provider before traveling.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Slovenia, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for SloveniaCulture & Customs
Slovenians value politeness and punctuality. Always greet with a handshake and maintain eye contact. When invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift like flowers or wine. Dress modestly, especially in churches or rural areas. Avoid discussing politics unless you know the person well.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Slovenia is relatively progressive, but discretion is advisable in rural regions. Women traveling alone should feel generally safe, but usual precautions apply, especially at night.
Public displays of affection aren’t the norm, and it’s polite to wait until you’re invited to sit. Tipping in restaurants is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving a 10% tip is common.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Slovenia.
- Potica: This is a rolled pastry filled with nuts, poppy seeds, or even tarragon. It’s usually served during holidays and celebrations, making it a staple of Slovenian tradition.
- Kranjska Klobasa: A type of sausage made from pork, bacon, and a blend of spices. Known as the ”Carniolan sausage,” it’s a hearty snack often paired with sauerkraut or mustard.
- Jota: A comforting stew made with sauerkraut, beans, potatoes, and pork. It’s a winter favorite, reflecting the hearty, rustic style of Slovenian mountain cuisine.
- Štruklji: Rolled dumplings that can be either savory or sweet, filled with cottage cheese, walnuts, or apples. It’s a versatile dish, often enjoyed as a main or a dessert.
- Prekmurska Gibanica: A multi-layered pastry combining poppy seeds, walnuts, apples, and cottage cheese. This is a classic dessert from the Prekmurje region, showcasing the country’s diverse culinary influences.
Yes, the tap water in Slovenia is safe for drinking and locals consume it regularly. Tourists can confidently drink the tap water without issues. Bottled water isn’t necessary unless you prefer it for taste or convenience during travel.
The main language in Slovenia is
Slovenian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Slovenian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Slovenia includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in Slovenia, particularly in urban areas and among younger generations. The country has a high proficiency in English, with many Slovenians learning it as a second language from an early age. In cities like Ljubljana, Maribor, and Portorož, you’ll find that most people, especially in the service industry—such as hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions—can communicate effectively in English.
In rural areas, while English is still understood to some extent, the level of proficiency may vary. Older generations may have limited English skills, as they might have learned different languages during their education. However, gestures and basic phrases can often bridge any communication gaps.
Overall, travelers will find it relatively easy to navigate Slovenia using English, making it a welcoming destination for international visitors.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Slovenia is EUR (€).
ATMs: You’ll find ATMs in most towns and cities in Slovenia, so getting cash isn’t a hassle. Just watch out for those pesky international withdrawal fees.
Cash: It’s smart to keep a small stash of euros on you, especially in rural areas or small towns where card acceptance can be hit or miss. Euros are the official currency, so no need to worry about carrying dollars.
Card Acceptance: Cards are widely accepted in cities, but smaller shops or cafes might prefer cash. Always good to check before you order that extra slice of cake.
Currency Exchange: If you have dollars or other currencies to exchange, stick to banks or official exchange offices for better rates. Avoid airport exchanges unless you’re in a pinch—they’re like the fast food of currency exchange, quick but not cheap.
Tipping in Slovenia isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated for good service. At restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving about 10% is common. In taxis and for hotel services, rounding up is a nice gesture if you’re happy with the service.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.