British woman in wonder: "I didn't expect that from Serbia" PHOTO/VIDEO

"Tourists are hated in large parts of Europe, but this country will definitely welcome you," is the title of the article in which Hayley Domin recounts her experiences in Serbia.

"I was sitting with a tour group at a table of strangers, attempting to learn the nuances of a new culture. As the overflowing platters of meat, cheese, and a few unknown Serbian dishes arrived at our table, I hesitated to take too much. Because I was raised in a Polish-Irish household, I’m used to extra-large portions and grandmothers who never accepted when you’re full enough, but this is my first time meeting the group, so I politely tried a little piece of everything and fought the urge to grab it all. Our charismatic tour guide, Bojana, circled the table. As soon as she spotted a space on my plate, she rushed over with suggestions. She handed me the plate of rostilj (Serbian barbecue) and the peppers stuffed with cheese" says Domin.

Promo/ Andrej Nihil

As she goes on to write, when she thought she couldn't take another bite, more food was brought, and everyone at the table burst out laughing.

"As a relatively underexplored country for most travelers, Bojana explained that hospitality in Serbia is held to a very high standard. Because there has been an inability to celebrate and socialize due to the country’s turbulent history, Serbians now pride themselves on welcoming tourists and showing off their way of life through food, history, and culture. I was relieved to hear it. Across Europe, anti-tourism is on the rise—with backlashes in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, the Netherlands, and others–it’s difficult to know how you’ll be accepted as a tourist while on the continent", Hayley Domin stated.

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Bojana explains how Serbians’ welcoming nature and kindness often stem from Slava, a Serbian Orthodox celebration that honors a family’s patron saint. Designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Slava feast is held for friends, family, and neighbors. The celebration starts with a toast to family and guests for good health. The Serbian tradition brings people together and plays an important role in establishing and maintaining social relationships.

"Since it was day one and most of us had been in Belgrade for fewer than 10 hours, Bojana led us through the city center to get the lay of the land and see the famous sites. Our first stop wasn’t a museum, church, or historic building. Instead, she introduced us to an old lady on the side of the road who makes her living sewing lace products. We were taken to a few other local stops around Belgrade: a store with a collection of quirky clocks, another that sold old maps. As we strolled around, Bojana seemed to know everyone in town and made an effort to introduce us to them all. I wasn’t sure what I thought Serbia would be, but it certainly wasn’t this. I was touched by how the Serbians I’d met seemed to look out for each other. I hadn’t felt this way in a long time traveling, but it’s a sense of belonging and welcome", she wrote.

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She went on to praise the streets, the urbanity, and was especially delighted with Skadarlija, the music and the atmosphere in the capital.

"I wasn’t sure I wanted to draw too much attention to us as tourists, but when I looked around the room, there was no laughter or judgment that we were the table of “typical Americans.” We became part of the community, surrounded by people who were willing to engage us with their culture–and it’s refreshing."

She also visited the Dedinje Royal Complex, which left no one indifferent.

"Though the grounds were pristine, the palace was even more impressive on the inside. As we meandered through each room, we were told stories about the royal inhabitants and shown the private theater room where guests would gather to watch movies and football games. We were even shown the favorite chair of the former President of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito," she said.

Shutterstock/Tomas Marek

Meeting Princess Catherine made a special impression on her.

"

Where else would I be presented with the opportunity to meet royalty? In line formation, we greeted Crown Princess Katherine as she entered the room. She spoke of her charity work through the HRH Foundation, giving back to communities, and the welcoming nature of Serbian people. I couldn’t help but feel a little emotional. Despite difficult times in the country, she continues her humanitarian efforts throughout former Yugoslavia. Her warm presence supported my theory–Serbia really is a place brimming with hospitality," she explains.

Most people don’t realize the size and ease of traveling across Serbia. Serbia serves as the perfect base for venturing through Central Europe and only takes around six to eight hours to drive across the country. On the last day, they drive to a small city in the province of Vojvodina, Vršac.

"While much of Europe struggles with overtourism management, Serbia continues to welcome travelers, spotlighting the culture, history, and hospitality of the region. For me, the friendliness of the Serbian people is more than enough reason to visit," she wrote.