Slovakia, once part of Czechoslovakia, is now an independent county, bordered by the Czech Republic, Austria, Poland, the Ukraine and Hungary. The currency here is the euro and the official language is Slovak (fairly similar to Czech). English and German are spoken quite commonly among the younger population, but older people are more likely to speak Russian as a second language. Having undergone various occupations, alliances and revolutions throughout its past, Slovakia has emerged as a developed economy. The climate is cold in winter and warm in summer, although there is considerable variation across the country depending on terrain.

The Slovak countryside is mountainous, perhaps the most well-known area being the Tatra Mountains. Hence, hiking, hill walking, climbing and skiing are popular pastimes here. There are also many castles and wooden churches to see.

The capital city is Bratislava, a quaint and historic city with many Gothic and Baroque buildings, a castle and cobbled streets.

Food is simple, usually not spicy and frequently stew or soup based. There are good local wines and beer is generally very popular.

It is easy to reach Slovakia by air, road and train and the rail and bus networks provide an excellent way to get around the country once you are there. Roads are badly maintained and driving is said to be somewhat dangerous. If you do drive, headlights must be on at all times and you need to purchase a special sticker to use motorways.

There is much in the way of ski accommodation in the Tatras, including traditional ski chalets, lodges and apartments. Although accommodation elsewhere is often simple - cottages, country houses and guest houses - it is also possible to find luxury conversions in historic buildings.