Going on vacation can involve a lot of planning and preparation. From airline tickets, to hotel reservations, a lot of hassle can actually arise. Or you can just throw cushion to the wind and start backpacking through your next trip. It can save you time and money, as well as give that appropriate feeling of adventure and exploration.

Backpacking through Europe has been a tradition of many college graduates. But it's such a vast place that many people end up in the same places, usually the most famous cities - London, Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, anyone? What rarely gets explored is the eastern region of Europe which is a shame.

When people think of Eastern Europe, they usually think of the troubled history of Communist regimes in the area. What they'll find however, is a place of lush hills and rivers, idyllic coastlines, picturesque mountains, unique architecture and buzzing nightlife.

With the continent now open, let's take a look at some cities in Eastern Europe for your exploration.

-Kiev, Ukraine. The capital of the Ukraine, Kiev is a city rich in history and beautiful architecture, with countless cathedrals and monasteries, and open, leafy streets. It is also home to the Chernobyl and should make for an interesting stop.

-Ljubljana, Slovenia. Nestled in an Alpine Valley, Ljubljana is one of the world's most beautiful cities. Found at the junction in the historic trade routes across Europe, it is a melting pot of culture and art. Its cobbled streets and exquisite buildings should give you a glimpse to a classic European city. Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia so accommodation should not be a problem.

-Mostar, Bosnia. Mostar was badly damaged by the Croatian-Bosnia conflict during the Balkan War. However, it has been rebuilt and as good as ever. The beauty of Mostar is its turquoise river, elegant and timeless. Strong reminders of a brutal past remain visible, with bullet hole-laden walls and bombed out buildings nestled amongst the shops and cafes. But that just gives the city its much needed allure.