Cheap travel countries in Europe

Europe isn't generally the first destination that comes to mind when planning a vacation on a budget.

Yet, the Old Continent has plenty to offer, even for budget-minded travelers. Especially if you consider the eastern part of the continent.

Bulgaria

Estimated budget: $30-40/day

Many travellers have long spread the idea that Bulgaria has little more to offer than cheap drinks and a touristic seaside.

That could not be more wrong.

For starters, Bulgaria is among the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. You can expect prices in Sofia, the capital city, to be about half of what you would pay in Western Europe. Outside Sofia, it's even less than that (sometimes much less).

In addition to the low cost of living that makes Bulgaria a perfect affordable vacation spot, the country has amazing sights to offer. The mountains are particularly beautiful and are increasing in popularity among hikers in Europe. They are also what makes Bulgaria a great budget holiday destination in the winter: you can go skiing there for half the price you would pay in Western Europe.

The country's culture is also extremely rich, offering travelers a mix of Soviet-era buildings, ancient Thracian ruins, and Ottoman influence. If you're heading to Eastern Europe, you should consider visiting Bulgaria.

Croatia

Estimated budget: $40-50/day

Croatia is on the "not-that-cheap" spectrum of this list of budget friendly vacation destinations. That being said, for someone living in the USA or in Western Europe, the beautiful country from Central Europe can certainly be regarded as at least an affordable place to visit. Travel to Croatia during the shoulder season for a truly budget-friendly trip.

Travelers looking for some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe should start by taking a look at Croatia, which has grown synonymous with epic summer holidays. That is largely due to its turquoise waters and sunshine. Croatia is a formidable alternative to Greece for island-hopping, with a multitude of them surrounding the mainland.

While the country has become renown for its beaches, stopping there would be a mistake: there are plenty of small villages located inland that are worth your while. They will let you enjoy a much more authentic lifestyle than what you can find on the seaside, with everything from food to accommodation coming with a much cheaper price tag.

Romania

Estimated budget: $30-50/day

It's not so uncommon to find people who believe that Transylvania doesn't actually exist, that it's only the stuff of legends.

Well, no, it's real. And so are its beautiful castles, including that of Dracula, the most popular touristic destination in the area. The region truly is a beauty, with its pines-covered Carpathian mountains, medieval towns, and the remarkable hospitality of the locals. Stop in Brașov to taste the local flavors.

However, while it is arguably the country's most beautiful region, Transylvania isn't all Romania has to offer. Like Bulgaria, Romania is also gaining popularity for travelers interested in winter sports and looking for budget alternatives to Western Europe.

Despite what narrow-minded travelers may claim, Romania isn't a dangerous place to visit. No more than most other places. It's a great budget holiday destination in Europe.

Hungary

Estimated budget: $25-40

As a rule of thumb, in Europe, the further east you go, the cheaper the price tag gets. Located in Central Europe, Hungary fits the rule, with a cost of living lower than in Western Europe, but still not as low as in Bulgaria or Romania, for example.

With a plethora of medieval villages and hilly countrysides, Hungary is sure to please nature-loving travelers. For those who have the soul of city-dwellers, Budapest is one of the best cheap vacation spot in the region.

The capital city has an active, student vibe; the river and green areas make it breathable; and the local cuisine is both delicious and very affordable. Try the famous goulash and the aesthetically pleasing chimney cake. Budapest is also a great place to be at the end of the year, with its Christmas markets that rival the German and Austrian ones.  

Georgia

Estimated budget: $20-40/day

Georgia is the first country on this list which presence in the "Europe" category to be controversial. Georgia is in between Europe and Asia - but not just geographically.

It's extremely cheap to live in Georgia. And you can actually live there, for a year, without a visa. That makes it more than just a budget-friendly vacation destination: digital nomads should seriously consider the idea of spending some time there.

But it won't take that long for budget-minded travelers to acknowledge the charm of Georgia. If you enjoy mountains and/or skiing, you have to go there for the Caucasus mountain range. If you're more of a beach kind of traveler, head west, where the country is bordered by the Black Sea. For the city, Tbilisi is a must, with its delightful mix of wooden houses and buildings that show signs of the Soviet era.

It's gaining in popularity very fast, so you might want to go there before prices catch up... although that shouldn't happen tomorrow.

Ukraine

Estimated budget: $20-40/day

With the overwhelming success of the HBO series Chernobyl, Ukraine has gained in popularity recently - for better and for worse. Because Ukraine is so much more than the host country of humankind's worst nuclear disaster.

It's also incredibly cheap, by European standard - perhaps the country with the lowest cost of living for foreigners, mainly due to its devalued currency.

While the language barrier may be an obstacle, if you manage to get by, you'll come to greatly enjoy the country. Because of the conflicts in the eastern region, you'd better avoid this area and head south instead: Ukraine is one of the best cheap holiday destinations to go to the seaside in Europe.

Turkey

Estimated budget: $30-50/day

Turkey has it all. It really does. And while the devaluation of the country's currency (the Turkish lira) is detrimental to the locals, it has also made the country at the crossroad of Europe and Asia more affordable than before.

No city is a better illustration of this location in-between continent than Istanbul, the old Constantinople, just like no city is more deserving of being qualified as "vibrant". Turkey's capital is almost literally buzzing with energy and life. It's relatively inexpensive and culturally rich, which makes it one of the best budget trip for history enthusiasts.

And as is the case for most countries, you shouldn't stop at the capital city. Because no matter how great it is, it doesn't represent the whole country. So if you're heading to Turkey, go inland and marvel at the beauty of Cappadocia. Of the seaside, with its untouched islands. Of the mountainous north of the country, with its lakes that freeze in the winter. Wonder at the hospitality of the Turkish people and the delicious food they will put in your mouth.

Armenia

Estimated budget: $20-40/day

Let's end with Armenia. Like Turkey, listing it among the cheap places to go to in Europe is controversial, since it is debatable whether Armenia is in Europe or in Asia. That's why it makes for a perfect transition with our next section.

However, Armenia is so much more than a good transition for this post. Its location in between Europe and Asia made it a trade center of high importance between Europe and Asia. This position at a crossroad was the main reason why the country was invaded by the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs, and the Ottomans along its historical journey.

While this has caused Armenia to lose parts of its territory along the years, it also made it a cultural jewel praised by budget travelers. The Silk Road passed though the country, leading to a mix of European, Asia, and Middle-Eastern influences.

Located in the awe-inspiring Caucasus mountains, Armenia offers a variety of ancient monasteries and impressive landscapes. People who travel for food will appreciate the Middle-Eastern influence on the cuisine; wine-lovers will get a chance to try out some made from pomegranate, Armenia's national symbol.

Armenia recently ousted its dictator, after a series of peaceful protests which led him to resign. Combined with the fact that it hasn't become mainstream yet and its low cost of living, this makes Armenia one of the most budget-friendly destinations to visit safely in Europe at the moment.

The original article link: https://www.claimcompass.eu/blog/budget-travel-cheap-vacation-spots/