Where to? (Image Source: Pixabay)
Despite the fact that London, England and Bergen, Norway remain popular travel destinations, they are also quite pricey. The same can be said of the cities of Zurich, Venice, and Helsinki. However, travelers who are intent on going to Europe in 2015 need not despair of finding affordable spots to vacation. Heading away from the typical tourist route through the continent can offer considerable savings. In fact, here are some of the best places to stretch your euros in the upcoming year.
Romanian Countryside (Image Source: Pixabay)
Romania. Although it may not be the most visually appealing city, Bucharest offers travelers good value even during the holiday season when the normal hordes of business travelers are celebrating elsewhere. Due to Bram Stoker’s story about Dracula, perhaps the most famous region in the country is Transylvania which is home to dark woods, snow covered mountains, and castles galore. Cities such as Brașov, Oradea, and Sibiu all make scenic bases for Transylvanian trips. Other areas in Romania that travelers might want investigate further include the seaside Dobrogea region and the wine producing county of Moldavia.
Krakow, Poland (Image Source: Pixabay)
Poland. Both Krakow and Warsaw are charming historical cities with affordable prices and nearby airports. Although the latter city was nearly flattened by fighting during the Second World War, the town has sections that have been restored to their former glory and the 60 plus historical buildings that managed to survive the carnage can be found there to this day. Meanwhile, Krakow dates back to the Middle Ages and has all the ascetic appeal to go along with that fact. Right now the town is not a hotspot for travel, but it might not be too long before more folks discover it and prices subsequently rise. The Polish countryside is just as scenic as its cities, if not more so, and visitors should be sure to stop by the country’s Białowieża National Park to see what remains of the primeval forests that used to cover Europe.
Portuguese shoreline (Image Source: Flickr)
Portugal. Being a bit off the main tourist trail has helped keep prices in this country on the lower end of the scale. Many free attractions can be found in Lisbon and eating out throughout the country remains quite affordable. As is the case in most Mediterranean countries, the main reason travelers come to Portugal is for the warm, sunny weather and sandy shores. While the Algarve region is home to a number of exceptionally tidy beaches, there is more to the country than just that well-loved area. Other points of interest include the city of Fátima, a popular pilgrimage spot for Catholics, and Aveiro, a city with abundant canals that is reminiscent of Venice. Budget carrier Ryan Air operates out of the Lisbon and Porto airports, which helps make getting to Portugal a breeze.
Polish Countryside (Image Source: Flickr)
Do any of these destinations sound appealing to you or have you been yourself? Tell us about it in the comments section below.
Sources: Price of Travel; US News Travel; Lonely Planet; Wikitravel; Wikipedia
