Bulgaria

With good reason, Bulgaria often tops lists of Europe's budget travel destinations. Bulgaria is still mainly unknown to tourists, with the exception of those who come during the summer to take advantage of the country's affordable vacation opportunities near the Black Sea.

Even then, your costs for lodging, transportation, and entertainment will be far lower than they would be in Western Europe. Price reductions during the off-season allow you to travel, ski, and eat for a tenth of what it costs in the West. The Central Balkan National Park tops the list for great hikes and magnificent views. The countryside is one of the best parts of visiting Bulgaria, where castles, villages, and hiking trails are either free or very cheap to visit. While Sofia is frequently the first stop for tourists, smaller cities with more than 200 archaeological sites, like Plovdiv, are even more affordable to explore. Outside of the summer, hotels in Bulgaria are affordable, and many offer free shuttle service in addition to free breakfast.