How to relax cheaply, saving on flights, accommodation and food. What is more profitable: tours or independent travel? Where is the cheapest place to go?
Traveling to Europe was already an expensive pleasure, and given the new economic conditions, vacations in the main European capitals have become an almost unaffordable luxury.
Fortunately, in addition to expensive London, Paris and Rome, there are cheaper European cities, so there is still an opportunity to see Europe without going broke, you just need to carefully plan your trip and choose a direction. To make things easier for you, we've put together a list of 10 interesting and inexpensive cities in Europe where a weekend won't leave a hole in your budget.
1. Krakow
It is surprising that Krakow, one of the most beautiful and at the same time the cheapest cities in Europe, has not yet been appreciated by tourists. Krakow was the capital of Poland until the end of the 16th century, but even after losing this status it always remained the main cultural and scientific center of the country. Fortunately, unlike Warsaw, the city was practically not damaged during World War II, so many ancient buildings have been preserved here (there are thirty-nine churches alone), the medieval Jagiellonian University and a huge royal castle from the 13th century.
2. Budapest
Despite the fact that the popularity of the Hungarian capital has grown greatly in recent years, prices here still remain relatively low. If you choose a hotel not in the very center and use public transport, you can enjoy views of the Danube and classical architecture while staying within a modest budget. Be sure to visit one of Budapest's famous thermal baths, cross the river on the Chain Bridge and stroll through the Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion.
3. Lisbon
Even by European standards, there are a lot of attractions in Lisbon and its surroundings - castles, palaces and basilicas, and the decent cost of air travel to the Portuguese capital is more than offset by cheap hotels, restaurants and shops. If you plan to travel around the city a lot by public transport or use the funiculars (including the famous city elevator of Santa Justa), be sure to buy a Viva Viagem travel system, this will allow you to save even more.
4. Prague
Prague has won the love of tourists from all over the world thanks to two factors: cheap Czech pubs and a beautiful historical center. In terms of attractiveness and richness of cultural monuments, Prague is hardly inferior to the main Western European capitals, and a trip here will cost you much less than to Paris or Amsterdam. The only negative is that there are a lot of tourists in Prague during the high season, so choose the less popular months, since this city is beautiful at any time of the year.
5. Istanbul
One of the oldest cities in the world, Istanbul is considered a must-visit destination for every history buff. Mosques, bazaars and amazing views of the Bosphorus Strait will not leave even the most experienced travelers indifferent. Today, Istanbul captivates not only with its rich cultural heritage, but also with its low prices, which, alas, fall in inverse proportion to the level of safety in the city.
6. Athens
Athens is an ideal city for a weekend - there are enough attractions here for just two days of leisurely exploration. You should set aside one full day to explore the Parthenon and the Acropolis, you will need at least half a day to visit the luxurious archaeological museum of Athens, and if you still have time, check out the Monastiraki area - see the mosque and wander around the market. Despite the fact that Athens is one of the most expensive cities on our list, by European standards it is still a very cheap place, especially if you go there out of season, but in late autumn or even winter.
7. Split
Split is a less touristy copy of Dubrovnik: the same red roofs, white walls and views of the bay. The city is much cheaper and is located in Dalmatia, which is famous for its excellent beaches, so you can combine a visit to Split with a beach holiday nearby. Split, of course, does not have a grand city wall like Dubrovnik, but it does have the ancient Roman palace of Emperor Diocletian, which is considered the best-preserved Roman-era palace in the world.
8. Berlin
Despite the fact that Berlin is the capital of one of the richest countries in the eurozone, prices here remain relatively low. Of course, compared to the cities of Eastern Europe, the cost of a night in hotels and hostels in Berlin is not so attractive, but due to the popularity of the destination and the large number of flights, tickets to Berlin can be bought quite inexpensively (especially if you take care of the purchase a few months before the trip).
9. Riga
If you have not yet been to Riga, try to correct this annoying mistake as soon as possible - after the transition to the euro, prices in this city are constantly rising. The historical center of Riga fully corresponds to the concept of a classic European city - open cafes, pretty squares, surrounded by ancient buildings with tiled roofs, paved sidewalks. Well, the advantages of a holiday in Riga for Russians are obvious: geographical proximity and the absence of a language barrier.
10. Ljubljana
Gradually, from a place that no one can find on the map, Ljubljana is turning into one of the most popular cities in Europe. It has everything you need for a classic European weekend: a beautiful historical center, good restaurants, architectural monuments, including a large, well-preserved medieval castle. We strongly recommend going to the capital of Slovenia before it begins to attract crowds of tourists and hotel prices do not jump to the average European level.
Traveling to Japan can hardly be called budget. A well-developed tourism infrastructure dictates high prices for goods and services. To save on the main expense item - accommodation, you need to know the place well. Ignorance of the language will also make it difficult to move around. The further you are from tourist centers, the more difficult it will be to communicate with the local population.
Organizing a trip on your own is quite difficult. Difficulties begin already at the stage of obtaining a visa. You can avoid them by contacting the host tour operator, who acts as a guarantor. ToursJapan specialists are ready to provide professional assistance and support in obtaining a visa. You will be offered popular routes from budget to individual, themed and VIP tours.
Average prices for tours in Japan
The cost of tours to Japan starts from $400 per person for 6-7 days. This amount includes visa, transfer, accommodation and meals. If you do not plan to create excursion routes yourself, choose tours that include visits to attractions and transfers to them. This option will cost on average $1000-1200 per person for 5-8 days. The cost of the tour also depends on the season. The best time to travel is in the summer months, the second half of January and February.
The average price for tours to Japan from the host tour operator ToursJapan is $1,500 per person for 7 days. Otherwise, the range in cost is quite large. For example, the minimum price is $446 for 5 days. A one-week VIP tour will cost you $6,800. An exciting journey with complete comfort will be as educational as possible for you and your family members.
Average prices for holidays in Japan
When going on an independent trip, check the prices for accommodation. In 2016 they were distributed as follows (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka):
Hostels and detached houses 2* – 3000 rub./day;
3* hotels – 7500 rub./day;
4* hotels – 13,000 rubles/day;
5* hotels – 13,000 rub./day.
There are a lot of catering establishments in Japan. Lunch at fast food or an inexpensive cafe will cost $6-7. Dinner or lunch for two will be $45-50. Prices for clothing and food in markets and shopping centers vary greatly.
Public transport in Japan is inexpensive; on average, a ticket for the metro and bus is $1.8-2. A trip on the Shinkansen high-speed train from one city to another will cost $120 (for a distance of 500 km).
Japan has a lot of free city parks with beautiful views. Some gardens have an entrance fee - $2-2.5, castles - $4-6. A trip to the museum will cost $2.5-5, and a visit to the amusement park will cost $60 for the whole day.
We studied guidebooks, forums, bloggers' reports, booking systems, sites with food prices and selected the most affordable countries for vacation. For each, we calculated a budget for two per day and converted it into dollars. This is the average amount for a couple of travelers who live in the same room, do not like to spend too much and stick to the golden mean in everything. After all, everyone understands differently by comfort: for some, a bed in a hostel is enough, for others, they will still choose among five-star hotels. Therefore, we did not take into account luxury hotels and restaurants, but found out how much it costs to have a meal in ordinary local cafes and stay in guesthouses, mini-hotels or Airbnb apartments.
In some countries, expenses can easily be cut by one and a half to two times if you use public transport, eat in non-tourist places and look for hotels according to the principle “we just need to spend the night.” For India and Indonesia, for example, we recommend a daily budget of $40–$50, but you can travel to these countries as a couple for $20 per day.
Faktrum publishes a very useful article from the Skyscanner blog that will help you plan your vacation profitably.
Cheap countries without visa
Armenia
Approximate prices:
You can have a hearty and cheap meal in Armenia at every step: khachapuri in Yerevan costs up to 500 drams ($1), lamaj (flatbread with spicy meat filling) costs up to $1.7, and crayfish kebab near Lake Sevan costs about $3. The average bill in a simple cafe is $3–4, and for dinner for two in a tourist restaurant you will pay $7–30.
Photo source: Skyscanner.ru
In the capital of Armenia there are inexpensive hotels with double rooms for $25–30. If you like the comfort of home on vacation, rent a nice studio in a quiet area for $20 or an apartment in the city center on Airbnb for $30–40 per night. Outside the capital, prices are slightly lower. In Armenia, as in Georgia, a stranger can invite you for coffee, dinner or even overnight. Agree: this is not fraud, but hospitality.
Standard route:
Yerevan and surroundings; Lake Sevan; Vanadzor and Lori Gorge; Khor Virap monastery with views of Ararat; Vorotan Valley and Tatev Monastery.
Visa:
You can enter Armenia without a visa for up to 180 days during the year. If you want more, find out how to apply for an Armenian visa.
Georgia
Approximate prices:
There is no street food as such in Georgia. The only thing you can grab on the go is fresh khachapuri or lobiani, which are sold on every corner for 2-3 lari ($1). Lunch at the cafe will cost $6, and for a generous dinner with wine you can pay from $8. An intermediate option is khinkali: you won’t have to look for them for long; one piece costs 60–70 tetri ($0.25–0.30). A dozen khinkali with salad and a glass of beer (for everything - $4) is enough to fill you up for the whole day.
A modest double room in Tbilisi and Batumi costs from $40 per night. It will cost $10 less to rent an apartment in a pleasant area near the center of the capital. In seaside Batumi, you can rent a small apartment in the private sector in 2016 for $20–25. Prices here are tightly tied to the season: an apartment by the sea with a fresh renovation and all amenities costs about $40 per day in mid-summer. In less touristy areas, you can easily find guesthouses with rooms for $15-$30.
Standard route:
Tbilisi; Mtskheta and the Georgian Military Road; cave city in Vardzia; Sighnaghi and Kakheti; Svaneti; Batumi and the Black Sea coast. If time permits, you can take a one-way ticket to Georgia, travel further overland to Armenia or Turkey, and fly home from there.
Visa:
Russian citizens can spend a whole year in Georgia without a visa.
Abkhazia
Daily budget for two: $65–75
Approximate prices:
A skewer of aromatic chicken kebab in Abkhazia costs about 200 rubles ($2.7), a cheburek with cheese and meat costs 70 rubles ($1). Lunch at a cafe by the sea will cost $5–12 for two, and a hearty dinner at an Apatskhe (national cuisine restaurant) will cost $9.5–13.5. For a one and a half liter bottle of homemade Abkhaz wine you will pay about $2.7.
On Airbnb, you can rent a room in a house by the sea in Sukhumi for $10 per day, and an apartment in the city center for $37 per day. If you dare to look for housing locally, it may turn out even cheaper: a room in a private house in Gagra can be rented for $9, and near Pitsunda there are options for $8 for two. A room in a good seaside hotel in Abkhazia costs $20–33 per night.
Standard route:
Botanical Garden, Kelasur Wall and the ruins of Bagrat Castle in Sukhumi; monastery and underground karst cave in New Athos; beaches of Gudauta, Pitsunda and Gagra; reserve near Lake Ritsa.
Visa:
To enter Abkhazia, Russians do not need either a visa or a foreign passport - an ordinary one is enough. Fly to Adler - from there it is only 10 km to the Abkhaz border, which runs along the Psou River.
Laos
Daily budget for two: $55–65
Approximate prices:
Lunch in street cafes costs from 12 to 50 thousand kip ($1.5–6), in a tourist cafe or restaurant - 50–100 thousand ($6–12). On average, a simple double room will cost about $12 per night. In the village of Vang Vieng, you can bargain on the spot and stay for that amount in a room with a wonderful view of the mountains. But in the capital, Vientiane, it is cheaper to book a hotel in advance: you can rent a cozy room for $15–17.
Almost all the attractions of Laos are paid, although they are very cheap: for example, entrance to the Paku caves will cost $2.5. These Buddhist caves can be reached by boat on the Mekong - you will pay $8 for a round trip and a stop at the “whiskey village”. Renting a motorbike with a manual transmission for the whole day in Laos costs about 70,000 kip - for $9 you are completely free to move around the country.
Standard route:
Vientiane; Luang Prabang; trekking in the Bocau National Park and/or rafting along the picturesque U River; Pakse and waterfalls of the Bolaven plateau; cruise along the Mekong south to Si Phan Don or to the 4000 Islands. You can continue your adventures in Cambodia or, if you go in the opposite direction, in Thailand.
Visa:
If you are traveling to Laos for less than 15 days, you do not need a visa. The only requirement is that the passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry.
Indonesia
Daily budget for two: $40–$50
Approximate prices:
Street food in Indonesia costs pennies: nasi goreng or mi goreng (fried rice or noodles) will cost no more than $1.5–2. You can have breakfast and lunch in local cafes for $2.5–4.5, and a hearty dinner costs $5–8 depending on the level of the establishment. You can rent a decent guesthouse room in Sumatra for $10, in Java for $10–15, and in Bali for $15–20. Traveling between the islands is also cheap - ferry travel costs about $3.
Standard route:
Since you have flown 9,000 km, spending your entire vacation in Bali, no matter how beautiful it may be, means depriving yourself of many impressions. There are 17,000 islands to choose from, from tiny paradises like Gili to Sumatra the size of Spain. Don't miss Borobudur and Mount Bromo in Java, visit Lake Toba or go on a jungle trek in Borneo.
Visa:
Citizens of the Russian Federation can enter Indonesia without a visa for 30 days through the international airports of Jakarta, Surabaya, Medan, Denpasar, Batam Island, as well as through four seaports. At other border points, Russians can obtain a visa on arrival for a period of 30 days.
Vietnam
Daily budget for two: $45–$55
Approximate prices:
Banh mi sandwiches in Vietnam are sold at every turn for 10–15 thousand dong ($0.5–0.7), and juices cost the same in fruit shops. For a bowl of pho soup in a cafe, pay 1–2 $, and for 0.5 liters of homemade bia hoi beer - 1 $. In local eateries they offer food for pennies: two servings of fish or chicken fried in ginger sauce, with a plate of rice and a bowl of soup - $2. In a presentable restaurant these amounts are multiplied by 2–3. A hearty seafood dinner at a tourist establishment with Vietnamese cuisine will cost $12–20. If you miss European dishes, pizza for $5 will save you. You can eat a burger, fries and soda at fast food Lotteria for $3. Imported alcohol in Vietnamese stores is no more expensive than in duty-free, and a bottle of local rum can be bought for $3-4.
You can rent a double room in a Hanoi hotel for $11–15; in the village of Mui Ne, prices start at $10 for a bungalow with a shower and air conditioning right next to the sea, and in Nha Trang you can still rent a nice room with amenities for $6–10. Service in Vietnamese hotels is excellent, regardless of star rating. Breakfast is included in the price nine times out of ten.
Standard route:
Hanoi; Ha Long Bay; Museum of Cham Sculpture in Da Nang; Nha Trang; Mui Ne village; Dalat; Hoi An Museum City; Phu Quoc Island off the coast of Cambodia.
Visa:
Citizens of the Russian Federation can vacation in Vietnam without a visa for up to 15 days.
Serbia
Daily budget for two: $70–80
Approximate prices:
Serbian analogues of fast food - cheese pie gibanica, spicy sausages cevapcici, pljeskavica (cutlets with a side dish or in a bun) - cost no more than 200 dinars ($2). Moreover, to fill up, one splash of water is enough. You can have lunch for two in a decent restaurant for $7–9.
A simple double room in Belgrade hotels costs about $30 per day. For $16 you can rent a room in a hostel, and for $25–35 you can rent an apartment in the center.
Standard route:
Belgrade; Novi Sad; Smederevo; national parks Tara or Fruska Gora; Bajina Basta or other towns along the picturesque Drina River; Drvengrad is an ethnic village from the films of Kusturica. You can go to even cheaper Macedonia.
Visa:
To travel to Serbia, Russian citizens do not need a visa if the trip is within 30 days.
Montenegro
Daily budget for two: $80–90
Approximate prices:
Montenegrins' favorite national fast food is burek (a round pie or tubes filled with vegetables, cheese or meat) - sold for $1 in bakeries and on the beaches. A generous portion of cevapchichi with potatoes and pita bread costs $5–9 and is enough for two. It's even cheaper to have a meal at Mesar. These butcher shops sell semi-finished products, but you can ask for the same cevapchici to be fried on the spot - this is called “made on Rostile”. You can have a thorough breakfast in a Montenegrin cafe for two for $7–10, and a three-course restaurant dinner will cost $25–30. If you move literally 500 meters away from coastal establishments, you can save up to 50%.
The most expensive city in terms of housing is Budva: during peak season, simple one-room apartments by the sea are rented for $35–45 per day. But even in Budva, even in summer, you can rent a neat guesthouse room or a small studio for $20 if you book in advance. In winter in Montenegro, prices for hotels and apartments fall by almost half.
Standard route:
Podgorica; resorts of the Bay of Kotor (Kotor, Perast, Risan, Koštanica, Tivat, Herceg Novi); resorts of the Adriatic coast (Budva, Becici, Rafailovici, Sveti Stefan, Petrovac, Bar); Ostrog Monastery; national parks Lovcen and Durmitor with the Tara River canyon.
Visa:
Citizens of the Russian Federation can stay in Montenegro without a visa for 30 consecutive days.
Cheap countries with visa on arrival or online
India
Daily budget for two: $40–$45
Approximate prices:
Street food in India costs practically nothing: a serving of vegetarian thali (rice, stewed vegetables, lentils and flatbread) will cost 50 rupees ($0.8), and you can have a hearty lunch at a local eatery for 150 rupees ($2.3). The average bill in tourist restaurants is $3–6.
The situation with housing is similar: almost everywhere for 5–8 $ you will get a set of a bed, walls and roof, for 10–15 $ you will get a decent room with air conditioning. In Mumbai, Goa and Kerala, prices during the peak season - from December to February - increase 2-3 times. You can rent a scooter for a day for 200–250 rupees ($3–4). If you are traveling for a long time, it is better to rent a scooter for a week or a month - it will be even cheaper, about 150 rupees per day, and you will also be able to see neighboring states.
Standard route:
Delhi; Agra; a circle through the cities and villages of Rajasthan or a trip through the foothills of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand; and further - according to interests: either to Varanasi and Nepal, or to the south, to Mumbai and Goa or to Kerala. If time permits, visit Punjab (Amritsar), Kashmir and Ladakh.
Visa:
If you are entering India through Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Cochin, Hyderabad and Trivandrum airports, you can apply for your visa online.
Nepal
Daily budget for two: on a track in the mountains - about $40; in the rest of the country - $45–50.
Approximate prices:
In Nepal, you can have a hearty lunch for two at a street eatery for 400–500 rupees ($4–5). In tourist cafes prices are 2-3 times higher; lunch for two will cost closer to $15.
You can rent a double room in a cheap guesthouse with a shower and toilet on the floor for $5–8 per day. For $15–20 you can stay in a decent hotel in Kathmandu. The average cost of a small comfortable room for two in Nagarkot is from $15 per night, and in Pokhara - from $10.
Standard route:
Kathmandu and surrounding areas (Bhaktapur, Nagarkot); several days in the Chitwan Nature Reserve; Lumbini; Pokhara and mountain trekking - to Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, etc.
Visa:
A Nepalese visa can be obtained both at the Embassy in Moscow and at the airport upon arrival. Simply fill out the online form 15 days before your trip and present it at the border.
Cambodia
Daily budget for two: $70–80
Approximate prices:
You can buy a fried spider, a kilogram of mango or a bunch of bananas for $1 in Cambodia. Two servings of baked mussels with salad will cost $6. A hearty dinner with pork steak, potatoes and vegetables costs the same, and for a huge pizza for two in a regular cafe you will pay about $5. A glass of local beer in seaside bars costs $0.5, a jug will cost $2. You will spend more on spiritual food in Cambodia than on regular food: a ticket to Angkor for 1 day - $20, for 3 days - $40, for a week - $60. To rise above Angkor Wat in a yellow hot air balloon, pay $20.
A room with a double bed, air conditioning and shower in a guesthouse in the resort of Sihanoukville can be rented for $12–15 per day, and comfortable hotel rooms in Phnom Penh cost $15–20 per night. Khmers do not like to bargain; it is better to book accommodation in advance.
Standard route:
Siem Reap and Angkor temple complex; Lake Toplesap with floating villages, beaches of Sihanoukville (Ochuteal-Serendipity, Otres); Koh Rong island; Phnom Bokor National Park; Phnom Penh.
Visa:
You can obtain a visa to Cambodia immediately upon arrival or in advance via the Internet.
Sri Lanka
Daily budget for two: $60–70
Approximate prices:
Food in Sri Lanka is similar to South Indian food in both taste and prices. Roti (spring rolls) cost from 40 Sri Lankan rupees ($0.28) for a vegetarian option to 120 rupees ($0.8) for a triangle with chicken and cheese. For a bunch of bananas you will pay $0.14, for a drinking coconut - $0.25, for a kilogram of papaya - $0.42. King prawns at the Hikkaduwa market sell for $7/kg, and buy a 0.75-liter bottle of red rum for $10. Kottu (something like a shredded hamburger) costs $1.5–2 in non-tourist cafes. Two servings of seafood dinner, rice with curry, salad and beer in a restaurant will cost $7–10.
The average price for a room with hot water and a fan in a guesthouse is $14–20 per night. In party places like Mirissa and Unawatuna on the south coast, prices are higher - on New Year's Eve and until March, locals rent out housing for $28–$55 per night. Prices for double rooms in Colombo hotels start from $25, and you can spend the night in a hostel for $16. If you plan to stay in Sri Lanka for a long time, it is wiser to rent a house or apartment for $330 per month (including utilities) on the spot.
Standard route:
Colombo; Pinnawela Elephant Nursery; Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, Lion Rock in Sigiriya, other Buddhist sites in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa; tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya; national reserve in the Sinharaja forest.
Visa:
There are three ways to obtain a visa to Sri Lanka - at the Embassy in Moscow, upon arrival at the airport or online.
Cheap visa countries
Romania
Daily budget for two: $80–90
Approximate prices:
You won't find street food in the Asian sense of the term in Romania. You can have lunch in a cheap cafe or fast food for about 10–30 lei ($2.5–7). A hearty lunch in restaurants in Brasov and Sighisoara will cost $12–14. Dinner at a highly advertised establishment in Bucharest will cost 100 lei ($24).
On average across the country, a simple double room in a guesthouse or two-star hotel costs $20–30. You can rent an apartment in the heart of Bucharest for $30–40 per day; in Brasov, aim for $35–45.
Standard route:
Bucharest; Danube Delta; Mamaia and other Black Sea resorts; Peles and Bran castles (“Dracula’s castle”); medieval Brasov; Transylvanian towns of Sighisoara and Sibiu. If you travel by car, do not miss the beautiful Transfagarasan mountain road.
Visa:
Romania is a member of the European Union, but has not signed the Schengen Agreement. With a national visa you can not only travel around the country, but also go to Bulgaria, Croatia and Cyprus. If you already have a long-term entry permit for these countries or a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you will not need to obtain a separate visa for Romania. In other cases, you need to apply for a Romanian visa.
Hungary
Daily budget for two: $85–95
Approximate prices:
The famous Hungarian goulash costs from 950 forints ($3.3). You can have a snack for two in an inexpensive cafe for $10, and a thorough dinner in a restaurant for $28. An impressive pizza will cost $5, and a cup of coffee with a delicate cake in Hungarian csukrázdy (pastry shops) is priced at only $2.5.
Cozy apartments in the very center of Budapest on Airbnb cost from $35–45 per night; in guesthouses on the outskirts you can live in comfortable rooms for $25. Apartments near Lake Balaton will cost another $5 less.
Standard route:
Budapest with its baths; Medveotthon Bear Park in Véresegyháza; open-air ethno-museum Skansen near the town of Szentendre; ancient Székesfehérvár; Pannonhalma Abbey; Lake Balaton and 10 more ideas for short trips from Budapest.
Visa:
To enter Hungary you need a Schengen visa.
Bulgaria
Daily budget for two: $80–90
Approximate prices:
A cup of coffee in Bulgaria costs from 0.8 to 1.5 levs ($0.5–0.8), a plate of soup (pileshka - chicken or trampota - with meatballs) - about 1 $, and Shopska salad - 2-3 $ . You can have breakfast in the Sofia cafe for $10 for two. A three-course dinner with drinks in a good metropolitan restaurant will cost about $20–22.
A double room in guesthouses in the city center costs from $16 per night. For $18 you can rent a room with a shower, air conditioning and a refrigerator in Kosharitsa and Ravda. A studio room in a three-star apart-hotel in the Sunny Beach resort costs about $26. Through Airbnb you can rent an excellent apartment by the sea with a pool in the yard for $25–35.
Standard route:
The most striking places in Bulgaria: Sofia and Mount Vitosha; Koprivshtitsa; Plovdiv and Perperikon; Valley of Roses; Rila Monastery and the Seven Lakes; Nessebar; tiny Melnik; beaches of Sunny Beach.
Visa:
Bulgaria is not part of the Schengen zone, but you can enter this country with a double or multiple-entry Schengen visa. You can also visit Bulgaria if your passport contains valid multiple-entry visas from Romania, Croatia or Cyprus. In other cases, you need to obtain a Bulgarian visa.
After a year of hard work, everyone needs a break. To have a good rest, you simply need to radically change the environment around you. Some people think that you can have a wonderful vacation in your homeland, in its southern resorts. But will this be a radical change of scenery? In addition, today domestic resorts in terms of prices can easily compete with many well-known European resorts, but the level of service and the development of tourism infrastructure (accessibility of attractions, quality of roads and entertainment) are, alas, not always at their best.
Not all of Europe is “covered” by the Schengen agreements, which means that a visa is not required everywhere. In addition, the most sophisticated European tourists are increasingly choosing the “untrodden paths”, tired of the bustle and stiffness of all sorts of Nice, Barcelona, Bolears and the Alps.
Let’s try to figure out in which country you can relax well, see something unique, eat delicious food and protect the family budget from “default”.
Outside the Schengen area
Six European countries are accessible to Russians without any visa costs. Almost all of them offer an excellent holiday, warm sun, many interesting places and budget accommodation. These countries need tourists, so you can confidently count on a friendly attitude, comfort and a carefree stay. With some reservations, of course, but these reservations are insignificant. Let's just start alphabetically. So…
1. Albania
Once the most closed country in Europe, today it is open and attractive to tourists. To dissolve any prejudice, it is worth noting that, thanks to its closeness for a good half of the 20th century, the country has perfectly preserved ancient monuments, which you cannot find in Greece today. But not all at once!
You can stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa (more than enough for a vacation), the country awaits visa-free travelers during all three summer months and two more autumn months - the weather is still good, the rest of the year no one comes here anyway, it’s chilly and damp .
Important condition: you must have a return ticket, otherwise capricious Albanian border guards may send you back to your homeland.
Road
Uncomfortable. There are no direct flights, you will have to fly with a transfer. Cheaper - through Greece. The more time between connecting flights, the cheaper the ticket. Expect to pay approximately 250 euros for a round trip ticket.
Hotel
The cost of staying at a hotel on the Ionian Sea rarely exceeds 30 euros per night. A week in such a hotel costs no more than 160-180 euros.
What to see?
In addition to swimming and beach holidays, in Albania you simply must see:
- Tirana is the capital, where you need to see the Pyramid (the former mausoleum of the dictator Hoxha), now there is the Mummy club, where everyone dances and has fun, the central square with the statue of Skanderbeg, the Ephem Bey mosque;
- Durres is a city on the seashore with a Greek amphitheater, an ancient Roman highway, a Venetian tower, numerous bunkers, and a panoramic restaurant. Road - train from Tirana (journey 1 hour, ticket - 1 euro);
- Pogradec is a town on the shores of Lake Orchid, near the border with Macedonia. Here you can explore ancient basilicas, tombs of Illyrian kings, and try the famous Orchid trout in a local restaurant. You can get there by minibus for 4.5 euros. Lunch in a cafe - 2-3 euros.
A spoon of tar
Don't count on European level. The roads are bad, the transport is without air conditioning. Stock up on a phrasebook, preferably a Russian-Italian one. They don’t speak Russian here, and they haven’t heard of English at all.
Budget. A week's holiday in a hotel by the sea - 300 euros with meals for two, plus the cost of air tickets - 500. We get - 800 euros for a week for two (400 euros per person). We'll add about 50 euros more for local transport and sightseeing.
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
A quiet and peaceful country, part of Yugoslavia, with a predominantly Slavic but Muslim population. You can stay without a visa for up to 30 days a year. A return ticket is required upon entry.
Road
Air ticket to Sarajevo (the capital) with a transfer in Belgrade and back - from 150 euros. In summer and early autumn, ticket prices can rise to 200 euros.
Hotel
The average cost of a standard room for two in a *** hotel is from 30 to 50 euros. The hotels are comfortable, the breakfasts are delicious. Weekly accommodation - 180 - 300 euros.
What to see?
The country is proud of its beautiful nature, but the most interesting thing here is the amazing mixture of Byzantine, Ottoman and Slavic cultures. The language barrier is completely surmountable if you listen carefully - native roots will help you understand the native. And the Russian language is not uncommon here. Add here delicious and unusual cuisine, friendly and hospitable people - we will get a very attractive place to relax. Among the main attractions of Sarajevo:
- The Latin Bridge is the site of the murder of the unfortunate heir to the Austrian Empire, which led to a world war;
- Moricha Khan is an ancient refuge for caravans, an example of medieval Muslim architecture;
- Markale Square is the main marketplace of the capital of Bosnia;
- Mosques, churches, churches, medieval quarters, markets, nightclubs - everywhere an amazing mixture of the East and our native Slavic spirit;
- Wine tastings - from 25 euros for a tour of the cellars, tasting and souvenir (a bottle of wine and two branded glasses);
- Hospitality;
- Delicious cuisine;
- Rich story.
A spoon of tar
Don't expect a high level of comfort. Most likely, your hotel or guest house will not be much different from your native provincial hotel with all the “charms”, but the service will be very warm and helpful.
Budget. A week in a guest house - 130 euros; Airplane ticket - 200 euros; food - up to 60 euros per week. Total - 390 euros. Taking into account the costs of local transport, Moldova is one of the most “budget” countries for tourists.
This is the end for countries outside the Schengen Agreement. Let's see how you can have an inexpensive holiday in the “other” Europe.
Inexpensive Schengen countries
Despite the fact that a visit to most European countries will require the hassle of acquiring a visa, the holiday becomes only 35 euros more expensive. Otherwise, individual tourists can successfully save.
The main conditions for saving:
- Choose for your stay not the capital or famous resorts, but small towns and villages, where everything is almost half the price;
- Rest in spring or autumn, outside the “high season”;
- Instead of hotels, choose boarding houses or guest houses, the price of which includes breakfast;
- Do not buy souvenirs on the main streets and in tourist shops;
- Do not go to attraction-type restaurants; sometimes you have to pay very dearly for a bad and unprofessional program;
- We are looking for friends among local residents, their advice helps us save money.
1. Croatia
The country is not part of the Schengen zone, but feels already there. A visa will cost 35 euros, and with a Schengen visa entry is free. Advantages of the country: climate, landscapes and sea - like in Italy; Slavic mentality, low prices.
Road
There are direct flights, there are flights with one or two transfers, but one thing remains unchanged - a ticket to any of the international airports in Croatia (round trip) costs at least 180 euros.
It is possible to travel by train, but the trip will cost more (you need a Hungarian transit visa).
Hotels
Even in the most famous resort of Croatia - Split - you can find excellent apartments by the sea for 35-40 euros per day. The main condition is to book in advance (three to four months in advance, and preferably six months in advance).
What to see?
There are a huge number of attractions in Croatia, but you definitely need to see:
- Diocletian's Palace in Split;
- The city of Dubrovnik (just stop by and take a walk, the city is expensive);
- The city of Hum is the smallest in the world (17 inhabitants), here you can try “homemade” cognac;
- Vranjaca Cave - near Split.
Croatia is an ideal country for a beach holiday. The sea here is clean and the beaches are sandy.
A spoon of tar
When buying products at the market, be prepared for the fact that they will sell you more than local residents. Make friends with a Croatian. Purchases will be at least 20% cheaper. Restaurants here are expensive, it is better to eat on your own, shopping in small shops.
Budget. Accommodation - 240 euros. Meals - 90 euros. Local transport - up to 20 euros per person. Flight – 180 euros. Total - 530 euros. It is also necessary to take into account the entrance fee for visiting attractions; for this you need to prepare at least 20 euros per person.
2. Slovenia
Vineyards, caves, monasteries, ancient necropolises - all this is Slovenia. Of all the countries of the former Yugoslavia, this is the most expensive. Thanks to the climate and developed tourism, it is in great demand in Europe. Holidays are cheaper than in Italy.
Road
The cheapest tickets to Ljubljana are sold by Adria Airways. In this case, the trip will cost approximately 200 euros. The company offers a good bonus system; if you fly regularly, you can use special discounts.
Hotels
Apartments near the sea can be booked for 50 euros/day. Finding cheaper housing is problematic. The price level is supported by numerous tourists from Italy and Austria.
What to see?
Holidays in Slovenia can become truly unforgettable; tourists here have the following services:
- Medieval castles where balls and knightings take place;
- The real Alps with ample opportunities for ski lovers;
- Cave complexes;
- Gorgeous waterfalls where you can swim;
Comfortable beaches and clear seas, hundreds of restaurants and cafes - all this is Slovenia.
A spoon of tar
Despite all the attractiveness of the country for tourists, every second person faces the problem of free Internet. If you are going to live in a guest house, you will have to do without the Internet.
Budget. Weekly accommodation - 300 euros. Meals - 120-150 euros. Flight – 200 euros. Attractions - 50-60 euros per person. Total - 670 - 710 euros per person.
3. Bulgaria
Our tourists know this resort country from the already distant Soviet times. It must be said that since then little has changed in Bulgaria: the same sea, the same sanatoriums, the same brandy.
Road
A flight to Varna and back (we don’t even consider Sofia as a city for vacation) costs from 300 euros. You need to catch discounts on this route; at best, you’ll be lucky to find a ticket 30-40 euros cheaper.
Hotels
Even during the “high” season in Varna you can find a hotel costing 20 euros per night with breakfast. But you'll have to look. Large search engines (booking.com) will help you cope with your search best.
What to see?
Tourists never get bored in Bulgaria:
- An abundance of monasteries and Byzantine churches;
- Ancient ruins;
- Museums and exhibition halls;
- Nature reserves.
If yacht trips here are very expensive, then a walking tour or a trip to an ancient monastery with a Russian-speaking guide will cost 5-7 euros. You just need to buy the excursion on the spot, there is a possibility of big discounts.
A spoon of tar
You should not count on perfect cleanliness and impeccable plumbing in a hotel. In many ways, a budget holiday in Bulgaria is reminiscent of sanatoriums in your native country.
4. Romania
The ancient land of the Dacians, beautiful Transylvania, Dracula's castle, the Black Sea beaches - all this is Romania, which tourists have not yet truly appreciated.
Road
Flight from Moscow to Bucharest and back - from 140 euros. It is better to buy from TAROM airline (Romanian company). The most interesting cities for tourists are Sighisoara (to visit Count Dracula) and Constanta (near the blue sea). You can get from Bucharest by train or bus (travel time up to 3 hours, tickets from 12 to 15 euros).
Hotels
To the cheap flight we will add inexpensive accommodation: from 15 to 20 euros per day, including breakfast. These are the prices for rooms in guest houses and beach villas in Constanta.
What to see?
Road
The Moscow-Bratislava flight is expensive - 340 euros round trip. You can fly to Prague and then take a train or bus, but the savings will be no more than 15-20 euros. Not the most popular destination - hence the prices.
Hotels
The most modest hotel in Bratislava will cost 25 euros per night. You need to count on 35-40 euros, no less. Breakfast is not included everywhere.
What to see?
Slovakia cannot boast of an abundance of historical or cultural attractions. But in terms of natural beauty, very few European countries can compete with it. Ski resorts, small mountain hotels and farms where you can buy excellent sheep's cheese. The advantage of the capital is that from here you can practically take a tram to the magnificent Vienna.
Worth to visit:
Numerous national parks;
The city of Bardejov is the Gothic capital of Slovakia;
Castle Cherveny Kamen - a romantic story and an ominous dungeon;
Christmas market in Bratislava.
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Cultural characteristics are such that many perceive them as impolite and unfriendly. And this is just friendliness! It’s just that the national character is so gloomy and unsmiling.
Budget. Road - 340. Hotel - 210. Food - 60. Sights - 40. Total - 650 euros/week.
9. Cyprus
The island is well populated by tourists from all over the world. Not the cheapest place, but here you can relax on a budget.
Road
The cheapest flight with Air Serbia is 150 euros round trip. With a transfer in Belgrade. Direct flights are more expensive.
Hotels
Apartments near the sea can be rented for 25 euros/day. If you want the beach to be 200 meters from your accommodation, prepare at least 40 euros/day.
What to see?
Usually people come to Cyprus not to look, but to swim and sunbathe, but there are interesting places here too. After the beach and swimming you need:
Take a walk around Nicosia, moving from the Christian to the Muslim part;
Ride donkeys;
Swim in the “Aphrodite Bay”;
Visit the Othello fortress in the Famagusta area;
Look into the famous catacombs.
You can buy inexpensive guided tours at Cyprus tourism kiosks. The cost of such an excursion is 10-15 euros.
The crisis and pan-European economic instability have made Greece a country for a budget holiday. The flow of tourists there does not dry up, but prices have become calmer.
Road
Tickets to and from the main cities of Greece can be found for around 140 euros. But if you are persistent and subscribe to airline news, you can “catch” a discount of 30-40%.
Hotel
A good hotel in Greece is expensive. But every week, several hotels in different parts of the country announce happy hours. In this case, you can find a four-star hotel room for 35-40 euros/day. A room in a hostel, far from the sea and with minimal amenities - 28-32 euros.
What to see?
Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Rhodes - there is something to see everywhere. It is possible to answer this question, but the answer will take several volumes. Greece is a paradise not only for those who love the warm sea and delicious wine, it is a place for those who want to see with their own eyes everything that they once read about in books with the myths of ancient Greece and saw in films about the Spartans. Tourism for Greece is the last opportunity to stay afloat in the economic sea, so every tourist will be treated kindly and entertained.
The review ends with the most distant and exotic country.
— swimming in the ocean, port wine for dinner, wild colors and a unique culture.
Road
A flight from Moscow to Lisbon and back will cost 200 euros - an offer from Air France.
Hotel
Guest houses in Lisbon offer rooms from 20 euros per night. For 30 euros you can rent a decent hotel room on the outskirts of the city, but close to the metro.
What to see?
There are many attractions here; local travel companies are ready to offer both one-day trips around the country and tours of 2-3 days. Such excursions cost from 25 to 150 euros. You should try to see:
Portuguese wineries;
Several medieval monasteries;
Lisbon Cathedral;
Fortress of St. George;
City of Porto.
A spoon of tar
Hotel cleaning is a very conditional thing. Don't expect anyone to change the towels and refill the shampoo. Punctuality is not a priority here; public transport runs on a flexible schedule.
Budget. Road - 200. Hotel - 180. Food - 150-200. Attractions - 60-80. The result is 590-650 euros/week.
Europe is the same continent where a good half of Russia is located. And our country occupies a large part of its territory. You shouldn’t make something inaccessible or too expensive from the Old World. We go to travel where it is closer and more interesting. Due to the compact residence of completely different peoples, it is Europe that is of interest to tourists. Let's take advantage of the fact that we are nearby. Let's discover Europe!
