I read an article on Forbes.com recently about the <a href="http://www.forbes.com/2010/10/29/countries-where-dollar-goes-furthest-exchange-rates-personal-finance-cheap-travel.html?feed=rss_finance">Eight Countries Where the Dollar Goes Furthest</a>, which got me thinking of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. Of course, it's much cheaper to visit Eastern Europe than Europe proper - and that's reflected heavily in the list. Although Portugal didn't make the list of absolutely dirt cheap European vacation spots, it is on Forbes's list as the only affordable Western European country to visit.
Without further ado, the 5 cheapest vacation spots in Europe are:
1. Turkey
While Istanbul remains expensive compared to the rest of the country, even Istanbul is cheap compared to most American, Canadian and European cities. It's quite possible to live and survive on 30 lira a day, including going out for drinks.
2. Hungary
Budapest remains a favorite of frugal travelers worldwide. With an amazing historical distriction, a vibrant clubbing and bar scene, and cheap alcohol, it's a particularly good location for travelers who want to save money.
3. Montenegro
Although I have not been here, every person I have ever met who has is deeply in love with Montenegro. It is supposed to have some of the most stunning landscape possible - and, despite being on the Euro, is supposed to be extremely affordable.
4. Slovenia
Another cheap European spot, Slovenia is nested between Italy, Croatia, Hungary and Austria and as such is an excellent country to go to if you want to visit multiple countries. Like Montenegro, Ljubljana has beautiful natural landscaping including mountains, caves and lakes, along with a lively nightlife. Of course, it's not as cheap as it used to be before adopting the Euro, but it's still an affordable European vacation destination.
5. Poland
If you don't want to go to Southeastern or Eastern Europe, why not try Poland in Central Europe? Krakow has some amazing tourist destinations. Some, like Auschwitz, focus on the horrors of the holocaust. Warsaw, too, has a large population and a number of tourist destinations. Not surprisingly, hard liquor is quite cheap here.
Picture by Jon
