Here are our top seven destinations to get the best value for Europe's busiest travel season.
Though
Hungary’s been part of the European Union since 2004, it has yet to
adopt the euro. That’s a boon for would-be travelers, as the local
currency took a hit in 2010, and these days, you can get 187 forint to
the US dollar—a far better deal than converting to euros. With its
splendid Danube setting, the country’s capital, Budapest, is undeniably
picturesque, and exploring the city by tram is an inexpensive way to
take in the scenery; we particularly like whiling away an hour on Tram
56, which wends into the heart of the Buda Hills. Summer festivals are
another top draw; early August brings Sziget
one of Europe’s best music festivals to Óbuda Island (this year’s
round-up includes Amy Winehouse, Interpol, The National, and the
Deftones on its impressive roster), while the week after Labor Day
welcomes the wine-tasting Arbor Fesztival
to the grounds of Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getting
here is also more affordable than you’d think: Direct flights on
Hungarian Airlines cost 20% less than Rome and Paris in July and
superior rooms at the luxury Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
top out at under $200 a night this summer, with free wifi included.
Plus, you can say goodbye to jetlag with a dip at the famed thermal
baths of the Gellert Hotel (no reservations required) or a jolt of coffee at one of the city’s elegant coffeehouses.
While
the image of economic riots in central Greece may still be top of mind,
it’s worth remembering that Greece's culture and monuments have long
withstood the test of time. The debt crisis, combined with the legacies
of the 2004 Olympic Games (which introduced a modernized metro system
and a slew of mid-range hotels to bustling Athens), have made the
capital more affordable and easier to navigate. Budget-friendly options
like Acropolis Select (from 80 euros) and Plaka Hotel
(from 135 euros) won’t break the bank, though be prepared to pay extra
for breakfast or an Acropolis view. A one-week pass to all the sites and
museums along the Unification of Archaeological Sites walkway is a slim
12 euros and the unmissable Acropolis Museum that opened in 2009 is
just 5 euros. Athens is also the jumping off point to the sun-kissed
Greek Islands; you’ll get better value by skipping Mykonos and Santorini
and visiting smaller, off-the-beaten path islands like Folegandros
instead. Getting there by ferry is half the fun, too. While you can
splurge on high-speed routes with private cabins, longer crossings cost
less and allow more time on deck to admire the Aegean Sea.
Yes,
Ireland’s still pricier than other European destinations on this list,
but this travelers' favorite is nonetheless more affordable than it has
been in years past. Many hotels have dropped their prices substantially
since the height of the 2008 Celtic Tiger boom, and package deals (not
to be confused with group tours) can make an Ireland trip affordable and
effortless. Case in point: Sceptre Tours' weeklong Emerald Isle
option includes roundtrip air, six-night lodging, and a rental car from
$829 between June 1 and June 15 (bear in mind that automatic cars are
more expensive than stick shift in this part of the world, so the price
can go up). If booking your own trip, look for reasonably priced country
B&Bs
(bonus: a full Irish breakfast can mean a light lunch) or choose from a
surplus of discounted hotel rooms left over from the construction boom.
Many of Ireland’s top attractions are also free, such as scenic drives
like the Ring of Kerry, and you can save on historic home visits with a Heritage card
(21 euros). And if all that sightseeing makes you thirsty, head to the
local pub for a pint of Guinness (5 euros) and free entertainment like
traditional music.
Oft-overlooked
Portugal offers some of the continent’s best values and uncrowded
experiences to boot. Appealing beaches, sun-drenched vineyards,
sophisticated cities, and flavorful cuisine are all part of the
country’s agreeable mix—for much less than neighboring Spain (and a
fraction of Italy). Know the local lingo to find lodging and dining that
fits your budget: residencias and pensões are simple yet affordable accommodations, while posaudas (inns) are more atmospheric and more expensive; churrasqueiras serve charcoal-grilled dishes, while marisqueiras are pricier restaurants. Free walking tours of the hilly Victorian streets of Lisbon are a great way to work up an appetite for fresh seafood and old-fashioned hospitality; getting lost in the Alfama
neighborhood is a rite of passage for travelers. For a day trip, check
out the must-see National Palace (4 euros) in Sintra. Three hours north
of Lisbon by train (30 euros) lies Porto,
an atmospheric town at the confluence of the Douro River and the
Atlantic. Here, Portugal’s renowned port-making lodges offer free tours
and tastings, even at big names like Sandeman.
Vineyard stays in the nearby Douro Valley are a downright steal in
comparison to well-trammeled Napa and Tuscany; here, the contemporary Aquapura is
running a summer special for $434/person for two nights with breakfast,
two three-course dinners with wine, a river cruise, and a spa treatment
for two. It's also easy to help the local economy: Colorful azulejo tiles are affordable splurges and make the perfect souvenir
Berlin: Culture on an Artist's Budget
Fifty years after construction began on the Berlin Wall, Berlin has morphed into one of Europe’s most culturally rich cities, with classic and cutting-edge art scenes that rival those of London and New York. Yet it’s done so while keeping prices in check. Affordable design-oriented lodging abounds, like Propeller Island City Lodge (from 99 euros) in Charlottenburg and Lux Eleven (from 115 euros) in trendy Mitte. Take advantage of savings passes like the combination ticket (12 euros) for Museum Island, a unique consortium of five cultural institutions in the middle of the Spree River that’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Center. Excellent public transportation, from the U-bahn (subway) to buses and trams, makes getting around both effortless and cheap. And much of the burgeoning local art scene can be experienced for free, by popping into the modern galleries in the up-and-coming Brunnenstrasse neighborhood. For more of Berlin's art scene, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for street art everywhere you go.Budapest: Europe without the Euro
Though
Hungary’s been part of the European Union since 2004, it has yet to
adopt the euro. That’s a boon for would-be travelers, as the local
currency took a hit in 2010, and these days, you can get 187 forint to
the US dollar—a far better deal than converting to euros. With its
splendid Danube setting, the country’s capital, Budapest, is undeniably
picturesque, and exploring the city by tram is an inexpensive way to
take in the scenery; we particularly like whiling away an hour on Tram
56, which wends into the heart of the Buda Hills. Summer festivals are
another top draw; early August brings Sziget
one of Europe’s best music festivals to Óbuda Island (this year’s
round-up includes Amy Winehouse, Interpol, The National, and the
Deftones on its impressive roster), while the week after Labor Day
welcomes the wine-tasting Arbor Fesztival
to the grounds of Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Getting
here is also more affordable than you’d think: Direct flights on
Hungarian Airlines cost 20% less than Rome and Paris in July and
superior rooms at the luxury Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
top out at under $200 a night this summer, with free wifi included.
Plus, you can say goodbye to jetlag with a dip at the famed thermal
baths of the Gellert Hotel (no reservations required) or a jolt of coffee at one of the city’s elegant coffeehouses. Greece: Classical Athens & Affordable Isles
While
the image of economic riots in central Greece may still be top of mind,
it’s worth remembering that Greece's culture and monuments have long
withstood the test of time. The debt crisis, combined with the legacies
of the 2004 Olympic Games (which introduced a modernized metro system
and a slew of mid-range hotels to bustling Athens), have made the
capital more affordable and easier to navigate. Budget-friendly options
like Acropolis Select (from 80 euros) and Plaka Hotel
(from 135 euros) won’t break the bank, though be prepared to pay extra
for breakfast or an Acropolis view. A one-week pass to all the sites and
museums along the Unification of Archaeological Sites walkway is a slim
12 euros and the unmissable Acropolis Museum that opened in 2009 is
just 5 euros. Athens is also the jumping off point to the sun-kissed
Greek Islands; you’ll get better value by skipping Mykonos and Santorini
and visiting smaller, off-the-beaten path islands like Folegandros
instead. Getting there by ferry is half the fun, too. While you can
splurge on high-speed routes with private cabins, longer crossings cost
less and allow more time on deck to admire the Aegean Sea.Iceland: Volcanic Savings & Farm-Fresh Lodging
Iceland’s debt crisis lowered tourism costs in popular Reykjavik and the 2010 Eyjafjallajokull volcano eruption further setback the country's recovery. Add on the short flight from East Coast hubs and some of cheapest tickets to Europe, and Iceland looks more appealing than ever. Check out fares from Icelandair, long known for free stopovers en route to other European destinations, and also Delta's new flights from New York's JFK to Reykjavik that start June 1. Once you've landed, stretch your budget (1 US dollar = 181 Iceland krónur) by getting out of the capital and into the dramatic countryside. The 190-mile "Golden Circle" route is a memorable drive that covers all the popular highlights, from volcanic landscapes and Europe's largest waterfall, to active geysers, and classic fjord views, much of which is free to see. A notable exception, the famous Blue Lagoon (28 euros), is worth the price to soak in its healing geothermal waters. Because June to August is peak time for travel in Iceland, book as far in advance as possible and look for breakfast-included hotel rates for extra value. A more affordable lodging option, a local farmstay, is a great way to experience Icelandic culture. Start Planning with Fodor's Iceland Travel Guide.Ireland: Pints Priced Right
Yes,
Ireland’s still pricier than other European destinations on this list,
but this travelers' favorite is nonetheless more affordable than it has
been in years past. Many hotels have dropped their prices substantially
since the height of the 2008 Celtic Tiger boom, and package deals (not
to be confused with group tours) can make an Ireland trip affordable and
effortless. Case in point: Sceptre Tours' weeklong Emerald Isle
option includes roundtrip air, six-night lodging, and a rental car from
$829 between June 1 and June 15 (bear in mind that automatic cars are
more expensive than stick shift in this part of the world, so the price
can go up). If booking your own trip, look for reasonably priced country
B&Bs
(bonus: a full Irish breakfast can mean a light lunch) or choose from a
surplus of discounted hotel rooms left over from the construction boom.
Many of Ireland’s top attractions are also free, such as scenic drives
like the Ring of Kerry, and you can save on historic home visits with a Heritage card
(21 euros). And if all that sightseeing makes you thirsty, head to the
local pub for a pint of Guinness (5 euros) and free entertainment like
traditional music.Poland: Affordable Eastern European History
We recommended Kraków as a place to visit in 2008 (yes, we’re that ahead of the curve!), and it, along with Poland in general, has since become one of Europe's rising stars, with top reasons to visit that include Baroque castles, picturesque river gorges, medieval marketplaces, and sobering reminders of history at Auschwitz and Birkenau. As Poland is outside of the Eurozone, greenbacks go farther in the local currency (1 US dollar = 2.7 zloty). Plan an itinerary that starts in Budapest (another one of our value cities) and ends in Warsaw, or see the highlights on a six-night escorted tour from Stay Poland that covers accommodation, ground transportation (but no flight), and meals in Warsaw, Krakow, and Zakopane from $1,300 per person this August 5 to 11.Portugal: Architecture & Free Port Tastings
Oft-overlooked
Portugal offers some of the continent’s best values and uncrowded
experiences to boot. Appealing beaches, sun-drenched vineyards,
sophisticated cities, and flavorful cuisine are all part of the
country’s agreeable mix—for much less than neighboring Spain (and a
fraction of Italy). Know the local lingo to find lodging and dining that
fits your budget: residencias and pensões are simple yet affordable accommodations, while posaudas (inns) are more atmospheric and more expensive; churrasqueiras serve charcoal-grilled dishes, while marisqueiras are pricier restaurants. Free walking tours of the hilly Victorian streets of Lisbon are a great way to work up an appetite for fresh seafood and old-fashioned hospitality; getting lost in the Alfama
neighborhood is a rite of passage for travelers. For a day trip, check
out the must-see National Palace (4 euros) in Sintra. Three hours north
of Lisbon by train (30 euros) lies Porto,
an atmospheric town at the confluence of the Douro River and the
Atlantic. Here, Portugal’s renowned port-making lodges offer free tours
and tastings, even at big names like Sandeman.
Vineyard stays in the nearby Douro Valley are a downright steal in
comparison to well-trammeled Napa and Tuscany; here, the contemporary Aquapura is
running a summer special for $434/person for two nights with breakfast,
two three-course dinners with wine, a river cruise, and a spa treatment
for two. It's also easy to help the local economy: Colorful azulejo tiles are affordable splurges and make the perfect souvenir
The Great Barrier Reef: The
only living thing that can be seen from outer space that is larger than
the Great Wall of China is the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral
reef system in the world. Located in Australia, this reef system is
composed of 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands making it 1,600 miles
in length. The overall structure of the reef is composed of billions
of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. Along with the ocean, the
reef creates a habitat that supports a great diversity of sea life, some
of which are endangered. Because of the vast beauty of the Reef,
people find it very appealing to visit thus bringing many tourist
dollars to the area, which help to put in place protective measures to
hopefully protect this valuable wonder for many generations to come.
The Grand Canyon: The
deep, rugged, multi-colored walls of the Grand Canyon can create a
powerful and inspiring experience upon viewing. This deep sided gorge
has been carved through the landscape over many millions of years by the
Colorado River. With a length of 277 miles long, The Grand Canyon can
range in width from 4 to 18 miles and attain a depth of over a mile.
Many layers of rock are preserved in the canyon’s walls which have been
exposed due to erosion creating a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors that
can change based on the sun’s position and weather conditions. The
Grand Canyon attracts over 5 million tourists a year.
Northern and Southern Lights: Creating
beautiful colorful displays of lights are Northern and Southern Lights
or otherwise know as auroras. These auroras are usually viewed at night
and occur more often around Polar Regions, usually within the Artic and
Antarctic Circles, but can also be found in other parts of the world.
They usually appear to be reddish or greenish swaths appearing across
the dark night sky, but can also be different shades of blue and yellow.
The occurrences of auroras are due to emissions of photons in the
Earth’s upper atmosphere. Oxygen and nitrogen atoms returning from an
excited state to ground state create the emission of photons of light.
Mt. Everest: The
top of Mount Everest is the highest point on the earth’s surface. It’s
part of the Himalaya mountain range in Asia and stands over 29,029 ft
high. Many people from experienced mountaineers to novice climbers
climb the peak which since 2009 has claimed over 215 lives since being
recorded. This attraction to the mountain brings much needed tourist
dollars to the area and helps the economy of the local city.
Victoria Falls: The
Victoria Falls are some of the largest falls in the world. They are
located between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa
on the Zambezi River. They are considered the most famous falls in the
world. The Falls attract over 300,000 visitors a year. To visit The
Falls and the surrounding area to view the exotic wildlife and
vegetation makes a fantastic memorable experience that you will remember
for a lifetime.
Paricutin:
Located in Michoacán, a state in Mexico is the Paricutin volcano.
Beginning in 1943 as a fissure on the property of a local farmer, within
one week, reached over five-stories tall, and in a year, reached over
1,102.36 ft tall. Many lives were negatively affected by the volcano
which killed crops and livestock and caused massive property damage to
the surrounding 25 miles of land.
The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro:
Located in Guanabara Bay in Brazil, The Harbor of Rio de Janeiro is
considered to be one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. The
bay stretches inland by 20 miles and is surrounded by beautiful mountain
ranges, including three famous peaks, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado
Peak, and the hills of Tijuca. There are also many islands to enjoy
within the harbor.