Tag Cheap

Share The Article

Summer is upon us, and if you’re planning on taking that Transatlantic flight to revel in the Old World’s ancient allure, it’s probably places like France, Italy, and Spain that first pop to mind.

Gorgeous as it may sound, that idyllic vision of Europe with twinkling Eiffel Towers and Instagrammable, pastel-hue towns doesn’t always match the reality on the ground, especially once you factor in the hordes of tourists and the wallet-straining prices.

The average cost of a one-week vacation in Paris is a whopping $4,171 for two adults, and that’s if you’re careful with your spending. Village-hopping down the Amalfi Coast could set you back an equally troubling $4,155.

And let’s face it, it’s not like you’re investing all that money in a stress-free dolce vita, anyway.

The good news is, there’s a lot more to be discovered in Europe if only you’re willing to look beyond that mainstream, glossy travel TikTok, and who knows, maybe you won’t need to burn through all your savings in the end, nor elbow your way through a crowd to take decent pictures of a particular landmark.

How about you start with these 4 (largely) unheard-of medieval gems?

Gdańsk, Poland

A vibrant port city near Poland’s Baltic Coast, Gdańsk seems to have been plucked straight from the cover of a children’s storybook: it’s colorful, filled with octagonal towers, gabled roofs, and motif-decorated facades.

Despite being mostly rebuilt following the devastation of World War II, which in fact started here, of all places, it exudes medieval charm. Walking through the ornate Green Gate, straight onto the Long Market, feels like stepping into a movie scene.

On the opposite direction, towards the waterfront, right on the banks of the Motława River, you’ll find rows of Late-Renaissance buildings and Europe’s oldest crane, built as early as 1442, as well as Rybka na Wartkiej, one of many traditional eateries serving pierogi and a killer breaded fish.

As far as prices go, Gdańsk is one of the least expensive city breaks across the pond: according to Budget Your Trip, tourists will normally spend $38 on meals, $9.14 on transportation, and $57 on hotels per day, bringing the total one-week cost to $521.

Brno, Czechia

When it comes to its spire-dotted cityscapes and astronomical clocks, we’re all familiar with Prague, but unless you’ve taken an interest in Czechia lately, chances are you’ve not been properly introduced to its less-famous sibling, Brno.

The second-largest city in the country, it has a well-preserved old center characterized by its cobbled streets and café-bordered squares—and may we add, a wide array of noteworthy historic monuments that rarely get the attention they deserve.

We’re thinking the eerie-looking, dark-stone Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, with its twin spires that seem to pierce through to the heavens, home to beautiful Baroque altars, the 13th-century Špilberk Castle, formerly a prison, and Villa Tugendhat, one of the first modernist complexes erected in Europe.

Compared to Prague, is a relatively-affordable destination as a whole: traveling on a budget, expect to pay a daily average of $40 on meals, $2.84 on public transport, and $66 on hotels, or a grand total of $522 if you’re staying an entire week.

Pécs, Hungary

Perhaps Budapest’s closest rival in both beauty and historical relevance, Pécs is a 2,000-year-old city in southern Hungary that traces its history back to a Roman settlement, and prides itself in being among the earliest centers of Christianity in Europe:

Its 4th-century Early Christian Necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising an elaborate system of underground tombs richly engraved with Christian symbols.

The imposing Pécs Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, was raised in 1009.

Other important attractions include the (former) Mosque of Pasha Qasim, built by the Turks upon their conquest of the city, now functioning as a church, and Széchenyi Square, with its many fountains, stately edifices, and laid-back eateries.

Wondering how much vacationing in stunning, little Pécs costs?

Based on Budget Your Trip‘s cheapest estimates, that’s roughly $22 on meals every day, $7.95 on commuting, if any at all, considering how walkable it is, and $34 per night on accommodation, totaling $317 for the week.

Timișoara, Romania

A most elegant city in Western Romania, strongly influenced by Austrian-Hungarian architecture, Timișoara may not have the edginess of Bucharest or the Bram Stoker-esque appeal of Brașov, but it certainly has a lot going for it.

Timișoara’s Old Town revolves around the large central square, Piața Victoriei, flanked by majestic, soft-colored Habsburg buildings with decorative facades and wrought-iron balconies.

If you think Moscow’s St. Basil’s is the queen of Eastern European churches, Timișoara offers the next best thing.

Sitting on the south bank of the fast-flowing Bega River, the Metropolitan Cathedral has 11 towers in total, a distinctive patterned-tile roof, and a vibrantly-painted interior, sure to satisfy your craving for Orthodox grandeur while Russia remains off-limits.

Last (but not least), as a traveler on a budget, you’ll feel right at home here: be it tripe soup, grilled sausages, or cabbage rolls, meals will run you $39-a-day, whereas getting around town costs as cheap as $12, between buses and Ubers, and hotels average an economical $50 per night.

Overall, the cost of a week-long stint in Timișoara comes to around $562.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Share The Article

Wanna know where to go on the cheap this summer? Me too!

I don’t know about you, but Tax Day had me seeing red. Call me stubborn, but fewer commas in my bank account won’t stop me from seeing the world.

As you know, many of the global icons we’ve all fallen in love with, such as London, Paris, and our very own New York City, come at premium prices, driving us to venture off to the lesser-known.

Skyscanner just released its ‘Smarter Summer Report‘—emphasis on “smarter.” The truth is many travelers waste their hard-earned cash with spur-of-the-moment decisions, like waiting until the last second to book a trip or not looking at alternative dates.

But Skyscanner has done all the research for us, revealing that one of America’s most underrated beach towns has the cheapest flights in the nation.

Better yet, once you arrive, you won’t have to break the bank either with affordable stays and fun, low-cost activities.

Wilmington, NC: Average Summer Airfare Is Only $105

You can barely have a nice night out anymore without hitting triple digits. My last date night totaled $86 with a tip, and that was just happy hour!

When it comes to traveling, it’s hard to believe round-trip airfare anywhere can average a smidge over $100, but that’s the case for Wilmington, North Carolina, not to be confused with another cheap East Coast city, Wilmington, Delaware.

North Carolina’s coastal gem flies under the radar from the busy hub of Charlotte, the epic comeback of Asheville, and perhaps the trendiest coastline in the country, thanks to the popular Netflix show of the same name, The Outer Banks.

Isolated from the vast space of map-dot towns making up a swath of barrier islands, Wilmington is not an Outer Banks beach. It offers a more charming aesthetic and city feel, and its own cluster of beautiful beaches within close reach.

According to Skyscanner’s ‘Explore’ feature, these 10 cities have nonstop flights under $125 round-trip in June before summer temps hit their peak in July:

• Washington D.C. ($70)
• Nashville ($74)
• Detroit ($78)
• Tampa ($97)
• Rochester ($105)
• Orlando ($108)
• Houston ($112)
• Minneapolis ($113)
• New Haven ($119)
• Providence ($120)

Downtown Delights: A Blissful “Riverwalk” & Historic Attractions

Unless much of the Outer Banks, Wilmington offers visitors a balanced mix of urban delights and quintessential southern hospitality, all while being a stone’s throw from vibrant blue-water beaches.

To be frank, Wilmington’s skyline is a little lackluster, but don’t let the drab colors deter you from experiencing the joys of downtown.

The Riverwalk is downtown’s heartbeat with a bustling pedestrian promenade and scenic waterfront views snaking down the Cape Fear River with sensational seafood eats, killer breweries, boat tours, and some unexpected thrills like the Museum of the Bizarre ($3 admission).

All in all, the buzzing Riverwalk is home to 200 shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Of course, with such splendid summertime weather, there are ample ways to enjoy the outdoors, but locals’ favorite to simply grab a patio seat at such popular hangouts like Elijah’s Oyster & Fish Camp to enjoy a fresh catch and sweeping waterfront views.

Wilmington is far from flashy, so don’t expect prices to be out of control. For example, even a Wine Tasting Cruise along Cape Fear only costs $45.

In fact, Wilmington is one of the most under-appreciated cities in the South in terms of all the fascinating historical sites, whether it be the 230-plus block National Register Historic District or Battleship North Carolina.

Wilmington’s Wondrous Coast

Downtown may boast the scenic river, but going east of the city are the real gems of lesser-known beaches and unheard-of islands.

Wrightsville Beach is arguably the most sought-after and easiest to reach, but surrounding Wrightsville lies barrier island sanctuaries and celebrity-favored hideaways, known as the “Hamptons of the South”.

Wrightsville is the best choice for a nice beachfront stay if you want to wake up to views of the Atlantic rather than cozy cafes dotting downtown. However, coastal prices are a far cry from downtown’s double-digit rates for chain hotels.

4-star Trailborn Surf & Sound is going for $375 this June and July, 3-star Holiday Inn Resort Lumina on Wrightsville Beach goes for even more at $431 per night, compared to downtown’s 5-star Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection going for just $108 this summer.

Maybe Uber to the beach?

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Share The Article

If you’re in search of the ultimate place to unwind this spring or summer, there’s an East Coast island perfectly suited for you.

Light on the wallet with beautiful white-sand shores, this tranquil hideaway flies well under the radar with the exception of one unique event taking place each year that you may have seen published by National Geographic, or even Animal Planet.

But what hasn’t been revealed is just how truly wonderful it is to visit one of Virginia’s prettiest getaways and how remarkably affordable it is.

Splendid spring weather is right around the corner, so there’s no time like the present to begin booking scenic waterfront stays to kick back, relax, and enjoy a delightful vacation spot at least 3 hours removed from any major city.

While there are plenty of beaches packed to the gills with vacationers, Chincoteague, Virginia is the exception, and according to WorldAtlas, you can expect wide-open shores year-round, even in the heart of summer.

Small Town Charm & Cheap Stays

Chincoteague Island, which is also home to the most notable town on the island with the same name, is quintessential East Coast without the funny accents.

Think savory seafood, idyllic coastlines, and towering lighthouses guiding ships back home. So much so there’s actually a popular Lighthouse Trail, an easy 1/4 mile trail navigating through lush forests, ultimately bringing you to the unmissable Assateague Lighthouse.

Chincoteague (the town) is brimming with down-home charm and a slower pace of life with friendly residents happy to have you check out their shops and hole-in-the-wall eats, such as Southern Living-backed AJ’s On The Creek, serving up what locals call “salts”, which are Chincoteague oysters…or sea-boogers to those who aren’t fans of slimy bivalves.

But eating local isn’t the only way to save money vacationing here; the island’s low prices transfer over to the surprising array of accommodations too.

Opt for a cozy Mom & Pop stay along the waterfront at the rightfully named Waterside Inn for less than $70, or go for a slight upgrade next door at the Marina Bay Hotel & Suites for around $100, or choose Chincoteague’s most secluded stay with private cottages at Key West Cottages in the $200’s.

All these rates reflect spring. Like anywhere else, summer rates tend to see an uptick.

Chincoteague’s Best Beaches

Chincoteague Bay encompasses the island, boasting sparkling crystal-clear waters as a serene backdrop.

There are multiple beaches lined with soft white sand along the blue Atlantic waters, but not so much on the bayside.

Although, some of the top stays such as the handful mentioned above are facing the bay, which still offers scenic views and coastal delights when it comes to food, hotels, and excursions.

One of these is boat and kayak tours, crossing the tranquil waters of Chincoteague Bay. On the Atlantic side, however, is where you’ll find the best beaches.

You know, the gleaming white-sand kind you’ll find on gift shop postcards. That’s why you’ll want to enter Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge not only for fascinating wildlife encounters, but also the region’s prettiest coastlines.

Assateague is the most pristine beach Chincoteague has to offer (not to be confused with neigh-boring Assateague Island up the coast).

This gleaming, spacious beach is located within the refuge, and exactly why wildlife is the island’s claim to fame, especially as wild horses roam freely along its sandy shores and graze in the coastal marshes.

The Ultimate Place To Horse Around

Have you ever visited somewhere and felt like you didn’t get to see it all? Well, one thing is for certain in Chincoteague; you won’t miss the wild horses.

If you venture down to Assateague, you’re practically guaranteed to spot some along the coast.

But on the off chance you don’t, there’s one unique event held annually that has been featured by National Geographic, among other notable publications, showcasing Chincoteague’s famous Pony Swim.

Here, visitors will witness the “Saltwater Cowboys” gather wild Chincoteague ponies on Assateague Island and swim them across the Assateague Channel to Chincoteague Island.

The next roundup is slated for July 26, a preamble to the official event set to be held July 30, 2025 —another reason hotel rates might spike come summer.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Share The Article

I’ve been traveling for years and am definitely guilty of overlooking certain destinations because I assume right away they are out of my price range (looking at you Dubai)…

But what if I told you the wealthiest country on Earth is actually a super affordable travel destination?

Yep, I was just as surprised as you probably are.

Luxembourg—a gem nestled between France, Germany, and Belgium—boasts the highest GDP per capita in the world in 2025 according to a new report from World Atlas.

Yet, despite this, it’s refreshingly easy on the wallet for a traveler.

From free public transport to cheaper hotels and even castles you can explore without spending anything, Luxembourg is proof that you don’t need millionaire status to live like one.

Here’s why visiting the richest country on the planet won’t empty your wallet:

You Can Travel Everywhere For Free (Seriously)

You know that awkward moment when you can’t figure out how to use a foreign ticket machine and you’re just randomly jabbing buttons in a panic?

Yeah, that won’t happen in Luxembourg—because public transport is completely free.

No catch. No fine print. Just free buses, trains, and trams across the entire country.

Since 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make public transport free for both locals and tourists.

So, whether you’re zipping around Luxembourg City or heading out to explore the countryside, you’ll never have to fumble for coins or stress about ticket prices.

Pro tip: The only thing you’ll need is a form of ID, as conductors occasionally ask to see it. Otherwise, just hop on and go. It’s basically like having a golden ticket, but for regular folks.

5-Star Hotels That Won’t Break The Bank

For a country that’s so loaded, I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable the accommodation is—even the fancy stuff.

I found 5-star hotels in the heart of Luxembourg City for under $300 a night (the Hotel Sofitel Luxembourg Europe), which is a steal compared to other popular European cities.

And we’re talking proper luxury—gorgeous suites, rooftop terraces, and spas that’ll make you consider missing your train home.

On a budget? No problem. You can easily snag a cozy hotel or guesthouse for around $100 a night, even in prime locations.

And if you’re feeling extra thrifty, there are plenty of affordable Airbnb options scattered around the countryside.

Free Castles, Cheap Museums, And Scenic Walks

You know what’s better than visiting a castle? Visiting a castle for free. And Luxembourg is full of them.

The country is basically one giant fairytale backdrop, with over 70 castles surrounded by forests and rolling hills. Many of them are free to explore from the outside, and even the ones with admission fees are pretty cheap compared to castles in neighboring countries.

Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly activities:

• Vianden Castle: This stunner looks straight out of a fairy tale, you half expect to see a dragon fly overhead, and entry is only €10 (about $11 USD).
• Free museums: Several museums along the Museum Mile in Luxembourg City offer free entry to their permanent exhibits.
• Scenic walking trails: You can stroll along the Chemin de la Corniche, aka “Europe’s most beautiful balcony,” for panoramic city views—completely free.

Oh, and if you’re a sucker for cityscapes, the Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator offers one of the best views of Luxembourg City (i.e. the pic below)—and yep, it’s free too.

You Can Hop Over To France, Germany, Or Belgium In Under An Hour

One of the coolest things about Luxembourg is its ridiculously good location. It’s like the ultimate European basecamp.

From the main train station, you can be in:

• Trier, Germany in 40 minutes
• Metz, France in 50 minutes
• Brussels, Belgium in just over 2 hours
• Paris in less than 2 hours (if you take a high-speed train)

So, if you’re feeling spontaneous, you can have breakfast in Luxembourg, lunch in Germany, and be back for dinner.

Luxembourg’s Countryside Feels Straight Out Of A Storybook

I’ll be honest—I expected the capital to be charming (which it is), but Luxembourg’s countryside totally steals the show.

Once you leave the city, you’ll find yourself surrounded by rolling green hills, medieval villages, and hidden valleys that look straight out of a Tolkien novel.

Some must-visit countryside spots include:

• 🌳 Mullerthal Trail: Known as “Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland,” this region is perfect for hiking, with woodland paths, rock formations, and waterfalls.
• 🍷 Moselle Valley: Famous for its vineyards and wine tasting, this area is a must for anyone who enjoys sipping a glass of Riesling with a view.
• 🏰 Beaufort Castle: A charming, partially ruined castle surrounded by forests—ideal for a peaceful day trip. Though this one is not free, it is really affordable at 7 Euros per person.

Why Luxembourg Is Worth It (Even If You’re On A Budget)

Luxembourg may be the richest country in the world, but it’s surprisingly affordable for tourists and travelers like us.

With free public transport, reasonable hotels, and free attractions all over, it’s one of the best-kept secrets for budget-conscious travelers.

Plus, it makes the perfect home base for exploring Europe without the hassle of moving hotels every night.

So, next time you’re planning a Euro trip, don’t skip past Luxembourg.

Tyler Fox

Tyler is our Managing Editor and Writer. After spending years reading, writing, and obsessing over travel (while taking trips as often as possible of course!), he aims to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.

Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Share The Article

When you think of an idyllic European life, with Vespa rides, blood-orange sunsets, soft pistachio ice cream, and lounging for hours on a scenic beach, feet caressed by the warm Mediterranean, Italy, Croatia, or Greece probably come to mind.

But what if we told you there’s a lesser-known spot most Americans haven’t been to yet, and where you can still have all that, except for the ire-inducing Amalfi crowds and the ridiculous Santorini prices?

Located directly south of Dubrovnik, a short one-hour drive from the jam-packed fortified town, Montenegro offers equally-beautiful coastal scenery, rich culture, and dare we say, more affordable living:

Welcome To Montenegro, Croatia’s Less-Famous Sister

A small Balkan country only about 4.40 as big as Rhode Island, Montenegro may not look like much when you draw up a map of Europe, given its less-than-impressive landmass, and the fact it is surrounded by far-more famous countries.

An incredibly-popular Croatia sits right to its north, and if you keep driving south long enough, in 7 hours you’ll reach Greece.

That being said, it is by no means lacking in cultural attractions.

Its Dalmatian Coast, a direct continuation of Croatia’s own, is interspersed with scenic pebbly bays, hugged by waters of the most turquoise blue you’ve ever seen, and ancient harbor towns with centuries-old houses built from ocher stones.

If you’re wondering where to start, try Kotor:

Gorgeous Medieval Towns Untouched By The Passing Of Time

It is a medieval maze of cobble-paved pathways backed by limestone mountains—climb up St John’s Fortress forwater magnificent views of the winding, namesake Kotor Bay, explore the town’s numerous Romanesque churches, and sample ćevapi and pear rakija from a local eatery.

Nearby, Perast is a quaint fishing village distinguished by its spearing bell tower, and facing the landmark Our Lady of the Rocks, an islet home to a solitary church and museum, right in the middle of Kotor Bay.

For around $13, you can enjoy a sizable Margherita pizza with a local rose overlooking the water at Locanda, a well-known restaurant serving Mediterranean staples at reasonable prices.

Over in Herceg Novi, at the Western entrance of the Bay of Kotor, you’ll find yet another historic stronghold-city with a picture-perfect historic center, and a plethora of waterfront hotels starting from only $67-a-night.

Further down the coast, Budva is an up-and-coming leisure destination combining Old World allure and modern coastal resort appeal:

Beautiful Beaches & Luxurious Experiences

Its medieval core has Kotor’s timeless alleyways, yet smaller crowds, and the nearby sandy Mogren Beach has a refined beach bar where a sunbed and umbrella will cost you around $9 for the day.

For a more exclusive Montenegrin experience, Sveti Stefan is an ancient settlement on a small island accessible on foot via a bridge, home to a luxurious Aman resort that’s almost always booked out for the season, but you can try your luck here.

If you plan on staying in Montenegro a little longer than a week or two, either because you’re a digital nomad looking for somewhere to lie low a while, or a slow traveler keen on taking in the sights without rushing, you should head to Bar:

A lively seaport known for its leafy avenues, luxury condos and shopping scene, it is the best place to be based in for a mix of both vibrant city life and Dalmatian quaintness.

Renting an Airbnb in Bar will only set you back by $453-a-month, if you’re going for the budget-friendly listing, and based on Numbeo estimates for 2025, an inexpensive restaurant meal will average $9.70, while a pint of domestic beer is under $3.

If you’re looking for an affordable city, there’s of course Podgorica, the inland Montenegrin capital, away from the hustle and bustle of the coast.

However, other than a tiny Old Town (with hardly any landmarks left) and rows upon rows of communist-era apartment blocks, there’s not much there that would pique your interest.

A Secret Historic Gem Nestled In The Black Mountains Of Montenegro

Montenegro is also home to a lush Mediterranean nature, and its Durmitor National Park has jagged peaks that are perfect for hiking, crystalline lakes that put Switzerland’s to shame, and deep gorges flanked by verdant forests.

Over in Biogradska Gora, in the very center of Bjelasica, a mountain massif, there is a nature preserve between two rivers, Tara and Lim, traversed with tourist-friendly footpaths and dotted with camping sites for the adventurous among us.

Of course, no visit to Montenegro is complete without Lovcen, the mountain looming over the Bay of Kotor, for one reason only: it’s precisely the karst massif’s dark color that gave the country its name, and historically, it proved a natural defense against invaders.

Montenegro’s former capital, Cetinje, a beautiful medieval gem with colorful houses and old royal palaces, bestrides Lovcen’s slopes, and it’s perfect as a base if you’re exploring the wider park and its many trails.

Montenegro Is Extremely Safe

Finally, for those dreaming of a summer or even moving to Montenegro, you should know it is one of Europe’s safest destinations.

Though we wouldn’t be the first to leave items unattended on a beach, this isn’t Barcelona or Paris: pickpocket rates are far lower, illegal immigration levels too, and as for overall crime, it tends to be better managed than corruption at a government level.

In other words, Americans have nothing to fear spending time in Montenegro, and they’re free to exercise their usual precautions, as the U.S. State Department confirms.

Need some time to think?

You can read more about Montenegro—and its many ancient wonders—clicking here.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Share The Article

Medellin is still a thriving city among expats, digital nomads, and general travelers wanting to experience the hype, but there are certainly notable concerns about visiting.

First, prices aren’t what they used to be, as Medellin has far surpassed its ‘hidden gem’ status.

Second, crime may be a fickle topic, but it’s always on the back of minds for those who explore the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ with frequent muggings, scams, and other petty crimes.

Third, with such an uprise in foreigners, Medellin has lost its sense of realness. Travelers love visiting places that feel autentico.

The capital city of Bogota belongs in the mix as well, but on the flip side, there’s a lesser-known city that should all but deter you from visiting Colombia.

Super cheap, more authentic, and broadly considered safe to visit, Medellin’s top alternative may be the gorgeous city of Bucaramanga, set in the foothills of the vast Andes.

Experience Real Colombia In The ‘City Of Parks’

Colombia is more than a nation of monikers with the likes of ‘City of Eternal Spring’ and ‘City of Parks’, but at least you know what you’re signing up for when visiting.

In Bucaramanga’s case, as you can imagine, it’s great to enjoy the outdoors while surrounded by all the urban delights this underrated city brings.

Similar to Medellin, Bucaramanga is nestled in a bowl-like setting, backdropped by rolling hills and towering mountains that all but call you to get out and explore.

To entice you even more, Bucaramanga is home to Chicamocha National Park (a.k.a. “Panachi”), a highly rated park where you can hike amongst jaw-dropping canyons or ride the cable car for elevated views.

But really ‘City of Parks’ is more aligned with urban parks to get a sense of daily life here through sights, sounds, and flavors of the city.

Bosque Encantado Metropolitan Park and Morrorico Park both offer unmatched skyline views, while Santander Park is centrally located, making a great base to explore historic buildings, bustling empanada-laden markets, and great eats.

Start your day taking a stroll with world-renowned Colombian coffee in a city where you never know what weird and wonderful surprises you’ll stumble upon, such as giant ant sculptures fit for apple bottom jeans.

‘Boots with the fur’ might be a little much, though, in 80-degree temps throughout the year.

Bucaramanga Is Safer And Super Cheap

One could argue Bucaramanga is what Medellin used to be—a sunny, green, mountainous city oozing history, culture, and natural beauty. However, mainstream travelers don’t know about it because it’s overshadowed by the plethora of other household names.

While Medellin’s well-documented problems are their own to solve, Bucaramanga doesn’t have soaring prices and tourist scams – at least not yet.

According to International Living, Colombia’s mid-sized cities are the ultimate places to save some serious cash in your travels.

Bucaramanga has nearly 3 million fewer residents, but it still feels like a large city with timeless charm and an overall cultural ‘wow’ factor.

Dining out can be as cheap as you’d like, depending on whether you want a quick street meal or a high-end restaurant. For example, an authentic lunch with a drink included costs about $5 on average.

Hotels won’t break the bank either. Many boutique hotels cost under $30, while leveling up to 4 stars at such places as Hotel Internacional La Triada is just a smidge more; not to mention its great location near the magnificent Catedral de la Sagrada Familia and Santander Park.

Getting around is the cheapest of all by taking the Metrolinea at approximately 70 cents per ride.

Bucaramanga’s Digital Nomad Appeal

Just as Medellin was once just any ordinary city, it’s arguably more well known now as an expat/digital nomad haven, more so than in the wild times of Pablo Escobar’s reign.

Bucaramanga has everything digital nomads could want except an already thriving community of likeminded travelers.

But, that’s destined to change. With a buzzing cafe culture, easy-to-obtain digital nomad visa and affordable cost of living across the board, why not give Bucaramanga chance?

International Living also provided clearcut examples of why digital nomads will be enticed to move here:

• Healthcare – Monthly plans under $50
• Food – $5 for a nice lunch
• Transit – $0.70 bus rides, $3 taxis, and Uber is in service
• Utilities – Approximately $60 per month total for gas, water, and electricity
• Internet – $16

All in all, International Living estimates a monthly cost of living at $1070.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Share The Article

Winding navigable canals, picturesque fondamenti lined with pastel-hue buildings, and impossibly narrow alleys that lead to hidden piazzas with ornate fountains… there’s many a reason why you should visit the floating city of Venice.

At the same time, there are many why you should avoid it altogether:

Think of the jaw-dropping prices, with hotels in the historic center averaging $251 a night, or the overcrowding––and by that, we mean you simply can’t walk around the historic center without brushing shoulders with strangers.

That’s without factoring in the blatant anti-tourism policies, from the restriction of short-term rentals, to the introduction of a new ticketing system for day trippers.

Fortunately for crowd-wary, budget-conscious travelers, there’s a lesser-known Venice dupe all the way out west in Portugal, also traversed by a grand canal and famous for its richly-decorated gondolas:

Did You Know There Even Is A Portuguese Venice?

Aveiro boasts a high concentration of Art Nouveau architecture, skinny edifices draped in colorful tiles, and magnificent Baroque churches, but then again, this could be used to describe any other Portuguese city.

Its distinctive feature is the fact that it’s built on a lagoon, connected to the Atlantic Ocean by means of passing waterways, and it’s essentially born out of seaweed harvesting:

As the settlement grew over the centuries, and Aveiro’s exports grew bigger, a number of water-filled passageways were constructed to provide workers with easier access, from their place of residence to the harvesting hotspots.

These manmade canals are precisely why Aveiro is known as the ‘Portuguese Venice‘.

How Do Aveiro And Venice Compare?

Now, we won’t lie to you and tell you that’s a perfect comparison: there’s truly no other city like Venice in the world, built on a sheltered lagoon over oak-pile reinforced swamp isles and absent of streets and wheeled traffic.

Aveiro has navigable canals, but traffic runs alongside them, and unlike Venice, which has too many of those to count, its Portuguese equivalent has three main waterways.

Though they are not as numerous, but one could argue they’re equally scenic, especially with the colorful barcos moliceiros, the Portuguese gondolas, that travel around them––you can even take a canal tour for as cheap as $15.94.

Shall we remind you again how much those will cost you in the actual Venice?

Additionally, Aveiro rarely ever feels crowded, except for a handful of peak summer days, and even then, most of the visitors hail from other parts of Portugal or just neighboring Spain:

It’s yet to catch the gaze of most prying Instagrammers who are looking for the next European hidden gem or guided tour.

Other than charming canals and a timeless townscape, Aveiro is popular for its landmark cathedral, featuring a whitewashed bell tower, and delicious cuisine:

Great Food At Cheap Prices

It is the birthplace of ovos moles, a well-loved Portuguese sweet treat rivaling the world-renowned pastel de nata, made with pure egg yolks and sugar only––if you’re asking us, the best ones are served at this bakery called M1882, open e very day except Sunday.

Unless you’re vegan, make sure you add Tasquinha do Leitao to your list of restaurants to check out: they have the best roasted suckling pigs in town, presented with orange slices, and prices are more than reasonable.

Expect to pay around $14-16 for a main dish and a glass of local wine.

For sea beam and the signature Portuguese salted codfish bathed in olive oil and accompanied with baby potatoes, Necas’ House is the place to go, and if seafood’s the way to your heart, you can’t leave Aveiro without sampling some of Palhuça’s market-sourced squid and prawns.

Where To Stay In Aveiro This Spring

Looking for somewhere to stay in the heart of the Old Town, within walking distance to both the canal front and the train station?

The aptly named Veneza Hotel has nightly rates starting from an acceptable $72 this April, and in case you don’t mind splurging a little—if $104-a-night can even be considered a splurge at all—the 4-star, canal-lining Hotel Aveiro Palace is centrally located near all the best restaurants and photo spots.

It’s also a 10-minute drive from Barra and Costa Nova, two sandy beaches on the Atlantic that Aveiro locals commonly escape to in the balmy Portuguese spring.

The cheapest listing, however, is a 3-star economy room at Hotel Imperial, that should set you back by an almost-negligible $47 per night––no prepayment needed, free cancellation, and with an option to add breakfast for only $8 more on Booking.com.

Bottomline

On average, a weekend trip to Aveiro will run you up $316 as a solo traveler, as per Budget Your Trip estimates, placing it in the mid-range to cheap bracket.

For comparison, the same website indicates that a three-night stint in Venice is an eye-watering $869, and we’re inclined to believe them, based on hotel rates alone and the price of food, museums, and sightseeing tours.

Naturally, prices can widely vary depending on your profile as a traveler, but there’s no denying Aveiro is a much-better bargain than its famous Italian sister.

The closest airport to Aveiro is Porto International (OPO), some 41 miles north, hosting flights from Newark (EWR) and Boston (BOS).

From Porto, there are multiple train and bus connections to Aveiro daily, for as cheap as $7 one-way.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Share The Article

Mexico may be particularly famous for the sun-drenched Caribbean Coast, where resorts line white-sand beaches and turquoise seas, its rich Mayan heritage, and bustling capital city, but there’s still a lot about America’s southern neighbor tourists don’t know yet.

This is, after all, one of the largest and most diverse countries in the Western Hemisphere, and you’d be a fool to think Cancun, or even Mexico City, are representative of Mexico as a whole.

To the surprise of industry experts, this year, a growing number of Americans is actively bypassing the usual tourism hotspots, and are flocking instead to this secret destination that rarely ever features on travel brochures.

Though it’s hardly your typical vacation, the offbeat San Luis Potosí offers both low prices and a fascinating culture, and it’s seeing a significant increase in arrivals:

San Luis Potosí Is Rising Fast In Popularity With Americans

According to Claudia Lorena Peralta Antiga, the head of the City Council’s Tourism Directorate, visitors from the United States lead in numbers of foreign entrants to San Luis Potosí, followed by Colombians and Canadians.

This can easily be attributed to the city’s rising appeal among culture-hungry Americans, who are no longer drawn to the all-inclusive vacation model and are in search of more authentic experiences in non-touristy areas.

Additionally, Mrs Antiga pointed to the recent expansion of air connectivity at San Luis Potosí International Airport (SLP): it is now connected to Houston (IAH) and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) in Texas, as well as Atlanta (ATL) and San Antonio (SAT).

On top of that, negotiations are being held right now with four airlines interested in the San Luis Potosí-McAllen-McAllen route, though further information has not been divulged at this point.

Why Do Americans Love San Luis Potosí So Much?

A major city in central Mexico, with a population just shy of hitting the 1 million mark, San Luis Potosí (or SLP) is a hugely important financial and trade hub, due to its strategic location halfway between Mexico City and the U.S. border.

Contrary to Monterrey, however, that’s largely known for its manufacturing industries, SLP has an understated elegance, and historical charm you won’t find in most New World cities.

For starters, it is home to a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site of a historic center, dotted with colonial landmarks built as far back as the 17th century:

The most famous monument in town, the cathedral has been compared to Mexico City’s and Guadalajara’s in beauty: it has a distinct pink-quarry facade, and its richly-decorated interiors will leave you awestruck.

Nearby, the verdant Jardín de San Francisco is a green oasis centered around a beautiful fountain and bordered by palatial Spanish-era structures, including three Baroque churches and the regional Positano Museum, housed in what was once a Franciscan monastery.

A short 3-minute walk from the gardens, the historically significant Caja Real is a surviving remnant of the now-defunct Viceroyalty of New Spain. It’s where merchants would line up to pay their taxes to the Spanish Crown in gold and silver.

There are numerous other beautiful buildings to be admired in the compact, walkable center, from a Neoclassical Teatro de la Paz, to the picture-perfect low houses lining Universidad Street, distinguished by their bright hues and ornate window frames.

How Actually Cheap Is San Luis Potosí?

If you were looking for an affordable Mexico getaway that won’t break the bank, then you’ve definitely come to the right place.

In general, meals in a locally-run restaurant will cost you $8.78, based on Numbeo estimates, while 3-course presentations in an upscale downtown eatery for two people are likely to set them back $39.

The price range is reasonable as it is, but even if you’re on a super-strict budget, you don’t need to look beyond the Old Town to stretch those dollars further:

An 8-minute stroll from the zócalo, Café Corta’o is a no-frills coffee shop housed in a colonial, vividly jaune edifice serving hearty breakfast menus and natural juices for around $7.

For quesadillas, gorditas, and chilaquiles paired with homemade sauce, El Mesón de San Pascual is popular for its variety of dishes and accessible prices, with main dishes from as cheap as $5, or the equivalent in pesos.

From 8 AM to 8 PM every day, you can also pay the vibrant Mercado Hidalgo a visit, sitting on the namesake street, and criss-crossed with rows of street food, and fresh produce stalls––don’t leave without trying the local machitos tacos!

They’re made from orange juice and vinegar-marinated sheep (or goat) offal, and they’re absolutely delicious.

How About Hotels?

As for accommodation, MarinaCristina is a 3-star accommodation provider billing guests $60-a-night for a single room right in the center of town.

The even-cheaper Patio Zaragoza costs $51 to book as a single traveler, and we’re talking a double bed only meters away from the cathedral, and with breakfast included.

If you’re a faithful Marriott customer, you’ll be glad to know the City Centro by Marriott has spacious King Rooms from only $100––as well as rooftop pool with amazing views of the Old Town.

On average, tourists will spend between $55 and $103 per night on accommodation, according to Budget Your Trip.

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Share The Article

Last Updated 20 seconds ago

The New Year has finally arrived! While many of us convince ourselves we’ll activate a hard reset at the turn of midnight with a sudden passion for the StairMaster, travel goals are always the most feasible.

Backed by a recent report showcasing the world’s best destinations to kick off 2025 with your budget in mind, Asia stands out the most.

Truth is, winter is an incredible time to globetrot, and not just nearby Caribbean Islands and Mexico’s hotspots.

Asia may seem like a far-flung land of bucket-list wonders, and it is, but let’s not take for granted how connected our skies have become.

You can travel to a majority of Asia’s metropolises with just a single layover from the U.S. For example, Thailand has no direct flights (for now), but still remains Southeast Asia’s tourism titan.

Offering visitors cheap stays and rich cultural experiences, in no particular order, these 4 Asian metropolises make for perfect sunny city breaks rather than shivering in your skivvies back home:

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s Captivating Urban Sprawl

How does 80 degrees in January sound?

Kuala Lumpur may not be a beach city, but it’s a sprawling metropolis brimming with wondrous sites, buzzing markets, and perhaps most notably, the Batu Caves, a vast cave system work the steep 272-step hike explore hidden Hindu temples and sweeping views of the city.

Malaysia’s capital is renowned for its safety, affordability, and phenomenal architecture, ranging from sky-scraping marvels to preserved structures of its former British colonization.

With an average price of $62/night, you’ll find cheap stays, no matter your preferred style of accommodations.

Luxury travelers will enjoy great rates at such places as 5-star Amari Kuala Lumpur for $71, and even the Ritz Carlton is only $160 on Priceline in February – unheard of!

If you do opt for opulence, check the amenities for rooftop pools like what Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Bangkok: Real Estate May Be Surging, But Hotels Are Still Affordable

Truth be told, I’ve been keeping an eye on Bangkok’s condo market as an Airbnb investment, and I think I missed my chance to score dirt-cheap condos.

The good news for travelers, however, is Bangkok still offers an array of fancy schmancy hotels to high-rise condo rentals for an incredible value.

With temperatures in the high 70s at this time of year, Bangkok is a splendid destination before the summer humidity takes over.

Between floating markets, night markets, rooftop bars, never-ending temples, and incomparable nightlife, travelers never have an issue finding their niche in Bangkok.

However, my personal favorite district is Chinatown (Yaowarat) for action-packed people-watching, sensational eats, and cheap shops to haggle.

The Border Telegraph reports Bangkok’s hotels average out to $65/night, so visitors can easily treat themselves to high-end stays, such as the 5-star Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium beating the average at $61.

Ho Chi Minh City: An Insanely Cheap Gateway To Vietnam’s Wonders

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a vast urban jungle of sensory overload from the aromas of street food vendors, the sounds of an endless sea of scooters, and eye-popping sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral and intriguing museums like War Remnants Museum (only $1.57 admission)

There will never be a dull moment exploring this city, but most travelers prefer to run the gamut since there are so many more enticing destinations, from Da Nang’s beaches to Hanoi’s cultural delights.

No matter the reason for your trip, Ho Chi Minh is incredibly cheap, with sunny 78-degree days.

Like Bangkok, hotels average $65/night, but you can score great deals below the average, such as 4-star Odys Boutique Hotel for $36 or level up to a 5-star stay at Windsor Plaza Hotel for only $57 in February.

Phnom Penh: Southeast Asia’s Up-And-Coming City

Perhaps the least known on this list, Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s vast capital city but is typically overshadowed by tourist hotspot Siem Reap, a much smaller city beaming with history and impeccably preserved sites like world-renowned Angor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Phnom Penh is ready to take center stage, though, as the Los Angeles Times just ran a feature on Cambodia’s newfound fame as an up-and-coming destination.

Prices are jaw-dropping here. This city of traditional markets, grand palaces, and more-than-affordable luxury makes for a great base as you discover Cambodia’s lush nature, immaculate ruins, and temples.

The weather hovers around 78, and hotel rates average an even $50/night, but believe it or not, you can score luxury hotels like Snowbell Hotel for just $37 on Agoda.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 30 countries and written over 400 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Share The Article

If you’re a digital nomad currently country-hopping around the globe, looking for the next safe haven to set up base temporarily and where you can enjoy both low living costs and a high quality of life, you’ve come to the right place.

Between Mexico City’s rising prices, Buenos Aires’ volatile currency, and even former offbeat spot Tbilisi’s housing crisis, we wouldn’t blame you for thinking all of our favorite nomad destinations globally are no longer viable options.

It’s definitely a trickier world to navigate, especially if you’re on a tighter budget, and that’s why you should keep these 4 laid-back hidden gems in mind for 2025:

Vitoria, Brazil

The mid-size capital to Brazil’s coastal state of Espírito Santo, home to roughly 323,000 inhabitants, Vitoria is a fast-growing city that’s yet to reach Rio’s level of disorderly growth, but that’s far from being dullsville:

It is best known for its wide, long sandy beaches, most notably Praia do Cambria, 16th century Penha Convent, perched on a rocky protuberance overlooking the Atlantic, and slower-paced living, boasting lower levels of petty crime and violence.

As a nomad, you’re expected to budget $1,640 per month living in Vitoria, as per Nomads estimates: rent prices are around 34.6% lower than in Sao Paulo, Brazil’s most expensive metropolis, averaging $504 for a downtown apartment, and a restaurant meal will set you back by around $6.

Alanya, Turkey

Antalya‘s less-famous sister, Alanya lies to the east of the world-famous resort, and it’s a smaller, less chaotic, fortified port town centered around a picture-perfect historic center with colorful Ottoman-era houses, and narrow streets covered in cobbles.

Cleopatra Beach is said to have been visited by, you guessed it, Cleopatra herself. The ancient Alanya Castle dates back to the period of Seljuk rule, and there’s even an octagonal Red Tower overlooking a turquoise Mediterranean: in sum, it exudes Old World charm.

Better even, it’s not the kind of balmy, off-season European getaway to break the bank––we’re talking $10 bucks for a simple meal in an inexpensive restaurant, $515-734 in rent (look up Numbeo), and $1,342 in monthly expenses overall.

Agadir, Morocco

A resort city straddling Morocco’s Atlantic Coast, backed by the jaw-dropping Anti-Atlas mountain range, Agadir is an up-and-coming leisure destination Europeans have been flocking to this winter for their sunny break.

Digital nomads, on the other hand, keep sleeping on it despite the fact it boasts pleasant off-season temps, with lows of 56 and highs of 71 degrees, a high concentration of laptop-friendly eateries, where lunch averages $4, and a beautiful hilltop casbah (citadel) overlooking the ocean.

Agadir is also much safer than your average Moroccan conurbation, with low levels of crime and offering residents a higher quality of life without blowing the budget: in fact, you can live comfortably in a waterfront condo, eating out most nights for under $1,713 a month.

San Miguel de Allende

A beautiful colonial-era town in the hinterland of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is best known for its Instagrammable corners, with cobbled streets and charming plazas flanked by colorful houses, and a pink-washed, twin-towered cathedral.

Something most nomads themselves don’t know, however, is that it can be a great alternative to a bustling Mexico City or an overpriced Playa Del Carmen, with its many laptop-friendly cafes (check out Geek & Coffee), green areas and low criminality.

On top of being historically significant and considerably more peaceful than larger cities, San Miguel is sure to appeal to budget-conscious travelers, who would prioritize keeping their monthly expenses under $2,300 a month (more specifically, $2,332).

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.