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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.

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Croatia is a country of many islands- over 1,000 to be somewhat exact- and you’re likely to have heard of a trendy Hvar, an up-and-coming alternative to Ibiza, the resort-filled Krk at some point, or the idyllic Brač and its white-pebble beaches at some point. 

Croatian islands are nowhere near Greece’s level of popularity, but they’re getting there, and every passing year feels busier than the last one.

If you’re dreaming of an idyllic Mediterranean summer island-hopping around the Adriatic nation, your options aren’t limited to the top 3 most popular:

According to the experts at Condé Nast Traveller, these are 5 practically unheard-of Croatian islands you can hop around this summer, with cheaper prices and almost no crowds:

Dugi Otok

Literally called the ‘long island’, Dugi Otok lies off the coast of Zadar, and it’s best known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, boasting diverse landscapes, including sea cliffs and serene bays bathed by turquoise seas, and pleasant temps year-round.

Its main attraction, Telašćica is a coastal preserve lined with secluded coves, including a handful of naturist spots, and if you’re here primarily for swimming, you should know the white-sand Sakarun routinely features on lists of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches.

Other landmarks include the Veli Rat Lighthouse, one of the tallest in the country, and the quaint Sali, the largest settlement, where houses are built from stone, and a seafood main and some local wine will set you back by around $15.

Vis

Vis is distinguished for being the most remote island in Croatia: it is the farthest one from the mainland, and you can only reach it by boat, usually from the bustling port city of Split, which only adds to its unspoiled character and historic charm.

From Vis Town, the picturesque capital, to the sleepy fishing village of Komiža, there’s plenty of sightseeing opportunities, not to mention the numerous beaches: Stiniva, for instance, has little to no crowds, and its seas are of the turquoise-most blue.

Speaking of blue, Vis is a popular day trip for Split-based guests thanks to its Blue Cave, or Biševo, where the water seems to almost glow in an ethereal-like blue light, and its rich Vugava white: if you’re a wine lover, a tour of the ancient wineries costs only $60.

Rab

For the culture buffs out there, you might want to check out Rab, a tiny island accessible from the port of Stinica, revolving around a tiny Rab Town: the main settlement, it is dotted with Romanesque bell towers and criss-crossed with medieval, cobbled alleys.

Outside Rab Town, you should visit the aptly-named Paradise Beach (or Rajska Plaža), near Lopar, the busiest beach on the island thanks to its sandy banks and shallow, clear waters—well-frequented, but nowhere near the mainland’s staggering levels of overtourism.

Staying overnight? Arbium has double rooms, with pool access, from as cheap as $53-a-night, and you can add a ‘superb’ breakfast for only $9 extra, though we would recommend you also try the capuccino and fresh pastries at the nearby Felix Caffe Bar.

Korčula

Within easy reach of Dubrovnik with the short-distance ferry, Korčula may form a tiny landmass, but it is by no means devoid of natural or even man-made wonders: picture fine-pebble beaches, vineyard-dotted hills, and an intact medieval capital.

Korčula Town is often referred to as the ‘Little Dubrovnik’, due to being completely surrounded by walls, similarly to its mainland counterpart, except you’ll find none of the usual hordes of Instagrammers flocking into its winding streets.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering what else Korčula is famous for, Marco Polo is said to have been born here, and there are many signature wines produced on the island, including Grk and Pošip—keen on some wine tasting? A glass of indigenous red in a local tavern costs around $4.

Šipan

Nicknamed ‘Golden Island’—only fitting, considering its glorious weather and sun-drenched shores—Šipan has historically offered Dubrovnik residents an escape from the humdrum of their daily routine, having served as a summer getaway for the city’s elites.

Now, it’s beckoning you to come and check it out for yourself, and we’re sure you’ll find that dolce vita (or should we say, uživanje) somewhere between Suđurađ, the main port, where ocher-colored houses encroach on a boat-filled marina, and a heavenly Priježba Beach.

Should you not want to rush it, and savor every $5 ćevapi, whilst taking in every blood-orange sunset by Šipanska Luka, a rare sandy strip you won’t easily find elsewhere in Croatia, overnights at the privately-managed Studio Apartments & Rooms Lela start from only $65 per night.

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.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

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If you’re tired of fighting your way to swim-up bars in Cancun and Los Cabos, there’s another resort-laden paradise with numerous direct flights from the U.S. waiting to be discovered.

While many Canadians take advantage of flocking here to escape the blistering cold, Americans are still behind the curve, seeming to give too much credence to travel advisories in favor of the usual safe havens, Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta.

Make no mistake, these are Americans’ favorite go-to’s for a reason, but even Cancun, as popular as it may be, has seen random violent crime sprees in touristy areas.

I just got back home from Ixtapa, a sunkissed resort town in the state of Guerrero boasting year-round 90-degree days surrounded by staggering green mountains and swaying palm trees over crystal clear waters and spotless beaches.

Believe it or not, I’m laying my travel reputation on the line as a former Cabo Sun journalist to tell you it’s prettier than Los Cabos and so much less of a burden on your wallet.

Despite Level 4: Do Not Travel designation from the U.S. State Department, Ixtapa is Guerrero’s lone bright spot that couldn’t feel any safer, more luxurious or authentic, especially when it comes to the region’s sinfully delicious coastal cuisine.

Zihuatanejo May Be Trendy, But Don’t Sleep On Ixtapa

“Zihua”, as locals say, has become a trendy destination on many travel lists over the past year or so, largely in part due to the lavish Thompson Hotel opening doors.

But, sometimes vacationers make the mistake of getting too comfortable sticking to the resort grounds without stepping foot in the city, and the temptation is understanding with such posh amenities being thrown at you left and right.

Even if you stay in Zihua, the up-and-coming smaller sister city of Ixtapa is worth venturing over for the beaches alone, and well-equipped for a surge in travelers with such high-end resorts such as:

• Holiday Inn Resort Ixtapa
• Hotel Fontan Ixtapa
• Club Med Ixtapa Pacific
• Sunscape Dorado Pacifico
• Barcelo Ixtapa

Ixtapa is only a 20-minute cab ride from the airport (ZIH), and no, there’s no Uber here, but don’t worry about scammy taxi drivers, as rates are clearly published beforehand.

Once you arrive, you’ll discover postcard-worthy beaches, including a certified Blue Flag beach that is literally flawless. There wasn’t a speck of trash in sight walking up and down Playa El Palmar.

While rare, the only concern to keep a watchful eye on are crocodiles and occasional strong currents represented by the color of the flag posted each day.

The small town center is very walkable through the resort area, including a Senor Frogs Cantina. Every resort town has to have one, right?

My Stay At Barcelo Ixtapa

I stayed at 5-star Barcelo Ixtapa, “splurging” on the all-inclusive package for just $170 per night total for 2 people.

Try that in Cabo….

Of the resorts lined along the aforementioned Playa El Palmar, Barcelo seemed to be the most luxurious and undoubtedly offered the best pools, especially the middle pool of the resort’s trio overlooking the Pacific and security guards blocking off pestering vendors.

Shamelessly in “Vacation Mode” for 4 days, I lost count of the Pina Coladas and Cuba Libres I indulged in at both swim-up bars, but my recommendation is to pick your poison rather than house-brand, watered-down slushies.

If you can swing it, booking a corner ‘Oceanview’ room is the way to go, in my opinion, but the mountain views on the opposite side are equally stunning to wake up to.

Treating yourself to ‘Premium’ upgrades isn’t worth it as the buffets are well stocked with a variety of cuisine ranging from an omelet station at breakfast to a seafood lover’s dream on Saturdays with a sprawling feast of grilled lobster tails, spicy octopus, and shrimp paella.

If you book the standard all-inclusive package, just know you’re limited to a single specialty restaurant every 3 days, but multiple buffets and the Caracol Snack Bar more than make up for it.

$5 Well Spent: Take A Day Trip To Isla Ixtapa

The beauty of all-inclusives is you only have to worry about tipping, but if you’ve got an extra Abe Lincoln to spare, then you have to check out Isla Ixtapa via water taxi for only $5 round-trip.

You can book a tour here, but it’s easy to reach on your own and more fun to explore without the language barrier.

To get here, take a cab to Playa Linda and walk by the Crocodile Lagoon, through the souvenir shops to the Embarcadero.

Here is where you’ll buy tickets and board the water taxi. The ride itself is a sight to behold, but I recommend getting off at Playa Verdero instead of Playa Coral as it’s more of a hideaway from fisherman bringing in your soon-to-be sold “catch of the day”.

Choosing a place to eat lunch will be your only headache here, but I suggest El Indio. Ask for Carlos, who was kind enough to provide free sunscreen after my boneheaded mistake of leaving it in my room.

You’ll have a ton of options, but the servers suggest the Mahi Mahi and Ceviche. I had the latter, and it exceeded the hype, along with ice-cold cervezas and a Pina Colada served inside a pineapple.

Snorkeling equipment is only $10 to rent and well worth swimming in the calm waters.

It truly felt like we were inside an aquarium with how many vibrant species of fish we saw.

Ixtapa’s Top Hidden Gem: Ruins Yet To Be Undiscovered

As destinations such as Tulum have sky-rocketed in popularity, a key factor in their newfound fame has been how cool it is to deep-dive into former worlds, unlike anything we experience in today’s screen-addicted society.

While Ixtapa doesn’t offer staggering ruins to the levels of like Teotihicuan or Chichen Itza, just 40 minutes away is Xihuacan (a.k.a. “La chole”), a smaller site accessible by guided tours for a surcharge or free to enter on your own.

Dating back 3000 years, the well-preserved ruins of Xihuacan are still being unearthed to this day.

You’ll find a museum of artifacts used by various cultures over time amongst clay pyramids and a Mesoamerican ball court.

TripAdvisor ranks the Xihuacan Culture and Archaeology Tour as the top guide for exploring this hidden world of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo’s past.

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.

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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.