Everyone dreams of visiting Europe, but the war between the United States and Israel against Iran, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, rising oil prices, and the resulting increase in travel costs have made such trips even more expensive.
Flights from the United States to Europe in July have already declined by more than 11% compared with the same period last year, with particularly sharp drops in bookings to popular summer destinations such as Paris, Dublin, and Rome.
This does not mean that travelers are giving up on Europe. Rather, they are becoming more selective about how much money they are willing to spend, how much effort they are willing to make to reach a destination, and how much crowding they are prepared to tolerate.
According to Rome2Rio’s 2026 Travel and Mobility Trends Report, global searches for travel to smaller cities have increased by 35%.
In March, the European Travel Commission also reported that long-haul travelers are increasingly interested in exploring more local, less crowded destinations instead of well-known capital cities.
Bryce Collins, founder of Intro Travel, said, “People still want the feel of Italy or France—but without the crowds.”
So why not discover a few destinations where you can experience Europe without spending a fortune?
From Latvia to the Balkan coast, these places offer everything a traveler could hope for: stunning scenery, rich culture, and excellent weather—all at a more affordable price.
Classic Europe, Without the Classic Price Tag
Travelers naturally want a trip that doesn’t strain their budget, but they also want it to be safe and easy to undertake—especially at a time when the crisis in the Middle East has disrupted travel plans.
Brian Lewis, founder and CEO of the European travel company Tenon Tours, says:
“Rising costs and travel fatigue are prompting Americans to seek trips that involve less transit and offer more meaningful experiences.”
Slovenia’s Lake Bohinj, where the reflections of mountains float on its crystal-clear waters.
This is why many of Europe’s smaller countries are now looking more attractive than ever.
According to PriceLabs, a company that compiles publicly available data from Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, the average cost of short-term accommodation in Albania, Latvia, and Lithuania remains below €100 per night (around PKR 33,000).
Food, museum admission tickets, and tourist taxes are also generally cheaper than in the major summer destinations of Western Europe.
Estimated Costs in Slovenia
Four-star hotel room: €120–€160 (approximately PKR 40,000–52,000)
Meal for two: €50–€70 (approximately PKR 16,000–23,000)
Public transport ticket: €1.30 (approximately PKR 450)
Museum admission: €8–€13 (approximately PKR 2,500–4,500)
Coffee and pastry: €5–€8 (approximately PKR 1,500–2,500)
Slovenia may be one of the best examples of Europe’s appeal this summer. Its compact size—roughly comparable to Wales—means its main attractions are only a few hours’ drive apart. Visitors can easily combine city sightseeing with swimming in alpine lakes and exploring scenic mountain landscapes.
Travel experts often compare Slovenia’s scenery to that of Switzerland and northern Italy, but with significantly lower costs and far fewer crowds.
Savvy travelers have already caught on to the secret. According to Unforgettable Travel Company, bookings to Slovenia have increased by 286% year over year.
Charlotte Wells, the company’s Global Director of Product and Operations, said:
“Compared with more popular destinations, accommodation and travel costs in Slovenia are much more reasonable. It’s around 15% cheaper than Austria and 25% cheaper than Switzerland.”
She added:
“For families, Slovenia is considered a safe and easily accessible destination. That means you can enjoy a memorable trip in less time and at a more manageable cost.”
Travelers seeking affordable accommodation and sightseeing are now turning to Slovenia.
Getting to neighboring countries from Slovenia is also easy.
Monija Mandić, Vice President of Marketing at Rome2Rio, said:
“Nearby major cities such as Zagreb and Vienna are easily and affordably accessible by bus and train.”
She added that Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, with its charming riverside Old Town, can evoke the same atmosphere as Venice.
Enjoy a Holiday Without Breaking the Bank
While Slovenia offers breathtaking mountain scenery, Latvia welcomes visitors with its rich culture, distinctive character, and cool summer climate. It delivers much of the charm of the Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—but without the hefty price tag.
Estimated Costs in Latvia
Four-star hotel room: €70–€100 (approximately PKR 23,000–33,000)
Meal for two: €50–€70 (approximately PKR 16,000–23,000)
Public transport ticket: €1.50 (approximately PKR 500)
Museum admission: €6–€10 (approximately PKR 2,000–3,000)
Coffee and pastry: €4–€6 (approximately PKR 1,300–2,000)
According to PriceLabs, the average nightly accommodation rate in Latvia during August is €93 (around PKR 30,000), compared with €186 (around PKR 61,000) in Denmark.
Data from Expatistan.com also shows that Riga, Latvia’s capital, is 34% cheaper than Berlin, 50% cheaper than Oslo, and 46% cheaper than Dublin.
But Latvia’s appeal goes beyond affordability. Travelers are equally captivated by Riga’s beauty.
After visiting Riga in the summer, Gudelė Mangelaars, founder of the trip-planning platform Pink Notebook, said:
“Walking through the Old Town feels like stepping into a fairy tale—but without the crowds you find in Prague or Bruges.”
She was equally impressed by the local food.
“The value for money is outstanding compared with Western Europe, while the quality of the restaurants is on par with Copenhagen or Stockholm.”
One of Latvia’s most distinctive summer traditions is the Jāņi (Midsummer Festival). During this centuries-old celebration, families across the country light bonfires, sing traditional songs, and enjoy regional foods as part of long-standing cultural customs.
Riga’s Old Town : according to Mangelaars, walking through it feels “like stepping into a fairy tale.”
Less-Crowded Beaches
Beach lovers can head to the Balkans for a Mediterranean-style getaway without the overwhelming crowds. While many Mediterranean resorts have become packed with tourists, the Balkan coastline remains comparatively peaceful.
Estimated Costs in Montenegro
Four-star hotel room: €100–€140 (approximately PKR 33,000–46,000)
Meal for two at a restaurant: €40–€60 (approximately PKR 13,000–20,000)
Public transport ticket: €2.50 (approximately PKR 850)
Museum admission: €5–€10 (approximately PKR 1,700–3,400)
Coffee and pastry: €3–€5 (approximately PKR 1,000–1,700)
Bryce Collins said:
“Across the Balkans, destinations such as Albania and Montenegro offer the same beaches, culture, and travel experiences people seek in Europe—but at a much lower cost.”
Although the two countries share a border, each has its own distinct character.
Montenegro has more developed infrastructure, making it a better choice for travelers who want both spectacular scenery and modern conveniences.
Gudelė Mangelaars said:
“The water in Montenegro’s Kotor region was the clearest I’ve ever seen. It was so transparent that even the waters around the Greek islands seemed cloudy by comparison.”
Albania, on the other hand, has a more rugged feel but is significantly cheaper than many of its Eastern European neighbors.
According to David Mason, owner of The Three Week Traveller:
“Unlike Croatia and Montenegro, Albania has sandy beaches.”
He also highlighted the country’s Roman ruins and the hiking trails surrounding Lake Shkodër.
“You can also go horseback riding, which gives you a real sense of the country’s untamed natural beauty.”
Montenegro’s Kotor Port, surrounded by mountains.
A night in Albania can be enjoyed for €89 (approximately PKR 30,000). In comparison, Croatia is significantly more expensive, costing around €212 per night (approximately PKR 70,000).
Estimated Costs in Albania
Four-star hotel room: €60–€110 (approximately PKR 20,000–37,000)
Meal for two at a restaurant: €25–€40 (approximately PKR 8,500–13,500)
Public transport ticket: €1 (approximately PKR 340)
Museum admission: €5–€10 (approximately PKR 1,700–3,400)
Coffee and pastry: €1.50–€3 (approximately PKR 500–1,000)
For travelers who want to enjoy Mediterranean summers, swim at beaches, eat seafood, explore old towns, and take evening walks outdoors—but want to avoid crowds and high prices—Albania and Montenegro are ideal choices.
