Best European Destinations for Travelers on a Budget
1. Rome, Italy
It may surprise you that Rome is so affordable because of it’s popularity. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked Rome as the #1 best affordable vacation spot in Europe for 2017. What makes this destination so budget-friendly is the fact that many famous attractions such as the Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum have free entry! To maximize affordability, skip the busy summer season. This will save you a lot of money on flights and hotel.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Despite rising prices due to Prague’s growing popularity, it is still top on our list for budget-friendly European destinations. If the often-brutal winter weather in Prague doesn’t scare you, you can expect to save even more by staying in the colder months. Most popular attractions can be accessed for a cheap entrance fee, plus cheap local eats and drinks can be found in abundance.
3. Istanbul, Turkey
Thanks to the Turkish Lira coming way down, Istanbul has become a bargain European destination. Here you won’t want to miss the ornate temples, breathtaking cathedrals, and bustling markets. Istanbul is unique as a face-paced and rapidly-changing metropolis, differing from many other areas of Europe in part to the country’s proximity to Asia.
Although somewhat difficult to get reach, sticking to a budget is quite doable once you get there! Stick to street food like sandwiches and kabobs, which are as delicious as they are affordable. Accommodations can be expensive, so check out Price of Travel’s Istanbul recommended hotels list bargain hotels in ideal locations.
4. London, England
London is new to the budget-friendly travel destination club. The reason we now include it in this list is due to the fact that the currency has dropped after the Brexit vote. This means it is now far cheaper than it has been in several decades (though still can be very pricey if you are not careful!) and as one of the greatest cities in the world, now is the time to see it!
With the help of a travel agent, you can find fairly nice hotels in centrally-located areas in the US$200 per night range. Cheap eats are also easy to come by and you can expect to find meals around US$8 in less busy tourist zones such as Westminster or the West End. London won’t stay this cheap for long, so don’t wait to visit!
In addition, many of London’s greatest museums (including the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Modern) don’t charge admission! Another money-saving tip is to invest in an Oyster Card, much like a debit card for public transportation that comes with a much lesser per-ride price on London buses and subways (approximately $3 per ride versus $6 without).
5. Lisbon, Portugal
A bit cheaper than Madrid and Barcelona, according to Price of Travel, Lisbon is an historic city which sits atop 7 hills overlooking the port. The main contributing factor that lands Lisbon in the budget-travel category is the fierce competition between hotels. Not only are the hostels competitive with price, but also competitive when it comes to service. The majority of these hostels rank very high on various Best Hotels in the World lists.
Hotels and foods here are also reasonably priced compared to other European destinations, and even in the lower price range the food and beverages are delicious and the meals are elegant.
6. Bruges, Belgium
Although situated in an area of Europe known to be traditionally expensive, Bruges is actually quite affordable. Much like in Lisbon, there are enough hostels to house thousands of budget travelers and backpackers. Be sure to avoid the busy summer months to keep your travel costs down. Many count on Bruges as a chill-out stop on a European tour due to its relative affordability and relaxed atmosphere.
7. Florence, Italy
This classically beautiful Italian city cannot be missed! It is touted by many (myself included) as their favorite city in Italy, and for good reason. Florence is tucked amid the breathtaking Tuscan hills and is known as the launching point and capital of the Renaissance era. The history-rich city also boasts gorgeous sunsets, amazing food, and almost unimaginable romantic charm. The hotel rates hover around $125 per night, making lodging quite affordable. Save even more by booking a room on the outskirts of town.
Dreaming of planning your own Europe vacation but no clue where to get started? At Enchanted Honeymoons Travel, we plan hundreds of bucket list getaways every year. With travel agents who specialize in exactly where you’re looking to go, the planning process is seamless and carefree. Call us today at 402-281-3022 to learn more!
Featured Story of the Week: Travel with These Airlines to Avoid Winter Travel Delays
It should come at no surprise to you that some airlines are just more dependable than others. The article presents recent data collected by air travel intelligence company OAG on which airlines you should trust for your winter travel this year. The article names 20 airlines with stellar on-time rates, including Alaska Airlines, with an on-time rate of 84.1 percent. Even Delta Air Lines, one of the few American carriers that OAG recognized, made the list. In addition the rankings, the article also presents helpful other facts about these top on-time airlines. For instance, did you know that Alaska Airlines will raise their checked bag fees come December?
Source: https://www.travelpulse.com/gallery/airlines/travel-with-these-airlines-to-avoid-winter-travel-delays.html
The Best Places to Travel in 2019 if You’re on a Budget
Lonely Planet just released their top recommendations for places to visit that won’t break the bank. They compiled their expert opinions to decide on top travel trends, values, and overall destinations to consider for the upcoming year. Read the full article for an in-depth look at their recs, including Slovenia, where you can experience Alpine traveling without the standard high price tag, and Houston, with its famous Houston Museum District. Even the Maldives made the list!
Source: https://www.thisisinsider.com/best-budget-travel-destinations-lonely-planet-2019-2018-10
The First Underwater Hotel Residence Opens in the Maldives
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island just opened the world’s first-ever underwater hotel residence! Book a stay here and you’ll be getting more than just a room or a suite! The residence, named “Muraka”, is a two-story villa set more than 16 feet below the Indian Ocean. Luxury is the name of the game at the Muraka, where you’ll find a private gym, infinity pool, butler’s quarters, and even an underwater five-star restaurant. It’s definitely not cheap – the Muraka is only available with a four-night minimum which comes with a price tag of $200,000. The luxury package includes a personal chef and a private boat.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/conrad-maldives-rangali-island-underwater-hotel-residence/index.html
10 International Destinations for Novice Travelers
For novice travelers, the destinations you choose to visit matter a great deal! Some stress is unavoidable, but some destinations will provide a more gentle intro to international travel. Places like Namibia made the list – probably because it is known as “Africa for beginners”, with a low crime rate, well-kept roads, and small cities to explore. Melbourne, Australia made the list as well. Melbourne is easy to get around, with user-friendly public transit and a low crime rate. It’s not just an easy city to visit, it also consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities as well!
Source: https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/eco-tourism/photos/international-destinations-novice-travelers/gentle-introduction-world-travel
The Genius Items that Travel Agents Always Pack
Top travel advisors from around the US divulge their favorite travel products in this helpful article. Before you pack for your winter travel getaway, you must read this list! For instance, you can keep your fanny pack at home with one travel agent’s favorite item – a scarf with a hidden pocket! A scarf will keep you warm on the plane, and this one does double duty by holding your boarding pass and wallet. Another item I want in my carry-on is a self-filtering water bottle. Jonny Bealby of Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel got his on Amazon for $30. It cuts down on single-use plastic and means you can always have filtered water no matter where you are. And yes, you can even drink river or lake water out of it!
Source: http://time.com/money/5443630/travel-agents-always-pack/
Travel Fraud Trends You Need to Know
Fraud rates for online travel agencies have increased in the last year by 37%. That’s three times above average! Of course, your chances of encountering fraud can happen year-round, but fluctuations often occur around big travel dates, like the upcoming holiday season. This article will help you with what to look for, common travel fraud techniques, and what this means for any upcoming winter travel you have planned.
Source: https://www.phocuswire.com/Forter-online-fraud-2018
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