06-04-2025
3 Best European Destinations for Budget Travelers, According to Travel Guru Nomadic Matt
When you first think of a European vacation, your mind probably goes to tourist havens like Italy, Spain, France and Greece. While those countries all have amazing things to offer and famous sights to see, they come with large crowds and steep prices. And even though they might be worth the expense, it's not always feasible to drain your savings account on a vacation. But that doesn't mean you can't visit Europe!
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To celebrate this year's award-winning vehicles for their Best Buy Awards, trusted automotive valuation source Kelley Blue Book launched their "Life in Drive" podcast series. Meant to help drivers make small yet impactful changes in their daily routines, the series features experts in topics from health to travel. One such guest, travel guru and author Matt Kepnes, suggests you visit Slovenia, Estonia or Bulgaria if you're looking to do Europe on a budget.
According to Kepnes, these countries see 'not nearly as many tourists as other parts of Europe.' Each has a unique landscape and culture, from beautiful mountain terrain to picturesque lakes and rocky beaches, that is unlike what you'll get from the typical list of must-see European destinations. The architecture in the villages and old towns will make you feel like you're in a storybook, as will the castles and cathedrals. And with a 'fraction of the crowds' of other European cities, you'll be able to enjoy everything you do just that much more.
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Matt Kepnes, better known by his online alias Nomadic Matt, has been traveling the world for over 10 years and has made a career out of inspiring others to do the same, even when pinching pennies. His blog hosts travel guides for places from Asia to South America, and he's written three travel books—the most recent of which, How to Travel the World on $75 a Day, is a New York Times best-seller. On his website, you can find travel guides for Slovenia, Estonia and Bulgaria.
You probably haven't heard as much about these countries or what they have to offer as you have about more mainstream tourist spots in Europe. In any of these spots, you can find architecture, nature, food, history and culture just as interesting as any other European destination.
Though you likely haven't seen many pictures of it online, Slovenia is full of natural beauty. The countryside boasts breathtaking gorges and national parks. It's also home to many glamping resorts; you can stay in glamorous tents/cabins at a variety of locations throughout the country to really immerse yourself in the surrounding landscapes.
Triglav National Park: Slovenia's only national park, it's inside the Julian Alps. The vibrant turquoise Soča River runs through it.
Lake Bled: A picturesque lake town with views to take in and charming restaurants.
Vintgar Gorge: This gorge is located at the edge of Triglav National Park.
Postojna Cave Park: Explore the 24.34 km long karst cave system.
Predjama Castle: This medieval castle is suspended within a cliff.
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Estonia will give you a glimpse into medieval times. Its capital city, Tallinn, is home to a well-preserved Old Town with charming architecture that makes you feel as if you've stepped back in time. You can explore old-growth forests and take in the scenery of the rocky coastlines outside of town.
Tallinn: The capital city is on the Baltic Sea and has a cobblestone Old Town with old-time shops and cafes.
Eat Kohuke: A traditional snack consisting of pressed cheese curds covered in a sweet caramel or chocolate sauce.
Tartu: The second-largest city, it's known as the country's "cultural heart."
Spot Wildlife: Book a wildlife tour and keep your eyes peeled for bears, moose, eagles and lynxes.
Sooma National Park: Walk or kayak through this land of forest swamps.
Bulgaria is another country with a rich history and culture. Its diverse landscape ranges from mountains to coastlines. You can check out the Rose Valley, where roses are grown to produce rose oil, much of which goes to the perfume industry. Visit orthodox monasteries and castles, relax on the beach and, of course, eat your fair share of unique local dishes.
Rila Monastery: A large and famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in the Rila Mountains.
Seven Rila Lakes: You can hike through this group of glacier lakes in the same area as the monastery.
Sofia: The capital city of Bulgaria with beautiful churches, cathedrals and other historical landmarks.
Balchik Botanical Garden: Explore the various plant species and the palace of the past Bulgarian queen.
Plovdiv Old Town: Step back in time while strolling through this architectural reserve full of historical monuments, museums and galleries.
All three countries are super affordable compared to the more touristy destinations in Europe, but it also pays to do some advance planning; during the on-season, some accommodations can fill up, so last-minute reservations will be more expensive. While the countries aren't right next to each other, travel throughout the continent can also be done at a low cost, so you might even try to hit all three in one trip for the ultimate budget European vacation.
