Cheap travel destinations in Europe

p_anotherguy

la531983 said:

"Cheap" is also subjective.

Well, I don't think it's so subjective. It's obvious that Poland e.g. is much cheaper than Ireland or the US, for example

Bigphil1474

Read a report on BBC this morning, everywhere has gone up for package type holidays. Only popular places to go down were Italy and Tunisia. Obviously, these were averages. 

Have you watched the Long Way Home series with Ewan McGregor? It's an enjoyable series, but it's also an insight into some fantastic places to visit around Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. I'd second Poland. We were in Copenhagen earlier this year, and Sweden last year - although very nice places, neither are cheap holidays.

Voyager2002

You mention mountains...

From Berlin, it is easy and affordable to take the train across the border to Krakow in Poland. Near to Krakow is Zakopane, the highest town in Poland, with the entrance to the High Tatras national park. Prices are high for Poland but moderate compared to Germany (apart from alcohol, which seems to be cheaper in Germany than anywhere else). There is a busy tourism industry, with people who are professional rather than friendly and lots of development around winter sports and the natural hot springs. 

If you want friendlier people and lower prices, take the bus (one per day) to Poprad in Slovakia. The mountains are stunning; prices are lower; and although the whole region was developed for ski resorts before the first world war the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. There are natural wonders to enjoy, such as the nearby Independence Cavern.

basill

I visit Cala del Moral, not far from Malaga, every now and then.  it is a mostly Spanish speaking seaside town and I always find the general cost of food and drink very reasonable compared to the UK.  

zagfles

Where in Germany are you? If in the south (Munich area) then you can easily get to Slovenia or even Croatia (Istria) in a days driving and both are lovely and relatively cheap. Otherwise most of Eastern Europe is relatively cheap if you avoid the heavily tourist/package holiday destinations which should be easy travelling from Germany. Stuff like train travel is incredibly cheap in eastern Europe so that might be a good way to go. 

p_anotherguy

Voyager2002 said:

You mention mountains...

From Berlin, it is easy and affordable to take the train across the border to Krakow in Poland. Near to Krakow is Zakopane, the highest town in Poland, with the entrance to the High Tatras national park. Prices are high for Poland but moderate compared to Germany (apart from alcohol, which seems to be cheaper in Germany than anywhere else). There is a busy tourism industry, with people who are professional rather than friendly and lots of development around winter sports and the natural hot springs. 

If you want friendlier people and lower prices, take the bus (one per day) to Poprad in Slovakia. The mountains are stunning; prices are lower; and although the whole region was developed for ski resorts before the first world war the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. There are natural wonders to enjoy, such as the nearby Independence Cavern.

Great ideas, thanks!

zagfles said:

Where in Germany are you? If in the south (Munich area) then you can easily get to Slovenia or even Croatia (Istria) in a days driving and both are lovely and relatively cheap. Otherwise most of Eastern Europe is relatively cheap if you avoid the heavily tourist/package holiday destinations which should be easy travelling from Germany. Stuff like train travel is incredibly cheap in eastern Europe so that might be a good way to go. 

Unfortunately, I live in the North-west of Germany, Slovenia and Croatia are not so easy to reach with a car

zagfles

PompeyPete did a very detailed travel report of a Transylvania trip - I basically copied it and it was excellent. 

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5735156/transylvania/