A travel expert specializing in budget trips has revealed several lesser-known vacation spots that are not only affordable but also less crowded compared to popular locations like Spain, Portugal, and Greece.
The British newspaper Mirror has sparked attention with a headline essentially advising its readers to skip Greece and Spain, suggesting instead other, more budget-friendly countries.
This is surprising, as British media usually shows a particular fondness for Greece, one of the favorite destinations for British tourists. However, the Mirror presents alternatives that promise less congestion and lower prices.
A travel expert specializing in budget holidays shared some lesser-known destinations that are not only affordable but also less crowded than popular spots such as Spain, Portugal, and Greece.
As the summer holiday planning season approaches, the expert shared three alternative destination ideas in a video for those looking to save money.
Montenegro
At the top of the list is Montenegro, a Balkan country that the expert admits is her favorite place she has visited. In the video, she says, "To be honest, I wanted to keep this destination a secret because it's my favorite country."
She describes Montenegro as being similar to Croatia but less touristy and more affordable. According to her, it combines stunning landscapes, from beaches and islands to mountains. "It has the clearest and bluest water I’ve ever seen, along with very affordable accommodation. Plus, it's a small country, so it's easy to explore, and you can find return flights from £35."
According to the tourism site Visit Montenegro, the country enjoys two distinct climates: a "pleasant Mediterranean climate with 240 sunny days a year" in coastal areas, where summer temperatures range between 30 and 35°C, and mild, wet winters. Podgorica, the capital, is one of the hottest cities in Europe during the summer, with temperatures occasionally surpassing 40°C. However, if you venture above 1,200 meters, the cool mountain air offers temperatures around 25°C.
Montenegro offers plenty for travelers. You can explore the old town of Kotor, a medieval fortified village with cobbled streets and historic buildings, or go hiking in the Lovcen National Park.
Armenia
The expert praises Armenia for its "incredible landscape, beautiful mountains, and rich history." She also mentions the "extremely friendly people" and says that she had some of the "best brunches" she has ever had there.
She managed to travel to Armenia with a return ticket for about £80 and visited Yerevan, the capital. Armenia is a landlocked country located in the Armenian Highlands of Western Asia.
The climate is described as continental, with hot summers (about 30-33°C in Yerevan) and cold winters, with temperatures ranging from 1-3°C. Yerevan is known for its impressive Soviet-era architecture. It is often referred to as the "pink city" due to the hue of the stone used in most of its buildings, according to the travel site Solos Holidays.
Visitors can take a ride on the world’s longest nonstop cable car, which leads to the Tatev Monastery, a 5.7 km journey between the village of Halidzor and the monastery. They can also relax on a beach by Lake Sevan or explore the cave village of Khndzoresk.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Closing her list, the expert says, "And finally, if you're looking for an affordable weekend getaway, this city is perfect. It has a beautiful old town, delicious food, many cute cafés, and an impressive castle with stunning views. You can fly there for as little as £28 return. This city is Bratislava in Slovakia."
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia, a landlocked country in Central Europe that borders Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Its climate is characterized by warm summers and cold winters, with frequent but light snowfall.
