If you’ve been dying to visit Europe but are afraid you can’t afford it, you’re in luck. The euro is having a terrible year: the common currency is at parity with the US dollar for the first time in 20 years. While that’s bad news for the average European worker, it’s fantastic for American travelers who want a chance to visit the sights of some of the oldest cities on earth.
Here are a few budget travel destinations in Europe you should consider visiting while the euro is down. Make the most of your travel budget!
Prague is a gorgeous city with ancient buildings, a rich cultural heritage, and some astonishing sights for travelers. A great thing about visiting Prague on a budget is that the most expensive thing you’ll buy is probably the plane ticket to get there. The biggest attractions, like Old Town Square, the Charles Bridge, and Petrin Hill are free to visit.
Your hotel accommodations won’t be too expensive, and you can find great restaurants for a fraction of the price you’d expect to pay in some large cities. You can have a great night out at the bar without breaking the bank!
If you want to visit Spain but don’t want to spend the kind of money you’d spend in Barcelona, you should check out Valencia. The city has tons of gorgeous beaches, affordable hotels, and much smaller crowds than other tourist destinations in Spain. You can even visit the Plaza del Ayuntamiento or the Valencia Cathedral without spending a dime.
While you’re at it, consider going shopping at the Central Market. It’s a huge shopping plaza and you can find great deals on souvenirs to commemorate your trip.
Porto is a renowned budget vacation destination thanks to its friendly locals, affordable attractions, and plentiful wine tastings. If you’re looking for activities that won’t cost you anything, you can visit the Dom Luís I Bridge, the Porto Cathedral, and the Crystal Palace Gardens without dropping any cash. These gorgeous sights are some of Portugal’s most stunning attractions, so make sure you get by to see them if you visit the city.
You can also sip on some world-renowned wine without spending too much money. Many visitors suggest taking a date with you and booking a pair of tickets for the City Lovers Tours’ wine walking tour. With the euro so low compared to the dollar right now, it’s the perfect time to get out and see Europe!