Dreaming of sipping an Aperol spritz on a beach in Italy or wandering the cobblestone streets of France, but can’t justify the price tag? Good news, a memorable European summer doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.
With a few smart swaps, insider tips, and flexible travel, you can easily elevate your travel experience. Whether you’re planning a solo city break or a coastal girls’ vacation, this guide will help you plan a great trip with fewer costs.
Europe On A Budget: Three Destinations
1) Budva, Montenegro
Ever thought about veering away from the tourist hot spots of Europe? The perfect girls’ beach vacation can be found in the warm and sunny Montenegro. With clear blue seas, sandy beaches and a cobblestone old town to explore, this vacation spot finds itself at the top recommendation for 2025 summer.
Budva, Montenegro, is a stunning coastal gem located in eastern Europe. This geographical location often calls for lower expenses upon arrival, such as buying an ice cream on the beachfront.
The town also has a bustling nightlife, luxury resorts and over 17 beautiful beaches to choose from. Whether you are looking to explore centuries-old architecture or to enjoy a drink and tan on the beach, Budva delivers an unforgettable mix of relaxation and adventure on Montenegro’s Riviera.
The old town of Budva is easily accessible via Tivat airport, only 30 minutes from the central city. If you’re looking for an even more affordable option, consider flying to Podgorica Airport and taking a local taxi to the beach town as an alternative. Booking.com is a great place to find your accommodation. With further discounts by creating an account on the mobile app, hotels are featured at reasonable prices for your summer vacation.
By far the most stunning beach in Budva, known for its Iconic caves, white sand, and crystal-blue ocean, is Mogren Beach. This is a hidden beach surrounded by caves, which some call Budva’s slice of paradise.
The beach can be found close to Budva’s old town, where lots of restaurants and cafes offer an affordable lunch. The five-minute walk to this beach through the ocean cave provides impressive views of Montenegro’s coastline and is the perfect spot to grab a drink and relax.
You can easily find a five-day break for around $460 (£350) per person with affordable flights and accommodations. This is dependent on the time of year and the peak season.
Budva has a warm average temperature of 68°f (20°c) and is sunny in April, with costs as low as $265 (£200) per person. Ranging up to $600 (£450) in peak summer. Either way, Budva is ideal for your next summer getaway.
Budva is more than just a picturesque coastal town – it’s a place full of history, culture and most importantly, fun. With its sunshine, charm and affordability, this destination is ideal for a girl’s summer escape, offering all the fun at a fraction of the price. Montenegro’s welcoming culture and strong sense of safety make it an ideal spot to relax, explore and create unforgettable memories.
But the adventure doesn’t stop here. Just beyond Montenegro’s glistening shores lies another destination waiting to be explored. If you’re craving a change of pace but still want all the excitement of a summer getaway, the next stop might be perfect for you.
A typical European city break with iconic landmarks, spas, incredible food and more, your next unforgettable holiday may just be a short flight away.
Hotel Recommendations in Budva, Montenegro
Budva offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from luxury resorts to boutique hotels.
- Hotel Montenegro – This 4-star hotel sits on the beachfront and offers ultimate relaxation. With multiple pools, bars, and restaurants, it is perfect for your girls’ holiday away.
- Luxury Hotel Riva – This unique 4-star hotel is situated in the heart of Budva’s historic old town, boasting centuries-old architecture.
- Avala Resort and Spa – Located just a short walk from Budva Marina and Mogren Beach, this hotel has two outdoor swimming pools, free self-parking and two restaurants.
- Hotel Majestic – This central hotel has two restaurants and various room options, which is ideal for groups of all sizes.
- Iberostar Waves Slavija – With rooms offering sea views and incredible views, this luxury hotel is a great place to stay to explore the local area. It is a short walk from Slovenska Beach and Budva Marina.
2) Budapest, Hungary
Nestled along the majestic Danube River, Budapest is a city where old world elegance meets youthful energy. From the grand architecture to thermal baths and ruin bars tucked away in the historic Old Town, Budapest creates a captivating blend of past and present.
Whether you plan to roam through the old town streets and visit historical sites, or enjoy the relaxation of the thermal baths and cocktails in underground bars, Budapest has a way of showing its charm through every activity, restaurant or hidden spot around the city. Affordable, atmospheric and endlessly photogenic, it’s no wonder this Eastern European gem is climbing to the top of every traveller’s list.
Budapest is a popular holiday destination that continues to grow in popularity every year. This city is recognised for its safety and cheap price tag. Airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air offer return flights from various airports around the UK for less than $93 (£70).
With these bargain flights, you have a wider budget range to spend on your accommodation. Often, a good 4-star hotel can be found in the city centre or close to the airport for relatively low prices. Once again, by using Booking.com, the endless number of cheap prices and different forms of accommodation, they ensure everyone will find the perfect stay.
Budapest is a city that buzzes with energy, offering a wide range of activities for every kind of traveller. This can range from river cruises and thermal spas to underground bar tours and more. Currently, the most iconic and popular excursion in Budapest is the thermal baths.
These are world-renowned thermal spas where you can find luxury, wellness, and a touch of magic. The Szechenyi bath is by far the most iconic, with its outdoor pools and grand bathhouses. Here you can also find services such as massages, facials and wellness packages. The best way to book these experiences is often through the company website,e where you will generally find the most competitive prices.
Budapest, Hungary, is an excellent destination for a weekend city break. It offers numerous activities and excursions to suit every individual. With its rich history and architecture, you’re bound to fall in love with this city as much as we have.
If these two ideas aren’t enough, then this final trip might be the destination for you. If you have always dreamt of an Italian summer but can’t afford the high tourist prices, then this cheat sheet holiday is ideal.
Hotel Recommendations In Budapest, Hungary
- Leonardo Boutique Hotel – This 4-star hotel is situated in the centre of the city, allowing a reasonable walking distance to all the main sites and attractions. Being within walking distance of the main sites helps keep the costs of public transportation down.
- Emerald Hotel – This hotel is located right on the riverbank. Therefore, the breathtaking views from the rooftop bar speak for themselves.
- Historic downtown apartment – This 860-square-foot apartment is decorated in bright colours. The three-bedroom home accommodates five people and features two balconies, perfect for taking in the city’s views.
- Modern style apartment, two bedroom with free airport shuttle in downtown Budapest – Sleeping six people in three bedrooms, this downtown apartment has a living room area, a full kitchen and modern furnishings.
- Maltild Palace – Located in the city centre, this hotel is close to some of the city’s top landmarks. The hotel has a spa, rooftop terrace, coffee shop, restaurant, bar and lounge area.
3) Italian Riviera
Many people dream of visiting the iconic Cinque Terre, a series of five small towns on the Italian Riviera that combine to create a unique destination. However, flights and accommodation can be costly within Italy.
In peak times, flights to major cities can be upwards of $400 (£300) each. Instead, try out the gorgeous Genova. Genova is a small harbourside city in Italy. Due to its lack of tourism, flights and accommodations can be very affordable.
Genova sits on the coastline with a harbour view. In the summer, activities such as the ’on water botanical garden’ open, as well as street markets filling up the town square.
Still dreaming of that iconic Italian summer? You’re in luck! Genoa is ideally located to make that happen. From the charming coastal city of Genova you can get a two-hour train to the famous Cinque Terre.
From here, you can spend an entire day exploring the five towns. Each town is connected by a train that runs every five minutes, with stations conveniently located on the beachfront. This makes Cinque Terre an easy and accessible day trip, allowing you plenty of time to relax, sample delicious local cuisine, and soak in the stunning scenery.
Another day trip you can take from Genoa is visiting the wonderful city of Pisa by train, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. All of these train journeys can be booked at the station on arrival, or to secure your spot in advance, you can book on Trainline.com or Omio.com
Pisa is one of Italy’s most iconic tourist destinations, best known for the world-famous leaning tower of Pisa – a must-see photo opportunity. But there’s more to this town than just the landmark itself. Compact and walkable, Pisa is easy to explore on foot with winding cobblestone streets leading to lively piazzas, historical architecture and cosy cafes serving up Italian cuisine.
Nestled along the Arno River, the town offers a scenic blend of riverside parks, open-air markets, and cultural gems, including museums and art galleries. Whether you’re indulging in gelato, admiring medieval churches and soaking in the laid-back Tuscan atmosphere, Pisa is a perfect spot on any Italian itinerary.
If you’re up for even more of a challenge, Florence is only an hour away from Pisa and three hours from our original spot, Genoa. It’s common for people to ride the trains around Italy and get flights home from the cheapest city, such as Florence, and find accommodation along the way.
Many cities in Italy are easily accessed by affordable high-speed trains; the task is finding the cheapest cities to fly in and out of, such as Genoa and Florence.
Hotel Recommendations In Cinque Terre, Italy
- 88 Miglia – Located close to Piazza Garibaldi and La Spezia Ferry Dock, this bed and breakfast has a rooftop terrace, a garden and a restaurant.
- Alla Marina Affittacamere – This hotel is located just steps from the Castle of Riomaggiore and Fossola Beach. The hotel has guestrooms that can sleep between one and four people.
- The Poet Hotel – Located close to the Ferry Terminal, this hotel has a bar and a business center. The hotel has a variety of room options including junior suites, twin rooms, double rooms and superior rooms.
- Hotel Souvenir – Just steps from Monterosso Beach, this hotel has a free breakfast buffet and a coffee shop. Various guestroom configurations include a penthouse suite, double room, junior suite, twin room and rooms with balconies.
- Grand Hotel Portovenere – This Bayside hotel has a spa and steam room, a Mediterranean restaurant, and rooms with sea views.
Europe On A Budget Wrap Up
European travel can be relatively cheap as long as you know how to book and where to find the best deals.
By choosing emerging hotspots over crowded tourist traps and taking advantage of budget-friendly flights, accommodation and activities, your summer escape becomes both affordable and exciting.
These handpicked destinations prove that unforgettable memories, cultural charm and stunning views don’t need to come at sky-high costs. Whether it’s a girls’ beach trip, a solo city adventure or a bucket list train journey across Italy, there’s a low-cost European experience waiting for everyone. So instead of following the crowds, why not lead the way to places that offer just as much magic, for a fraction of the price?
Pack your bags, grab your passport and start planning. Europe is calling and this summer, it’s more accessible than ever.
We hope this article has inspired you to visit Europe! If you have questions or tips to share with our readers, please leave them in the comments below.
Want to write for We Are Travel Girls? Visit our Contribute Page to submit your article.
Read More About Europe
- Rest And Recharge In Elounda, Crete
- 10 Things To Do And Eat In Budapest, Hungary
- Getting Around Cinque Terre: What I Wish I Knew
- Jersey, Channel Islands: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
Author
We Are Travel Girls Contributor Evie Hart
Connect with Evie Instagram | TikTok
Pin For Later
This article may contain affiliate links, if you purchase something using one of our links we may receive a commission. Please see our Disclosures for more information.
Leave a Reply