European summer is fast approaching, and while a luxurious two-week vacation across Europe's beaches sounds like a dream, it's not always in the budget. But that doesn't mean you have to miss out on an unforgettable vacation. There are plenty of unique, budget-friendly destinations across the world where you can enjoy culture, adventure, and relaxation.
Inspired by House Beautiful’s roundup of unique, budget-friendly vacation spots, here’s a list of their top picks, plus a few personal favorites from my travels that deserve a spot on your summer bucket list.
- Madrid, Spain: Madrid offers a blend of rich history, charm, and affordability. This city feels luxurious without the price tag, from amazing food to vintage shopping, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, you can enjoy Euro Summer for a fraction of the price. (recommended by House Beautiful)
- Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon was a pleasant surprise during my study abroad experience, one of the best cities I visited. I stayed in a hostel that was not only affordable but also clean, they even made our beds! Food, nightlife, and scenic day trips such as Sintra were all budget-friendly, and the people were warm and welcoming, even to us Americans.
- Vietnam: Vietnam is a dream with gorgeous landscapes, vibrant culture, and good food! Cities like Hanoi and Hoi An offer reasonable accommodations and you can really stretch a dollar here. (recommended by House Beautiful)
- Phuket, Thailand: With stunning turquoise waters, gorgeous beaches, and delicious food, Phuket is paradise on a budget. Whether you're exploring or relaxing, you'll be surprised by how much you can get here. (recommended by House Beautiful)
- Athens, Greece: Athens is much more affordable than you'd think! Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or just looking to relax on the island, Greece has it all without draining the bank. (recommended by House Beautiful)
- Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico gave me the perfect Caribbean vacation without the price tag. Hotels and Airbnb's are fairly affordable, and the rainforest (El Yunque) was incredible! Although, I haven't been since 2018, I still remember how easy it was to explore this tropical paradise.
- Cancún, Mexico: Cancún might be the priciest option on this list, but I found a solid deal on an all-inclusive hotel for about $850. Once you're there, everything's included, so you don't need to spend extra. The water is stunning, and the excursions, like swimming with dolphins, were well worth the extra money.
- Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh is one of the more affordable big cities in Europe, and I was pleasantly surprised by its whimsical charm. Hotels and Airbnb's are reasonable, I stayed in a nice hostel for just $16 a night! The food was great, the people were friendly, and it was more manageable then larger cities like Rome or London. As a huge history nerd, I loved visiting the castle and learning more about the city's history!
Source: House Beautiful
Photo Source: Getty Images