Which are cheaper European countries to travel to?

Europe is often thought to be a costly place to travel. There are many more affordable places to visit across Europe. Eastern Europe is known for being one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe. Even the most popular destinations have plenty of budget-friendly options. Traveling Europe doesn't need to be expensive, whether you are backpacking or seeking a luxury vacation at a reasonable price. It's worth doing some research before you plan your Europe trip. Do your research, shop around and keep an eye out for the best deals. Also, learn money-saving tips. Here are some top European countries you can visit for your next holiday on a budget! ETIAS

The least expensive countries to visit in Europe

To compile the following list, I spoke with travel bloggers from all over Europe and many locals. The term “cheap” is a relative term that I don’t like. These are the best places to visit in Europe if you’re not from the UK.

1. Georgia

Georgia is one of the most affordable countries to travel to in Europe

Georgia is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe. Georgia is the former Soviet Republic, and tourism is booming. It’s also a great place to travel, as it’s safer and more affordable.

Georgia’s greatest asset is its natural beauty. There are many things to do in Georgia, including hiking the Caucasus mountains (Svaneti is the most popular), biking around Javakheti lakes, and skiing if you’re lucky.

The cost of intercity marshrutka bus trips varies depending on how far they are. Local companies can also provide car hire at a very affordable price. Family-run guesthouses are the best option for accommodation. They offer comfortable private rooms and a delicious home-cooked breakfast for about 20 euros per night.

Even Tbilisi’s capital is accessible. For a two-course meal at a restaurant, expect to pay about 15 Euros, and a glass of local wine will cost you a few Euros.

2. Malta

Malta in Spring

The island nation of Malta is a great place to visit in Europe. You can enjoy a luxury stay in Malta, but prices are very affordable if you have a tight budget.

Many restaurants offer delicious, fresh food at great prices if you enjoy traveling and want to sample the local cuisine. Many bars and restaurants offer happy hour specials, making drinking affordable.

Avoid Valletta, the capital city, if you are on a tight budget. The prices there are much higher. The best way to save money on travel is to choose to be a bit further from the main island’s coast or stay on the smaller Gozo island.

A budget of EUR65-70 per couple per day is acceptable for couples looking for occasional indulgences.

3. Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of the most affordable countries to visit in Europe

Otsego is a village on Rhodopes Mountain

When I tell people about Bulgaria, I first emphasize how affordable it is. Also, how many things you can do without spending too much.

You can find excellent, luxurious hotels in Bulgaria for around PS45 per night. Or, for as low as PS25-30 GBP, dine at fine restaurants for just PS25-30 GBP for a couple. You can also visit some of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria for free. This includes monuments, museums, cities, national parks, and festivals.

The most beautiful places in Bulgaria are located in the Rhodopes and the North. Even big resorts can be very affordable, according to the UK. Sunny Beach is a popular party spot, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Instead, visit the Black Sea Coast’s North or South to check out Sinemorets and Balchik.

Bulgaria is a great place to visit if you are interested in winter sports. A day pass to Bansko, Europe’s most popular ski resort, costs only PS32

4. Portugal

Portugal is a popular European vacation destination because of its natural beauty

Most visitors stay on the Algarve beaches. You can still discover more by exploring deeper and leaving behind crowds and the heat.

Portugal coast

Odeceixe

Portugal is the cheapest country to visit in Europe

Loule

The natural beauty of Portugal’s Ria Formosa Nature Reserve is stunning, as are the deserted beaches and lagoons of Portugal’s Ria Formosa Nature Reserve and the wildflower-dotted dunes of Vicentine Coast Natural Park in the Southwest Alentejo.

You will find affordable lodging and delicious food at very reasonable prices in the villages and towns along the route. A wide range of accommodation and dining options make visiting cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Funchal affordable. This European getaway offers the perfect combination of culture, adventure, and relaxation.

5. Croatia

Croatia is a great budget-friendly destination

You can book a return ticket from Croatia for as low as EUR100 by flying cheaply from European cities.

Prices vary by season. Prices are lower in shoulder seasons like May and September than usual. The official low season is October to March. You will see the lowest prices.

A private room in an average house costs between EUR20 and EUR30. If you need more flexibility, transport can be made by bus, ferry, or rental car. The average daily budget in Croatia is EUR40-EUR55, including accommodation.

You can save money by renting a house with a kitchen. Groceries and restaurants in Europe are comparable to elsewhere, but they are much more affordable than elsewhere. This makes it a great base to travel on a tight budget in Europe.

ETIAS Application Exceptions for UK Citizens

Citizens of countries that currently enjoy visa-free travel to Europe will be required to apply for and acquire ETIAS permission before starting any European travel in 2023. The European Union maintains a list of approximately sixty countries outside the European Union and Schengen Area currently visa-free in Europe. These nations are now considered "third countries," and people from these countries will need an ETIAS to travel to Europe for any reason or length of time starting in 2023.

ETIAS Regulation Exceptions

A valid passport with a validity period of three months after the end date of the anticipated stay in Europe is a must when registering for an ETIAS. There are exceptions and specific circumstances, as with other restrictions, when it may be permissible to visit, transit through, or stay in the European Union or Schengen Area without having an ETIAS-certified passport.

There are three scenarios in which a third-country national may be required (or forced) to visit Europe without an ETIAS-approved passport. When you’re using:

• Emergency Passport
• Diplomat Passport
• Identity Card for Seafarers

Alternate Forms of Documentation

Emergency Passports

An individual whose previous ETIAS authorized passport has been taken, lost, or wrecked beyond use may be issued an emergency passport. In such cases, obtaining a new authorized passport while traveling would be nearly impossible, and a temporary or emergency passport would be the only feasible option.

A temporary passport is only intended to cover an emergency scenario. A temporary passport has a limited validity period and is unlikely to have the required electronic chip. Depending on the issuing nation, it is usually only valid for three months or less. It is not possible to be used for an ETIAS registration and should be replaced as soon as possible with a genuine passport.

Diplomatic Passport

Diplomats have unique travel benefits, such as fewer immigration restrictions. Diplomats from foreign nations do not need an ETIAS-approved passport when traveling for business, according to ETIAS standards. This exemption does not apply to personal non-official visits to the EU or Schengen Area, and ETIAS authorization is necessary, which is the norm with all third-country passports.

Seaman’s Card

Because of the unique circumstances of working at sea, the International Labor Organization voted in 1958 to offer seafarers the privilege of temporary entry into the EU and Schengen Zone for work, shore leave, shopping, switching ships, or medical treatment. Sometimes, a Seaman’s Card or Seaman’s Book this document is given to boat crew members and seamen. However, many European nations will accept a valid passport and a Seaman’s Card without ETIAS clearance. This is not the same for every European Union state or Schengen Zone member, so verify each country’s policy first. While it looks that seafarers with a legitimate passport will not need ETIAS permission, this has yet to be confirmed.

A Seafarer’s option will not apply to most travelers to Europe. A lost, stolen, or damaged passport is the most likely scenario where a tourist will wind up in Europe without the essential ETIAS clearance. If this occurs, it is critical to begin obtaining a temporary passport as soon as possible.

Why ETIAS is important?

Visa waivers are a form of international travel authorization that means that the traveler does not require a Europe evisa to enter the country. It is important for countries to have Visa waiver programs because it allows them to attract more people and increase tourism. 

Visa waiver programs allow travelers from different countries to enter and exit the countries without having to apply for a visa before they leave or arrive in their destination country. However, some countries only offer visa waiver programs for certain types of travelers, such as tourists.