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Are you thinking of a European getaway this summer?
Popular destinations like Paris, France, Athens and Greece may be on your radar, but these cities will be extremely expensive and overcrowded this summer.
Instead, consider visiting one of these lesser-known but trendy cities.
According to data from Kayakthese are the destinations where the number of searches increased the highest percentage from last summer to this summer.
6. Frankfurt, Germany
Frankfurt is not the most exciting destination in Germany. In fact, I wouldn’t spend more than a day in the city itself, as it is mainly known as a business and financial center.
But it’s also home to one of the best-connected airports in Europe, and you can often find affordable direct flights from US cities to Frankfurt.
From Frankfurt you can take the train to picturesque cities such as Munich, Nuremberg or Strasbourg. You can also fly to another place in Europe with a low-cost airline.
5. Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest, Romania is another trending destination, with a 30% increase in searches this year.
Personally, I love Bucharest and think it is one of the coolest cities in Europe. It has a lively atmosphere and a mix of traditional Romanian, elegant Art Nouveau and austere communist architecture.
You can also easily explore the rest of Romania, such as the beautiful and legendary region of Transylvania, from Bucharest.
And it’s easier than ever to get here with a new direct flight from New York to Bucharest.
4. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, like Frankfurt, is a city where I often see good deals on direct flights from US cities – ironic considering how expensive Switzerland is as a destination, but at least you can find cheap flights!
Like Frankfurt, Zurich is not the best place to stay in Switzerland as it is mainly a banking and financial center (although it is a beautiful city). I would recommend arriving in Zurich and then heading to a charming mountain town like Lucerne or Interlaken.
3. Budapest, Hungary
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly city break destination in Europe, look no further than Budapest. This beautiful capital has been breaking all tourist records lately.
It is becoming increasingly popular with travelers for its historic sites, delicious food and fun nightlife. It is also much more affordable than cities in Western Europe.
Some of the best things to do in Budapest include visiting the museums of Buda Castle, touring the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building, relaxing in one of the city’s thermal baths, visiting Budapest’s ruin bars and taking in the views over view the city from the Fisherman’s Bastion. .
2. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is another trending city, with a 36% increase in searches for this summer.
Located on the Danube River, Vienna is a beautiful city with an illustrious history and a legacy of art and culture. It’s the perfect destination to explore this summer.
Some of the best things to do in Vienna include visiting Schönbrunn Palace, indulging in the city’s café culture at Café Central or Café Sacher, and admiring art at Belvedere Palace (my favorite was the Gustav Klimt collection! )
1. Tirana, Albania
Finally, according to Kayak, Tirana is the most popular destination, with a 37% increase in searches for this summer compared to last year.
This cool, funky city remains an undiscovered gem, even as its popularity grows rapidly. It’s a really interesting city to explore, and it’s also extremely cheap – certainly one of the most affordable destinations in all of Europe!
I would also recommend getting out of the capital and exploring more of Albania. The coastal city of Durrës is just 45 minutes away, while the amazing UNESCO World Heritage city of Berat is a 1.5-hour drive away.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
