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What’s better than saving money? Well, a lot of things actually. But this is not so Cosmopolitan so we stick to traveling…
There are so many travel hotspots in Europe right now, and it’s easy to put them all together.
The problem with that is that you may be overlooking some of the most underrated and affordable getaways.
I don’t want to sound like a grumpy grandpa, but prices just aren’t what they used to be.
The good news is that there are still many destinations around the world where you can save a pretty penny, including Europe.
Icons like Paris or London certainly aren’t among the bargains, but crossing over to the other side of the continent, there are some lesser-known beautiful cities that are much better suited to your budget and still pack a punch.
Lithuania is located on the beautiful Baltic Sea, next to Latvia, Poland and one of Europe’s few no-go zones, Belarus.
The capital of Lithuania is Vilniusthe place budget travelers should have pinned to their maps.
No sacrifices needed for savings
Sometimes people tend to follow the crowd because they are afraid to try something new. Vilnius isn’t exactly a household name if you’re considering booking an epic Euro trip, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit.
No, there is no Eiffel Tower, breathtaking beach or world-famous museums. However, this authenticity is part of the allure of Vilnius.
Although relatively under the radar, travelers don’t trade top experiences in other countries for a boring getaway.
This historic city is full of surprises, including how breathtakingly beautiful it is. That’s why hot air balloon rides are a daily occurrence for locals and tourists alike for stunning 360 degree views.
Between the picturesque River Neris, the lush greenery and the timeless streets, it’s not like a bad Tinder date – you won’t think about anything else while you’re here.
Hop around the city and admire beautiful buildings, terraces and all the delights of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town.
No The ocean is in sight, but still pack your swimwear
While hordes of travelers are looking for the best beaches for the ultimate vacation, Vilnius is still a top summer vacation destination, especially since winters here are grueling.
Mother Nature has blessed Vilnius with some truly breathtaking locations and experiences. Travelers will not only see greenery that saves their hard-earned dollars, but also the amazing endless greenery surrounding the city.
Vingis Park, along the Neris River, is Vilnius’ version of New York’s Central Park, albeit half the size.
Even though the city is cozy, you feel more like you are in a National Park than in an urban environment.
Even though there’s no ocean in sight, the city’s lakes are fun for a dip, especially in local favorite Verkiai Regional Park.
The lake is designated as a protected area, where wildlife spotting is common and the picturesque green waters of the lake are pristine.
Despite being a landlocked city, there are actually a number of nice public beaches along the Neris River.
Just don’t expect Cancun to get some sun and sand when you visit Žirmūnai or Valakampiai Beach.
Last and certainly not least, a visit to the phenomenal town of Trakai is a must. Here tourists will find a fairytale castle on the beautiful Lake Galvė, one of the most magical places in all of Lithuania.
Very safe despite the location
Lithuania’s neighbor, Belarus, is seen as an unpredictable and unsafe destination for American travelers, given the country’s close ties with Russia.
However, you don’t have to worry because Lithuania, and especially Vilnius, is a very safe place to visit. There are virtually no warnings regarding tourists, even though Vilnius is less than an hour from the border with Belarus.
Just as Poland was wrongly labeled as a potentially dangerous destination when the war between Russia and Ukraine began, Lithuania need not be placed in that category.
The US Department of State currently lists Lithuania as Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautionary measures.
How far will your money go?
For a hot air balloon ride, that’s your biggest splurge at about $150. Everything else can be obtained cheaply.
Local breweries cost around $3 each, with a nice three-course meal with local wine under $60.
Coffee, as we know, is a way of life in Europe, and Vilnius is no different, with spacious terraces offering a cheap cup of Jo and even coffee tastings for caffeine junkies.
Vilnius is great for solo travel with cheap private rooms in hostels starting from $11, according to HostelWorld.
On the other hand, three-star boutique stays cost around $60 per night and slightly more for more expensive accommodations.
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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.
