If you are planning a trip to Europe and do not want to break the bank, then by all means, head east. Eastern Europe remains to be the host for various cities which have retained their positions in many 2014 lists as far as affordable backpacking destinations are concerned. If you are looking for cheap accommodations, good food, and architectural structures from a bygone era waiting to be photo bombed, then heading east would be your best bet. This doesn’t mean that you have to totally cross out the west from your list, for some cities out there are still competitive as far as tourism is concerned. Without further ado, here are some recommended cities.
Budapest tops the destination of cheapest city for backpacking what with the cheap flights made available by low-cost airlines in addition to the already cheap accommodation options you would ever find in the continent. Separated by the Danube River into Buda and Pest, this city is one gem of a backpacker destination that you should not skip during your European backpacking escapade.
Prague has been popular since forever, and although many cities have come forth to snatch several of its previous recognitions, the capital of the Czech Republic proves to be a mainstay in many backpackers’ lists of cities to cross out in their European adventure. Still very much alive when it comes to the Bohemian lifestyle which many find to be alluring, there is much to experience here aside from good beer.
Not to be outdone, the capital of what was once one half of Czechoslovakia offers both strategic location and cheap accommodation. Bratislava has been used as a hub for low-cost airlines in Eastern Europe, and serves as a good alternative to neighbouring Vienna as a gateway for this region. The strategic location makes travel from one capital to another easy either by road or by rail.
Lisbon has figured in one too many lists of cheapest cities to visit within the Schengen area, from basic restaurant meals, accommodations, as well as supermarket groceries. The city’s rather laidback appeal makes it a good vacation spot for most Europeans coming from the east. Feast on a pastel de nata while enjoying a ride across town on a tram.
Accommodations in Madrid might not be as cheap, but the capital of Spain remains to be a favourite tourist destination both for Europeans and outsiders alike, with costs for basic commodities becoming relatively more affordable for the tourist than in the rest of Europe.
Getting Schengen travel insurance before you leave is a must, especially if you’re required to apply for a Schengen visa beforehand. While most people would think of this as an extra expenditure which is not worth the price, bear in mind that this Schengen travel insurance would be your guarantee that whatever happens to you while backpacking would be taken care of without you having to go through all the unnecessary hassles that you should suffer from otherwise.