Want to visit Europe: 3 great countries that cost less than 2,500 for 2 people

Yesterday (and many other days), I was having a conversation with someone about the cost of going to Europe. The reality is visiting Europe is not nearly as expensive as some people think it is, especially if you are in the know about where to go.

Here are 3 exciting countries that a couple can visit for under $2,500. The assumptions being:

• Traveling from the east coast of the United States.  
• 3 star hotel located by public transit a few stops out of the center of the city.  
• One week stay
• Some flexibility in when you travel
• Use public transit, walking, and/or cycling
• Avoiding eating and drinking at tourist traps
• Including attractions, but not high end attractions such as cruises

So get ready to explore Europe!

Hungary

Budapest , Hungary's capital, is a fabulous city which offers almost everything you can think of.  Budapest also boasts a great public transit system; in fact Budapest's subway was the first in continental Europe.  Also great hospitality!

How to stay below $2,500: Look for cheap airfare.  I've seen tickets for as little as in the 600's.  Best deals are generally in the winter.  Once you have found cheap airfare you have pretty much won the game-Budapest is one of the least expensive major cities in Europe.  Stay at a local hotel: many of which will only cost about 50 US dollars per night. Leave the main touristy drags, eat on side streets instead and look for cafeteria style restaurants.

                                                                    

Ireland

Ireland is scenic, interesting, and the hospitality is great!  Ireland is my favorite place that I have been to!  If you visit you may discover it is your favorite place too!  

How to stay below $2500: Go in winter-contrary to popular belief Ireland is actually warmer than much of the Northeast and even Mid-Atlantic in the winter.  But this belief that Ireland is cold in the winter causes many tourist to avoid going to Ireland in the winter allowing for cheap airfare and discounted hotels.  Plus Ireland is one of the cheapest countries to fly to.  Stay at local hotels or bed and breakfasts to save money.  Avoid anything super touristy-you have a lot of options in Ireland.  In Dublin, Temple Bar will rack you up a bill and leave you without an authentic pub experience.  Instead look for an authentic pub outside of Temple Bar and eat outside of Temple Bar.  

                                                                 

Iceland

Iceland is a beautiful place that is becoming more popular each year.  In fact, the number of tourists which come each year currently greatly exceeds the population of Iceland.  

How to stay below $2500: It is easy to find cheap flights to Iceland.  If you go to Icelandic Air's website you can see individual dates and select dates with the lowest fares around the time you want to travel.  

There are likely also other countries  you could visit for under $2,500 much of this based on finding a cheap airfare.  These would include countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, Poland, Serbia, and Croatia (to name a few).