The Sacred Heart Cathedral (Katedrala Srca Isusova) is a Catholic church in Sarajevo commonly referred as the Sarajevo Cathedral. it is the largest cathedral in Bosnia
Leah Berenson
Leah Berenson
June 20, 2024 ·  4 min read

‘Most Underrated’ European Destination Costs Only $250 For Everything

Traveling is one of the most advantageous things one can do in life. It offers a sense of renewal and new perspective, adventure, or relaxation. However, it’s also a costly luxury that many people won’t have. However, traveling on a budget is possible. For example, one “underrated” destination costs around $250 for a long weekend. Fortunately, the internet is full of seasoned travelers, sharing their hacks for a more affordable getaway.

Amazing Travel on a Budget

A sign of a cities name in gold letters. Greenery, homes, and an older building in the background.
Image Credit:@emsbudgettrave | TikTok

@emsbudgettravel has more than 50,000 followers on TikTok where she shares tips for people traveling on a budget. She recently shared a video after traveling on a budget to 9 destinations since the start of 2024. Her “favorite” has been Sarajevo in Bosnia. “So I’ve just come back from four days in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is a country in the Balkans in Eastern Europe.” She told followers.

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Cheap Yet Lovable City

Greenery and water with white text.
Image Credit:@emsbudgettrave | TikTok

I only spent £158.44 in total for everything including flights, accommodation, food, activities, and transport. Literally everything.” Em explained. “So it definitely lives up to the reputation of being one of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe. We stayed in the capital of Sarajevo, which is a beautiful city and it felt really safe.”

Highlights

Greenery, water, and buildings. Mountains and blue sky with clouds in the background.
Image Credit:@emsbudgettrave | TikTok

The locals were very friendly. Even the bus drivers. The whole country is filled with stunning scenery, mountains, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. If you come to Bosnia you also have to visit Mostar, which is a small city about two hours away from the capital on the train.” She said, recalling the destination’s hospitality. “So it’s an easy day trip, but this was the highlight of the trip for me. The city felt so magical and it was a perfect base to explore for hours. People also jumped off the bridge here into the river, which was interesting too. Overall, it was an amazing trip and I definitely wanted more than the four days I had here so this is somewhere I’ll definitely be revisiting to explore more.”

Flights for Traveling on a Budget

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 8, 2012: Fleet of Ryanair low cost airline at Rome Ciampino Airport in Italy.
Source: Shutterstock

She noted Ryanair “recently started flying here really cheaply.” Her flight from London Stansted Airport to Sarajevo International Airport cost around $25. Whereas 4-star hotels in the area can be as low as around $60 per night.

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Helpful Hints for Traveling on a Budget

Dirty hand holding a compass. Blurred background.
Image Credit: dima_goroziya | Pixabay

After the flights are booked, luggage has to be addressed. Many airlines once included the cost of a checked bag and carry-ons in the cost of the flight. However, that’s not the case for every airline anymore. One sure way to travel on a budget is to pack light, avoiding an unexpected checked bag fee if your luggage is too heavy. Pack everything in the same 2 colors so you can mix and match but everything will always go together. Additionally, consider a color wheel when selecting colors that may be complimentary or contradictory.

Avoid Airport Food

Dublin, Ireland - Feb 2021: Selective focus of people at The Slaney Bar and Kitchen at Terminal 2, Dublin International Airport. A place for fancy tasty Irish food and drink served in a contemporary
Source: Shutterstock

While traveling with beverages from outside the airport isn’t an option, food and snacks are allowed. It’s a good idea to bring snacks, rather than pay for overpriced food that likely isn’t high quality.

Eat Local

Night market with people walking along the street.
Image Credit: Juuud28 | Pixabay

While many tourist destinations are worth exploring, they aren’t the only spots around. Traveling on a budget may be easier if you shop at local grocery stores and cook. Or eat out at places that aren’t in the heart of tourist destinations, or are considered a “tourist trap”.

Avoid Tourist Traps Altogether

World Map with a camera and U.S. Passport
Image Credit: Pamjpat | Pixabay

A “tourist trap” is a destination with outrageously high or inflated prices on goods, services, entertainment, and food because they’re popular and people are willing to pay a lot for the opportunity to see these places. However, other cities exist outside the most popular destinations worldwide and offer similar experiences, scenery, or cuisine.

Sign up for Perks

A blue or black car driving down a gravel road with a person sticking their arm and hat out the window. Greenery, sky, and clouds in the background.
Image Credit: Tekhnika | Pixabay

Lastly, people who travel often are incentivized by airlines. This includes things like bonus points for using their credit cards, and deals on hotels, flights, or rentals. Another perk of frequent travel is access to airport lounges. Travelers pay an annual membership fee and have access to better-quality food and beverages. Additionally, some hotels like the Hilton have a price match guarantee.

Traveling on a budget may seem difficult but people like @emsbudgettravel are sharing their wisdom with others, making travel far more attainable for the average person or family.

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Sources

  1. Europe’s ‘most underrated’ destination where a long weekend costs less than £200 for everything.Lad Bible. Tom Earnshaw. June 10, 2024.
  2. 12 Easy Money Saving Travel Tips.” Nerd Wallet Sally French May 28, 2024.
  3. 4 Uncommon Tips for Saving Money on Travel.” Nerd Wallet. Josh Garber. October 3, 2022.