11 Affordable Cities: Vacation for Bargain Hunters

Strolling through picturesque streets, discovering hidden cafés, and being captivated by impressive architecture, a vacation in a foreign city can be so exciting! For those who are already dreaming of far-off places but still lack the funds, this year it's still time to pack your bags and embark on an adventure! Staying in a dorm, flexible flight booking, and carry-on luggage instead of checked bags - if you do it right, you can travel at a bargain price and choose a destination that flatters your budget.

But which cities offer affordable lodging in 2024 and where are flights available for a small budget? If you're looking for an unforgettable vacation that promises not only unique experiences but also a friendly approach to your wallet, you're in the right place! The Travelcircus team has identified 11 fantastic cities that not only delight with their beauty and diversity but are also particularly budget-friendly in terms of flights and accommodation.

• In Albania, a bed in a hostel averages just $8.80 per night
• A German city also ranks among the top 11
• A weekend in London can still cost less than $100 for flight and accommodation if booked at the right time
• Two places must share a spot in the ranking of the 11 budget cities
• Bargain hunters will find great deals in Eastern Europe

Flight costs have significantly increased in recent years, making it even more challenging to plan a low-budget trip. However, deals can occasionally be found, especially with flexible travel booking. To discover these affordable connections, we thoroughly examined the fares from the three largest airports in the United States using Skyscanner. Here, we focused on the cheapest booking month suggested by Skyscanner (March to December) and selected the most affordable days available. In addition to flight prices, hostel prices were also considered. We used the Hostelworld platform for our research. First, the cheapest flight dates were filtered when searching for accommodation, and then the most affordable hostel and dorm room were chosen. Ultimately, the average total price for the three different dates was calculated.

Flight Price - The average flight price from the three largest airports in the U.S. (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago) to the selected destination. Prices were determined using Skyscanner (as of February 19, 2024).

Hostel Price - The average minimum price for a night in a hostel per person on the Hostelworld platform during the travel periods of the cheapest flight dates suggested by Skyscanner (as of February 19, 2024).

When searching for the most affordable destinations, the focus was exclusively on European capitals. Cities currently experiencing crises were excluded, along with those for which none of the three airports offer direct flights.

In total, a maximum of 10.00 points could be achieved.

If you're looking for especially cheap flights this year, you should put London at the top of your list. With an average round-trip fare of only $58.88, you can score a great deal! However, Skopje, with average flight prices of $63.56, and Dublin, at $67.25, could also be destinations for bargain hunters.

A night during a city trip doesn't always have to be expensive: if you choose a dormitory in a hostel this year, you will be rewarded with a full wallet at the end of the day. In many cities, a night costs less than $11: in Tirana, for example, a bed in a hostel averages just $8.80, in Skopje for $9.20, and in Sofia for $10.00.

Why not travel to the capital this coming summer? With 7.55 points, Berlin ranks 11th among the affordable cities when it comes to flight and hostel prices. With an average of $18.70 for a bed in a dormitory, Berlin alone earns 4.00 points in the hostel price category.

Latin American street festivals, Asian restaurants, and English comedy gigs - a trip to Berlin is like a trip around the world. For those who love to travel afar, even a weekend by the Spree River suffices. And the best part: not only can you save on accommodation, but also on celebrating, dining, or shopping.

A party here goes on around the clock, not just in clubs but also completely free in parks, the shared flats next door, or right in front of the corner store. And thanks to lunch menus, döner stands, currywurst, and burgers, there's something culinary for every budget. If you don't want to return home with empty pockets, visit one of the many second-hand shops.

It may be surprising to see a Scandinavian capital in the top 11 budget cities. However, regarding flight and accommodation prices, Stockholm definitely has a lot to offer.

With an average of $117.46 for a round trip, low-budget travelers can enjoy a fantastic short vacation here. Every morning you can stroll through the cobbled streets with a warm cinnamon roll in hand or simply enjoy a hot cup of coffee in one of the many dreamy cafés.

Those traveling to Stockholm in spring or summer will have little trouble maintaining a low budget: almost every weekend, a free street festival takes place. The many green parks also invite you to relax outdoors, and the Baltic Sea is especially enjoyable on hot days. Particularly during spring, a totally free highlight is offered: the sight of blooming cherry blossoms!

The Romanian capital ranks 9th in the budget city category with 8.17 points. Although the average flight prices are around $142.66, accommodation can save you a lot of money. A hostel bed costs just around $10.67 on average.

While modern skyscrapers tower in the city center, you can discover old ruins and churches in the side streets. Large boulevards promise endless shopping adventures, and the old town is lined with colorful boutiques and cafés along its narrow streets. Bucharest is a metropolis full of contrasts, which makes a trip to the Romanian city enticing and unique.

By avoiding the tourist traps in the center, you can enjoy a main dish at a restaurant in Bucharest for just a few euros. Traveling on a budget in Romania can still come with a touch of luxury!

A city trip to Croatia radiates pure vacation vibes. If you want to treat yourself to a break this year on a small budget, you should consider the capital Zagreb as your destination. In the ranking of the top 11 cheapest cities regarding flights and hostels, Zagreb claims the 8th spot with 8.22 points. On average, you can find round-trip flights for under $100, and a bed in a dormitory costs around $16.60.

Costs in Zagreb are below the overall European price level, making a short trip especially affordable. Whether enjoying a beer in the sun, a hearty brunch at a café, or a main dish at a traditional restaurant - you can feast frugally in the right places here.

A highlight during your short vacation in the Croatian metropolis is visiting the famous Dolac Market. Here, you can get that Mediterranean vibe right in your hands: fresh fruits, crunchy vegetables, locally made raki, and colorful flowers.

Belgrade, the vibrant capital of Serbia - where the Danube meets the Sava, historical splendor meets urban flair, and a lively nightlife meets a colorful cultural scene. With a score of 8.58 points, this rising metropolis secures the 6th place in the ranking of budget cities. Those searching for affordable accommodation here will be pleased: a hostel bed averages just $11.30.

Belgrade is still one of Europe's best-kept secrets. A trip to the capital offers a wealth of discoveries that go far beyond the usual tourist paths. A must-visit for every tourist is the charming neighborhood of Skadarlija, which invites endless lingering with its cobblestones and traditional pubs, the so-called Kafanas. Here, you can dive into the genuine Serbian way of life and enjoy warm hospitality!

Wild party nights are never short in Belgrade. For those seeking a unique experience, a visit to one of the many floating river clubs, the Splavovi, is a must. From electronic music to traditional Balkan sounds - everyone can find their rhythm in Belgrade.

The 5th place is shared by two European cities: Tirana in Albania and Athens in Greece. Both score a total of 8.65 points. While Athens benefits from low flight prices (average $105.00), Tirana scores full marks with a budget-friendly accommodation fee. With an average of $8.80 per night for a bed in a dormitory, Tirana ranks high in the hostel price category.

Off to Albania and the green metropolis Tirana! Coffee lovers rejoice: the Albanian capital is among the cities in Europe with the most cafés. But not only coffee is consumed here daily; raki - the sacred spirit of Albanians, of which there are about 50 varieties! Travelers can look forward to a relaxed, artistic, and hip scene while delving into the incredible history at one of the many museums.

Want to go even further south? Then expect a mix of Mediterranean vacation vibes and urban modernity in the rising city of Athens. Ancient temples, historic excavation sites, and a trendy cultural scene - lovers of art and music will be in their element here. And how about a glass of Greek wine? The taverns entice with tzatziki, halloumi, souvlaki, and fresh olives.

Two cities share the 4th place. The Hungarian capital Budapest shines with exceptionally low hostel prices of around $11.00 per night, while Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, attracts low-budget travelers with an average round trip of only $92.73 from the three largest airports in the U.S.. Both metropolises accumulate an impressive 8.76 points in the ranking.

Want to vacation affordably while still living like a local? Budapest makes it possible! You can get a beer for under $3, hearty street food awaits on every corner, and adventures are free - how about a little hike up Gellért Hill for breathtaking views? The city on the Danube couldn't be more romantic: sunsets during a boat trip, cool drinks on one of the many rooftop bars, and beautiful historic buildings to fall in love with.

Prefer to travel off the usual tourist routes? A truly underestimated destination is the capital of Lithuania: Vilnius. Charming streets, magnificent buildings, and trendy restaurants - those traveling to the Baltics will be surprised by the magical beauty of these cities. The best part: in Lithuania, the cost of living is generally about 30% lower than in Germany.

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and breathtaking nature, securing its place among the top 3 budget cities with a score of 9.00 points. With average flight prices of $104.46 for a round trip, as well as just $10.00 for a night in a dormitory, low-budget travelers truly get their money's worth here.

Nestled between the majestic Vitosha Mountain, Sofia offers a perfect combination of stunning panoramas and ancient splendor, making it an ideal destination for an unforgettable short trip. Frugal travelers can have plenty of adventures here without cost. Nature lovers can enjoy a self-guided tour of Vitosha Mountain or relax in the tranquil ambience of Borisova Gradina. For culture enthusiasts, some museums offer free admission on certain days of the month, making it worthwhile to research in advance!

If you want to dive into the city's traditions, visit one of the traditional Bulgarian taverns. They offer delicious food at very affordable prices. Dishes like Shopska salad or Tarator provide insights into the local cuisine, even for those on a small budget.

Cheap flights and trendy hostels with bargain rates for budget travelers? That sounds like baked beans, fish & chips, and afternoon tea: welcome to place 2, welcome to London! Even though living costs in the British metropolis are quite high, excellent deals can be snagged for flights and hostels. With an average fare of only $58.80 for round trips from the U.S., London claims the top spot in flight prices. For a night in a hostel, you'll be looking at a mere $15.50.

So, if you do it right and are frugal with your activities during the day as well as dining and drinking, you can enjoy a short trip full of variety and adventure.

Free activities in London? No problem! Botanical vibes combined with unique panoramic views over the skyline can be found at the famous Sky Garden, a free-viewing platform. Another highlight is the free Natural History Museum, which is so vast that you can easily spend a whole day there. Indeed, you can easily waste hours without spending any money just strolling through the neighborhoods of Notting Hill, Southbank, or Camden.

However, dining at a restaurant in London can get costly quite fast. Fortunately, the metropolis is a haven for street food, snack chains, and food markets. And what would a trip to London be without hitting the pub scene? Thanks to countless happy hours, you can save plenty of money here.

A round trip for just $63.56 and a night in a hostel for $9.20 - sounds like a dream? In Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, bargain hunters can make their dream trip a reality. Not without reason does Skopje take the top spot in the ranking with a total of 9.88 points.

The city on the Vardar River is a vibrant mix of traditional and modern elements, offering visitors a wide range of attractions. Walking through the streets here will fully immerse you in the rhythm of the Balkans.

A stop should definitely be made at the Old Bazaar, one of the most historic and largest marketplaces in the Balkans. The Millennium Cross on top of Vodno Mountain is also a unique attraction in Skopje - it is the largest cross in the world and a popular viewpoint for a comprehensive view of the city.

Of course, the culinary scene of North Macedonia should not be missed: from traditional Macedonian dishes in the numerous taverns of the old town to international cuisine in modern restaurants, Skopje offers a broad array of taste experiences.

From vibrant metropolises like London and Berlin to charming historical cities like Vilnius or Riga to Mediterranean vacation destinations like Zagreb and Athens - traveling affordably can be so diverse. Those who plan their trips at the right time and are flexible with flight dates can score round trips for under $100. Even when choosing accommodations, bargain hunters can do really well - just book a bed in a dormitory in a hostel. A night in places like Skopje, Tirana, or Sofia can be had for under $11.