15 Best Alternatives to Popular European Destinations

White sandy beaches of French Riviera, the trend setter Paris, the authentic Spanish cuisine, and the majestic Alps…perfect European destination for a perfect trip. ‘Europe trip’ is a common dream that almost every traveler nurtures and imagines to execute one day. Also, thanks to Bollywood and especially Yash Chopra’s romantic flicks, we have even sequenced an ideal trip in our minds.

But reality is certainly different from what we see in movies. Unlike in reel, here you won’t be the only one on a trip of lifetime, there will be numerous other people as well. Impatient travelers hustling over each other to capture that perfect shot with their ‘iPads’, couples in love looking for their personal space on white beaches and guys hoarding the counter for their drink.

No matter how much crowded it gets but ‘Europe is Europe’, we understand the feeling!  So before you shatter your self-weaved ‘Europe Dream Sequence’ we bring you some off best destinations that may cost you same but are way too perfect alternatives for otherwise crowded destinations.

 

For Kickass Partying

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Image Source: radioedecampus

Where people head to: Ibiza, Spain
Where you should go: Riga, Latvia

Raving nights on the beaches with hippie crowds and sun tanned bodies partying together all night, is what makes Ibiza the most desirable place among all party lovers. However, there is just another place in the neighborhood that has gradually earned the title of ‘The second city that never sleeps’ – Riga in Latvia.

The city boasts its wide range of clubs, bars, and pubs loaded with cheap booze, laser nights. Further, notorious Riga Black Balsam, a Latvian herbal liquor often consumed with vodka or schnapps makes partying experience here even more fun!

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Riga, Latvia

Air Tickets: Approx INR 53,000 , check out SkyScanner for great deals, plan 5-6 months in advance.
Stay: As low as INR 14,000, book awesome places to stay at Airbnb like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers if you are travelling with with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 2000-3000 INR per person per night.

 

For Elegant Grandeur

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Image Source: keepcalmandcarryon

Where people head to: Vienna, Austria
Where you should go: Budapest, Hungary

Vienna is certainly one of the most outstanding cities in Europe with its grand boulevards and classic history that can be witnessed through its lavish architecture, but all this doesn’t come cheap and handy. However, there is one place that would help you save at least some Euros, Budapest.

Romance is in the air on the streets of Budapest. The authentic architecture of Art Nouveau, Opera House and elegant museums span across the Danube River. There is some magic in this friendly Metropolis. Also known as the ‘Paris of East, Budapest is equally graceful than the much crowded Vienna.

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Budapest, Hungary

Air Tickets: Approx INR 42,000 , check out
Stay: As low as INR 10,000, book awesome places to stay at Airbnb like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers, if you are travelling with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 900-1000 INR per person per night.

 

For Breathtaking Beaches

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Image Source: allegroholiday

Where people head to: Italy
Where you should go: Croatia

There is everything so romantic about Italy, the beaches are a perfect spot for a romantic hangout. With water on all sides there are still some picturesque nooks and corners that make swimming as well as beaches a beautiful vacation spot here.

The shimmering water and the seductive sandy beaches of Croatia is the best alternative if you do not wish to bump into a huge mass of people, as July to August is the peak time when Italians hang out at beaches. With over 1000 islands, this beautiful blend of land water is certainly a heaven on earth.

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Croatia

Air Tickets: Approx INR 55,000 , check out SkyScanner for great deals, plan 5-6 months in advance.
Stay: As low as INR 12,000, book awesome places to stay at Airbnb like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers, if you are travelling with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 2000-3000 INR per person per night.

 

For Brewing Cafes

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Image Source: cdn

Where people head to: Turin
Where you should go: Milan

Unlike rest of Italy, people of Turin just love their coffee. The famous Italian coffee drink Bicerin, originated here in Caffé Al Bicerin, the oldest café of Turin. Stunning arched porches add all the more taste to the brewing coffee inside the cafes. But to get that brew you need to lose your pocket too!If you are not willing to pay that much for ‘just-a-coffee’ then head to the city of style and fashion-Milan.

The beans have been casting their magic since but there is something else that makes the cafes in Milan all the more desirable – every corner on street boasts a café with prices that are much affordable than Turin. So if you find the café on the right a little expensive, then don’t worry there are plenty more to give a try.

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Milan

Air Tickets: Approx INR 42,000 , check out SkyScanner for great deals, plan 5-6 months in advance.
Stay: As low as INR 16,000, book awesome places to stay at Airbnb like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers, if you are travelling with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 1000-2000 INR per person per night.

 

For Beautiful Ruins
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Image Source: Neil Howard

Where people head to: Rome, Italy
Where you should go: Ephesus, Turkey

A walk in the city of Rome is a walk through time, beautiful ruins echo the story of the dynasties that once ruled here. Colosseum is the evidence of the gladiatorial era; Pantheon, a journey of a church from temple and the stunning Vatican museums.

It might be tough to search a place that can counter strike Rome but Ephesus, an ancient Roman city comes very close to it. Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of ancient world,  House of Virgin Mary, The Grand Theatre and Hadraian temple, to name a few.

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Ephesus, Turkey

Air Tickets: Approx INR 48,000 , check outSkyScanner for great deals, plan 5-6 months in advance.
Stay: As low as INR 12,000, book awesome places to stay at Airbnb like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers, if you are travelling with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 1000-2000 INR per person per night.

 

For Adventure Sports
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Image Source: lifeadventures

Where people head to: Interlaken, Switzerland
Where you should go: Bovec, Slovenia

Just the name, Switzerland is enough to bring beautiful imagery of snow clad Alps and lush green meadows. Interlaken is one of the favorite destination for adventure sports and activities. Paragliding in summers and skiing in winters are just few of the stamped activities that an adventure junkie cannot miss in Switzerland.

Slovenia is working hard to become the next top most adventure destination. With wide varieties in water sports activities in the Soca River and Alpine mountains that is gradually becoming popular for rappelling, rock climbing, canyoning, hiking and biking. It’s time to think beyond Switzerland.

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Bovec, Switzerland

Air Tickets: Approx INR 49,000 , check out SkyScanner for great deals, plan 5-6 months in advance.
Stay: As low as INR 22,000, book awesome places to stay at Airbnb like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers if you are travelling with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 900-1000 INR per person per night.

 

For Heart Pumping Music Festivals

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Image Source: turisti

Where people head to: Amsterdam
Where you should go: Rotterdam

Amsterdam, just doesn’t require any introduction for sure! It is a dream land of every party lover and anyone & everyone who wishes to live free, away from rules. A hub of all famous international music festivals, this city is always on fire!So, if you have missed the ticket for a music event in Amsterdam, relax! We have something for you.

Rotterdam is one stop destination for all kinds of music lovers. Kralingen Pop festival, the first ever music festival in Netherlands originated in this city. The music festivals here will certainly blow your mind!

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Rotterdam

Air Tickets: Approx INR 50,000 , check out SkyScanner for great deals, plan 5-6 months in advance.
Stay: As low as INR 10,000, book awesome places to stay at Airbnb like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers if you are travelling with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 1000-2000 INR per person per night.

 

For Lip-smacking Wine

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Image Source: hvar-island

Where people head to: Tuscany, Italy
Where you should go: Istria, Croatia

Montalcino and Montepulciano might be known for their architecture and renaissance but there is something else that makes both these hills all more popular – the wine yards. For most of the people here, it’s their family business. Considering their popularity, some wine yards here can only be visited by appointments and also expensive tours.

Istria County, the westernmost country in Croatia is also the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Seas. Gradually evolving as a fine wine tasting destination, with over 110 wineries you can go on a weekday trip or a bike ride for wine tasting here. Also, in Istria you pay four times less money than what you pay in Tuscany, so a double thumbs up!

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Istria, Croatia

Air Tickets: Approx INR 54,000 , check out SkyScanner for great deals, plan 5-6 months in advance.
Stay: As low as INR 15,923book awesome places on Airbnb to stay at like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers  if you are travelling with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 900-1000 INR per person per night.

 

For Adrenaline Rushing Skiing

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Image Source: adventurejay

Where people head to: The Alps
Where you should go: Bulgaria

There is no second opinion that skiing experience in the Alps is something that just cannot be gained at any other place on earth. However, there is one destination that might give you the same fun and at a much lower price.

Bulgaria, is one under-the-radar destination that an adventure junkie surely need to visit. Bansko, boasts at a height of 9,000 ft and is gradually becoming top-most ski terminus in Eastern Europe.

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Bulgaria

Air Tickets: Approx INR 63,000 , check out SkyScanner for great deals, plan 5-6 months in advance.
Stay: As low as INR 12,000, book awesome places on Airbnb to stay at like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers on if you are travelling with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 500-1000 INR per person per night.

 

For Fizzy Beer

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Image Source: towdistributing

Where people head to: Munich, Germany
Where you should go: Prague, Czech Republic

It won’t be wrong to consider Beer and Germany synonymous to each other. Since ages, beer is considered an essential entity of the German culture. For a beer lover, Munich is the best place to head to. With its well famed Oktoberfest, this is one special place to ‘sip the fizz’.

But do you know that the highest beer consumption in world per capita is not in Germany but Prague? The locals here are just head over heels in love with their brew! Also a cost effective drink…well, no one really want to miss it!

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Prague, Czech Republic

Air Tickets: Approx INR 41,000 , check outSkyScanner  for great deals, plan 5-6 months in advance.
Stay: As low as INR 11,000, book awesome places on Airbnb to stay at like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers on if you are travelling with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 2000-1000 INR per person per night.

 

For Spectacular Northern Lights

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Image Source: blirk

Where people head to: Iceland
Where you should go: Norway

The northern lights or ‘Aurora Borealis’ is one amazing natural wonder and is totally unpredictable. Mostly visible from November to April, Aurura Zone of Iceland is flooded with photographers and tourists looking to witness these lights.

However, when it comes to Norway it is not the northern lights but something beyond that,’Polar Night’ is another fascinating natural phenomena that occurs between mid-November and January end.A blue twilight covers the entire night increasing your chances of witnessing northern lights.

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Norway

Air Tickets: Approx INR 54,000 , check outSkyScanner for great deals, plan 5-6 months in advance.
Stay: As low as INR 11,000, book awesome places to stay at Airbnb like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers if you are travelling with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 2000-3000 INR per person per night.

 

For ‘Awwsome’ Shopping

Where people head to: Paris
Where you should go: Prague

While supermodels display amazing collections of the top most designers of the world inside venues like Grand Palais, there is a fashion wave on the streets as well. Paris, the style setter for the world is a shopping paradise. What world begins to follow, begins right here!

But, yes to get that ‘Posh’ look you need to lose a lot of Euro as well. If you are not that shopaholic and just cannot standing waiting outside the trial rooms, then, change the course of your direction and head straight to Prague. Parizska is the most famous street for a good range of luxury goods and clothing.

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Prague

Air Tickets: Approx INR 41,000 , check outSkyScanner for great deals, plan 5-6 months in advance.
Stay: As low as INR 11,000, book awesome places to stay at Airbnb like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers if you are travelling with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 2000-3000 INR per person per night.

 

For Relaxing Cycling

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Image Source: travelergatesweden

Where people head to: Netherlands
Where you should go: Sweden

Netherlands, a country that runs on cycles. Almost 25 % trips to work are made on cycles. An eco-friendly country, one just cannot stay away from a cycle while in Dutch. Amazing sceneries of Netherlands. Separate bike paths are a common thing here, also for tourists one can easily find a cycle friendly hotel or an eating place.

Sweden on the other hand is rapidly progressing to list itself in the eco-friendly countries in the world. One can easily cycle his way through beautiful Vasa Museum and Drottningholm Palace. For a bike lover, this is certainly a place worth riding on!

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Sweden

Air Tickets: Approx INR 51,000 , check outSkyScanner for great deals, plan 5-6 months in advance.
Stay: As low as INR 11,000, book awesome places to stay at Airbnb like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers if you are travelling with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 1000-2000 INR per person per night.

 

For Stylish Casinos

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Image Source: onlinecasinoaffiliateprogram

Where people head to: Monaco
Where you should go: Portugal

There are just two reasons behind people visiting Moncao, first- amazingly beautiful beaches of Monte- Carlo while second is the mind blowing Casinos of this region.

Casino industry has rapidly grown in Portugal, this proud nation now boasts over 5000 slots. The two major Casino groups Estoril Sol Group and Solverde Group dominate the gambling industry.

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Portugal

Air Tickets:Approx INR 48,000 , check outSkyScanner for great deals, plan 5-6 months in advance.
Stay: As low as INR 10,000, book awesome places Airbnb to stay at like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers if you are travelling with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 800-1000 INR per person per night.

 

For Scrumptious Chocolates

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Image Source: newartcolorz

Where people head to: Switzerland
Where you should go: Denmark

Just by hearing the name ‘Toblerone’, the yummy-licious imagery of this triangle paradise of Switzerland comes to mind! There is certainly nothing that can beat Swiss Chocolate in the world. However, considering the popularity of this nation, it is no doubt a costly affair to shop for these mouthwatering –souvenirs.

Do you know, Denmark was once the fifth largest chocolate producing country in the world? It might be not at the same rank but Danish Chocolates still hold the title for ‘One of the best chocolates in the World’. So, stop sighing and get ready for some chocolate adventures in Denmark.

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Denmark

Air Tickets: Approx INR 48,000 , check outSkyScanner for great deals, plan 5-6 months in advance.
Stay: As low as INR 9,000, book awesome places Airbnb to stay at like this one. Also like on Hostelbookers if you are travelling with 2-3 people, it’s possible to get awesome places between 1000-2000 INR per person per night.

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