European Bargain Destinations
Sunday April 16, 2006
New article: Millions will flock to the most popular European destinations this summer. But some will venture off the beaten tourist track to experience lesser-known places. Their rewards will be smaller crowds, fascinating discoveries and lower costs. One such destination is Latvia, which along with its Baltic brothers Estonia and Lithuania is experiencing a transformation you won't want to miss.
Comments
What nonsense! Latvia is not a destination, and neither is Belgium. They are countries full of tourist destinations, some crowded, others quiet. If Brussels is too crowded, try nearby medieval Leuven. Latvia may not have many tourists, but if you go to the capital, you won’t see anyone else than tourists.
As for my native Belgium, don’t spend the night in Brussels if you can go to Brugge or Gent. Brussels has an airport and a few streets full of Japs and Yanks. Brugge, Gent, Antwerp and Leuven is where the real sights are, and the places are safe, which Brussels isn’t. Sleep by the river in Gent and nothing is more than an hour away by train. Not even Brussels.
Lots of people go to places like Latvia for a long weekend. I have friends in London who have been there and like it. Airfares are cheap.
The story doesn’t even mention Belgium, why bring it up at all?
Excellent article. I agree with the readers. Brussels is good for a first day rest, but Antwerp, Ghent and Brugge are Belgium!
Great article. IMHO, it is even better (and more realistic) than the 10 cheap European destinations which USAToday published.
Croatia is my personal favorite. The only problem I find with that destination is the price of the flight (if you are coming from Western Europe, that is).
Great Article! I, as an American, visited the baltic states in May of 2004 and they were amazing! Lots of tourists, lots of things to do! Worth every penny!
If Croatia is the New Tuscany over run with rich americans buying 300 year old villas ans sipping their early morning expressos and moaning about italian strikes, then head elswhere for the true experience. Try the Romanian countryside - forget Bucaresti - head north on the trains to Brasov and Sibiu for a trip unlike anything else. Stay with the locals rather than hotels. You can stay 3 weeks for the price of 1 in Tuscany!
I think that you get a much more authentic flavour of your destination if you venture. even slightly, off the well worn tourist track. You avoid the tourist crowds and get better value for money. For example when you think of the Italian lakes, you think of Lake Como or Garda. However the less well known but still very beautiful Lake Iseo is not so commercialised.