8 Budget-Friendly European Countries to Visit in Summer 2025

Summer in Europe doesn’t have to mean sky-high prices. Whether you’re traveling on standby or planning a quick getaway between rosters, there are still plenty of beautiful, exciting, and affordable European destinations that won’t break the bank.

Here are 8 budget-friendly countries to explore in Summer 2025, perfect for airline crew and standby travelers who love adventure.

1. Bulgaria

Why go: A hidden gem for beach lovers and hikers alike. Think sunny Black Sea beaches, mountain monasteries, and ancient cities — all for a fraction of Western Europe’s prices.
Crew tip: Fly into Sofia or Varna and explore both the coast and countryside.
Must-see: Nessebar, Plovdiv, Rila Monastery.

2. Romania

Why go: Castles, charming medieval towns, and green mountains — Romania offers fairy-tale vibes on a budget.
Crew tip: Bucharest is well-connected and often has great standby availability.
Must-see: Transfăgărășan Highway, Bran Castle, Sibiu.

3. Albania

Why go: The Albanian Riviera has some of the best (and least crowded) beaches in Europe — and it’s incredibly affordable.
Crew tip: Tirana is served by several low-cost carriers, making it easy to access on short notice.
Must-see: Ksamil, Berat, Theth National Park.

4. Montenegro

Why go: Like Croatia, but much cheaper. Montenegro offers beautiful coastlines, old towns, and fjord-like bays.
Crew tip: Consider flying into Dubrovnik (Croatia) and crossing the border by bus or rental car.
Must-see: Kotor, Perast, Durmitor National Park.

5. North Macedonia

Why go: Off the radar for most tourists, North Macedonia combines Balkan charm, mountain views, and lakes.
Crew tip: Skopje has good connectivity and is a great base to explore the country.
Must-see: Lake Ohrid, Matka Canyon, Skopje’s architecture.

6. Serbia

Why go: Belgrade a vibrant (and underrated) city, with a lively summer nightlife, riverside bars, and rich history.
Crew tip: Public transport in Belgrade is free, so it’s easy to get around.
Must-see: Kalemegdan Fortress, Novi Sad, Tara National Park.

7. Bosnia & Herzegovina

Why go: Stunning natural landscapes, affordable prices, and warm, welcoming people. Ideal for a peaceful yet inspiring trip.
Crew tip: Combine with Croatia or Montenegro for a multi-country trip.
Must-see: Mostar, Sarajevo, Kravica Waterfalls.

8. Poland

Why go: Rich in culture and history, but still very affordable — especially outside the big cities.
Crew tip: Kraków and Warsaw have excellent air connections and are easy to explore even on a short layover.
Must-see: Zakopane, Wrocław, Baltic Sea coast.

Summer 2025 is your chance to explore Europe beyond the usual hotspots. Whether you’re chasing sunshine, culture, or nature, or even retirement, these budget-friendly countries are calling.

Let us know where you’re headed this summer and don’t forget to tag @StaffTravelerapp in your adventures! 🌍✈️

Travelling to these countries and want to stay connected? Try the StaffTraveler eSIM for free with coupon code

ST100MB.