8) Bulgaria
Another underestimated eastern European country is Bulgaria. Within its borders lay historic cities, the gorgeous Black Sea coastal region, party-hardy beach towns, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Plovdiv is said to be the oldest city in Europe and is also the unofficial shopping capital of Bulgaria. Wander around Old Town’s cobblestone streets, visit the 2nd-century Roman Stadium, and take in a performance at the 2,000-year old Plovdiv Theater for just 3 USD. Sunny Beach and Sozopol are the most popular beaches on Bulgaria’s Black Sea. Known for its late nights and raucous parties, they’re also one of the cheapest places to eat, drink, and sleep, appealing to many budget travelers. Beer is less than a dollar and accommodations start at $14/night. Tip: The crowd at Sozopol tends to be a little classier! Don’t leave without checking out Nessebar, an ancient city and UNESCO site just 30-minutes south of Sunny.
