The Balkans (Albania/Kosovo/North Macedonia)

The Balkans spent the 1990s at war, and the internet never really moved on. Travel forums still warn against it like it's 1998. Meanwhile, the region is affordable, uncrowded, incredibly green, and filled with people who are genuinely happy to see visitors because they don't get many.

Albania's Riviera is a Mediterranean coast that makes you wonder why Croatia got famous and Albania didn't — lower prices, fewer tourists, same water and sun. Gjirokastër is a stone town built into a mountainside that looks like it's from a different century. The food is Turkish-influenced (grilled meats, byrek pastries, fresh seafood) and costs $3–7 per meal. Buses are cheap and frequent.

Kosovo is tiny, mountainous, and has the youngest population in Europe (median age 28). The capital, Pristina, has incredible graffiti art, good restaurants, cheap beer, and locals who will adopt you. Prizren is a smaller city with Ottoman architecture and a river running through it. North Macedonia is similar — green mountains, Lake Ohrid (stunning), food that tastes like home-cooked, unpretentious.

The Balkans are collectively cheaper than anywhere else in Europe. A three-course dinner with wine costs $8–12. Accommodation is $20–40. Buses cost almost nothing. The ruins (Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine) are extensive. And the people speak English more than many Western Europeans do.

Riviera beaches (Albania): Ksamil, Sarandë, or Himara — white sand beaches, clear water, cheap. Day trips, $3–5 transport from town.

Gjirokastër old town walking tour: A UNESCO site with Ottoman architecture, narrow stone streets, and castle views. Day-trip from Sarandë (1 hour) or base there for 1–2 nights. $0 to walk around, $3–5 for museum entry.

Pristina street art and café crawl: Graffiti art scattered throughout, cafés with excellent strong coffee, and nightlife until 4am. Walking tour, $0–15 for a guide.

Lake Ohrid (North Macedonia): One of Europe's oldest lakes with clear water, fish restaurants, and small-town charm. Base yourself here for 1–3 days. $5–10 per day transport from Skopje.

Budget:: Cozy Hostel (Tirana) — old town location, rooftop bar, social. Dorms $8–12, privates $25–40.

Mid-Range:: Rogner Hotel Eurostars Deva Spa (Ksamil, Albania) — beachfront, reasonable prices. $70–100/night.

Splurge:: Villa Ohrid — lakeshore luxury on Lake Ohrid with views and restaurant. $150–220/night.

Byrek: Pastry filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, baked until crispy. Turkish influence, eaten for breakfast or snack. $1–2.

Pljeskavica: A Serbian burger-like sandwich with spiced meat, cheese, and vegetables. Hearty, $2–4.

Fresh grilled fish: Whole fish grilled with salt, served with olive oil and lemon. Riviera coastal towns, $5–8.

Shopska salad: Tomato, cucumber, onion, and white cheese (sirene), dressed with olive oil. A meal on its own. $2–3.

Burek: Flaky pastry rolls filled with meat or cheese. Street food, bakery staple, $1–2.