Save Money by Taking an Alternative European Vacation

The European Union is not just a geographic union. 13 of the 27 European Union countries are also part of a monetary union. The countries that make up this monetary union are known as the eurozone. And, with the euro doing well against the dollar in currency trading, a European vacation can be pricey.

But what happens if you avoid the big name places in the eurozone? What if instead of Italy or Greece you headed to Croatia's Adriatic coast. Or if instead of a trip to Paris, you headed to Bucharest, Romania? I'll tell you what you'd get. You would end up with a great, cosmopolitan European vacation at a fraction of the cost of staying in one of the eurozone countries. Eastern Europe makes for a great alternative European vacation.

Dubrovnik, Croatia. This city is known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic." And it truly is. There is plenty to see here: fine architecture, museums and even nightlife. And, any visit to a European city needs a stop at a Medieval castle. Good thing Dubrovnik has one. And it is situated on the Adriatic Coast, surrounded by resort towns and beautiful beaches. Dubrovnik offers ferries to the major islands in the Adriatic, and at the other end of the Dalmation Coast, you can enjoy the same from the ancient city of Split (known for the warm waters near the shore). But perhaps the best treat is a trip to the island town of Hvar. It, too, has a castle-fortress, and you can enjoy Mediterrean cuisine, as well as exursions out on the water. A true beach vacation delight, at a fraction of the cost of visiting the Greek islands or the coast of Italy.

Bucharest, Romania. Unlike Croatia, which is up for European Union membership, Romania is a member of the EU. However, it is not part of the eurozone. Romania has its own currency, and that means that your dollar will go much further. Bucharest is a very cosmopolitan city with a good nightlife. However, it is also long on culture. Bucharest was known throughout Europe as "Little Paris" due to its grand architecture and sophistication. Now, Bucharest has the distinction of being one of the few cities in the central/eastern European region that allows gambling. And you can gamble in style in converted palaces and mansions. Other Romanian vacations include ski vacations at Sinaia, Predeal and Poiana Brasov, as well as wine tours in the infamous Transylvania region of Romania.

Other great cosmopolitan alternative European vacation options include Hungary and Bulgaria. Both of these countries feature their own rich cultural heritage mixed
with cosmopolitan European flavor. And, like visits to Croatia and Romania, provide a truly European experience at only a small portion of the price you will pay in eurozone countries.