Leisure
4 Beach Destinations – Perfect for a Student Budget
Dreaming of a refreshing beach vacation all year but now that summer's here, you feel like it’s still out of reach? Here are 4 amazing beach destinations from the Y Generation Student Union that you can visit even if you’re trying to save up the travel costs from your scholarship or part-time job!
Montenegro
You can reach Podgorica from Budapest in just 1 hour with a budget airline, and from there, take a bus for a few euros to the stunning beaches. Surprised? This small country’s beaches can easily compete with the beauty of the Italian coast. Mostly pebble and rocky beaches are found here, but in the southernmost town, Ulcinj, you’ll find sandy beaches waiting for you.
Montenegro offers excellent accommodation deals: if you team up with a few friends, you can keep the cost down to around 20,000 HUF per person. Don't expect western standards everywhere; it’s ideal for those who enjoy a slightly Balkan atmosphere. This reflects in the prices too, with daily meals costing about 8-12 euros. Beginners should head to Budva and its surroundings, while the more adventurous and frugal might prefer southern Ulcinj. 😉
Bulgaria
Sunny Beach near Burgas is a favorite European holiday spot for young people because it's cheap and packed with entertainment options. There are two ways to get there on a budget: by low-cost flight or bus. Direct budget flights from Budapest to Burgas can often be found at a good price, and you can book bus trips through travel agencies. Although the bus trip is about 18-20 hours long, it might be worth trying for cost efficiency.
Accommodation can also be booked at great prices, whether individually or through a travel agency. The best method is to book a larger apartment with friends, but there are excellent options for couples too. While you're there, a trip to Nesebar is a must: its historic old town offers a Mediterranean atmosphere.
Greece
Similar to Bulgaria, many cities in Greece can be reached either by bus or low-cost flight. The latter is slightly more expensive, but if you can’t stand long bus rides, it’s worth increasing your travel budget by a few thousand forints.
Corfu, being the fastest and cheapest Greek island to reach, is particularly popular among Hungarian youth. The peak season is from mid-July to the end of August, so to avoid the crowds, consider postponing your vacation to September when the sea is still pleasantly warm.
Albania
Albania, the least touristy country in the Balkans, is also a “budget destination” where you can get a plane ticket for under 20,000 HUF in September. Flights land in Tirana, from where you can easily reach the coastal cities along the 360 km-long coastline by bus. Whichever city you choose, your wallet will thank you: for first-timers in Albania, Saranda, Durres, and Vlora are good options.
Worried about choosing such a "Balkan" country for your vacation this year? Here’s a hint: thanks to the locals' hospitality, the turquoise sea, and super low prices, soon all of Central Europe will discover this gem-rich country, just like they did with Montenegro. Beat the tourist rush and enjoy a cheaper vacation. 😉
Make Sure You Have Enough for Souvenirs on Vacation
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