Summer in Europe: Budget-friendly places for the best summer vacation

Summer is here and it is not complete without a few things – mangoes, sundresses, and a memorable vacation! So, if you have been having mangoes upon mangoes and have shopped for a gorgeous new summer wardrobe, the only thing left to do is go on a summer vacation. And what better place to travel to than Europe?

However, a lot of the popular travel destinations in Europe can break the bank. So, instead of thinking of France and Italy this summer, look to the East of Europe for budget-friendly destinations that will give you an unforgettable summer vacation without burning a hole in your pocket. These alternatives are just as scenic, just as rich with culture, and have just as many photo-ops as West Europe.

Let’s take a look at destinations in Europe that can win your heart this summer:

1. Destination: Budapest, Hungary

Alternative to: Paris, France

Offering a wonderful blend of history, culture, and magnificent architecture, Budapest is often called the Paris of the East. If you’re looking for affordable accommodation options, a fun nightlife, relaxing days spent at famous thermal baths like Széchenyi and Gellért, taking a leisurely cruise along the Danube River, and losing yourself in the history and glory of the Buda Castle, Budapest is for you!

If you can plan your schedule for a quick getaway to Budapest, then that’s great because June is a great time to visit since it is one of the warmest months with an average daily temperature of 24°C. As for taking the time to save up for the trip? You don’t have to worry about that with a personal loan for travel. Such loans are called vacation loans or holiday loans and offer quick and easy access to funds so that you can plan your dream vacation without having to delay it any further. You can apply for a travel loan online with Kotak Bank and have the funds credited to your account within a few hours of your application being approved. The personal loan documents required are minimal and the entire application and disbursal process is quick and easy with Kotak Bank.

2. Destination: Lisbon, Portugal

Alternative to: Barcelona, Spain

If you’re seeking a Barcelona-esque vacation, head to Lisbon, Portugal. Immerse yourself in the city’s coastal beauty and sandy beaches like Praia da Adraga and Cascais and take in the charm of iconic landmarks like the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. If you like exploring new cuisines, then you will love everything Portuguese cuisine has to offer, from the caldo verde soup to the custard tart pasteis de nata. And if you are a wine lover, then you must visit one of the many popular wine cellars in Lisbon and make sure to taste the local varieties like Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Arinto.

When planning a budget vacation, most people tend to skimp on food and drinks. But if that’s central to your trip, then indulge away! When you take a travel loan, you can use the funds for a range of travel purposes such as booking flights and accommodation, as well as eating at the best restaurants the city has to offer. This is one of the biggest benefits of a personal loan for travel – it does not place restrictions on using the funds only for specific purposes for your vacation.

3. Destination: Sofia, Bulgaria

Alternative to: Athens, Greece

Sofia in Bulgaria makes for a great alternative to Athens owing to its rich cultural heritage. Walking around the city you will find yourself marvel at its stunning architecture, which is a blend of Roman, Soviet, Ottoman, and Byzantine influences. Sofia offers several photo ops with cobble streets, quaint cafes, and bohemian vibes. And for all the art connoisseurs out there, Sofia has several art galleries, theatres, and museums that allow you to indulge in the unique Bulgarian art and culture scene.

If you want to make certain purchases before your vacation, like upgrading your phone for a good camera so that you can document your vacation and all the scenic beauty that Bulgaria has to offer, you can apply for a personal loan for travel accordingly. For instance, if your travel budget is Rs 1.5 lakh and you need Rs 70,000 to buy a new phone, you can apply for a loan amount of Rs 2.2 lakh that will cover both these things. You can make use of a personal loan EMI calculator to assess what your Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) amount will look like and if you can comfortably fit it into your budget.

4. Destination: Prague, Czech Republic

Alternative to: Florence, Italy

Prague, like Florence, is renowned for its Renaissance architecture. Along with its renaissance architecture, its gothic and baroque buildings make for a medieval charm that will captivate you. As you explore the enchanting architecture, you will feel like you have taken a trip back in time.

Czech cuisine can be fun to explore, and you should ensure to try traditional dishes like svíčková, which is beef marinated with cream sauce, and trdelník, which is a pastry. And if you are a beer lover, then you must pair each of your meals with a glass of the world-famous Czech beer! And for all art and literature enthusiasts, you may just feel a special bond since Czech Republic is home to world-renowned authors including Franz Kafka and Milan Kundera.

Tips to plan and enjoy a vacation in Europe on a budget

• Europe is popular for free walking tours that help you explore the city you are in on foot with a tour guide and a group of other tourists and get context on its history and culture. Attend a walking tour on your first day in the city. It will help you better map out the rest of your trip and know what things you want to do and see.
• Look for accommodation that offers free breakfast as it will help save the cost of one meal and you can use that money for an activity in your day or to shop for something.
• When wanting to try out the local cuisine and indulge in food, try doing so during lunch instead of dinner. It’s a common practice in most restaurants in European countries to offer discounts on lunch menus.
• There are several tourist attractions free for the public to visit in most of Eastern Europe including historic sites and parks. Make sure to include as many of these attractions in your itinerary as possible.
• Several museums and art galleries tend to offer discounts on tickets during specific hours so make sure to check that out.

Pick a place, apply for a travel loan, and bon voyage!

So, now all that is left to do is pick the budget-friendly destination that most speaks to your wanderlusting soul and get packing. While you plan the details of your trip and apply for leave at work, make sure to also apply for a travel loan to secure the funds you need to have a great European summer without having to compromise on anything. And with Kotak Bank, applying for a personal loan for travel is a quick and seamless process, entirely online.

All it takes is a few clicks and a few documents and within a few hours, your loan application will be processed if all criteria are met. For travel loans up to Rs 5 lakh, you can get an instant personal loan with a 100% digital application process. So, even if you want to leave for an impromptu trip within all but a week, Kotak has got your back! What’s more is that you don’t need to provide any collateral for securing a personal loan. And the best part? You can get the funds you need for your vacation at attractive personal loan interest rates with Kotak so that your vacation can turn out to be cost-effective. Apply today!