Albania

Average daily budget: $35-50. Albania is the budget alternative to Greece and Croatia that most travelers haven't discovered yet — but that's changing fast. The Albanian Riviera has turquoise water that rivals the Amalfi Coast at a tenth of the price. Gjirokaster and Berat are UNESCO World Heritage cities with castle towns you can explore for free. A seafood dinner with wine costs $10-15. Tirana, the capital, has transformed from a post-communist grey block into one of Europe's most colorful and energetic cities. Visa-free for Americans and EU citizens.