Forex Articles

Each year, tourists from all over the world visit Europe to enjoy its rich history, exceptional cuisine, stunning scenery, outdoor recreation (think: hiking and biking through mountains and fields of wildflowers), and some of the world's finest art collections and historic monuments. Data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) show that Europe is the world's most visited region, hosting 588 million international tourists – more than half of the world's tourists – during 2014. According to the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, more than 11 million Americans visited Europe during the same period, making it by far the continent most visited by American tourists.

With today's news headlines, some tourists may wonder how safe it is to travel to various countries. Many European countries received very high scores on the Global Peace Index, a measure of the relative peacefulness of 162 nations worldwide (representing 99% of the world's population), compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace. The Index measures peace based on 22 qualitative and quantitative indicators including ongoing domestic and international conflict; societal safety and security (including crime rates); and militarization.

Here, we take a look at four European countries, all members of the EU, that are both affordable – in terms of cost of living – and have earned high scores on the Global Peace Index. These countries are in Eastern Europe, the best bargain in Europe at this time. Three of the four border the Ukraine (the borders are closed, not open as they are within the EU), but all continue to be considered safe for travel by the U.S. State Department.

[Note: The Cost of Living values listed here reflect the price of consumer goods (excluding rent/mortgage) relative to costs in New York City, as calculated by the database Numbeo. If a country has an index of 80, for example, it means the estimate shows consumer goods are 20% less expensive than in NYC.]

Global Peace Index Rank: 11/162
International Tourists in 2013: 9 million
Cost of Living: 48.50

The Czech Republic is a landlocked European country bordered by Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria. The capital city of Prague (Praha to the locals) is home to a long list of tourist attractions including the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter and the Lennon Wall. Fairytale castles, chateaux, churches and cathedrals can be found in every corner of the country. In addition to its beautiful architecture, rich history and spectacular scenery, the Czech Republic is also known for its wellness spas, art (especially its master glass blowers) and beer: The Czechs drink more beer per capita than any other country.

Global Peace Index Rank: 19/162
International Tourists in 2013: 1.65 million
Cost of Living: 51.60

Slovakia is located in Central Europe, bordered by the Czech Republic, Poland, the Ukraine, Hungary and Austria. Bratislava, the capital, is a castle- and gargoyle-filled city with cobblestone streets, nestled between the Carpathian Mountains and Europe's mighty Danube River. Sport is an important part of Slovakian culture, and whitewater canoe slalom is its most successful Olympic sport: Slovakia has taken home 7 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze medals since 1996, the first year Slovakia participated in the Summer Olympic Games. Known for its beautiful countryside, Slovakia has mountains, rivers and caves, as well as medieval castles and towns, spas, folk culture and slivovica – a high octane plum brandy.

Global Peace Index Rank: 21/162
International Tourists in 2013: 10.68 million
Cost of Living: 48.90

Just south of Slovakia sits Hungary, which also borders Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria. Budapest, the country's capital and largest city, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, housing numerous World Heritage Sites (including the banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and the Millennium Underground Railway). The country is well known for its diverse architecture; visitors can enjoy everything from neoclassical buildings and baroque churches, to Roman ruins and medieval houses. Hungary is home to the world's largest thermal water cave system, which heats about 80 geothermal springs in the capital and 300 thermal springs throughout the country, which are used for therapeutic, medicinal and recreational purposes.

Global Peace Index Rank: 23/162
International Tourists in 2013: 15.85 million
Cost of Living: 45.11

On the southern shores of the Baltic Sea sits Poland, which shares borders with Kaliningrad Oblast (a Russian exclave, owned by Russia but surrounded by foreign territory), Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Germany. Geologically, Poland is one of the most forested countries in Europe. Its countryside is made up of mountains (including the highest mountain in the Carpathian range), lakes, rivers, sand dunes, and even a desert – one of only five in Europe. Since joining the European Union in 2004, Poland has welcomed an increasing number of tourists, who come to experience the country's history, architecture, castles and Baltic Sea coast, and a number outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, sailing and skiing.

Traveling to and around Europe can be expensive. One way to save money is by planning your trip around the less expensive countries – and those that tend to be off the beaten path. The four countries listed here scored well on the Global Peace Index, and offer tourists Europe's beauty, culture, architecture and adventure at a fraction of the cost of some other countries.

How worried should you be that these countries, except the Czech Republic, border the Ukraine? Because Slovakia, Hungary and Poland belong to the EU (as does the Czech Republic), the borders between them and the Ukraine are closed. As of March 2015, there were no current U.S. State Department warnings about these countries and the Ukraine, but to ensure safety, the State Department advises American tourists to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides security updates and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact them in case of an emergency.

For more information, see The Cheapest Way To Travel To (And In) Europe and Best Credit Cards For Travel To Europe. Also, check out Time Your Travel Abroad To The Exchange Rate.