12 Best Places to Travel in December on a Budget in Europe

Wondering about the best places to travel in December on a budget in Europe? And you are trying to fit your travelling habit and budget together so you continuously travel even if the prices are surging in the USA due to inflation and political instability?

The solution is simple just visit the places in Europe that have a lower cost of living so you could manage to stay there for a longer period of time and explore more attractive destinations.

Be ready to cross the Atlantic for living an affordable lifestyle in Europe this December. Here is the list of the best places to travel in December on a budget in Europe that has plenty to offer regarding the high quality of life and a fully engaged travel experience.

1. Lithuania 

Lithuania is situated in Northern Europe with the Baltic Sea on its edge. It’s most generous with its tourist during the winter season as you can ski, visit Vilnius Snowy Rooftop, enjoy Lithuania Cuisine, rejuvenate yourself with a spa, or spike your adrenaline with a hot air balloon. According to Numbeo, the monthly cost of living in Lithuania person is around $682.6 USD without rent.

If you lie in the category of a backpacker’s budget, it is better to take a bus for transportation, make your own food, stay with a local via Couchsurfing or use wild camping.

Cost of Living Without Rent: $682.6 USD

Backpack Budget: 45 euros ($49 USD)

Mid-Range Budget: 110 euros ($121 USD)

Luxury Budget: 210 Euros ($231 USD)

2. Georgia 

Georgia is located in the Eastern European region and has a border with Azerbaijan. It’s revealed after an archaeological expedition in Damaisi, the site is home to one of the oldest communities in the world.

The capital of the country Tbilisi also has a cobblestone old town with beautiful buildings and thermal baths.  You can explore Stepantsminda at the foot of Mount Kazbek or check out the port city of Batumi to enjoy the Georgian spirit.

Cost of Living Without Rent:  $649.07 USD

Backpack Budget: 70 GEL per day (27 USD)

Mid-Range Budget: 185 GEL per day ($73 USD)

Luxury Budget: 360 GEL per Day ($143 USD)

Read Also: 12 Best Cheap Solo Travel Destinations

3. Montenegro

Montenegro is located in the west-central region of Balkana and is connected with the Adriatic Sea. The country has elegant glacial lakes, mountains and remarkable skiing resorts for winters.

The two major mountain resorts are Kolasin which has 14km of slop and Zabljak with the highest altitude of 2,213m. You will rarely see the sun in the month of December because it’s just the start of the winter season.

Cost of Living Without Rent: $585.5 per person

Backpack Budget: 40 euros per day ($44 USD)

Mid-Range Budget: 95 euros per day ($104 USD)

Luxury Budget: 185 euros per Day ($203 USD)

4. Cyprus

Cyprus is an island located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea where you can directly be landed or take a ferry from Turkey to visit.

You can also use Skyscanner for the cheapest flight option by using the round-trip option. Meanwhile, travel destinations are also abundantly available in Cyprus for instance, you can take a walk in Akamas Peninsula National Park for having a panoramic view or ski in the Troodos mountains.

Cost of Living Without Rent:  $740 USD per person

Backpack Budget: 40 euros per day (#45 USD)

Mid-Range Budget: 103 euros per day ($113 USD)

Luxury Budget: 205 euros per Day ($226 USD)

5. Estonia

The Republic of Estonia is included in the Baltic countries because it’s located on the bank of the Baltic Sea.

Tallinn is the capital of the county and is considered the best-preserved Medieval city. When you plan your visit to Estonia in winter, don’t forget to pack your snow boots, heavy winter parka and stylish beanie. You can visit the Christmas Market which was founded in 1997 and welcomes around 200,000 visitors annually.

Cost of Living Without Rent:  $906 USD per person

Backpack Budget: 35 euros per day ($38USD)

Mid-Range Budget: 110 euros per day ($121 USD)

Luxury Budget: 225 euros per Day ($247 USD)

6. Belarus 

Belarus is a landlocked country located in Easter Europe and has winter sports complexes near Minks, Raubichi, Silichi, and Staiki, these are even used for Olympic training.

If you have some interest in socialism and are curious about its history, you can visit the Stalin Line Museum which was built in 1928-39. It’s an open-air Museum and has English signs to comprehend the military history and techniques such as warplanes, weapons, trenches etc.

Cost of Living Without Rent:  $554 USD per person

Backpack Budget: $34 USD

Mid-Range Budget: $70 USD

Luxury Budget: $136 euros per Day

7. Albania

Albania is located in the Balkan Peninsula of Southeastern Europe. You can have the best hiking experience in the snow-covered white mountains of Balboan or Lepushe which simply look incredible during the season.

You can also explore the capital of Albania, Tirana by riding on a cable car ride extended to 1 km long from the center of the city to Mount Dajti.

Cost of Living Without Rent:  $603 USD per person

Backpack Budget: 4400 ALL ($44 USD)

Mid-Range Budget: 9000 ALL ($89 USD)

Luxury Budget: 15000 ALL per Day ($150 USD)

8. Slovakia

Slovakia is the most mountainous and landlocked country located in central Europe. There is no less spot available in Slovakia to have an amazing experience of Skiing, one of them is the Tatra mountains which has the biggest resort Jasna.

The slope is extended to around 50 km which is enough to make you thrill and rush your adrenaline high.

Cost of Living Without Rent:  $603 USD per person

Backpack Budget:  45 euros ($49 USD)

Mid-Range Budget: 105 euros ($115 USD)

Luxury Budget: 200 euros per Day ($165 USD)

9. Romania 

Romania is situated in the Balkan region and is best known for its forested area of Transylvania. There is no limit to hiking spots in the country as Mount Tampa that towers above the Brasov and has white signs similar to Hollywood in Los Angles.

You can travel toward Bulgaria’s borders to experience more than 400 species of birds and a variety of wildlife with dozens of lakes.

Cost of Living Without Rent:  $673 USD per person

Backpack Budget:  140 RON ($31 USD)

Mid-Range Budget: 265 RON ($59 USD)

Luxury Budget: 440 RON per Day ($98 USD)

Read Also: Top 15 Best Cities to Visit in South America

10. Turkey

Turkey acted as a bridge between Europe and Asia because its region is divided between the two continents. The country turned into a white wonderland during winter when tourists arrive at the places like Cappadocia to have an amazing experience of hot air ballooning.

You can have an unforgettable sledge experience on the frozen Lake Cildir which is surrounded by snowy mountains.

Cost of Living Without Rent:  $452 USD per person

Backpack Budget:   $25 USD

Mid-Range Budget: $55 USD

Luxury Budget: $120 USD

11. Spain 

Spain is located in the southern part of Europe. During winter, the country receives a lesser number of tourists which means the places will be less congested. It looks so magical, especially the cities like Seville, Barcelona, and Granada. Spain is one of the Best Places to Travel in December on a Budget in Europe.

Cost of Living Without Rent:  $718 USD per person

Backpack Budget:   $33 USD

Mid-Range Budget: $70 USD

Luxury Budget: $145 USD

12. Hungary

Hungary is another landlocked country located in central Europe and the birthplace of most of the legends like Ero Rubik (a sculptor & professor), and the other 13 Nobel Prize winners. It is much to offer like Natila Gallery which is home to prominent Hungarian artists, bird watching on the lake Ferto, and cycling across the countryside.

Cost of Living Without Rent:  $727 USD per person

Backpack Budget:   $33 USD

Mid-Range Budget: $86 USD

Luxury Budget: $145 USD

Decision-Making Chart for Choosing the Best Places to Travel in December on a Budget in Europe:

In the case of backpack budget, it includes the cost of accommodation, food and transportation.