Think Europe is out of reach? Think again.

 

While your Instagram feed overflows with Parisian cafés and Santorini sunsets, savvy Indian travellers are discovering a different Europe; one where your rupees stretch further, crowds thin out, and authentic experiences replace tourist traps.

 

The secret? Eastern Europe and the Balkans in winter.

 

This isn’t about compromise. It’s about smart travel. From thermal baths under Budapest’s winter sky to medieval castles dusted with snow in Romania, the cheapest European countries to visit from India offer experiences that rival (and often surpass) their pricier Western counterparts.

 

We’ve scoured flight deals, crunched accommodation costs, and mapped out daily budgets to bring you the ultimate guide to affordable Europe travel from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and beyond. Whether you’re planning your first European adventure or your tenth, these budget-friendly European countries for Indians prove that luxury doesn’t have to be expensive.

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Why Winter is Your Secret Weapon for Budget Europe Trips from India

Before we dive into destinations, let’s talk timing.

 

Winter transforms Europe’s pricing landscape. November through February (excluding Christmas week) sees:

  • Flight costs drop 30-40% compared to summer
  • Hotel rates slashed by half
  • Fewer tourists means better service and authentic experiences
  • Christmas markets add festive magic at no extra cost

 

Moreover, several European winter destinations for Indians offer incredible skiing opportunities at a fraction of the prices in Switzerland or Austria. Think Bulgaria’s Bansko or Poland’s Zakopane offering world-class slopes without the world-class price tag.

The Top 10 Cheapest European Countries to Visit from India

1. Albania

Cheapest European Countries to Visit from India

Photo by Endri Killo on Unsplash

Daily Budget: ₹900-₹1,500 | Flight Cost: ₹20,000-₹35,000

 

Why Albanian winters are perfect for Indian travellers:

Albania offers something rare: European beaches, mountain villages, and Ottoman heritage at Southeast Asian prices. This Adriatic nation spent decades isolated under communist rule, emerging in the 1990s with pristine coastlines, UNESCO towns, and a cuisine that blends Turkish, Italian, and Balkan influences. For Indian travellers, the incredibly low costs make it the ultimate budget-friendly European country for Indians, even with visa expenses factored in. The winter climate is mild along the coast (12-15°C), perfect for exploring without summer’s scorching heat.

 

Winter budget-friendly activities:

  • Explore Berat’s UNESCO old town (Free): Wander the “City of a Thousand Windows” where white Ottoman houses cascade down hillsides. Winter means empty cobblestone streets and opportunities to chat with locals over Turkish coffee
  • Visit Tirana’s quirky museums (₹200-₹400): The Bunk’Art museums occupy former communist bunkers, offering fascinating insights into Albania’s isolated past
  • Hike to ancient ruins (Free): The UNESCO site of Butrint near Saranda features Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins in a peaceful lakeside setting
  • Walk the Llogara Pass (Free): This mountain road between Vlora and Saranda offers dramatic coastal views and chances to spot traditional shepherds
  • Relax in thermal springs (₹300-₹500): Benja Thermal Baths near Përmet provide natural hot springs in a river canyon setting

 

Where to stay:

  • Budget (₹600-₹800/night): Tirana Backpackers Hostel in the Blloku district offers private rooms with bathrooms, a rooftop terrace, and local tips from knowledgeable staff
  • Mid-range (₹1,800-₹2,200/night): Hotel Mangalemi in Berat is a restored 18th-century mansion with river views, traditional breakfast, and proximity to all major sights
  • Luxury (₹3,500-₹4,500/night): Hotel Metropol in Durrës combines 1930s art deco charm with modern amenities and a seafront location

2. Hungary

Cheapest European Countries to Visit from India

Photo by Kisa_Markiza from Getty Images

Daily Budget: ₹3,500-₹6,000 | Flight Cost: ₹30,000-₹40,000

 

Why Hungarian winters appeal to Indian travellers:

Budapest, often called the “Paris of the East,” offers grand architecture, fascinating history, and unique thermal bath culture at prices that won’t break the bank. For Indian travellers accustomed to spa and wellness traditions, Hungary’s thermal bath culture feels familiar yet exotic. These aren’t just spas, but social institutions where locals gather year-round. The city survived both world wars and communist rule, emerging as one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. Winter brings magical Christmas markets, thermal baths under starry skies, and authentic experiences in ruin bars where drinks cost ₹200-₹400.

 

Winter budget-friendly activities:

  • Soak in Széchenyi Thermal Bath (₹1,500): The outdoor pools steam dramatically in winter air—locals play chess on floating boards while you soak in 38°C mineral water
  • Free walking tours of Buda Castle (tip-based, ₹300-₹500): Expert guides share Budapest’s complex history from medieval times through the communist era
  • Explore the Jewish Quarter (Free): Walk Dohány Street Synagogue’s neighborhood, discovering ruin bars and street art that tell the area’s transformation story
  • Visit Christmas markets (Free entry, food ₹300-₹500): Vörösmarty Square market sells kürtőskalács (chimney cakes), mulled wine, and handmade crafts
  • Sunset Danube river walk (Free): Stroll along the riverbank, watching the illuminated Parliament Building and Chain Bridge light up

 

Where to stay:

  • Budget (₹2,000-₹2,500/night): Roombach Hotel near Opera House has a minimalist design, excellent location, free tea/coffee all day, and a 24-hour bar
  • Mid-range (₹4,000-₹5,000/night): Brody House in a neo-baroque building, each room individually designed, cultural events in the salon, and a modern Hungarian cuisine restaurant
  • Luxury (₹7,000-₹9,000/night): Mystery Hotel Budapest, where each themed room tells a different story, from Victorian mysteries to Cold War espionage

3. Bulgaria

Cheapest European Countries to Visit from India

Photo by Kisa_Markiza from Getty Images

Daily Budget: ₹2,000-₹6,000 | Flight Cost: ₹30,000-₹60,000

 

Why Bulgarian winters work for Indian travellers:

Bulgaria offers a unique proposition: world-class ski infrastructure at prices Indian travellers will appreciate, combined with UNESCO monasteries, Roman ruins, and a rich yogurt-and-wine culture. As Europe’s oldest country (founded 681 AD), it layers Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman history into a fascinating cultural palimpsest. For skiing enthusiasts, Bansko rivals Alpine resorts but costs 70% less. The favorable exchange rate means your rupees stretch exceptionally far. A hearty traditional meal with wine costs ₹700, about what you’d pay for just a drink in Western Europe.

 

Winter budget-friendly activities:

  • Ski at Bansko resort (₹2,500 day pass): 75km of slopes, modern gondolas, and excellent ski schools with English-speaking instructors (₹2,000-₹3,000 for private lessons)
  • Visit Rila Monastery (₹100 entry): Bulgaria’s most famous monastery features vivid Byzantine frescoes against a dramatic alpine backdrop—especially stunning when snow-covered
  • Explore Sofia’s layers (Free): Walk from Roman ruins to Byzantine churches to communist monuments in under 30 minutes—the city is a living history museum
  • Wine tasting in Melnik (₹800-₹1,200): Bulgaria’s smallest town produces powerful red wines in a dramatic sandstone pyramid setting
  • Hike Vitosha Mountain (Free): Just outside Sofia, winter hiking trails offer panoramic city views and chances to see mountain wildlife

 

Where to stay:

  • Budget (₹2,200-₹3,000/night): Casa Karina in Bansko‘s old town is a family-run hotel with traditional Bulgarian architecture, hearty breakfasts, and hosts who arrange authentic mehana dinners
  • Mid-range (₹4,000-₹5,000/night): Sense Hotel Sofia is a design hotel near Vitosha Boulevard with Bulgarian contemporary art, a rooftop bar, and walking distance to major sights
  • Luxury (₹6,000-₹8,000/night): Grand Hotel Bansko with spa, indoor/outdoor pools fed by mountain springs, and Bulgarian rose oil treatments

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4. Romania

Cheapest European Countries to Visit from India

Photo by sorincolac from Getty Images

Daily Budget: ₹2,000-₹6,000 | Flight Cost: ₹30,000-₹60,000

 

Why Romanian winters attract Indian travellers:

Romania delivers Gothic castles, medieval walled towns, and Carpathian mountain wilderness at Eastern European prices. As the only Latin country in this region, it offers a unique cultural identity: French-influenced cities, Italian-sounding language, and Slavic traditions, creating a fascinating blend. For Indian travellers interested in history, the Dracula legends add intrigue, but the real story—Vlad the Impaler’s defense against Ottoman invasion—resonates with anyone familiar with India’s own medieval warrior kings. Winter transforms Transylvanian villages into fairy tale settings where horse-drawn carts still navigate snowy streets.

 

Winter budget-friendly activities:

  • Visit Bran Castle (₹600): “Dracula’s Castle” perches dramatically on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by snow-covered Bucegi Mountains—minimal crowds mean better photos
  • Explore Brașov Christmas market (Free entry): This medieval square hosts Romania’s most beautiful Christmas market with traditional cozonac (sweet bread) and mulled țuică (plum brandy)
  • Walk Sighișoara’s citadel (₹400): The birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, this UNESCO town feels like stepping into the 15th century, especially when snow covers cobblestones
  • Tour Peleș Castle (₹500): Built for Romanian royalty, this Neo-Renaissance masterpiece was Europe’s first castle with central heating and electricity
  • Hike easy Carpathian trails (Free): Winter hiking around Brașov offers mountain views, traditional villages, and Romanian hospitality in countryside pensions

 

Where to stay:

  • Budget (₹2,000-₹2,500/night): Casa Wagner in Brașov’s Council Square is a 500-year-old house with exposed beams, a medieval cellar, a breakfast room, and a complimentary țuică tasting
  • Mid-range (₹3,500-₹4,500/night): Casa Baciu in Brașov is a restored 18th-century merchant house where the owner (a local historian) offers private guided tours of hidden sites
  • Luxury (₹6,000-₹7,500/night): Atra Doftana wilderness lodge in the Bucegi Mountains that offers luxury cabins with mountain views, a spa using thermal water, and a restaurant focused on Carpathian ingredients

5. Czech Republic

Cheapest European Countries to Visit from India

Photo by RuslanKaln from Getty Images

Daily Budget: ₹2,000-₹6,000 | Flight Cost: ₹30,000-₹70,000

 

Why Czech winters suit Indian travellers:

Prague survived WWII virtually unscathed, preserving a millennium of architecture, from Romanesque rotundas to Art Nouveau masterpieces and the world’s only Cubist café. For Indian travellers who appreciate rich history and architectural beauty, Prague delivers experiences that rival Paris or Rome at half the cost. The Czech beer culture (world’s highest per capita consumption) offers social experiences in traditional pubs where half-liters cost ₹100-₹150. Winter means you can actually walk Charles Bridge without fighting selfie-stick crowds, and those famous Christmas markets sell trdelník (chimney cakes) and mulled wine against a backdrop of Gothic spires.

 

Winter budget-friendly activities:

  • Walk Charles Bridge at sunrise (Free): At 8 AM in winter, you’ll practically have this 14th-century bridge to yourself—30 baroque statues and castle views without crowds
  • Climb Town Hall Tower (₹300): Panoramic views of Prague’s snow-covered red rooftops and the Astronomical Clock from above
  • Free walking tours (tip-based, ₹300-₹500): Expert guides cover Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter, and communist history
  • Visit Christmas markets (Free entry): Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square markets run late November-early January with traditional crafts and Czech street food
  • Attend church concerts (₹800-₹1,500): Nightly performances of Vivaldi, Mozart, and Dvořák in baroque churches like St. Nicholas

 

Where to stay:

  • Budget (₹2,000-₹2,500/night): Czech Inn in Vinohrady neighborhood is a modern hostel with private rooms, excellent breakfast, and walking distance to Wenceslas Square
  • Mid-range (₹3,500-₹4,500/night): Hotel Residence Agnes near Old Town Square is a baroque building with exposed beams, period furniture, and staff who provide excellent local recommendations
  • Luxury (₹7,000-₹9,000/night): Alchymist Grand Hotel is a baroque luxury in a 16th-century building with individually designed rooms, original frescoes, and an underground Renaissance spa

6. Poland

Cheapest European Countries to Visit from India

Photo by ewg3D from Getty Images Signature

Daily Budget: ₹2,000-₹4,000 | Flight Cost: ₹22,000-₹60,000

 

Why Polish winters resonate with Indian travellers:

Poland offers profound historical experiences combined with exceptional value. A nation that disappeared from maps for 123 years, was devastated in WWII, and endured communist rule has emerged dynamic and welcoming. For Indian travellers who appreciate complex history and resilience, Poland’s story resonates, from the horrors of Auschwitz to the triumph of the Solidarity movement. The country boasts 17 UNESCO sites, medieval Kraków that escaped WWII destruction, and Warsaw’s remarkable reconstruction. Winter brings spectacular Christmas markets, ski opportunities in Zakopane, and authentic Polish hospitality in milk bars where complete meals cost ₹200-₹350.

 

Winter budget-friendly activities:

  • Explore Kraków’s Main Square (Free): Europe’s largest medieval square hosts Poland’s most beautiful Christmas market, with traditional handicrafts and oscypek (smoked sheep cheese)
  • Visit Auschwitz-Birkenau (Free entry, guided tours ₹600-₹800): Located 70km from Kraków, this essential historical site provides sobering education about WWII
  • Walk Warsaw’s Old Town (Free): The meticulous reconstruction (UNESCO-listed for the reconstruction effort itself) is so perfect you’d never know it was bombed to rubble
  • Wieliczka Salt Mine tour (₹800): Underground chapels carved entirely from salt, including elaborate chandeliers—a unique UNESCO site
  • Ski in Zakopane (day pass ₹1,500-₹2,000): Poland’s premier mountain resort offers Tatra Mountain slopes at Balkan prices

 

Where to stay:

  • Budget (₹1,800-₹2,500/night): Mosquito Hostel in Kraków’s Kazimierz offers a stylish hostel with private rooms, exposed brick, local art, and vodka tastings organized by staff
  • Mid-range (₹3,000-₹4,000/night): Metropolitan Boutique Hotel near Main Square—Art Deco design, Italian linens, rain showers, and complimentary coffee all day
  • Luxury (₹6,000-₹7,000/night): Hotel Copernicus in Kraków is a Renaissance building with antiques, modern luxury, and a champagne breakfast

7. Montenegro

Cheapest European Countries to Visit from India

Photo by jackmalipan from Getty Images Pro

Daily Budget: ₹1,000-₹6,000 | Flight Cost: ₹24,000-₹50,000

 

Why Montenegrin winters appeal to Indian travellers:

Montenegro compresses Switzerland‘s mountains, Norway’s fjords, and Croatia’s coastline into an area smaller than Kuwait. For Indian travellers seeking diversity, you can swim in the Adriatic morning, hike alpine peaks in the afternoon, and explore UNESCO medieval towns in the evening—all in one day. If you already have a Schengen visa, Montenegro becomes accessible without additional visa costs. Winter means Bay of Kotor without cruise ship crowds, ski resort Žabljak at budget prices, and authentic interactions as coastal towns slow down and locals reclaim their streets. This is one of the most underrated European winter destinations for Indians.

 

Winter budget-friendly activities:

  • Climb Kotor’s city walls (₹200): The 1,350 steps reward with panoramic bay views, without summer heat—winter temperatures make this achievable for most fitness levels
  • Explore Perast by boat (₹500): Water taxi to Our Lady of the Rocks island church in the Bay of Kotor—baroque architecture on an artificial island
  • Ski at Žabljak (day pass ₹1,800-₹2,200): Durmitor National Park’s Savin Kuk offers 8km of runs with stunning mountain scenery
  • Hike Black Lake circuit (Free): Easy 3.6km trail around glacial lake in Durmitor Park—spectacular when partially frozen
  • Wander Budva’s old town (Free): Venetian architecture on a peninsula, empty in winter, and perfect for photography

 

Where to stay:

  • Budget (₹1,800-₹2,500/night): Palazzo Drusko in Kotor’s old town is a 17th-century palace with stone walls, wooden beams, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the bay
  • Mid-range (₹3,500-₹4,500/night): Cattaro Hotel in Kotor is a boutique property combining 14th-century architecture with contemporary design and excellent local breakfast
  • Luxury (₹6,000-₹8,000/night): Regent Porto Montenegro in Tivat is a modern luxury resort with spa, pools, and marina views (winter rates drop significantly)

8. Slovenia

Cheapest European Countries to Visit from India

Photo by NataliaDeriabina from Getty Images Pro

Daily Budget: ₹1,500-₹7,000 | Flight Cost: ₹35,000-₹45,000

 

Why Slovenian winters work for Indian travellers:

Slovenia delivers Switzerland‘s alpine beauty at Eastern European prices. This small nation (population 2 million) packs incredible diversity—Lake Bled’s iconic island church, Ljubljana’s dragon-adorned bridges, Škocjan Caves’ underground river, and Triglav National Park’s mountain trails. For Indian travellers who appreciate pristine nature, Slovenia is one of Europe’s greenest countries (60% forest-covered) with strong environmental consciousness. The compact size means efficient travel—Ljubljana to Lake Bled takes 1 hour by bus (₹400). Winter brings snow-capped Alps reflecting in turquoise lakes, fewer tourists, and ski opportunities without Swiss price tags.

 

Winter budget-friendly activities:

  • Ice skate on Lake Bled (₹300-₹400): When frozen solid, the lake becomes a magical ice rink surrounded by snow-covered Alps
  • Walk Bled Castle (₹500): Perched on a cliff 130m above the lake, the castle offers panoramic views and a printing press museum
  • Explore Ljubljana on free walking tours (tip-based, ₹300-₹500): The charming capital features Art Nouveau architecture, riverside cafés, and a castle overlooking the old town
  • Visit Postojna Cave (₹1,200): Europe’s largest show cave with underground railways, dramatic formations, and unique olm salamanders
  • Ski at Kranjska Gora (day pass ₹2,500-₹3,000): Julian Alps skiing at reasonable prices with excellent facilities

 

Where to stay:

  • Budget (₹2,000-₹3,000/night): Pension Pibernik near Lake Bled is a family-run guesthouse with a traditional Slovenian breakfast and hosts who share local hiking trails
  • Mid-range (₹3,500-₹5,000/night): Urban Hotel in Ljubljana is a design property near Prešeren Square with bikes for guest use and a rooftop terrace
  • Luxury (₹6,000-₹8,000/night): Grand Hotel Toplice in Bled offers lakeside luxury with thermal pools, spa, and restaurant serving modern Slovenian cuisine

9. Croatia

Cheapest European Countries to Visit from India

Photo by Vladimir Srajber from Pexels

Daily Budget: ₹4,000-₹7,000 | Flight Cost: ₹35,000-₹45,000

 

Why Croatian winters attract Indian travellers:

Croatia offers the Adriatic coastline, UNESCO towns, and Game of Thrones filming locations without summer’s overwhelming crowds. For Indian travellers, winter reveals authentic Croatia—locals reclaim Dubrovnik’s marble streets, Plitvice Lakes freeze into ice sculptures, and Zagreb’s Advent markets create a festive atmosphere. The country blends Mediterranean and Central European cultures, visible in cuisine, architecture, and lifestyle. Island ferries run year-round, coastal towns maintain mild temperatures (10-15°C), and prices drop 40-50% from peak season, making it among the more affordable European travel options from Mumbai despite using the Euro.

 

Winter budget-friendly activities:

  • Walk Dubrovnik’s city walls (₹1,200): The 2km circuit offers Adriatic views without summer crowds—winter means actually seeing the architecture, not just other tourists
  • Explore Game of Thrones locations (Free): Self-guided walking tour of King’s Landing filming sites, including Pile Gate, Jesuit Staircase, and Fort Lovrijenac
  • Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park (₹400 winter entry): UNESCO park features 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls—partially frozen in winter creates ethereal ice formations
  • Discover Zagreb’s Advent markets (Free entry): Croatia’s capital hosts award-winning Christmas markets with live music, traditional crafts, and local food
  • Ferry to Hvar island (₹800-₹1,200): Winter ferry services continue to islands where you’ll experience authentic island life without tourist crowds

 

Where to stay:

  • Budget (₹2,500-₹3,500/night): Villa Ragusa in Dubrovnik is a family-run guesthouse near the old town with sea views, traditional breakfast, and local recommendations
  • Mid-range (₹4,500-₹6,000/night): Hotel Kazbek in Dubrovnik is a boutique property in a restored 17th-century palace with a rooftop terrace and a wine bar
  • Luxury (₹8,000-₹12,000/night): Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik offers five-star luxury with a private beach, spa, and rooms overlooking the old town walls

10. Latvia

Cheapest European Countries to Visit from India

Photo by Aleksandra Novikova from Getty Images

Daily Budget: ₹2,000-₹6,500 | Flight Cost: ₹60,000

 

Why Latvian winters suit Indian travellers:

Latvia offers Baltic sophistication at Eastern European prices. Riga, the capital, boasts over 800 Art Nouveau buildings—the world’s highest concentration—alongside a UNESCO-listed Old Town and vibrant cultural scene. For Indian travellers seeking authentic European experiences away from tourist hordes, Latvia delivers: medieval guildhalls, atmospheric Christmas markets, pristine nature (54% of Latvia is forest), and Baltic traditions from singing festivals to midsummer celebrations. Winter embraces the cold with ice fishing, Christmas markets, and cozy cafés serving Riga Black Balsam (traditional herbal liqueur). From the Hanseatic League to the Soviet occupation to the EU membership, the country’s complex history creates fascinating cultural layers.

 

Winter budget-friendly activities:

  • Explore Riga’s Art Nouveau district (Free): Self-guided walking tour of Alberta Street and surrounding areas featuring ornate façades designed by Mikhail Eisenstein
  • Visit Central Market (Free entry): Housed in former Zeppelin hangars, this market sells fresh local food—perfect for budget meals and cultural immersion
  • Walk Old Town’s Christmas market (Free entry): Medieval square hosts traditional markets with smoked fish, handmade mittens, and spiced wine
  • Beach walks in Jurmala (Free): Europe’s widest beaches stretch along the Gulf of Riga—winter walks reveal dramatic Baltic moods
  • Gauja National Park day trip (Free hiking, ₹500 castle entry): Latvia’s largest park features Turaida Castle, a bobsled track, and winter hiking trails

 

Where to stay:

  • Budget (₹2,000-₹3,000/night): Neiburgs Hotel in Old Town is a boutique property with Art Nouveau details, excellent breakfast, and a central location
  • Mid-range (₹4,000-₹5,500/night): Wellton Riverside SPA Hotel is a modern hotel with a rooftop terrace, spa facilities, and Old Town views
  • Luxury (₹7,000-₹9,000/night): Grand Palace Hotel offers a historic luxury property in a 1877 building with ornate interiors and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Takeaway

The cheapest European countries to visit from India aren’t consolation prizes. These destinations offer authentic experiences that trump tourist traps, where your rupees unlock adventures that would cost triple elsewhere, and where winter transforms landscapes into wonderlands.

 

From Albania’s Riviera to Latvia’s Art Nouveau architecture, from Hungarian thermal baths to Romanian mountain castles, these ten budget-friendly European countries for Indians prove that budget Europe trips from India can be rich in experiences, culture, and memories.

 

The question isn’t whether you can afford to visit Europe. It’s whether you can afford not to when these destinations offer such incredible value.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Albania is the cheapest European country to visit from India, with daily budgets starting at ₹900-₹1,500. While you’ll need an e-visa (₹1,400) OR can use your existing Schengen/U.S./UK visa for visa-free entry, the low on-ground costs make it an exceptional value. Bulgaria (₹2,000-₹6,000/day) and Poland (₹2,000-₹4,000/day) are also excellent budget options.

Poland offers the cheapest flights from India to Europe thanks to LOT Polish Airlines’ direct Delhi-Warsaw route, with fares starting at ₹22,000-₹35,000 round-trip. Albania (₹25,000-₹42,000), Romania (₹29,500-₹45,000), and Hungary (₹30,000-₹48,000) also offer competitive pricing via connecting flights through Istanbul or Dubai.

Even the cheapest European countries to visit require visas for Indians. A Schengen visa (₹10,300-₹15,600 total cost) covers 29 countries, including Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, and Latvia. Albania offers an e-visa (₹1,400) or visa-free entry with a valid Schengen/U.S./UK visa. Montenegro also grants visa-free entry if you hold a valid Schengen/U.S./UK/Irish visa.

A budget Europe trip from India costs ₹80,000-₹1,20,000 for 10 days (flights ₹30,000-₹45,000, accommodation ₹20,000-₹30,000, food ₹15,000-₹25,000, activities ₹15,000-₹20,000). Albania can be done for as low as ₹65,000 total.

Albania (₹65,000-₹85,000 for 10 days), Bulgaria (₹75,000-₹95,000 for 8-10 days with skiing), and Poland (₹70,000-₹90,000 for 10 days) offer complete trips under ₹1 lakh, inclusive of visa fees, flights, accommodation, and activities. 

With ₹1.5 lakh, comfortably visit 2-3 countries: Hungary → Czech Republic → Poland (12-14 days), or Albania → Montenegro plus one Schengen country (10-12 days).

Albania offers 7-8 days for ₹50,000 total, including flights. Bulgaria and Poland work for 5-6 days. 

Budapest (thermal baths and culture), Prague (compact old town), or Kraków (medieval charm with Auschwitz day trip) work perfectly for 5-day trips with minimal travel time.

Albania and Montenegro are both extremely safe, visa-free for Indians, and the cheapest European countries to visit. Albania costs ₹900-₹1,500/day, Montenegro ₹1,000-₹6,000/day. Both have lower crime rates than many Asian destinations.

It is essential. Insurance costs ₹1,500-₹3,000 for 10 days but covers medical emergencies (hospital visits cost ₹50,000+ without insurance), cancellations, and lost baggage.