Affordable summers in Europe: where you can relax while working online

Modern technologies allow representatives of many professions to work online, which, in turn, opens up travel opportunities that can be combined with work. But which country should you choose to get a great vacation and save money at the same time?

In resort areas, the summer months are the high season, when the cost of living rises sharply and can be unaffordable for many. Euronews has analyzed the feedback from users of the r/travel forum on Reddit and compiled a list of the most affordable places to stay in Europe in the summer.

Budva, Montenegro

The undoubted advantage of this city is its location on the Adriatic Sea. In addition, architecture lovers will be able to admire the medieval Old Town. Monthly rents start at 700 euros per month in high season. For those who can't afford to take a break from work all summer, various coworking spaces can be found throughout the city.

There are also opportunities for local travel for guests of Budva. For example, Galija Beach is a 20-minute drive from the city, and Kotor, a wonderful town with many cuddly cats on the streets, a medieval fortress, and stunning views of the Kotor Bay, is a 40-minute drive away.

If you don't want to crowd the beach with other vacationers, one Reddit user suggests heading to the mountains of Montenegro instead. The Durmitor limestone massif in the northwest of the country is popular for its hiking trails, canyons, and glacial mountain lakes. You can also find cheap accommodation in Plužin, which is famous for its picturesque canyon, or head south to Skadar Lake near the border with Albania.

Ohrid, North Macedonia

North Macedonia is off the beaten path for most travelers, and that's what makes it an ideal country for a summer vacation. First of all, it allows you to keep prices lower than in popular resort countries. The downside is the lack of access to the sea.

Nevertheless, ancient Ohrid is located on the shores of Lake Ohrid and can offer excellent beaches. In addition, the city has a developed network of coworking spaces, which are praised for their convenience for remote workers.

The weather in Ohrid is not so hot in summer. Yes, it can be 30-35 degrees during the day, but the local climate is pleasing with cooler nights, so you can sleep here even without air conditioning. Other advantages include delicious and cheap food, fast internet, and a vibrant nightlife. July and August are the perfect months to visit Ohrid, as the city comes alive with the Summer Festival, which showcases Macedonian folklore in music and dance.

For even cheaper short-term rentals, head east to Bitola. Here you'll find neoclassical architecture, a vibrant café culture, and apartments for as little as 200 euros per month, according to Reddit users.

Belgrade, Serbia

Choosing a big city instead of a resort town by the sea is one of the best ways to control your budget. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, offers such options. In summer, you can rent an apartment here for as little as 380 euros per month.

At the same time, you will not be left without a beach vacation, as the Danube and Sava rivers flow through the city. The local climate is not too hot, so you won't have to suffer from stuffiness.

For local culture, head to the bohemian Zemun neighborhood, where you'll find riverside cafes and lively nightlife. If you want to merge with nature, then the Great Ratna Island is a nature reserve located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers.

Bansko, Bulgaria

Just a few hours south of the Bulgarian capital Sofia is the mountainous city of Bansko, best known for its winter ski slopes. But there are plenty of reasons to visit in the summer as well.

Located at the foot of Mount Pirin, the city is the gateway to the hiking trails of the national park of the same name. There are amazingly clear rivers that meander through flowering valleys and coniferous forests, home to wolves and brown bears.

July-September brings to Bansko several cultural events and festivals, ranging from movie screenings under the stars to jazz and folklore festivals. The monthly rent of a room in the summer starts from 230 euros, and the local climate will please you with mild temperature changes and lack of heat.

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