5 Underrated Countries Perfect for Traveling in July-August: Zero Bad Reviews, Low Cost, Slow Pace
If you want to avoid crowds, enjoy affordable prices, experience a slow pace, and have an almost flawless travel experience in July-August, here are some off-the-beaten-path but amazing destinations that offer cool weather, great value, and unique cultures:
📍Aveiro, Portugal
Why Go:
- Portugal's Venice: Canals and colorful Moliceiro boats—cheaper and less crowded than Venice.
- Low Prices: Seafood rice and Ovos Moles (egg-based sweets) are great value; accommodations are 30% cheaper than Lisbon.
- Summer Climate: Coastal location keeps temperatures around 25°C, cooler than inland Southern Europe.
- Slow Pace: Explore by bike along canals or take a boat ride.
Must-Do:
✅ Canal cruise (around €10)
✅ Costa Nova Beach (quiet, fine sand)
✅ Try local sea salt chocolate
📍Wrocław, Poland
Why Go:
- One of Europe's cheapest: Coffee €2, meals €10, 4-star hotels €60/night.
- Fairytale Town: Colorful houses, medieval squares, and dwarf statues (perfect for photos).
- Summer Vibes: Open-air concerts and picnics on Wyspa Słodowa.
- Fewer Tourists: 50% less crowded than Kraków.
Must-Do:
✅ Hunt for dwarf statues (300+ across the city)
✅ Fountain light show at Centennial Hall (UNESCO site)
✅ Oder River cruise
📍Kotor, Montenegro
Why Go:
- Fjord & History: Half the price of Dubrovnik, Croatia, with more pristine scenery.
- Budget-Friendly: Seafood platter €15, hostels €10/night.
- Summer Escape: Coastal and mountain-cooled, averaging 28°C with breezy evenings.
- Slow Living: Cat-filled alleys, cafés, and sunset hikes on ancient walls.
Must-Do:
✅ Hike Kotor Fortress (free at dawn)
✅ Visit Perast (€20 speedboat to Blue Cave)
✅ Local wine + smoked ham
📍Sighnaghi, Georgia
Why Go:
- Wine Country: Top-quality qvevri wine at Southeast Asia prices.
- Caucasus Gem: Snow-capped peaks + vineyards + medieval walls, postcard-perfect and quiet.
- Mild Climate: Higher altitude keeps summer temps around 25°C.
- Ultra-Low Cost: Guesthouses €20/night, day trips €50.
Must-Do:
✅ Wine tasting (e.g., Khareba Winery)
✅ Hike to Bodbe Monastery
✅ Try Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread)
📍Cáceres, Spain
Why Go:
- UNESCO Medieval Town: Well-preserved streets with hardly any tourists.
- Crazy Cheap: Tapas €1.5, ham plates €5.
- Summer Nights: Free flamenco in plazas, local-led slow pace.
- Easy Access: 2.5-hour bus from Madrid.
Must-Do:
✅ Climb San Mateo Church tower for panoramic views
✅ Stroll the old town under the stars
✅ Tour an Iberian ham workshop
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls:
- Skip "budget alternatives" like Zadar, Croatia (now pricey) or Berat, Albania (too hot).
- Transport: Prioritize walking/public transit—some old towns ban cars.
These spots let you dodge crowds while savoring slow travel, all on €50-80/day! 🌿