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! 🌿