[Florence, Italy]LeeYiuTung/ iStock You might expect a vacation to Europe to be expensive—and it could be—but there are plenty of ways to visit the continent on a budget. For starters, the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate is the lowest it’s been in the past decade, at nearly one to one. We took a look at Oyster.com data and found that average prices for rooms across Europe last year ranged from $130 to $300, depending on the country. Here, we name the 15 cheapest European destinations by average hotel price according to our own numbers. Keep in mind that there's a whole spectrum of hotels that range from ultra-luxe to bottom-line budget in each destination, so you can choose a place to stay that fits your specific needs. 15. GREECE TripAdvisor When thinking about Greece, images of cerulean seas, white sand beaches, and ancient structures probably come to mind. While the airfare can be pricey, Greece itself can be affordable. Try going in the autumn or spring (the off seasons) and picking a destination where you can save. Though the average hotel rate for Greece as a whole is $297, you can value rooms in Athens during the summer peak for less than $100 per night. From wonderful shopping to some of the most iconic ancient buildings in the world (the Acropolis and the Parthenon among others), Athens also has beautiful public parks and world-class museums such as the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum. And if staying in Athens, you aren’t just stuck with the city. Beaches are a short drive away, and ferries regularly depart to gorgeous islands, including Santorini, which—though known for its luxury hotels—can also have some surprisingly great hotel deals. Discover our picks for value hotels in Santorini. 14. ICELAND Daria Medvedeva/Shutterstock With crazy airfare sales, Iceland is all the rage in the travel world. While room prices clicked on averaged $296 per night last year among Oyster.com users, there are plenty of hotels that cost less than $100. The time of the year is a big factor in pricing. Opt for visiting in early spring, late fall, or winter for the best discounts, as the peak season starts in May and runs through October. Though Iceland only has a few hours of daylight in the colder months, this gives you a chance to chase the Northern Lights. Hiring a guide or joining a tour would be the most effective in your search, but you can rent a car and search yourself to make it more affordable. Of course you won’t need a car if you plan on just staying in Reykjavik (where you can find free tours, museums, and landmarks to enjoy such as Hallgrímskirkja, the majestic church), but there are so many natural wonders to visit across the island country, many of which don't cost a thing to explore. Consider driving out to the black sand beach of Reynisfjara and the three national parks, Vatnajökull, Þingvellir, and Snæfellsnes. Discover our picks for value hotels in Iceland. 13. FRANCE Reuters hough France had an average nightly rate of $283, a trip to Paris can be done on a budget. The capital city, which has been dubbed the most romantic in the world, has a plethora of museums and monuments, some of which are free to the public. Walk around as much as you can and take in the stunning architecture, from the iconic Eiffel Tower to the Gothic Notre Dame cathedral to the basilica of Sacré-Cœur. Visiting in the summer might mean higher hotel rates, but there are many free concerts and festivals to take advantage of. Consider staying on the outskirts of town—with the metro, it shouldn't take you more than 20 minutes to get to the center of the city. SEE THE REST OF THE STORY AT BUSINESS INSIDER
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