“If you’ve been traveling long enough, you know that accommodation usually takes up a lot, if not most of your travel budget. That’s why, for those planning to take a wallet-friendly trip this fall, it’s important to figure out which destinations offer lodging options that fit within a strict spending plan,” writes Megi Canco for The Travel off Path, as she proposes Albania and Kosovo as some of the top five European destinations with the cheapest Airbnb rates right now.

Kosovo

Yet another small, landlocked country in Eastern Europe completes the top 3.

Though Kosovo doesn’t promise the same warm, beachy allure as its Mediterranean neighbors, its gorgeous mountainous terrain, lush forests, and rich cultural scene make for the perfect setting for a fall getaway.

Since the country has been a ground of heated military conflict in the past, there are some areas that, according to the U.S. Travel Advisory, are best left unexplored.

As long as you stick to larger cities like Pristina or Gjilan, though, you’re in for the trip of a lifetime. What’s more, all prices are pretty reasonable, even in more touristy areas.

Airbnbs are no exception, boasting an average daily rate of 49 euros (~52 US dollars).

Albania

Once one of Europe’s most off-the-beaten-path destinations, Albania has recently garnered a great deal of interest in the international tourism scene thanks to its rich culture, stunning riviera, and reasonable prices.

Generally speaking, Airbnbs in the country are cheaper than hotels, averaging at 60 euros (~64 US dollars). So, if you’re ever in Albania, short-term rentals are the way to go.

With that said, it’s worth noting that the more touristy, overpriced areas in the country skew that average by quite a bit.

The reason why so many travelers seem to debate whether Albania is a budget-friendly destination or not is that pricing can widely vary between cities and regions.

If you were to stay near one of the most coveted beaches (e.g., Dhërmi, Jalë, Sarandë) during peak season, you’d notice that the prices are almost on par with what you’d find in certain regions of Greece or Italy.

However, with the summer season coming to an end, prices are bound to drop. Moreover, there are plenty of gorgeous, budget-friendly cities away from the Riviera you can visit this fall.

Some of my top suggestions (aside from the capital, Tirana, would be):

• Berat (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Gjirokastra (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Korça
• Shkodra
• Kruja

You can read the original article here.