Backpacking around Europe for very little money used to be something of a rite of passage for many young adults. In Western Europe especially, though, those days are largely over. Europe is one of the most expensive regions in the world to explore, particularly for those who don’t put in the research to find great deals. Still, there are a handful of countries in Europe that continue to present phenomenal deals. Whether you want to explore breathtaking mountains, luxuriate on sunny beaches or take in topnotch cultural attractions, the following five countries will let you do so in a very affordable way.

Lithuania – This Northern European country sits on the southeastern shores of the Baltic Sea and presents plenty of low-priced options for budget-conscious travellers. Whether you choose to explore the fascinating capital city of Vilnius or check out the amazing features at the Kernave Archeological Site, you’ll be able to enjoy a very memorable holiday for extraordinarily little money.

Finland – Out of all of the Western European countries, Finland is among the cheapest to visit. Backpacking through a string of this country’s incredible medieval towns is one low cost way of embarking on a real adventure; hiking through its pristine Lapland region is another. Better still, head over to the Aland islands for unbeatable scenery – and prices.

Slovakia – Slovakia truly has it all, from wonderfully cultural cities to vast expanses of unspoiled natural wonder. Take a tour of Bratislava and its many fine museums for a fraction of the price of many other European cities, or spend a few days in one of this country’s breathtaking national parks – Slovensky raj is one real standout.

Portugal – If a holiday to the Costa del Sol is too rich for your blood, you should consider a sojourn along the long, scenic coast of Portugal instead. There are plenty of cheap hotels to choose from in this idyllic region, and you can take day trips to visit the many nearby walled towns for a bit of variety.

Ukraine – Book a cheap hotel in or near Yalta to enjoy wine country at its finest – and least expensive. The area’s many spas will ensure that you are able to rest and recharge while on holiday here. Alternatively, spend a weekend in Kiev and take advantage of the phenomenally low prices – be sure to do a bit of shopping, too!