While the idea of hitting the open road is always enticing, some travelers worry about the cost of taking a trip that spans a considerable distance. New research on road trips from the insurance company, Veygo by Admiral, has revealed that the cheapest countries for road trips are found in Europe, combining the costs of both car hire and accommodation for two weeks.
Not only can Central and Eastern Europe be extremely affordable, but they’re also packed with gorgeous natural landscapes, magnificent architecture, and rich histories. Therefore, if you fancy a road trip that won’t break the bank, these are the cheapest countries to visit.
1. Latvia
A tapestry of sea, lakes, and woods, Latvia is best described as a vast unspoilt parkland with just one real city – its cosmopolitan capital, Rīga. Although the country is small, the amount of personal space it provides is enormous. Therefore, you can explore it without incurring significant costs, as the price of a two-week trip with car hire and accommodation is £747.34 ($987.31).
2. Lithuania
There’s ample space to breathe in Lithuania, featuring lakes, forests of birch and pine, and pancake-flat farmland. The historic core of Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, is a visual delight with its bright baroque houses, inviting alleyways, and colorful churches. A road trip lasting two weeks will cost approximately £818.96 ($1081.71).
3. Turkey
Turkey’s diverse landscapes, from Aegean olive groves to eastern steppes, provide a lyrical backdrop for its many ancient ruins. The country’s most magical scenery can be found in Asian Anatolia, featuring beautiful vistas along the vertiginous Mediterranean coastline. A two-week journey through this country will cost around £845.89 ($1117.28).
4. Poland
When it comes to exploring Poland, picturesque cities like Kraków and Gdańsk contest for your attention with the bustling Warsaw. Away from the urban areas, much of Poland feels remote with its unspoiled woods, rivers, lakes, and hills. While the majority of the country is flat, the southern border features a charming chain of low-lying mountains inviting countless days of exploration. The estimated cost for a two-week trip is £963.14 ($1272.14).
5. Slovakia
Slovakia is an excellent destination for exploration. Known for its castles and stunning mountains, the capital city Bratislava attracts visitors to its beautiful old town. However, the true magic of Slovakia lies in its outdoor landscapes featuring crystal-clear glacial lakes and breathtaking peaks. A two-week road trip would cost an estimated £987.61 ($1304.46).
Moreover, the study ranked the world’s 41 more economically developed countries based on factors including car rental and accommodation costs, fuel prices, Instagrammability, and road safety. It found that the top countries for road trips include Italy, the US, and Japan.
1. Italy
With a network of well-maintained roads weaving through a landscape of snow-capped peaks and historic towns, Italy offers ample opportunity for epic driving. Consequently, while some routes present challenges, they all guarantee unforgettable experiences.
2. US
The US’s extensive and well-maintained road system makes it an ideal destination for road trippers. Whether you prefer solo adventures on a motorcycle or joyrides in a convertible, there are countless iconic drives to enjoy.
3. Japan
Travelling around Japan provides numerous opportunities to engage with the country’s traditional culture. This long and slender archipelago, predominantly mountainous and marked by bubbling hot springs, is an excellent destination for discovering ancient shrines and beautiful landscapes during the warmer months.
To learn more about the comprehensive research from Veygo by Admiral, you can check it out here.
