You don’t always have to pay through the nose for Europe. Sure, places like Paris, Zurich and Amsterdam can put a pinch on your pocket, but plenty of countries serve up all the history, not to mention beautiful landscapes and dynamic food scenes that their upscale counterparts offer, but at less than luxury prices. Offering budget-friendly accommodation, easy transport and cheap eats, you can visit these places without raking up the bills.

Hungary

Hungary, particularly Budapest, is still among the best value in Europe. With its bargain offerings in accommodation, eating, and public transport, the capital is a mecca for backpackers. It’s home to thermal baths, riverside architecture and friendly bars. There are even more affordable lodgings and a mellower vibe in smaller towns like Eger and Pécs.

Portugal

Portugal is still one of the best-value Western European destinations. Lisbon and Porto have budget hotels, inexpensive public transportation, and cheap seafood. Outside the cities, the Algarve and Alentejo regions, provide beautiful coastlines, vineyards and quaint villages that are equal to Spain or France, at lower prices.

Poland

Poland offers culture and history without the high cost of a tourist destination. Cities such as Kraków, Gdańsk, and Wrocław have stunning old towns, cheap museums and hearty local fare. Poland is a country to travel around, with its ever-growing system of trains convenient and cheap.

Romania

For value, there’s nowhere better than Romania, particularly outside Bucharest. Its medieval towns (including Brașov, or Sibiu), the Carpathian mountains, and Transylvania’s fairytale castles are only some of what makes it a diverse experience and also an affordable one. The cost of food, housing and transportation is still among the budget-friendly in the EU.

Bulgaria

There are beach escapes, mountain getaways and centuries-old monasteries, — all at affordable prices. Sofia is one of Europe’s cheapest capitals, and tourists are beguiled by Plovdiv’s Roman ruins and cobbled streets. The value is great for dining, domestic travel and accommodations.

Latvia

Latvia, particularly Riga, balances affordability and elegance. Its art nouveau architecture, intimate cafés and compact old town mean it’s a joy to explore on a budget. Hotel and restaurant prices are still low by Western European standards, not to mention natural getaways like beaches and forests that are within easy reach.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

One of Europe’s most overlooked destinations, Bosnia and Herzegovina pulls together Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Balkan influences. Mosar and Sarajevo are full of great culture, inexpensive food and beautiful landscapes. There will be rivers, bridges and warm hospitality at irresistible prices.

Serbia

Serbia is great if you want party, culture and travel on a budget. Belgrade’s café life and music scene are the stuff of legends, and the food and drinks among the affordable in Europe. Because of low-cost transportation and accommodations, it’s a haven for curious explorers.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia is still one of Europe’s best budget value spots. The Ottoman bazaars and striking monuments of Skopje sit in contrast to the beauty of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest lakes. With low daily costs and less tourists, it’s a great pick for travelers looking for the real thing.

Explore the top 7 snowiest places on Earth, famous for heavy and record-breaking snowfall each year. Learn about cities and mountain regions where extreme winter conditions shape life, landscapes, and unique weather patterns across the globe.

Snowfall is one of nature’s most beautiful sights, but in some parts of the world it becomes a way of life. Due to very cold weather, high mountains, and moist winds, a few places receive heavy snow every year. These regions remain covered in white for months and are known for extreme winters, icy landscapes, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Why Some Places Receive So Much Snow?

The snowiest places usually lie near warm seas and high mountains. Moist air travels from the ocean, rises when it meets mountains, cools down, and falls as snow. This process, called orographic snowfall, is the main reason for record-breaking snow accumulation. Cold winds, frequent storms, and local geography together create ideal conditions for heavy snow.

List of Snowiest Places on Earth

Snowfall around the world depends on more than just cold temperatures. Places near oceans and mountains often receive the heaviest snow because moist air rises, cools, and falls as snow, creating extreme winter conditions.

Sukayu Onsen, Japan

Sukayu Onsen, located in the Hakkoda Mountains of Aomori Prefecture, is widely known as the snowiest inhabited place on Earth. It receives about 17.6 metres (58 feet) of snow each year. Cold winds from Siberia collect moisture over the Sea of Japan and release it as intense snowfall. During winter, snow walls here can rise higher than buildings.

Mount Rainier (Paradise), USA

Mount Rainier’s Paradise area in Washington State is one of the snowiest recorded locations in the world. Moist air from the Pacific Ocean rises rapidly over the mountain and turns into heavy snow. In some years, snowfall has crossed 90 feet, making it a key location for snowfall measurement in North America.

Alyeska Resort, Alaska

Alyeska Resort lies in the Chugach Mountains near the Gulf of Alaska. It receives around 55 feet of snow every year. Frequent storms and strong ocean winds bring huge amounts of moisture, which turns into snow when it hits the mountains. This makes the region one of Alaska’s most snow-filled areas.

Niseko, Japan

Niseko is located on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. It is famous for its light, dry, powdery snow. Around 15 metres of snow falls here annually. Cold air passing over the Sea of Japan causes steady snowfall, making Niseko one of the most snow-rich places in East Asia.

Shirakawa-go, Japan

Shirakawa-go is a historic village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It receives about 33 feet of snow every year. The village is known for its steep-roof houses, specially designed to stop snow from piling up. This area shows how people have adapted their lifestyle to survive heavy snowfall for centuries.

Valdez, Alaska

Valdez is the snowiest coastal town in the United States. Even though it is at sea level, it receives around 27 feet of snow annually. Moist air from the ocean gets trapped by nearby mountains, causing continuous snowfall. This creates serious challenges for transport and daily life.

Aomori City, Japan

Aomori City is considered the snowiest large city in the world. With a population of over 100,000, it still manages nearly 26 feet of snow each year. Located between mountains and the sea, the city uses heated roads and snow-removal systems to function smoothly during long winters.

From long flights to changing climates, travel can stress your skin. Discover travel-friendly skincare essentials that help hydrate, protect, and balance your skin wherever you go.

Between changing climates, long flights, pollution, and irregular routines, travel can take a serious toll on your skin. The smartest travellers know that packing the right skincare essentials can make all the difference. From barrier-repairing moisturisers to acne-fighting serums, these five brands offer travel-friendly solutions that keep your skin balanced, calm, and glowing, wherever your journey takes you.

1. PHD Beauty

Oily skin needs hydration to stay balanced, when it’s dehydrated, it often overcompensates by producing excess oil. PHD Beauty’s 3% Niacinamide Oil-Free Moisturizer is designed to address exactly that. Powered by 3% Niacinamide, Centella Asiatica (CICA), and Tripeptides, it helps regulate sebum, soothe irritation, and improve overall skin texture—without feeling heavy or greasy.

What truly sets PHD apart is the PHD Council, a prestigious collective of globally respected dermatologists from India, the USA, and the UK. Backed by decades of clinical expertise, every formula is held to the highest dermatological standards, ensuring effective, science-backed skincare with visible results, perfect for skin under travel stress.

2. Pilgrim

When travel triggers breakouts or leave behind stubborn acne marks, Pilgrim’s 10% Niacinamide & 1% Zinc PCA Serum steps in as a reliable skin reset. This high-performance formula works to fade acne marks, reduce dark spots, and visibly brighten the skin.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps even out skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation, while Zinc PCA controls excess oil and supports clearer skin. Enriched with Korean White Lotus, a powerful antioxidant-rich ingredient, the serum also improves overall skin health and radiance. Non-toxic and fragrance-free, it’s an easy, effective solution for travellers looking to maintain clear, even-toned skin on the go.

3. Re’equil

Ceramides are essential for maintaining the skin’s protective barrier—especially during travel, when dehydration and environmental exposure are common. Re’equil’s Ceramide & Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser is designed to strengthen the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and prevent transepidermal water loss. Lightweight yet deeply nourishing, it helps skin stay resilient against dry cabin air, pollution, and climate change. Ideal for sensitive and compromised skin, this barrier-repair formula ensures your skin stays calm, hydrated, and comfortable throughout your journey.

4. Mago

Achieve clearer, brighter, and more radiant skin wherever you travel with this concentrated exfoliating powder cleanser. The charcoal-based formula activates on contact with water, while natural fruit enzymes gently cleanse and exfoliate — perfect for removing travel grime and pollution. Enriched with antioxidant-rich Vitamins A and E, it helps refresh and revive tired skin, all while being gentle enough for daily use and easy to pack. Mago is a men’s grooming brand designed for modern, on-the-move lifestyles, making skincare simple with result-driven, scientifically backed formulations. With a strong focus on ingredient transparency and real skin concerns, The Official Mago is reshaping conversations around purposeful men’s skincare in India. Thoughtfully created for the urban traveller, the brand reflects a growing awareness of self-care, health, and smart grooming choices, even when you’re away from home.

5. Dot & Key

Travel can leave skin dull and tired, and Dot & Key’s Vitamin C + E Sunscreen or Moisturiser helps bring back that glow while offering essential protection. Packed with antioxidants, these formulas defend against environmental stressors while brightening and hydrating the skin. Lightweight, quick-absorbing, and easy to reapply, Dot & Key products are ideal for on-the-go routines, ensuring your skin stays fresh, protected, and radiant from takeoff to touchdown.

The final days of the year carry a different kind of energy. Don’t you think so too? Some plan intimate family get-togethers, some go on solo trips, and some prefer to stay home with some great snacks and their favourite shows on. Whatever your plan is this year, it wouldn’t hurt to give this a look. Here, we have some of the best travel ideas to end your year with. Even if you are a slow traveller, or a party animal, or someone in between, we have got you all covered. From glowing northern lights to deserts, islands, and wildlife adventures, these five travel ideas offer powerful ways to close the year on your own terms.

Chase the Northern Lights

Ending the year beneath the aurora borealis is one of the most surreal travel experiences on Earth. And romantic too. Check out places like Tromsø in Norway, Abisko in Sweden, and Rovaniemi in Finland—the Arctic Circle wonders. Here, long winter nights create ideal conditions for witnessing the incredible Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis. During the day, enjoy the stunning snow-blanketed landscapes, frozen lakes, dog-sledding adventures, reindeer encounters, and glass igloo stays. It’s a unique party in the sky.

Ring in the New Year in a desert under a sky full of stars

For those who want to escape noise and crowds, the stillness of a desert is unforgettable and special. The Thar Desert in Rajasthan, Wadi Rum in Jordan, or even parts of Morocco’s Sahara can become your year-end magical journey. This is the kind of travel where we find ourselves, where travel turns soulful—of course, for discerning travellers. Spend your days exploring dunes, ancient rock formations, and remote desert settlements; nights can be for campfires under star-filled skies. These places reveal the Milky Way in stunning clarity due to the absence of light pollution. Why not give it a go?

Year-end tropical island adventure

Nothing beats the soothing sound of waves and the feel of warm ocean air. Island destinations such as the Maldives, Mauritius, Phu Quoc (Vietnam), and Sri Lanka’s southern coast are ideal for travellers seeking rest, sunshine, and unhurried living at year’s end. Here, spend your days swimming, snorkelling, enjoying spa rituals, sighting dolphins, and having long seaside meals, while evenings can be kept aside for soft celebrations like romantic beachside dinners.

End the year with a thrilling safari

A safari is one of the most unexpected yet unforgettable ways to close the year. Destinations like Masai Mara (Kenya), Serengeti (Tanzania), or India’s Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Kabini offer immersive experiences in nature, far removed from urban celebrations. In these places, days begin with adventure-filled morning game drives and golden sunsets over grasslands, and evenings are for listening to forest sounds rather than fireworks. Ending the year on safari reconnects travellers with nature.

World’s iconic New Year cities

For travellers who believe the year should end with energy and spectacle, some cities host New Year’s Eve like nowhere else. For instance, cities like New York City, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Dubai, and Edinburgh are legendary for their countdowns. From Times Square’s electric atmosphere to fireworks over Sydney Harbour, beachside celebrations in Rio, and historic street parties in Edinburgh, these cities turn the final night of the year into a one giant party.