4 affordable places to travel you may be overlooking

Cities like London, Paris and New York are high on many travelers’ lists of must-see destinations. However, they tend to be crowded and expensive. According to AARP’s 2024 Travel Trends

report, the high cost of travel is a major barrier for travelers 50-plus.  However, you don’t need to stay home just because Paris isn’t in the budget. Many other fantastic destinations

won’t break the bank. These often-overlooked locations are full of culture, art, adventure and great food. With some creative thinking, you can have a great vacation without a high price tag

and enjoy world-class sites without the crowds that make some more popular destinations difficult to navigate. Note: All prices listed in U.S. dollars. POLAND Looking for natural beauty in

Poland? Head to Tatra Mountains. Adam Brzoza/Polish Tourism Organization Travel to the heart of Eastern Europe to take in history, breathtaking sites and world-class dining that goes beyond

pierogies. Poland’s two biggest cities, Warsaw and Krakow, are about two and a half hours apart by train, making it easy to visit both in a single trip. Krakow has a charming old town

square, a lively Jewish Quarter with restaurants and live music, and a lovely palace, the Wawel Royal Castle. Nearby, visit the sprawling underground Wieliczka Salt Mine that dates back to

the Middle Ages and the Auschwitz–Birkenau Memorial and Museum. Those who prefer to take in natural beauty can head to the nearby Tatra Mountains in Zakopane to hike or soak in geothermal

pools. In Warsaw, visit the city’s old town square and Royal Castle, both of which were meticulously restored after being destroyed in World War II. You can dine at Michelin-starred

restaurants and visit any of the city’s numerous museums including the POLIN museum, which explores the history of Jews in Poland, or the Warsaw Rising Museum. Many attractions in Warsaw are

free one day per week, making it possible to save a bundle. WHERE TO STAY: In Krakow, the Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre is ideally situated between the Old Town Square and the Jewish

Quarter. In Warsaw, the Hilton Warsaw City is a modern hotel with easy access to most of the city’s major sites. Standard rooms at both hotels are available for around $150 per night and

may be less during nonpeak travel times. WHERE TO EAT: In Warsaw, Niewinni Czarodzieje 44 draws inspiration from around the world to create craft cocktails and gourmet meals, many of which

can be enjoyed for under $20. In Krakow, try Hamsa in the heart of the Jewish Quarter for traditional Middle Eastern food with flair. Many dishes are around $10 to $15.