Hidden European Gems You NEED to Visit in 2025! According to NerdWallet’s annual summer travel survey, 44% of Americans plan to take a vacation requiring a flight or hotel stay between June and August 2025. Most summer travelers (91%) plan to save money on expenses by choosing hotels based on price rather than amenities (40%) and using credit card points/miles to cover costs (39%).

For affordable European travel, NerdWallet highlights that cities like Reykjavík (Iceland), Lisbon (Portugal), and Barcelona (Spain) are among the most affordable European destinations to fly to from the U.S., with some routes offering average fares under $1,000 round trip.

Europe’s Best Destinations for 2025

According to Europe’s Best Destinations official selection for 2025:
Amsterdam is highlighted as “one of 2025’s trendiest destinations,” offering a vibrant blend of heritage and innovation with iconic canals, cultural landmarks like the Rijksmuseum, and a focus on sustainable tourism.
Other top European destinations for summer 2025 include:

Santorini, Greece: Known for its white buildings, blue-domed churches, beautiful beaches, and unforgettable sunsets.

Barcelona, Spain: Combining Mediterranean charm with modern living, offering art, culture, sandy beaches, and incredible architecture.

Montenegro: Described as an underrated destination with beautiful fjords, particularly Kotor Old Town, Perast, Porto, and Tivat.

Albania: Becoming increasingly popular for budget travelers with lower prices than the rest of Europe, offering breathtaking mountains, pristine beaches, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Reykjavik, Iceland: Unique for summer travel with its stunning landscapes, hot springs, midnight sun, colorful buildings, and nearby natural attractions like the Blue Lagoon.

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