Summer is just around the corner and for many that means it’s time to plan a fun trip with friends or family. But where to go?

While many parts of the world are fraught with blazing heat and humidity during summer, Europe has the perfect climate at this time of year. The only issue is that travel to many of the well-known destinations tends to be prohibitively expensive and most of the popular sites are teeming with crowds.

Eastern Europe, however, has great appeal in terms of affordability and wide-open space. Many of the colorful capital cities see far fewer tourists, which often makes for a far more enjoyable vacation. Plus, the region is home to some of the most stunning landscapes on the continent and plenty of outdoor activities.

Our favorite off the radar spots include Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, and Montenegro.