Without further ado, here is the list:

1. Krakow, Poland

   Situated in south eastern Poland (a geographic area known as Galacia), Krakow is not subjected to the harsh weather most of Poland receives. The capital of the Polish Kingdom from 1038 until 1596, Krakow contains some of Europe's most majestic churches and an impressive castle. Spared the destruction of World War II and largely spared communist development during the rule of the USSR, Krakow maintains an old world Europe feel similar to Prague or Budapest. Krakow is also an hour by train or minibus from Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi concentration camp from World War II. Poland is a member of the European Union and is quite safe. Despite being a member of the EU, Poland has yet to join the Euro and is still quite affordable.

2. Budapest, Hungary

   Just three hours by train or car from the Austrian capital of Vienna, Budapest is a thriving center of culture in its own right. Budapest is well known for serving as a second and equal capital of the Austrian Empire following the Dual Compromise of 1867, but truthfully it spent equal time in the Austrian Empire and the Ottoman Empire. As a result, the influence of both cultures, though vastly different, is quite apparent. Many buildings reflect Viennese type architecture, while surrounded by Turkish baths (which are quite famous!). Having spent so much time under the rule of others Hungarians, or Magyars, are a proud people with a troubled history. Hungary is also part of the EU and not on the Euro. It, too, is relatively affordable.

3. Copenhagen, Denmark

   A well known city in Europe, Copenhagen is not as full of tourists as one might think. In fact, few enough tourists visit this city that many who do consider it “overlooked.” The established capital of a thriving, if small, western European country, Copenhagen is definitely worth a visit. Danish bread is particularly well regarded throughout Europe and there is no shortage of it here in the capital. The city is also Europe's most cyclist friendly, with cycle lanes that parallel main roads for maximum access. Copenhagen is also conveniently located to northern Germany (also beautiful) and Malmö, Sweden is just across the bridge. For its beauty, as well as its proximity to other great spots in Europe, Copenhagen is a must. Copenhagen is in the EU and has voted by referendum not to adopt the Euro. Despite this, prices in Denmark are quite high (as is true of all of Scandinavia). Copenhagen is less expensive than Stockholm and Oslo.

4. Istanbul, Turkey

   While it is true half the city lies in Asia, the old town, or Sultan Ahmet as it is called, is located entirely on the European side. Located in the political hotbed Middle East, Turkey is a surprisingly safe and out-of-this-world friendly country. Though it borders countries such as Iraq and Iran, Turkey is astonishingly democratic and very western. Turkey is the only secular Muslim country in the world. Furthermore, Turks, proud of their history and eager to tell their part of the story, have done a fantastic job preserving Ottoman palaces and relics. From the Hagia Sophia to Topkapi Palace, Istanbul is sure to please and educate. Though not a member of the EU, customs is a simple process and visas are available at all entry points (by train, car, or plane) for a fee of $20 U.S.

5. Istria, Croatia

   Located on a peninsula to the north of its more famous relative, the Dalmatian Coast, the Istrian Peninsula is equally beautiful and less touristy. Begin your stay in Poreč, located only an hour south from Trieste, Italy. This town of 9,000 is easily accessible by car or bus and customs through Slovenia into Croatia are a breeze. Visit Vrsar and Rovinj on day trips, but be sure to be back in Poreč for every dinner, as Croatian and Italian cuisine are on display each night in some of Europe's finest restaurants. Fresh fish and other seafood are available in small markets around town and they sell only the current day's catch. Don't forget a boat cruise around the Adriatic like only Croatian tour guides can provide! In short, Istria provides all the beauty of the Mediterranean without being overrun by unappreciative visitors. But hurry, Europe's best kept secret is about to get out! Like Turkey, Croatia is not a member of the EU, but it is a candidate and should be admitted by 2009. No visa is required for U.S. citizens.

One final note: I have traveled extensively throughout Europe and have visited each of the aforementioned destinations. All of this advice is first hand information and comments will be quickly answered.

Party Holidays

If you are young enough to handle seven nights of drinking the chances are you won't be able to afford extravagant holidays. Here are some places you can go for the ultimate fashionable (and yet cheap) party in the sun ideal for students and younger people celebrating finishing A levels.

1. Greece Ios

   This small rock placed in the ocean off mainland Greece is carpeted with bars, clubs and bikinis. The island has no airport so must be accessed by a return ferry from the mainland approx £40.

2. Croatia

   After emerging from former Yugoslavia Croatia is now being recognised as one of the best places to party if you love beaches. There are loads of small islands, and that means loads of beaches and in turn this means loads of parties. You will start off your evening in a chilled café bar and move on at 1am to dance clubs. Brac Island is a good place to start, although because accommodation and transport is so cheap we recommend you island hop as the mood takes you.

3. Florida

   If you can't wait till the summer why not join spring break in Florida during march, here due to great exchange rates you can double your money, if that's not a reason to party I don't know what is. With an average of one wet t-shirt contest a minute this is prime location for you to mingle with US students at their best.

Adventures

As you are reading on I assume you want more to show your folks back home than photos of large piles of empty beer glasses.

1. The Via Ferrata

   This translates literally as "iron roads". These are a collection of ladders and cables draped over cliff faces in the alps to allow snipers in WWII to get into position. No-one took them down and they now provide easy access to some of the most dramatic settings in the alps. The best are to be found in the Dolomite mountains in Italy. www.colletts.co.uk is a good place to start.

2. Over-landing

   Simple great adventure. Find a group of friends, rent a 4x4 vehicle, drive through exotic location camping each night. For instance Delhi to Mumbaim, over the Tha desert, the white city of Udaipur. Roughly £400 for truck rental and accommodation for 14 nights. Best to rent once your out their.

Final Options

If partying wasn't for you and adventures sounded somewhat expensive then consider these, our ultimate budget holiday choices:

1. Volunteer Farm Work

   Spend your days picking fruit, and your nights around a camp fire telling stories, with accommodation and food included farm work can be a great way to literally see the land and meet some new people. 

2. Cruise Ship

   Never a cheap option unless you opt for a job on the aforementioned vessel. When searching for jobs online be careful of scam websites.

3. International Courier

   Fly the world for less by carrying someone else's mail with you. Drop off documents at appointed place to receive huge flight discounts.

I hope this has given you some ideas

Olives and tangerines

Big hit in Croatia for adults is picking olives or tangerines. If you are adult from big European city you are probably interested in this sort of activity (today is popular active, fantastic vacation loaded with large amount of adrenaline). To me, this looks like Tom Sawyer - kids payed him to paint the fence which he should paint - for punishment.

An idea

During winter there are no olives or tangerines for picking, but there is something else: land mines. Yes, you read it right, land mines. If tourist can pick olives why couldn't they pick land mines? Well not pick them, just locate them. You rent a gear if you do not have your own, sign legal document that you are picking mines on your own responsibility, have short, basic training - and you are ready to go!

Extreme package

If this is not good enough for you, we have extreme package which includes destroying of founded mines, handling with mine machinery and sleeping over at mine field.

Dangers

Sure, it is dangerous. But with good training number of injuries or deaths would not be higher of those in car accidents (summer), drowning in the sea (summer), lost on the mountain.

Dubrovnik is an ancient city in the southeastern corner of Croatia, a country in Europe. Croatia is located in the south of Europe. The city walls are only for pedestrian use as that's how it was centuries ago. Many have said that when you walk into the city you feel like you have traveled through time. The sea, that is beautiful and clean, surrounds the city.

World Heritage Classifications

The reason that the World Heritage Committee chose Dubrovnik to be a World Heritage Site was because of its historical significance. It needs to be protected for future generations so they too can experience the history and beauty. The old city of Dubrovnik was added to UNESCO world heritage list 1979. The classifications Dubrovnik complied with were: · CI - represents a masterpiece of human creative genius. · CIII - bears a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization, which is living, or which has disappeared. · CIV - is an outstanding example of a type of building or architectural or technological ensemble or landscape, which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history. The old city of Dubrovnik is classified as a human world heritage environment.

General Information

The city became an important part of the Mediterranean sea power from the 13th century onwards. An earthquake damaged it in 1667, but Dubrovnik still managed to preserve its beautiful churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains. It was placed on the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) restoration programme after it was damaged by armed forces in the 1990's. Also, Dubrovnik was originally called Ragusa. Part 4: Preservation I think that Dubrovnik should be preserved for future generations because I would like my children and grandchildren to see the history and beauty. Human or natural forces, especially human as we can change the effect if we are aware, should not damage it. UNESCO has assisted in restoring Dubrovnik and is now off the endangered list of world heritage sites.