Zurich is the most expensive backpackers’ destination in the world.Zurich is the most expensive backpackers’ destination in the world.

The best bargains for backpackers are still found in the east, according to the 2014 Europe Backpacker Index.

Now in its fourth full year, the Europe Backpacker Index found that cities such as Krakow, Budapest and Prague were still far cheaper than their counterparts to the west

Primarily due to a few notable currency shifts, the rankings have changed on quite a few key cities from last year.

The decline of the Turkish lira has been dramatic to the point that Istanbul is back into the bargain category again, and everywhere else in that country is even cheaper.

Four new cities were added due to popular demand, bringing the total number of cities evaluated to 51. Among the new entries is Valletta, which ranked 20th for value.

The index is calculated by analysing prices for hostels, transportation, attractions, budget meals and local beer or wine.

Bucharest, Kiev, Sofia, Belgrade and Krakow made up the top five, while Zurich, Stockholm, Oslo, Interlaken and Venice brought up the rear. In fact, these were not only the most expensive destinations in Europe but also worldwide.

Valletta ranks 20th for value

Backpackers can get by in Bucharest on €17.72 per day, according to the index.

At the other end of the scale, backpackers would need €89.28 per day if they were visiting Zurich, which means it is doubtful they would linger in the Swiss city for too long.

Budget travellers in Valletta would need €41.20 per day to cover transportation (€5.20), meals (€12), drinks/entertainment (€6), attractions (€6) and a hostel bed (€12), according to the index.

The top five cheapest backpacker destinations around the world were listed as Pokhara (Nepal), Hanoi (Vietnam), Chiang Mai (Thailand), Goa (India) and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).

Cheapest backpacking destinations in Europe

1) Bucharest, Romania
2) Kiev, Ukraine
3) Sofia, Bulgaria
4) Belgrade, Serbia
5) Krakow, Poland
6) Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
7) Budapest, Hungary
8) Riga, Latvia
9) Istanbul, Turkey
10) Warsaw, Poland
11) Zagreb, Croatia
12) Saint Petersburg, Russia
13) Vilnius, Lithuania
14) Bratislava, Slovakia
15) Moscow, Russia
16) Prague, Czech Republic
17) Tenerife, Spain
18) Santorini, Greece
19) Tallinn, Estonia
20) Valletta, Malta

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