Other than renewing or obtaining a passport, one of the biggest hindrances for Americans wanting to travel abroad is the expected cost of the hypothetical trip. For some, the assumed price tag can be so intimidating that they won’t even browse through international destinations, knowing that a domestic vacation can meet many of the same requirements, but with this guide by Travel + Leisure detailing “11 Dream International Vacations That Are Surprisingly Affordable,” you can rest easy and assured.

Though COVID-19 restrictions are beginning to scale back, it’s always a responsible practice to check local travel advisories, city ordinances, state mandates, and international travel advisories that may have been implemented due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Travel safely and rest assured that you’ve done your due diligence by referring to CDC travel guidelines.

Travel + Leisure’s Cailey Rizzo compiled the list of unexpectedly affordable international destinations with the assistance of analysts from Kayak, the American online travel agency and metasearch engine. Besides the list of the specificeleven vacation destinations, they also created some useful travel tips for those wanting to travel abroad inexpensively. One of the most rewarding tips is to travel to a country during its routine “off-season,” because despite some thinking that travelers might not get to experience the country “at its best,” many travel guides, blogs, and experts say that the opposite is true. They report that enjoying the country in question at your own pace through uncrowded tourist sites is much more optimal.

Brisbane, Australia

Located in what’s come to be known as Australia’s design capital, Queensland, Brisbane is a cosmopolitan hub for culture, artistic expression, and world-class dining. The Queensland capital is particularly heavy on old and new world charm as its residents are quite aware of the stylish and relaxing environment they live in. The riverside capital is set alongside stunning natural assets and beneath clear blue skies (reportedly year-round) amid what’s been described as a “subtropical alfresco lifestyle.” Keep your travels to the dividing perimeter of the Brisbane River to stay near the city center and enjoy the city’s offerings of open-air markets, the Roma Street Parkland, and the New Farm Park.

If you’re in the mood for educational, cultural, and/or artistic enrichment, be sure to check out the world-class  Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, which is home to SparkLab, the interactive STEM space. One of the most inviting attractions of Brisbane is the

Queensland Art Gallery/ Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and the Institute of Modern Art (IMA), each of which is set to inspire you through the featuring of Asian-Pacific art. It’s suggested that you travel to Brisbane in May, as that is the cheapest month to travel with roundtrip flights from Los Angeles being available for approximately $700, according to Kayak.

Etyek, Hungary

Often overshadowed by the attractions and glamor of Budapest, Etyek, Hungary is located only a half-hour’s drive from Budapest but is seen as a richer chance to experience Hungarian culture in an authentic, rustic environment.Allow yourself to see the splendors and spoils of Europe amid what’s often been referred to as the “vineyards of Budapest.” This nickname is due to the fact that residents of Etyek have been producing grapes since the mid 18^thCentury, likening the city to Champagne, France for its proclivity to produce excellently crisp white wines such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

If you’re a fan of the filmmaking industry, you’ll be happy to know that Etyek is home to Korda Studios, a film studio that has used the vineyards and the gorgeous setting of Etyek for such films and series as Blade Runner 2049, Inferno, The Martian, and The Last Kingdom. Though, one of the more inviting elements of Etyek is the opportunity to survey Hungarian life in its purest form. You can do this by exploring the character-rich village for yourself to get a taste of authentic Hungarian life amid the quaint tiled roof houses, beautiful Baroque and Roman churches, and rounded wine cellars. Consider renting a bicycle to breathe in the crisp countryside air in an expanse that is best traveled in October, as roundtrip flights are set at about $790, according to Kayak.

For more travel-related news, other international destinations, and information, click here.