6.Montenegro

Local draft: $1.75, served by someone who has no idea they could make a living as a model in the US

What you'll save on: A two-hour bus ride crossing remarkable mountain range separating Adriatic coast with inland capital runs just $7.

Why here? Free of the Communist hangover that hung in the former Yugoslavian states post-1991, Montenegro is rocking it. The capital, Podgorica, has its share of uniform, sober buildings echoing the dismal Soviet concrete era, but the mannerly hard-working locals make it shine. But this place is not all about work. They also know how to party. Routine vodka-swilling haunts aside, chic nightlife options abound.

Affordable adventure: The mountainous, euro-using country has miles of gorgeous Adriatic Sea coastline, but the real fun happens in Podgorica's sprawling open-air restaurants overlooking the cooling Morača River, where ethno folk bands with accordions and harmonicas taking center stage serve as the backdrop. Nothing comes easy when a country emerges from a dictatorship into a democracy, but you can afford to live in style here while they figure it all out.

If you need a hedonistic binge: A highlight of the Old World Adriatic Sea side of this country of 750,000 residents is severely romantic Perast, a soulful, mountain base-hugging village on the Bay of Kotor. This stunning snapshot of native waterside culture can be taken in from several waterfront establishments. Versus more touristy parts of Europe (Italy is across the way), Perast is a bargain, full of locals who seem to enjoy Americans. On the edge of town, the Pirate Bar (not a play on words like it might be in California) is the choice for imbibing and snacking while overlooking the bay and mountains, which are all perfectly illuminated by serious sunsets.

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