Go to: Lille, France

Instead of: Paris, France

We all know that Paris is a romantic city that travelers swoon over. And we get it! But France has many other cities that are more affordable and just as beautiful.

So skip the hustle and bustle of Paris and travel an hour north to the town of Lille, a cultural hub that lies at the crossroads of Paris, London, and Brussels. And yes, the baguets and croissants are just as good!

This budget-friendly vacation alternative was named a World Design Capital a few years ago and is a mecca for not only design but also a massive food scene, museums, and art fairs. And don’t even get us started on the beautiful modern architecture.