Under $100: Budva, Montenegro

It’s hard to beat the charm and the quaintness of the bay town of Kotor, Montenegro’s gem that welcomes hordes of cruise ship passengers each day. But a bit further down the Adriatic coast is the beach town of Budva, a less-picturesque but slightly more lively Montenegrin town worth a visit.

Use the morning hours to stroll the streets of the Old Town before all the other visitors wake up. The walled peninsula is rife with narrow, cobblestone streets, ancient Roman ruins and quaint cafes like the Juice Bar, where you can stop in for a morning pick-me-up.

Make a point to visit the ancient fortress, the Citadel. For $3, climb to the top for views of the Old Town, the Adriatic Sea and the distant mountains.

Spend a sunny afternoon in the quiet coves of Mogren or Royal Beach, or under a parasol on Ploce, Jaz or Kamenovo Beach. If the beaches become too crowded for your liking, take a $6 boat ride and escape to the Island of St. Nicholas where pebble beaches are aplenty and views of the mainland are indescribable.

Round out the day with a fresh seafood dinner and a litany of tapas options at Casper Bar, an outdoor, tree-shaded restaurant that turns into a live music venue as the sun sets.