Sozopol: Bulgaria

For a bargain tropical breeze, a striking blend of cobblestones and bikinis and $20/night Black-sea-views, find your way to Sozopol on the coast in Bulgaria. This might be one of the best-fighting-to-be-kept secrets in Eastern Europe. Bulgarians will tell you its crowded, and the beach is, but it's practically deserted compared to an American resort. Here, women go topless, skinny-dipping is practically encouraged and you can drink wherever you please. Lunch will cost you about a dollar and drinks are equally affordable. Of course, there are trade-offs. Service is far from impeccable, club sandwiches are rare and it costs to go to the bathroom. Small sacrifices for the pleasures that await. I recommend the seafood risotto and the second floor suite at Dr. Divalli's Bistro. Hint: Fly into Bourgas, take a 45 minutes bus ride there, then stroll along Old Town's Apolonia street until you hit the sea. Yes, yes, there's no official web site, but that's the point"”it's still a hidden gem!