As U.S. Declines, Get Out of Dodge

Budapest, Hungary
How to flee: Connecting air services via London, Frankfurt or Paris from most U.S. cities.

It's like Paris but a lot cheaper. For those who dream of a bohemian artist's life frequenting art nouveau cafes and one-room galleries operated by chain-smoking socialists, Budapest offers all the old-world charm of Paris and Prague at a fraction of the price.

As one of Europe's last affordable frontiers, Budapest is a booming new construction market where you can still land a yet-to-be-gentrified loft that wasn't built by a one-name architect. While government scandals have brought their share of bad press, most will find a city free of petty crime and a bureaucratic system easy to navigate.

Discount airlines like Easy Jet and Sky Europe have made the city more accessible than ever, with daily flights around Europe priced around 40 euros each way with advance purchase. Chain stores like Marks & Spencer as well as H&M have made their mark on the main shopping district, but you'll have to search for your Starbucks or any Mexican restaurant.

Summers are warm and balmy and revolve around the Danube with outdoor bars, dance clubs and floating restaurants. Winters are cold and isolating, perfect for that artistic reclusion you've always dreamed of between visits to the city's endless holistic underground baths and spas. Now you just have to learn how to paint.