Marrakech: Millennial Magnet Blends Ancient Charm with Budget-Friendly Allure

Marrakech ranks fifth in the list of the five most affordable destinations for independent millennials. Described as the place where the old and new worlds meet, the ochre city offers millennials lively markets, centuries-old riads, and rooftop clubs with live DJs, all in a single trip.

"Flights from major American and European hubs often cost less than $500 roundtrip in the fall, and once on the ground, the cost of food and accommodation is well below that of most comparable destinations," says Ari Adnan Cibari, founder and senior consultant at AtlasPerk, a travel industry consulting and services firm. Millennials can stay in traditional riads and guesthouses, spending between $45 and $55 per night.

The Great Lakes region: Michigan and Wisconsin tops the ranking. "The combination of lake views, charming small towns, and the authentic Midwest hospitality gives the impression of being in a hidden secret," said Goedele Mangelaars, travel expert and founder of Pink Notebook, an AI-powered travel planning platform. Budapest (Hungary) takes second place.

It is followed by the Costa del Sol. This Spanish city is known for its luxury beach resorts like Marbella, but millennials can find surprisingly affordable getaways in neighboring towns like Estepona. New York (during the marathon weekend) takes fourth place. "New Yorkers are just nicer during the marathon weekend," Mangelaars said.

She adds: "You see people cheering on strangers, neighborhood parties in every neighborhood, and that contagious energy that makes you fall in love with the city all over again."