Switzerland is probably the last European country on your list if you’re budget-savvy, but 6 visits to Europe’s most sought-after Alpine retreat later, I’ve realized that how far your money goes—and sometimes, how much you enjoy your trip—depends entirely on where you go. Most visitors head to Zurich for the city buzz, or the Lauterbrunnen …

From a secondary European summer destination, overshadowed by a much larger Spain, to a year-round tourism hotspot loved by Americans, Portugal has never been trendier than it is at the moment. The westernmost country in mainland Europe now draws in millions of visitors with the promise of wine breaks in picturesque patios, long walks serenaded by fado …