In today’s Europe, a nickel is the new penny. Yes, rich countries like Finland and the Netherlands have actually taken their one-cent and two-cent euro coins out of circulation. Prices are high for locals—and, with our dipping dollar, they seem steep for Americans, too. Yet regardless of the soaring cost of living, Europeans remain experts at living well. Even those who don’t have much money manage plenty of la dolce vita.

If you travel like a European, you can live well, too—enjoying a memorable and affordable trip anywhere in Europe, traveling “through the back door” for $100 a day. If everyone says, “Portugal is cheap,” but your travel dreams are taking you to the Swiss Alps, then your best value is in Switzerland…traveling smartly.