Bulgaria was among the top 10 budget destinations for summer vacations in 2008, according to US travel writer Pauline Frommer.

Frommer's recommendations range "from romantic getaway spots to family faves to exotic destinations for adventurous travelers", she said in a media statement.

"The strength of the euro has made much of Europe a budget-buster for American travelers, but it's also an opportunity to explore less heavily touristed areas of the continent - such as Bulgaria," Frommer said. Bulgaria was the only European country in the list.

Despite lacking sufficient tourist infrastructure, it was "rather safe and had old monasteries, preserved medieval villages, together with affordable sea and spa resorts," Frommer said.

Bed and breakfast in the less expensive hotels and guest houses usually cost between $50 and 100, while full Mediterranean meals could be had for just $6 or $7, according to the award-winning travel writer.

Bulgaria was "Europe's budget champion, with its Black Sea beaches and well-preserved medieval villages," Arthur Frommer, father of Pauline and author of the ground-breaking Europe on $5 a Day travel guide, said in his blog.

Frommer's other picks included five destinations in the US, as well as the Dominican Republic, Newfoundland in Canada, the Mayan coast in Mexico and Peru.

Frommer's publishes more than 300 guides and sells 2.5 million guides annually, covering more than 3500 world destinations on its website.