'I travelled to Europe's least-visited country and couldn't believe its best-kept secrets'

The lesser-known country of Moldova, tucked between Romania and , still holds much of its Soviet heritage. Despite declaring independence 33 years ago, the landlocked nation's economy remains basic.

However, explorer decided to see how far his seven-pound budget could stretch in the capital city of Chișinău. According to Drew, Moldova is Europe's least-visited country, but it "offers some of the best-kept secrets" on the continent.

He found that Chișinău may not offer as much excitement as other European cities, but he appreciated its lack of flashiness. Surprisingly, his £7 budget went a long way in Chișinău.

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He first bought a plastic passport cover from a street vendor for about £1.50, which would cost more than double in the UK. Drew and his wife Deanna then enjoyed excellent cappuccinos at a street café for just over a pound each.

"The quality of the coffee here is so good," he commented, lamenting the fast-food approach of US coffee shops that don't encourage leisurely sipping.

Moldova is safe despite its location near war-afflicted , and it surely captivates visitors. "I love it here," shared Drew, revealing his fondness for the surprising calm of the country.

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Moldova finds itself in a tough economic spot as Europe's second poorest nation after Ukraine, leaving tourists like Drew noting the absence of shopping opportunities beyond local street vendors hawking fresh produce.

Yet, this scarcity didn't dampen his experience—in fact, he relished it, stretching his $10 to cover expenses including a $2.87 passport cost, two coffees at the same price, a traditional pastry for $1.25, and a large bag of fruit to exhaust his budget.

The quality of the fruit left him impressed, a nod to Moldova's rich black soil, famous for its fertility. With no sizeable tourist scene, Drew signed off with the notion that Moldova is the perfect spot for those seeking a peaceful retreat: "if you want to chill for a bit, this is a great place to do it".