I've been to embarrassingly few countries. If you are searching for a cool destination that is both cheap and unexpected try Sarajevo in Bosnia. The food is amazing and it's much more like Turkey then Croatia even tho it's our neighboring country. It's a truly amazing blend of central European and Oriental influence as it has been both under Austria and Turks.

I also loved Germany. It's by far the most beautiful country I've ever been to.

My plans are Denmark and Ireland. I would really like for my kids to be like you, to make traveling and experience a priority over the material so I'll do my best to make it happen.