Travel writer Pauline Frommer, daughter of the renowned US travel writer and publisher Arthur Frommer, ranks Bulgaria among the top 10 budget destinations for summer vacations in 2008.

The Guide's Introduction to Bulgaria says the following:

"Founded in 681, Bulgaria is the oldest state in Europe, but its roots reach far deeper into history. In the Valley of Kings, in tombs adorned with frescoes and bass reliefs, archaeologists continue to discover mankind's most ancient gold treasures -- the beautifully worked objects buried with Bulgaria's Thracian forebears, some dating as far back as 3000 B.C. Uncovering the countless burial mounds dotted throughout Bulgaria's central "belly" -- a process only started in earnest less than a decade ago -- has revealed that this was home to the world's most sophisticated goldsmiths, and prompted local claims that it was here, in the shadow of the Balkan Mountains, that Europe's first civilization was birthed."

In addition to Bulgaria, Frommer's 2008 top selections include destinations in the US, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Newfoundland and the Mayan Coast in Mexico.

Bulgaria is, however, the only European location to be listed as a top budget destination for this year.

The guide explains that "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."

While pointing out that Bulgaria doesn't yet have much of a tourism infrastructure, Pauline Frommer praises the country for being quite safe and for its "ancient monasteries and beautifully preserved medieval villages along with affordable spas and Black Sea beach resorts."

The guile lists accommodation prices in the range of $50 to $100 for budget Bed & Breakfast hotels and guesthouses and full Mediterranean meals for just $6 or $7.

Since May 2007, the writer's father - Arthur Frommer has been actively blogging about travel on the Frommers.com website. In his blog travelers can read his impressions of Bulgaria such as "Europe's budget champion, with its Black Sea beaches and well-preserved medieval villages" and "in Bulgaria you can wander the cobblestone streets of Plovdiv, sip plum brandy at a Black Sea resort, or pay just $15 to stay at the famous Rila Monastery, a grandiose medieval construction packed with painted icons amidst green mountains".

Frommer's is one of the best selling travel guides in America. Frommer's travel guidebook series began in 1957 with the publication of Arthur Frommer's book, Europe on $5 a Day. The book ranked popular landmarks and sights in order of importance and included suggestions on how to travel around Europe on a budget. It was the first travel guide to show Americans that they could afford to travel in Europe. It was a new concept for the time and has been credited with opening the door to modern tourism and travel guidebook publishing, particularly for budget travel.

Frommer's has expanded to include over 350 guidebooks across 14 series, as well as other media including the award winning Frommers.com website which covers over 3,500 destinations.