June 22, 2009
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"The esplanade of Edinburgh Castle during a performance of the Scottish
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Today’s guest post comes to us from Andy Hayes, PlanetEye’s own Edinburgh Guide. Offering up great Edinburgh tips and advice, be sure to check out The Edinburgh Guide blog before your next trip to the Scottish capital — including exclusive tips for navigating the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest arts festival.
Edinburgh, also know as "Auld Reekie" and "Athens of the North," swells to nearly double its population every summer as tourists from all over the earth come to visit and experience the joys of one of Europe’s most exciting summer capitals.
It’s a cold, dark winter here in Scotland, so when the sun shines nearly 20 hours a day the locals drop everything and enjoy it while it lasts. With so many historic attractions, days and days of festivals, and hundreds of world-class restaurants, it can be quite overwhelming to find your way in this tiny medieval town. Here are my answers for some of the most common questions for making the most of your visit to Edinburgh.
Where to Stay?
I get this question a lot. The easy answer: anywhere will do, as the city is quite compact and with a top notch local bus service, you’ll find yourself from one side of town to the other without much effort. We recently covered accommodation recommendations in Edinburgh but if you stick to these neighbourhoods, you’ll be fine:
- Old Town - soak up the atmosphere in all the medieval architecture on your doorstep
- New Town - relax in a rental flat or B&B in one of the old Georgian townhomes
- West End - there’s plenty of stylish accommodation in this part of town at a reasonable price, especially near Haymarket Station
- Stockbridge - trendy and fabulous, you’ll have a short, uphill walk to town but it’s worth it
Where to Eat?
Well, you have to try haggis or fish and chips - head for one of our recommended Edinburgh cheap eats to get you started.
But there are so many pubs with fantastic pub grub you can hardly go wrong - I love the steak and ale pie at Greyfriar Bobby’s, the fish and chips at The World’s End, or the daily specials at the Queens Arms. But don’t be afraid to be adventurous - one of my newest finds is a fantastic little Polish restaurant called Pani Solinska, which I’d say is one of the best Polish restaurants in Scotland, if not the whole of the UK.
What to do?
Don’t miss the key sights, such as Edinburgh Castle, Mary King’s Close, and the Scottish Parliament. Well over half of the sights are along the Royal Mile so that makes it a bit easier. This list of top tips might also give you some inspiration.
But don’t miss out on Edinburgh’s outdoor scene - go for a walk along the Water of Leith or do some aerobic exploring around Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat (the highest point in the city). Edinburgh is a city of seven hills so you’ll have no trouble finding someplace to get some height and perspective.
When to go?
Well, the obvious choice is August, when the Edinburgh Fringe Festival is in full swing. But this will be the most expensive and the most crowded.
If you don’t mind it being busy but want some budget relief, try September when it’s still warm and the glow of the festival still lingers, or June when you can enjoy our world-class film festival. December is dark and kind of chilly but the fun of the Hogmanay (New Year’s) festival will warm you up - but again, prices go up. January cools off, both in terms of prices and temperature, but you’ll have the city to yourself. Otherwise pop back in around May when the spring flowers start to bloom but the crowds haven’t.
What if I have more questions?
Check out some of our posts on Edinburgh Guide - hopefully we’ll have it covered. If you still can’t find what you need, you can contact me, I’m happy to help. See you in Edinburgh!
Photo courtesy of su_perera
June 9, 2009
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There is no way that shopping on the Champs-Élysées can be considered a budget conscious activity, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid one of the prime people-watching spots in all of the city.
 Yes, here you’ll find beautiful bags, decadent shoes, and bespoke suits, and while those may be my definition of heaven, it’s not my definition of what my budget can afford. But, a stroll down one of the most recognized streets in the world, looking at the luxury and specialty shops is still a Paris experience not to be missed.
Avenue des Champs-Élysées (map) is just over a mile and a quarter long, stretching from the Place de la Concorde (map) to the Arc de Triomphe (map) in the 9th arrondissement. While luxury shopping, specialty shops, cafes and restaurants occupy this spot today, it was also the location of the famous marches that celebrated the 1944 liberation of France. It is also the home to the annual Bastille Day parade and the end of the Tour de France.
Day or night, the street is full of people, so just talking a stroll can give you a feel for the vibrancy of the area. Take a look at the window displays and observe what people are wearing – it will give you a free fashion lesson. Pop into a shop and take a closer look, and you’ll see styles that will show up in the US in a couple of years. Look for a cheap variation of the same, and you’ll be a fashion plate ahead of your time.
Interspersed between all the luxury stores, are a few basic chains. So if saying “I got this on the Champs-Élysées” is important to you, you should be able to find something reasonably prices at the Virgin Megastore, Adidas (its largest store in the world), Nike Paris, or Sephora (map).
Photo credit: ©Mary Jo Manzanares
June 4, 2009
While it may seem like only tourist flock to Trevi Fountain, it’s worth a visit for a few reasons.
First, it’s the most spectacular fountain in Rome. And if you’ve looked around at all the fountains in the city, you’ll know that’s saying something. The Baroque-style fountain features a large sculpture of Oceanus in the center, along with a chariot in the shape of a shell drawn by seahorses. The water is full of sculptures portraying sea creatures, drawn from both real life and mythology.
Its intricate sculptures, cascading water, and faded stones are beautiful in the day time, and charmingly romantic come evening. The lighting at sunset is particularly romantic, and you may see a few proposals happening here.
Second, the fountain is in the middle of a busy part of the Rome, so it’s teeming with life and activity. It’s likely on the way to or from some other point, or just a very short side trip. A stop off at Trevi Piazza is a good resting stop in a busy day of city sightseeing, as you can sit on the stone steps for a bit of conversation or just to relax. The shops and restaurants in this area, however, are generally over-priced, so come to visit the fountain and spend your money elsewhere.
Third, while it may be a tradition of dubious validity, you’re probably going to want to throw a coin into the fountain. Tradition holds that throwing a coin over your shoulder into the water of the fountain guarantees a return visit to Rome. If you fall in love with the city, as I did, why take a chance – just toss in the coin.
Trevi Fountain is located at 57 FS, Piazza di Trevi (map). Signs point the way, but if you get mixed up, the narrow and winding streets can get confusing, just ask someone on the street. I found everyone most helpful, and as you get closer to the fountain you’ll hear the roar of the water and the buzz of people.
Photo credit: ©Mary Jo Manzanares
May 30, 2009
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Today we have a guest post from Kim Poulin, who blogs about Paris at The Paris Traveler. Kim became fascinated with Paris as a young girl, and we’re very fortunate that the fascination continues, allowing her to share her passion and knowledge of the city with all of us. Although Paris is usually thought of as an expensive city, today Kim shares with us an affordable Paris option.
When one speaks of budget travel, immediately backpacks, youth hostels, sleeping on trains or crashing in apartments of friends of friends of friends that just happen to be living or studying in any European city comes to mind. Yet, even me, who doesn’t participate in any of the aforementioned activities when I travel about Europe, am still very mindful of where my dollars, severely minimized into Euros, go.
 Three star hotels and in some instances, two, or better yet and I think way more economical, apartment rentals is what I call home at the end of my day. Having a small kitchen to prepare at the very least breakfast in, in my mind just makes sense. Many times, after a day of racing around the city, being in my sweats, all curled up with some deliciously prepared food that I brought home, along with a bottle of wine is the only place I want to be.
Yet meals out on vacation are something to look forward to and generally I do tend to indulge in dinner. Regrouping for a few hours after sightseeing all day and I am ready to be social once again. In Paris dinner doesn’t really get cranked up until 9:00pm, so you better be a bit of a late night person. Those of you heading out for a 7:00pm sitting will certainly be the only ones in the place. Depending on how you feel about that, it could be a good or bad thing. Me, I want to be in the middle of all the action so clearly wait for the rest of the Parisian world to head out.
So, what does le sandwich have to do with any of what I have been rambling about? A lot.
First, an emporter sandwich is truly one of life’s wonderful pleasures. A gift from the gods. Simple in its creation but sublime in its gifts . A crusty baguette filled with brie, jambon, lettuce and tomato is difficult to top. Other tempting combinations exist to please all palates but here is the kicker. They are inexpensive ways to eat well during the day. You grab one on the go along with a beverage of your choice, perhaps a small sweet treat to follow it, stake out a bench or plot of grass in say, the Tuileries or Jardin du Luxembourg and lunch is served. I think you’ll be surprised to see how many Parisians you will see doing the exact same thing as they dart out of their offices to catch some elusive rays of sun on their lunch hour.
Le sandwich is easy enough to find; most pâtisseries will have them and vendors along the sidewalks will as well. If budget is really the call of the day, these will most likely be the least expensive options. Should you want to upgrade a bit I suggest two places that really are not to be missed. Paul tea salons offers great selections that should make just about everyone in your group happy. They are a chain and have numerous restaurants and tea rooms throughout the city. Eric Kayser, (map) is very similar, same wonderful baguettes and sandwich selections, along with the sweet treats for dessert. They too are located throughout Paris and you will certainly stumble on one or the other during your travels. Now at least you know to stop in and indulge your senses in a relatively inexpensive way.
Bottom line to all this is it’s just one way to stretch your dollars while you are spending time in Paris. And the whole picnic en plein air thing makes everything just a bit more romantic. Hey, this is Paris after all.
Photo credit: mu foo @flickr
May 27, 2009
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The National Army presents the history of the British Army from the 16th
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Today’s guest post at Europe String come from Mary Jo Manzanares, Travel Editor and Writer at PlanetEye. When she’s not busy traveling, for business or pleasure, you will find Mary Jo writing at The Seattle Traveler or planning her next great adventure.
 Budget travel means different things to different travelers because, after all, everyone has a budget of some sort. One travelers cheap accommodation is another’s expensive.
There can, however, be no doubting that FREE will fit in any budget. Here’s a list of FREE things to do in Europe this summer, courtesy of the European Travel Commission. Working a few of these things into your travel plans can help you save plenty for another day.
- Austria: Innsbruck is offering a free hiking bus program for all guests living in Innsbruck or staying at one of the holiday villages (with a Club Innsbruck Card). May 30th – October 26th.
- Belgium: What else, but free beer?! The Haacht Brewery offers free tours and tasting (one low fermentation and one high). Yummmm, Belgian beer! (map)
- England: London has free admission to the British Museum (in photo, map), although there may be additional charges for some special traveling exhibits, and the National Gallery (map). A chance to see great art and culture. (Personal note: Lots of other UK museums are also free including the National Portrait Gallery, Victoria & Albert Museum (map), and the National Army Museum (map).)
- Estonia: Tour the 13th century castle in Narva, Estonia. The grounds feature concerts and open air shows all summer long.
- France: The Fete de la Musique offers free music events during the summer. Lots of choices in Paris, and throughout the country.
- Germany: Several museums on Berlin’s Museum Island offer free entry on Thursday after 2 pm, including the Pergamon, the Old Museum, Old National Gallery, Bode Museum, and the New Museum. Museum Island is a UNESO World Heritage Site.
- Hungary: Energy and daring in the sky are in evidence during the Red Bull Air Race in Budapest. High speed flying and aerobatics over the Danube, as well a flying beneath the Chain Bridge, keep viewers holding their breath. August 19-20th.
- Ireland: The Ring of Kerry (in County Kerry) is a mystical Celtic tourist trail starting in Killarney. Follow it for some of the best scenery in the country, and a visit to many historical attractions.
- Norway: Visiting Oslo’s National Museum of Art (map), home to Edvard Munch’s “The Scream,” won’t cost you a krone.
- Switzerland: Zurich hosts one of the largest techno-parties in the world, with its August Street Parade. Originally begun as a political demonstration for love, freedom and tolerance, it’s become a giant parade and party. August 8th.
Photo credit: Eric Pouhier via wikimedia
December 21, 2008
This edition of Europe String’s weekly round up is brought to you by the letter D and G. As in Doing Good– and that’s exactly what Passports with Purpose is doing this year. If you haven’t already seen this, go check it out. Over 50 bloggers donated $100+ gifts to be raffled off at $10 a ticket, and all proceeds go to Heifer International, a charity that works on eliminating hunger worldwide. I donated a pretty cool REI backpack and travel towel, but there are so many amazing prizes, you’ll just have to go look and see.
European Destinations
Ahhh… a hot sauna in Europe. What could be better? Viator Travel blog runs down the best spots to get your steam on.
Wishing I was in Italy for Christmas… Culinary Diva describes the sumptuous feast and her attempts to keep up!
Hmm, I also wish I was in Munich, Germany for the Christkindlmarkt (annual Christmas Market). Looks chilly but fun.
When I was in Madrid, I had such a hard time partying– they don’t start until 1 AM! But if you want to be cool in Madrid, you gotta know not just where to go, but when.
Thinking of moving abroad? Check out what an apartment in Prague looks like. Love, love, love those views!
Travel Tips
Want to ski Europe this winter? Um, me too. So, here’s some great tips on how to do it for less.
Coming soon… low fare alerts for over 500 airlines– FINALLY in one place. Why you should use Fare Compare from Budget Travel.
Is your travel pro a thief? Here’s how to know from Elliott.org. (Yikes! One person stole $75K before they were caught
Budget Deals
Fares to Europe, continue to be super low. How long will this last? Well, I’m starting to get an itchy trigger finger, and may purchase my ticket in the next few weeks.
Next round up: December 28th. Submit an article.
Photos:
Italian Christmas Kitchen
Finish Sauna
Switzerland Ski
December 18, 2008
This time of year, across the blogosphere, everyone’s trying to outdo each other with Top 10 Lists of stuff you’re supposed to buy.
This year, we’re telling you what not to buy. Here are the Top 10 things I hope no one gets me for Christmas:
1. Binoculars. I’ve seen this one a few lists, and unless your planning on bird watching in Europe, I can’t fathom why you’d need them. Do you use them at home to look at stuff? Get by perfectly well without it? Then you won’t need them.
A better option: A multi-day city pass that lets you enter any of the museums or attractions for a set number of days. That way you can see plenty, up close and in person.
2. Adapter plugs for multiple continents. Adapters in Europe are cheap, so you can buy one when you arrive, but if you buy one before hand, don’t get convinced to buy some 7 continent adapter set. You’re going to lose them. They’re cheap anyway. And these things cost $20 bucks or more, when you can buy a single adapter for a few bucks or less.
A better option: A single adapter, and use the extra money on something useful like band aids or extra socks. (Yeah it’s not sexy, but way more practical).
3. A full sleeping bag. There is virtually no where in Europe that doesn’t have sheets and blankets. Unless you’re going to do some serious camping, then leave it at home.
A better option: If you’re wanting something between you and those hostel sheets, then a think sleeping bag liner will do the trick. It’s super compact, washable and you won’t have to wonder what exactly you’re sleeping on.
4. A multifunctional tool. Are you really going to need a tool that lets you poke holes in leather, saw through wood and file your nails all-in-one? Yeah, it’s cool to have, but you’ll never get it through security (i.e. you have to check it) and really you’re not going to need it that much.
A better option: If you want all purpose tool this flat, credit card shape tool is usually well under $10 bucks.
5. Ginourmous neck pillows. Ugh! Really? Then you have to lug the thing around the whole trip! These always seem like a good idea, but they’re pricy and bulky. I’d say skip it.
A better option: A super comfy fleece jacket, that you can use as your outer wear during cold nights and folds up into a make-shift pillow, when you travel.
6. Travel kits of any flavor. Travel nail files kits, travel shaving kits, travel toiletries kits. If it says kit, drop it. Most kits have tons of crap in them you’ll never use, and as soon as you pull it apart, you’ll start losing pieces left and right.
A better option: Figure out what you’ll really need, buy an empty kit bag and store it in there. Add a couple of unused large zip lock backs to keep your toiletries separate or to store small items that you pick up as you travel.
7. More than one guidebook. They are big and heavy and frequently outdated. Take a general guidebook or one for the country you’re spending the most time in. Most hotels and hostels have some spare copies if you need to look something up, so save yourself the trouble and leave em at home.
A better option: Use Lonely Planet’s pick and choose by chapter shopping, where you can compile the information you’ll really need, and leave the read at home.
8. Multi-purpose monstrocities: anything that claims to be a alarm clock/radio/Panini grill, is just looking for an excuse to charge more without a whole lot more value.
A better option: Need an alarm clock? Will your cell phone work? Or your watch? better to set an alarm on something you’ll have with you anyway.
9. Every single thing at Brookstone. Period.
A better option: Cash.
10. Complicated hydration kits or water purifiers. You’re going to Europe, not the Sahara. There will be clean water or bottled water. Relax.
A better option: Instead create a small first aid kit, with all the essentials: aspirin, band aids, tape and gauze, a small sewing kit, safety pins and sunblock.
And you? What’s on your Christmas (un)list?
December 15, 2008
I’ve been working on my Christmas Travel Wish List. I would like one Paris, a bit of Iceland and a few Eastern Europe please. This week, everyone else, has been super busy writing about Europe. Go figure. Here’s the best of the best for this week’s Europe on a Budget Round Up.
European Destinations
Brussels is not THAT boring. Hasn’t anyone seen the movie En Bruges? (Now that city… ) Europe A La Carte apologies for Trip Advisor’s conclusion that Brussels is the most boring city in Europe.
Rain, rain, everywhere, but not a drop to drink. Budget Travel covers the latest floods in Venice and Rome.
Do you love Amsterdam? Well in case you need some convincing, here are four reasons.
Christmas Markets! Gimme your Christmas Markets! This edition from Eurocheapo is all about Vienna.
Travel Tips
Oh man, do I know this feeling. Do you feel like a lab rat when you fly? Here are some tips to deal.
Yawn. Am I really traveling? Vagabondish covers what to do when you DONT experience culture shock.
Where to find WiFi in Europe– a pretty cool directory to get you started.
Budget Deals
If you’re visiting the UK first, then traveling around you might want to check out these: Cheap Flights from the UK to Cypress
Don’t know what to buy your budget concious traveler? Plane tickets are nice. So are euro rail passes. Ok need something cheaper? Try these suggestions from EuroCheapo.
Question: How Cheap are Flights to Europe? Conclusion: Seriously Cheap.
From TravelZoo:
$399 & up — Fly to Iceland and Scandinavia (Roundtrip)
$219-$269 — Spain, Ireland & Italy from New York City
$238 & up — Europe on Sale this Winter
$178 & up — American Airlines Slashes Fares to Europe
Next Roundup: December 21st. Submit your post now.
Pics:
Rain in Rome
Bored in Paris
Christmas in Paris
December 10, 2008
As this year comes to a close, I’ve started dreaming about the next big trip around Europe… Where will it be? Back through France, Italy, or Spain? Or somewhere new like Norway or Finland. If you’re anything like me, then you already have a dream list of places in Europe you’d like to go (did I hear someone say everywhere?) and I want to hear about it.
I did a small poll on twitter and here’s the responses: 40% France, 30% Italy and 20% UK.
Clearly this doesn’t cover everyone’s plans so I’d like open it here.
-Where are you planning on going in 2009?
-What places do you want to hear about in 2009?
-And where would you like to send me, your intrepid author?
As I plan my travels for next year, I’ll keep your places in mind, so I can report from the locations you want to hear about most. If no one comments, then I’m just going to spend 3 months in Italy, getting fat on pasta and drinking too much wine. Sure the 100th post about how much I love fresh bruschetti might get a little boring, but after a bottle or two I’m sure at least I won’t notice.
Oh Yes, and a Winner:
Last week we had author Craig Martin on board to tell us about his new book. This week, reader NewWrldYankee was picked as the winner! Stay tuned for the winner of the Pocket Comm, which will be announced early next week!
December 8, 2008
Yes, more free stuff, read on for more….
This summer, when I was living in Madrid, my husband contracted Mumps. An unusual affliction, and before we knew what it could be, we were both panicked at what the softball sized lumps on his jaw could be. We both spoke a little Spanish, enough to do almost everything we needed in daily life. This wasn’t daily life. Suddenly I was presented with medical vocabulary I had never heard or studied before. What’s the word for swollen? Or allergies? Or insurance card?
At almost the same time, Pocket Comms were created.
They are a series of cards that use cartoon pictures to represent common things: including medical emergencies.
The great thing about these cards? They work. The UK police department has been testing them out with citizens who don’t speak English. Normally, they’d have to wait for an interpreter, while the suspect got away. With these cards, they can flip to card and have the victim point to things like: what happened and what the suspect looked like.
If you’re traveling and don’t speak the language, you can probably get by. But, I know for my husband’s medical emergency, having a way to communicate would have been extrememly helpful.
What do you think? Would you use these cards? Well here’s your chance to find out. The folks at Pocket Comms have very generously offered a free Pocket Comms to one of our readers. Comment to enter and next week, we’ll pick a winner!
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