Europe String

Most people associate backpacks with budget travelling.  So do I.
However, it is worth noting that bandannas are slowly creeping up and stealing the heads of several budget travellers all over the world. 
There was a time when those red bandannas in paisely are worn around the neck by cowboys and farmers. Now, it has morphed into a nifty companion for globetrotters.  Personally, I think it looks a lot cooler. 
I am a bandanna girl myself. I actually wanted the name “bandannatraveller” for this blog however, it got junked due to the obvious fact that it’s not really SEO friendly.  But, hey, I haven’t …read more

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I live a few minutes away from Frankfurt Stadion, one of the venues for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Apart from the buzz that it has created online, I am also exposed to males whose reactions range from giggly to downright annoyed when the topic of tickets for the world cup comes up.
Apparently, one does not just need the money to score ‘em tickets. One has to jump through hoops, run a mile and eat fire, as well. And doing all that would not even guarantee that you get a ticket for the match!
Budget travelers who …read more

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I can’t believe the number of travelers who have said that they are ready to see as much as they can in Europe. And then they go on and ask about cheap hostels and ways of travelling around cheap. I would have gamely given them advice but before I could even answer, I was distracted by the site of their humongous suitcases.

If you are travelling on a budget with more than 1 destination, do yourself a favour… buy (or borrow) a backpack!!!
Suitcases are only okay IF you can afford to take taxis and stay in …read more

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Backpackers normally head for the Eastern part of Europe to stretch their budgets.  Obviously that part of the continent is a lot cheaper than their Western neighbors. And in Scandinavia, prices surely do not qualify as cheap.
However, no matter how high the normal cost of prices are, there are still a few saving graces. Thank God!
Here are a couple of travel hints to help save a few Euros:
For those who need to touch base with their friends and family back home, FREE Internet Access is available. Here is a list of FREE Internet Access points (with map) in the center of Helsinki.  However, access to these are …read more

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Backpackers need to touch base, from time to time. Phone calls have to be made to reassure your loved ones back home of your safety, despite the fact that you only have your backpacks on your backs (pardon the bad pun).
Everyone knows that unless you are on a business trip with the company footing the bill, making international phone calls from hotel (and in your case, hostel) rooms should be avoided. The price you pay for that call could feed you for the whole day.
Should you have your home-issued, global-roaming enabled mobile phone with you, do not use it. It …read more

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Travelling to Europe in winter may have its advantages price-wise but it has its drawbacks as well.  Chances are the continent will be under dark clouds. It will be cold and windy, as well.  The streets will be empty and some attractions will be closed.
If you are lucky, the sun will shine. But if it does, it will come out late and leave early.  

However, despite the cold, there are a few options which may be to your liking, if you come to Germany between now and Christmas.
Winter is the perfect time for connoisseurs of art to explore what European …read more

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All of you have probably seen people thumb up rides to get to their next destination. Although, hitchhiking isn’t really what your mothers would recommend due to safety reasons, you may one day find yourself hitchhiking to your next European destination. If and when that occurs, it always is best to be prepared.
Check out hitchhikingguide.org for General info on hitchhiking in Europe. Apparently, hitching is relatively safe in this continent.
DID YOU KNOW that in the Netherlands they even have Liftersplaats, official hitch-hiking sites?

DID YOU KNOW that you can also hitch rides on commercial jets?
It doesn’t mean you can start hanging …read more

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What is Europe String? Europe on a shoestring (formerly known as Budget Travel Europe) is one of the blogs which joined the b5media family after the merger with About Weblogs. It will be one of the travel blogs under the network, with focus on (obviously) Budget Travel in Europe.
What exactly will you be posting? Tips and tips galore. I think a quick look at the categories I chose would give you an idea of the kind of information I will be sharing.

Break bread – cheap eats in and around the continent
Commute – cheaper ways of getting around, whether by …read more

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