Europe String

If you are planning a multi-country trip to Europe, how do you plan to get around? Flying is quicker, but you’ve got airport hassles and it’s not environmentally friendly. Hopping a train is the typical way to do Europe, but it takes longer and can be more confusing. It’s much more eco-conscious, but sometimes more expensive than flying.
In the face of soaring fuel costs and airline flight cutbacks coupled with many travelers desire to be more eco-friendly, rail operators across Europe are ramping up efforts to improve tracks, times and offerings to potential riders. Network Rail in Britain is working …read more

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How flexible of a traveler are you? Do you have your heart set on a destination and MUST go – or are you more open to passing whims? I had planned to spend a week in Spain this year – but then found a buy one ticket get one free airline sale to Italy, so…
Budget travelers should always first look at airfares to a range of possible destinations. Consider the timing of your holiday – everything will be more expensive from June-August; and prices are even starting to creep up in May and September. Once you’ve found some budget friendly …read more

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Doing a little online research before your trip always pays off. It’s handy to read local newspapers, visit tourism office websites and even local blogs to get a firsthand, up to date view of the country or city you are going to be in. Many tourism bureaus work very hard at not only getting people to their city or country, but offering a ton of suggestions on what to do and where to go. Here are some ideas for adding little extras to your trip.
In the UK, comedy fans, or those looking to explore a different part of the country, …read more

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Hostels can be an excellent way to save money on that annoying accommodation expense. Traditionally seen as a place for young backpackers, hostels today come in all shapes and sizes, many with en-suite private rooms. I’ll be honest, I’m not a hostel person. I’m old and need my sleep and prefer it without other people in the room. I don’t mind shared bathrooms, but appreciate having a place of my own to relax. I usually opt for pensions, guesthouses or B&Bs that are smaller, not directly in the city center (I’d rather mix with locals than tourists) but close …read more

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What could be more budget friendly then walking? No transport costs, (or the headaches of figuring out how it works) the opportunity to stumble upon previously unheard of museums, monuments and cafes and best of all – a real glimpse of the city you are visiting. Here are three suggestions for foot-friendly cities.
Prague: Prague is an amazing, compact city that is actually better experienced walking. There’s no trams or buses through the Old Town, and unless you are in an a car (NOT recommended) using the feet is how to explore. You can easily begin your day in Old Town …read more

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  Do you have problems staying on budget once you get on holiday? You may start out with the best intentions, but you arrive someplace new and tend to go a little mad. Be it souvenir shopping, hitting too many museums or even spending your nights clubbing, your budget may not have too many happy holiday memories.
If this sounds like you, you may want to look into a pre-paid cash card. They work just like a credit or debit card; except you load it up with money before you go away. Knowing how much money you have to spend, as …read more

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  Okay, maybe it won’t be THE love boat, but it could be a way for you to reconcile your European travel dreams with your budget reality. European cruises come in many forms and offer a number of advantages for the budget conscious traveler.
First, as is true of any cruise – you’ll pay a large chunk of money upfront – and this will take care of nearly all your expenses: Accommodation, food, transport and a lot of entertainment. Often flights can be added on as well. Getting these things paid for and out of the way easily helps keep you …read more

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Where do you like to eat while on holiday? Local restaurants, cafes, McDonald’s? Are you a picnicker? Pick up some food at a grocery store, open-air market or snack food stand and sit amongst the people to enjoy the vibe of the city? Those visiting Rome may have to re-think that strategy. As of last weekend (July 19) you can no longer snack near the city’s monuments in the historic center. Caught munching, and you face fines of up to $80. The rules are only in effect until the end of October.
Rome’s City Hall says they need to have …read more

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Periodically, we’ll post a generic tips list with ideas and suggestions to help make your trip to Europe a bit easier on the bank account. None of these thoughts are breaking news; but every little bit helps!

Consult a travel agent. In these days of Internet bookings most folks feel they can find the best bargain themselves. And often you can. But if you have a difficult itinerary, special needs or a less flexible plan – a good travel agent will be worth their weight in Euros. An agent can access bazillions of flights, hotels and other information within seconds …read more

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What’s the budget travelers favorite word? FREE! ‘Cause I don’t care how cheap something is – if it’s free, it fits my budget. So how about a free city tour? These are fairly easy to create yourself nowadays; either using suggestions from a guidebook or finding one online. But what about the personal touch? Here are some suggestions for FREE guided tour in cities around Europe.
Free Prague Tours offers, well, free tours of Prague. Started in May 2007, they’ve grown from 1 tour a day and 5 guides to 15 guides and 3 tours a day (2 free, 1 super cheap.) All …read more

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