Europe String

Know you want to go somewhere and what you want to do, but not sure exactly where to go, and a destination that will fit your budget? A new website is hoping to inspire you.
TravelMuse is a family travel orientated website that offers many of the typical travel site goodies of destination guides, articles, theme travel tips, etc. but they also have a “Find Inspiration” feature that lets you input your vacation desires and it outputs a selection of trip ideas.
From the home page, it seemed much of what they do and recommend is US-based travel, so I wasn’t …read more

Comments Off

With all the to-do about airlines charging for checked luggage (don’t get me started) let’s discuss how we can get all we need in a reasonable sized carry-on. I say reasonable sized, and I mean airline approved and able to fit under your seat. Not one of those entire bin taking up bags, please. I said not to get me started… Many European budget carriers have always charged for checked luggage and seeing as most of our trips are for long weekends, it’s pretty easy for us to bring only one bag. But we spent seven days in Italy …read more

Comments Off

It’s time for another edition of fabulous moneysaving travel tips!
How do you get from the airport to your hotel? Not by a taxi, folks, please choose public transport. Most cities have decent bus, metro or train links from their airports to the city center. Information on how to do it can often by found on the city’s tourism bureau website, but if not simply search “airport city transport Prague” or some other such phrase. Not only will you save yourself a decent chunk of change, you’ll also be beginning your education on the city’s public transport system.
We’ve written about …read more

Comments Off

When you travel to a different country do you take the time to research local customs, like tipping suggestions, beforehand? Do you try to learn a couple phrases in the local language? Do look for and enjoy the opportunity to learn about a new city and culture, or complain that it’s not “like home?” A recent survey by the French travel website, Expedia.fr, found that the Ugly American may have been surpassed by the Foul French.
More than 4,000 hotel employees in six different countries were asked questions like which tourists, by nationality, were interested in trying local dishes, speaking the …read more

2 Comments

Yea, that’s not a phrase you see so much nowadays. However WorldHotels is running a deal for those paying in US dollars. From now until the end of August, you can pay your hotel bill in USD at a 1-1 Euro exchange rate. That means if the hotel costs 150 EUR, you can pay 150 USD. That’s a savings of about 40% seeing as the current exchange rate of 1 USD equals .66 EUR. With the deal, you are paying 150 EUR for a roughly 225 USD room. Most of WorldHotels rooms are around 150 EUR a night.
Hotels participating …read more

Comments Off

What are your travel hotel requirements? Hotel? Pension? Apartment? Hostel? Campsite? How about a pod?
CitizenM opened their first hotel at the end of June in Amsterdam. They are targeting the luxury budget market with their pod hotel room concept. In a 14 square meter room you’ll get an extra-large king-size bed, a wall-to-wall window, an LCD television with free movie channels and free WIFI Internet. They are touting their super bed and bath linens and their down-to-earth, friendly style. The hotels are specially built to their specs; in a style they call “Industrial Flexible Demountable.”
Prices however, aren’t the cheapest. …read more

Comments Off

Yesterday, we took a look at some airfare deals from the US to Europe. Today we are taking on the European airlines – focusing on the budget flyers. There’s a huge fleet of them operating all over the continent with the majority of them based out of the UK. This is a no frills way to travel, cheap. Buy your food on board, pay for your checked luggage and no seat assignments. Soaring fuel costs, the credit crunch and a slumping economy in many European countries is fueling discussions into how long low-cost airlines will be able to continue to …read more

1 Comment

Dreaming of a fall or winter European adventure? Many airlines are now offering sales from the US to a variety of destinations throughout Europe. If you live on the East Coast, you’ll always have a cheaper flight and more choices – but if you have frequent flyer miles, use them to get you to a New York area airport cheaper, and then get in on these deals. Also, sign up for newsletters from your “home” airline. That’s the best way to learn about and get in on the deals. Book fast though – these expire quick!
American Airlines wants you …read more

2 Comments

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

Comments Off

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

Comments Off