Europe String

I know – it’s only August. But if you are thinking of a winter trip to Europe now is the time to get booking. Check last week’s post about airfare sales for some airline hints. Why should you consider Europe in the winter? Because less is more – lower prices, fewer people. Here are three good winter time destinations.
Athens: While most people dream of a Greek holiday on the beach – Athens is an excellent winter time choice as well. Temps will be in the 50’s Fahrenheit/around 10 Celsius and prices drop dramatically. Plus, there are a ton of …read more

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As a follow-up to the night train post, here’s another option for those looking to combine transport and hotel: ferries.
Obviously, this option is a bit more limited. I haven’t found a boat to whisk me from Prague to Barcelona. But if you are on the outskirts of the continent, this might be a handy, cost-effective and interesting way to move about. Let’s start south, near Italy and Greece. Many moons ago I took an overnight ferry between the two countries, and it was quite excruciating. Sixteen hours and I wanted to cry with boredom. Sleeping really didn’t occur. After …read more

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While Venice does boast some world-class museums and churches, everyone knows its real charm lies in its canals and architecture. I’ve been to this watery city more time than I can count, and my favorite visits are always those when I just spend the day getting lost while wandering through the city’s charming, narrow streets.
Hotels can be pricey in Venice, but in the off-season there are often good deals to be had. Check out Venere or Booking.com for some potentially wonderful hotel deals. If you do end up staying in the city, I highly recommend an early-morning walk – the …read more

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As someone who has been stuck at the Athens airport during a strike just like today’s, I understand how frustrating it can be. No flights, trains, ferries, subways, buses… and a queue for a taxi that extends farther than you can see. Here are a few tips I’d have for someone in the same situation:

Relax. If your flight is canceled, it’s canceled. Stressing about the situation is not going to get you to your destination on time. You are likely to get to your destination in the end – it will just take longer than you thought.
Consider your options. Facing …read more

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Several unions, including air traffic controllers, are on strike throughout Greece today. Many domestic and international flights (both to and from Greece) have been canceled. City and intercity ground transport are interrupted, and ferries are also not running.

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A nice look at some of the highlights of a trip to Barcelona. Watching it makes me want to go back soon!

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Should you be heading this way, check out the following links for some tips on how to have a great time with the Catalonians (the way I did above!) without breaking the bank:

Get a Barcelona Student JetPack
Shop at Zara and/or Mango
Follow Diego’s tips on how to find cheap accommodations in Barcelona
Avoid the tourist traps and look for cheap eats
Visit the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art on a Wednesday
Get Free Drinks at Port Olimipico
Watch Opera at the Liceu for only 50% the price
The lazy ones can take the bus

If you bump into me, make sure you say hi!

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What if you got lucky in Verona and would want to spend a romantic evening out… where can you take her without having to spend a lot?
Here’s one suggestion of where you can go, with different options on what you can do:
Take her to Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheatre where they have opera performances.
If you’re both avid opera fans, I suggest that you buy tickets for unreserved seats on the stone steps. They’re a lot cheaper than the padded chairs below.
If the opera performance will just be part of the background to lend ambiance to your romantic evening, …read more

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The French Riviera is one of those places where you can make your champagne wishes and caviar dreams come true.
Not exactly the kind of description which shouts budget traveling, isn’t it?
Well, you need not scratch it off your list just yet. There are still some places in this fashionable resort which you, dear one with limited finances, can afford to stay and enjoy.

Rather than look for a place in Monte Carlo, Cannes or Saint Tropez, consider staying in nearby Nice. It’s not cheap but it’s cheapER AND is also a great destination in itself.
Budget Accommodations:  Check out Gites de France for …read more

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photo credit: jpost042. 
Since this beautiful Greek island (which is composed mostly of granite) is one of the top International tourist destinations, it is not exactly a budget traveler’s paradise.
An alternative: Stay at one of the islands nearby like Lesvos, Sifnos or Naxos and then just take a day trip to Mykonos.

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