Europe String

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 …read more

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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 …read more

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It’s December already! This month we’re starting something new here at the ol’ Europe on a Budget factory… a weekly round up of the best posts from around the web: European Destinations, Travel Tips, and Budget Deals– and a few extra things I thought you might like. And while the holiday spirit is upon us, I’ve included a way for you to submit posts for next week’s round up at the end of this post. So go, write something brilliant, then tell us about it.
European Destinations
End of the Parisian café? Let’s hope not: Au Revoir, …read more

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Ooooo Berlin. Possibly my favorite city in all of Europe. And it definitely delivers during the holidays. There are Christmas markets all over the city, but the most adorable one is probably the Weihnachts Zauber (“Christmas magic”) market at Gendarmenmarkt.
This is actually the only Christmas market I’ve ever been to which charged admission. Luckily it’s only one euro, so even the budget traveler can swing it. You may have to battle crowds inside, though, so if you’re not a crowd person, go early in the day (and preferably on a weekday). Don’t miss the Feuerzangenbowle (which is basically another word …read more

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Just like in other countries, flying to another (relatively nearby) airport may be better for your wallet in the Netherlands.

If you are planning to visit Amsterdam and find that flights to Schiphol Airport are pricey, you may want to consider checking flights to Eindhoven and Rotterdam Airports.
Cheap Flights to these airports can be found here: Cheap Flights to Eindhoven and Cheap Flights to Rotterdam.
And from those airports, you can make your way to Amsterdam.
Eindhoven to Amsterdam will cost you €18.50 for a single or €32.50 for a return.
“take a local bus (Hermes bus 401, 23 minutes, about four times per …read more

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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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Before I book a hotel, apart from checking aggregators and other travel service providers, I always check virtual tourist. I value fellow tourists’ reviews a lot more than information written by those who have been paid to write glowing reports.
Lately, I have started checking Lonely Planet’s Bluelist, as well.
Check out these recommendations and see for yourself how Bluelist can help a lot in your travel planning:

Best Youth Hostels in Europe
Dream Destination Europe
How Do You Afford It?
Classic Local Backpacker Banter
Europe Is…

Best Things About Bratislava
Rome and its Precious Family Jewels

And when you get back from your travels, share your knowledge and …read more

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Earlier this week, during a working visit to Barcelona, I was able to try out the Barcelona Student JetPack which Tarkan sent to me from the UK.
So before I announce the winner of the Barcelona Student JetPack Giveaway Contest, I am going to examine its contents minutely and share with you my thoughts:
‘Don’t Forget’ Checklist has a couple of interesting items which some of you may never even think of including in your own list. With this, apart from the basics, you will not forget to pack your contraceptive and your whistle/rape alarm. In my opinion, these …read more

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In time for my trip to Barcelona next week,  I received  in the mail a Student Travel JetPack.  I will be bringing the whole package with me and will check out all its contents, whether they are indeed useful for budget travelers headed for Barcelona.
Before I have even left, I guess I can safely inform you that the function of the following items need not be questioned:  the money belt, continental travel adapter plug, luggage lock and the local SIM Card with a free starter credit.
Now, the map and the “don’t forget checklist” I would have to check out.  As …read more

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Well, not really…
Based on the characters they have played and/or their interview personalities, I have chosen 10 celebrities who I think would have probably gone backpacking – budget travel style, of course – in Europe had they not become famous:

Lauren Graham – she’ll be that easygoing girl who likes to talk
Owen Wilson – he’d be that good-looking guy at the bar who all the other backpackers (girls, of course) have a crush on
Amy Winehouse – Amsterdam “coffee house” regular, perhaps?
Jennifer Garner – that all-around American girl who is really into it
Cameron Diaz – the roomie you probably would like to …read more

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