September 17th, 2008
Yesterday we looked into the budget skiing destinations of Slovenia and Slovakia. Today we’ll check out the conditions in Bulgaria and Austria.
Bulgaira’s government is putting some money into its ski resorts in the hopes of attracting more tourists. Right now, beginners and less advanced skiers will probably find the area more to their liking. There are three resorts: Borovets, Pamporovo and Bansko with Borovets being the largest. There are good ski schools and the lifts are modern, so this might be a good location if you are looking to try your feet at skiing, or have a large group of mixed-ability skiers. Directline Skiing has 7 night packages to Borovets, including return flights from the UK starting at 329 GBP. Bulgaria Ski offers a ton of country ski info. You can book a package through them, or get information in order to arrange your own.
Austria will please all snow sport enthusiasts. Both advanced and beginner skiers, as well as all levels in between will find the slopes and support they need. Many of the resorts have joined with their neighbors to create massive skiing sites, like the 430 kilometer Zillertal. While there are plenty of first class, big budget resorts and amenities, there are bargains to be found, especially in places like Finkenberg. Ski Austria offers more information than you could possibly need on skiing in Austria, including accommodation suggestions so you can plan your own trip. Inghams arranges package deals to Austrian resorts. They have packages to Igls which include 7 nights accommodation with half-board, ski and boot rental, plus flights from the UK, starting at 334 GBP.
Thompson Ski is another package company to investigate. They arrange trips to all the budget destinations mentioned here (except Slovakia,) as well as to Finland, Spain, Italy and France.
Have you had a cheap, but good skiing holiday in Europe? Please share your tips!
Photo Credit: Graham Chastney@Flickr
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By Jacy Meyer -- 1 comment
September 16th, 2008
Looking to strap on the skis and hit the slopes for your winter holiday? Skiing the Alps is probably a pinnacle moment for most skiers, but there are ski-able mountains across the continent, and some of these destinations are more affordable and less crowded. Check them out – snow may or may not be included.
The Tatras in eastern Slovakia are an excellent example of undiscovered slopes with good amenities. Snow can usually be found as early as November, and the slopes cater to all skill levels. Beginners and intermediate skiers should hit the High Tatras, while those looking to snowboard, or for freestyle or off-piste opportunities should head to the Low Tatras. Sledging, night skiing and cross-country skiing are also available in the High Tatras. Mountain Paradise arranges ski trips to Slovakia. Prices start at 395 GBP for return UK flights, 7-nights accommodation, weekly ski pass and weekly train ticket to access a variety of area resorts. Travel Slovakia offers packages to the Jasna Ski Resort. You can find additional resources to plan your own trip at Ski Slovakia.
Slovenia may be another country to explore – however their resorts are often plagued by a lack of snow. Mount Kanin is the country’s highest peak, and two of the best resorts are Kranjska Gora and Maribor Pohorje. Slovenia’s official tourist pages have information if you want to plan your own trip or check out Directline Skiing. They are offering packages at Kranjska Gora starting at 383 GBP for roundtrip airfare out of London and seven nights accommodation with half-board. This company is a good one to use for a variety of skiing trips – they search a number of tour operators in a bunch of European countries including Italy, France and Switzerland.
Tune in tomorrow when we hit the slopes in Bulgaria and Austria!
Photo Credit: Andrew Charland@Flickr
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By Jacy Meyer -- 1 comment
September 15th, 2008
Some recent travel news of note:
You may have heard about the collapse of transatlantic budget airline Zoom. People were stranded on both sides of the Atlantic, with little or no assistance from the airline. About two dozen airlines have shutdown so far this year; and no airline is promoting a rosy outlook. In expectation of more collapses, International Passenger Protection is a UK insurance company that provides protection for its policyholders in case their travel company goes under. Policies start at 5 GBP for 30 days of coverage, which would provide you with replacement flights should your airline go bust while your policy is valid.
A British jury has found three men guilty in a plot that has drastically changed the way we all fly. In the summer of 2006, British authorities stopped a terrorist plan to blow up aircraft using liquid explosives. This led to a brief ban on bringing any type of liquid into the cabin, and the regulations, while they have been loosened, are still felt today. The men have been found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder. The jury failed to reach a decision on the fate of four additional co-conspirators.
Airline ever lost your luggage? Well, some of them seem to be losing some more important items. United Airlines recently “misplaced” an unaccompanied minor that was under their care. The 10-year-old girl was allowed off the plane, unescorted, upon arrival in Dulles. Luckily, a kind stranger located her and brought her to a United ticket counter for help. And American Airlines lost a corpse, for four days, and then upon locating it – tired to charge the grieving widower to have the body flown to the correct location. After realizing it was their fault, the airline reversed the charge.
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By Jacy Meyer -- 0 comments
September 14th, 2008
How do you deal with foreign currency? Do you stock up on traveller’s checks before your departure and cash them in as needed during your trip? Do you hit the first exchange place you see and fork over your cash for some of the local’s? Do you use ATM’s? Put everything on the credit card?
Generally speaking, one of the worst places to get foreign currency is at a “no commission” exchange shop. Sure, they don’t charge commission, however their exchange rates are usually horrendous. The best is with the “right” debit or credit card. And in between are traveller’s checks, and don’t forget the pre-paid cash cards we’ve talked about.
For the most part, using your Visa or Mastercard while abroad is a good choice because the exchange rate will be quite close to the bank’s. What you need to be aware of is how much the bank will charge you for each overseas transaction. You need to find out your bank’s commission, which is what they will charge every time you withdraw money or pay for something. That fee applies to both credit and debit cards; as does the “cash withdrawal charge” which is obviously charged when you withdraw money or take a cash advance. With debit cards, you need to be aware of the so-called “privilege of using your card overseas” fee and watch out for higher interest rates on your credit card; some companies begin charging interest (often higher than your normal rate) when the charge is made; NOT at the end of the month like normal. As every bank has different policies and fees, you’ll need to make a call to find out exactly what unexpected charges may show up on your bill.
Cash is handy to have, especially when you first arrive. Exchanging at the airport should always be your last resort; however you can order money in the needed currency ahead of your trip and have it sent to your home. Leave plenty of time to do this. In the UK, the Post Office offers this service. Your bank may offer a similar service as well. Traveller’s checks offer a certain degree of security, and sometimes they will be accepted where credit cards are not. Be aware of the commission charged and the exchange rate offered before you hand them over.
Travelex is a good source for money info and I like their budget calculator. It has a list of countries with sample prices for things like snacks, sodas, hotel and meals. It also has a suggested currency “mix” for each country; giving advice on how much of your money should be cash, traveller’s checks, etc. I checked it out for the Czech Republic and it was maybe a little low, but for the most part fairly accurate.
Photo credit: Kiki99@Flickr
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By Jacy Meyer -- 0 comments
September 12th, 2008
Warsaw is usually overlooked by its more colorful cousin, Krakow. However, the city is interesting with a great combination of restaurants, nightlife and history. The main sites are quite walkable and the Old Town (completely destroyed during World War II and reconstructed) is remarkable. That’s where you’ll find the “history;” much of the rest of the city is more “modern” (built following WWII) and is of that interesting Communist-era architecture form. It is worth a walk around both parts to get a real feel for the city, plus the people are quite open and friendly. Warsaw still isn’t up there on the list of must-visit’s so prices are reasonable, and you won’t be overwhelmed with a ton of other tourists.
The Old Town is a beautiful square surrounded by shops and restaurants. Carefully reconstructed following WWII, it is now a UNESCO protected site. It’s especially lively in the summer when street performers appear and all the cafes move their tables outdoors. The Royal Palace is a huge red can’t miss structure; there’s an art museum inside. Nowy Swiat is the area for bars and restaurants. A wander through the large and beautiful Lizienki Park and Palace is great for a sunny day and some “fresh” air. During the summer many free concerts and other events are held in the park.
The Monument to the Warsaw Uprising Fighters is a moving, life-size memorial. Located outside, it is free to see. Prior to WWII, Warsaw had a very large Jewish population. A portion of the ghetto wall the German’s built to house the Jews can still be seen. The Palace of Culture and Science can not be missed – the huge wedding cake shaped building towers over the center of the city. You can go inside for a bird’s eye view of Warsaw and the surrounding countryside. And if you ever get lost, just look up and start walking towards it. It can be seen from nearly all areas of the city and you’ll soon find yourself “found” again.
If you are looking for a cheap, authentic meal, order the pirogis. If you are looking for an interesting experience with your cheap meal, find a milk bar. These are holdover restaurants from communist days when they served cheap, filling meals based on milk products. After the fall of communism, many of these shut down, so it is worth searching out one of the few remaining. And quite often, the food is edible, and even enjoyable.
It’s the gritty, but cosmopolitan; reconstructed history combined with 1950’s built hipness and a ton of skyscrapers and new development that makes Warsaw such a fascinating city. For more information visit the City of Warsaw or the Warsaw Tourist Office.
Photo Credit: Monument to the Warsaw Uprising Fighters, Warsaw, Jacy Meyer
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September 11th, 2008
On the 7th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania; our thoughts go out to the friends and family of those who lost their lives on this tragic day. We also remember, and thank, the families of the rescue personnel involved in trying to save people’s lives and in the line of duty, lost their own. We thank them for their valiant efforts, and hope for peace in the hearts of all those who wish harm to innocent people.
Photo Credit: Savethedave@Flickr
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September 10th, 2008
No one wants to become ill at home, much less on holiday. But emergencies of all sorts do occur, and it is best to prepared. Today we’ll look at some travel insurance options.
There are a variety of ways to purchase travel insurance; as well as different types. First, where do you get it? If you have home owner’s insurance, there may be a clause in your policy that covers travel. If not, you can contact the company and see if this is a service they offer. When you purchase an airline ticket online, you are often asked if you’d like travel insurance added on. Your car insurance may also cover you, and if you plan on renting a car, you should investigate what, if anything, may be covered for overseas car rentals. Some credit card companies also offer travel insurance.
There are also companies that specifically sell travel insurance policies. You can purchase a per-trip or annual policy. Some things to look out for when purchasing insurance is exactly what is, and is not covered, as well as what you have to do to file a claim and be reimbursed. Most important is to ensure you have cancellation coverage. This is necessary in case you become ill or there is a family emergency and can no longer travel. Check to see if the coverage you are buying is secondary or primary. If it is secondary (which most are) this means the insurance company will only pay what you can’t claim from another source. Primary costs more, but it is usually worth it.
You should also speak with your health insurance company to find out what type of health coverage you will have abroad. And if you need to purchase something, make sure it includes emergency evacuation home. Also check to see if there are any rules regarding pre-existing medical conditions.
Be sure to read the fine print before you buy travel insurance, not after. And if you are in a situation in which you need help? The European Union wide “911” number is “112.”
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September 9th, 2008
Looking to celebrate beer this fall? Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany is the biggie. Dates are September 20 to October 5, and if you were thinking about popping in, think again – tents are already sold out. This is also not a very budget-friendly event. However, depending on the entry fee, and how much you drink – visiting a local festival is often an inexpensive way to spend the day, hanging out with locals and participating in one of their special celebrations. No crying in your beer over Oktoberfest though; there’s more drinking fun to be had around the continent – check out some of these other galas.
You can still attend a beer fest in Germany this year – just head to Stuttgart September 27-October 12 for the Cannstatt Beer Festival. This is actually billed as the world’s largest folk festival and besides beer, they’ll also have amusement rides, a craft fair and fireworks.
Over in Belgium you can visit Festival Bruxellensis September 13-14. Their motto: We only feature characterful beers. In the past, they’ve only offered Belgium brews, but this year have thrown open the barrel to brewers from France, Finland, Spain, England and Germany. A tasting glass is 3 EUR and beer tokens are 1.20 EUR each. Pop over the Channel to England and you can visit the Northwich Beer Festival in Northwich, England. Held September 19-20, organizers promise more than 70 beers and ciders from around the UK. Tickets start as low as 3 GBP and includes entrance, program and commemorative glass. The next weekend, September 26-27, head over to Ascot for the Ascot Beer Festival. More than 125 beers, lagers and ciders will be available as well as horse racing as this event is held at the Ascot race course. Tickets start at 10 GBP. There seems to be a beer festival nearly every weekend during September and October in England; the Campaign for Real Ale association has a list.
The European Beer Festival is September 12-14 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Tickets start at 100 DKK for one day and events include the Copenhagen Open, a Europe-wide brewing club contest. And beer: more than 2,000 beers from more than 450 breweries. Nearby in Amsterdam, they’ll be holding the PINT Bokbierfestival October 24-26. More than 50 Belgium and Dutch brewers are expected to be there.
Photo Credit: a4gpa@Flickr
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By Jacy Meyer -- 0 comments
September 8th, 2008
Yesterday we talked about home exchanges and such as a way of cutting down on your hotel costs. Today, let’s explore some semi-working holidays that offer room, board, or both in exchange for some work on your part.
Do you like to talk? A language company that offers intensive courses may be for you. More Than English will pay for your accommodation and food in a rural Spanish village. In exchange you speak English to the attendees. With most of these language companies, you won’t get to speak the “native” languages, so this isn’t a good option for people looking to learn or practice a second language. If French is your thing, look into France Homestays. They’ll place you with a French family who will be all too happy to help you bring your French up to speed. This is more cultural though as there is a cost, and it’s sometimes steep.
A little hard work never hurt anybody, and if spending a holiday working on a farm, ranch or at a B&B in exchange for free room and board allows you to travel, do it! Duties vary depending on the site and the host; but most require you to work 4 hours a day; you’ll stay with the family and are expected to help with daily chores as well (so wash your own dishes!) Help Exchange is one company that offers to hook up potential workers with needy business owners.
Have you tried any of these accommodation options or do have other suggestions of ways to find reduced priced accommodation? Please share!
Photo Credit: tcd123usa@Flickr
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By Jacy Meyer -- 3 comments
September 7th, 2008
We’ve talked a lot about how to sleep cheap, as hotel accommodations can quickly eat up your travel budget. But if you are an adventurous sort, there are multitudes of other ways you can catch your forty winks without losing sleep over the price.
CouchSurfing is the social networker’s way to find a free bed. Basically, you sign up on the site, offer your spare room, couch or other sleeping implement to a traveler passing through your town, and when you go a’ visiting, you can crash at someone’s pad as well. Another similar option is a home exchange. At these sites, you most likely will pay a fee for access to the company’s database of subscribers. You find a place you’d like to go and contact the owner directly to perform a home switch. You’ll go to their house and they’ll come to yours at the same time. One company is HomeExchange.
If the idea of staying in someone’s home appeals to you, and you don’t mind watering their plants, you can sign up to be a house sitter. You’ll have to pay a small fee to be registered as a sitter, but then you may receive offers from around the world to take care of someone’s house while they are away. Pets are sometimes included, and you may have to pay your own utility bills, but it may be a good option for someone who can be away from home for perhaps extended periods of time. House Sit World is one company.
Pop in tomorrow for more ideas on how to get free or really cheap accommodation in exchange for a little work on your part.
Photo Credit: Dave Austria@Flickr
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By Jacy Meyer -- 1 comment
Yesterday we looked into the budget skiing destinations of Slovenia and Slovakia. Today we’ll check out the conditions in Bulgaria and Austria.
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