Europe String

Guest Blogger: Abby Yao is a Filipina postgraduate student in London preparing her dissertation on women and diaspora. Diagnosed with travel addiction, she also exhibits symptoms such as the persistent urge to blog about everything from pop culture to fine art, for which there is no cure.
On the last Bank Holiday weekend of the year, hundreds of thousands of Londoners flock to the streets of Notting Hill for Europe’s largest street party. West London is transported to the West Indies by parades of Mas bands and samba schools, splashing colour on the rows of white flats in the area. Sound …read more

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In some cities, helicopter and/or plane sightseeing tours are being offered for tourists who prefer to do their sightseeing from high up above. Problem is, this kind of tour would set you back ca. 130euros.
A cheaper alternative would be to see the city from a glider. It may do funny things to your stomach but it sure will give you the same perspective.
Gliding over Germany is possible all over the country. Although, it is mostly found in provinces rather than in cities. I did it today and saw the bird’s eye view of Michelstadt in Odenwald. I …read more

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When you get to your destination, make sure that you check out posters or flyers.  Summer time is when Europeans have their festivals, fetes and street parties, among many other forms of revelry held on some street or plaza.  Not only would you be getting a taste of the local culture, you will also be able to enjoy a great summer afternoon for free.
Now,  if you are planning a trip in July or August,  you should check out James Martin’s list of festivals.  It may even be worth it to plan your trip around one of these festivals.  As an …read more

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I am a Grey’s Anatomy addict.  I’d do anything to be able to watch it even during my travels. Problem is, ABC only allows US-residents to watch it for free from their website.
What would you do if you were traveling outside the US and still want to watch your favorite TV show (House, perhaps, now that we are still waiting for Grey’s season 4)?
Well, if you do not have a friend here in Europe who has access to AFN, you are out of luck. Chances are, you won’t be seeing the newest episode until much much later. Or, …read more

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If you are

planning on traveling between Germany and any country within the EU
planning to travel between German cities
traveling with a child aged 11 or under
planning to travel sometime in July and/or August

You can save a lot of money by flying with Lufthansa.
Kids accompanied by any paying passenger — whether parents, relative or friend — can travel for €0 (plus tax and fees) during the period indicated.
Lufthansa Kindersommers is available if you book before the 31st of June.

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Related Post:  10 Reasons Why Budget Traveling is Not for the Faint Hearted

The sight of your credit card bill upon your return will not give you a heart attack
The sight of your phone bill and all the roaming charges will not give you a heart attack (that is, if you followed budget travel getting in touch how-tos)
Looking at the weighing scale after your vacation will not give you a heart attack make you happy
Your do not have to worry about dressing well for dinner
You will be surrounded by fellow easygoing travelers who are as cash-strapped as you are

Help me out …read more

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Sterling is the first Scandinavian low-cost airline. It offers direct routes between Scandinavia and Southern Europe as well as between the Scandinavian countries.
And just like all the other budget airlines, Sterling has special offers which promises to let budget travelers fly at a price even lower than the published rate of budget airlines.
Sterling has a Happy Hour when great prices are offered. It happens every Thursday and Friday, from 12-1300 CET.
Seasonal offers are also the norm. As I type, Sterling is offering “Sterling City Break” for travel until June 2007. You need to act immediately because …read more

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[photo source]
If you are planning to visit major European cities, chances are you would be taking the mass transit system. If so, check out Amadeus’ greatest contribution to travelers all over the world… FREE PRINTABLE SUBWAY MAPS.
Sure, some of these maps can be had for free at the station itself but, hey, printing it beforehand would spare you the time you need figuring it out and looking like the tourist you are, prey to petty thieves.
Check out this nifty instructable for the details on how to (print) make a foldable map.

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… at least, that is what the legend of Seville says.
It’s not a herculean feat to stay on budget while in Seville. Here are a few guidelines to help stretch those Euros:

Cheaper pension houses can be found in Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter.
Or, you can check out Oasis which is near Plaza Encarnacion.
Check the menus or ask before going in. If they do not have the menu in English, chances are, it’s a lot cheaper to eat there. Just bring your dictionary with you.
Tinto de Verano (mix of red wine and lemon soda) has less alcohol and …read more

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Here’s what you can expect when dining out in Greece, especially in areas frequented by tourists:

In cafes mostly, you can expect to be charged a cover fee of €0.4 to €1.5 per person.
When ordering any drink, you will be served a glass of water with every drink you order. Make sure that you ask the waiter if this is free or not. I have been charged (it happened thrice!) for the water even if I didn’t really asked for it. According to my Greek friend, many tourists have experienced this.

Great news, though… despite the above, whatever …read more

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