Europe String

I have been traveling about for years. I have lived in 6 countries and 3 continents. And since then, I have been posting pictures and stories about what I have seen. Now, it is time to discover what OTHERS are seeing, enjoying and discovering. And yes, I will share them with all of you.
I am not talking about checking out travel or destination sites which everyone already knows about. Instead, I’ll stroll around and look for new treasures.
I want to read about the time you ran out of money. I’d like to pore over your …read more

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I am a fan of clothing brands Zara and Mango. Mango is a mass market clothing chain. Zara, on the other hand, does not mass produce (hence, a trip to Zara every week could be very well worth it) and they always have new stuff on their shelves. Both brands offer cheap yet chic clothing.
Anyway, both companies have expanded outside of Spain. And they have taken the rest of Europe and some North American cities by storm.
So… what is my point and what has these clothing chains have anything do with budget travel Europe?
Well… both …read more

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I received the most interesting questions after I have written “Freebies When You Travel Blog”.  I would like to address some of the questions in order to clarify some issues which some have misunderstood.
I travel blog for several networks because I travel a LOT (25x per year). I have been traveling (and have even lived in 5 other countries) for the past 16 years. I have been writing about travel – online and print — since 1999. Those are my reasons for travel blogging. I am afraid that I cannot help any of you find …read more

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As previously mentioned, one of the best things in budget traveling is when you get freebies.  It’s great when you get something and absolutely nothing is expected back from you.
Interestingly, some parties think that using the word FREE would make me (and other people who blog/write about travel) immediately grab whatever it is that they are offering.  The thing is, when something in return (like a good review even if what you are offering is crappy!) is expected then it isn’t free anymore, is it?!
Now if you allow me (us) to talk about the bad things as well then, that …read more

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A great (not to mention, strong) alternative, should your shoelaces suddenly retire from all that walking you have been doing.  
Should you ignore that “do not wash clothes here” sign in the bathroom, you could use it as a clothesline after you have broken one of the hostel’s laws.
Sure, you can eat cake with your hand, if you have no kitchen utensils but if it’s too big…  You might as well use that floss to slice that cake.
Rather than buy toys, entertain your bored kids with this. Let them unravel it, wind it all back up and start all …read more

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This is for our readers in the US who are planning their European sojourn.
If you do not have the time nor the energy to plan your trip, you may want to consider one of Sophisticated Traveler, Inc.’s Independent Travel Packages. I swear, they have one of the cheapest travel packages I have EVER seen.
As an example…
A travel package to Budapest (Hungary) will only cost you from US$1288, if you are coming from Philadelphia. For other US city origin, cost is as follows: US$1310 – Boston/JFK/Newark, US$1316 – Atlanta, US$1318 – DC, US$1445 – Chicago/Houston, US$1498 – LA and …read more

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Dr. Vino is guest blogging over at one of my favorite travel blogs, Upgrade Travel Better (while Mark is away) and he is asking:
“would you drive around in what amounted to a sedan-sized billboard?”
I would definitely do it. I do not mind how the car looks from the outside. As long as it is in good running condition and I get a great price (or even get to drive it for free), I’ll definitely say yes to this offer.
What about YOU? Would you mind?
photo source

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GOOD is when you have finally saved up enough for your dream to travel to Europe. Yes, even if it’s on a tight budget.
It’s even BETTER if you do get a great travel deal.
But, if you get a freebie, that is the BEST.
Complimentary… gratis et amore… handout… free…
Whichever way it may be labeled, this will be music to every budget travelers’ ears.
Janet Jackson and Luther Vandross surely got it right when they said that the best things in life are free.
And below are just some of the best of the BEST when it comes to traveling on a shoestring which …read more

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Whether you want to take a stand about the LGBT equality issue or you just want to see the festivities that happen during the Gay Pride parade, you can try and coincide your trip with the schedule of Pride events in the following European cities:

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Many people dream about traveling around the world. Many have done it (I am actually one continent shy away from achieving that) but a lot more just have to settle with putting up a couple of flags on their “been there” world map.
Budget travelers probably just have to settle with touring around the country.
Now, if you want bragging rights to having extensively toured around a European country, where do you think you can do it without breaking the bank?
Where else but in… Vatican City! After all it’s the smallest country in the world with only 0.2 square miles. …read more

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