EuroCheapo BlogEuroCheapo BlogThe EuroCheapo Blog offers great budget strategy and planning tips, up-to-date travel news, and great suggestions on hip places to see and things to do. 
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What is Continental serving for breakfast?
2008-03-19 12:02:00 Alas, after two weeks of traveling to Berlin, Brussels, and Bruges, these three Cheapos at Work had to fly home on Monday. Pete and Mere flew from Paris, and I returned from Brussels. Before I get into my “you won’t believe what Continental served us for breakfast” stomach-turner, I must apologize for not blogging during my six day hotel hunt in Bruges. The only excuse I can muster is that I was simply too tired to write. I hadn’t anticipated that Bruges would be so charming, friendly, and full of great hotels. But more about Bruges tomorrow. I’m still fired up about my breakfast… I returned to Brussels on Sunday night and woke up at 5:20 AM for my 8:20 Continental direct flight to New York. I was at the airport at 6:15, shuffled through check in, security, and along an extremely long terminal. Leaving so early in the morning is kind of strange. It’s too early to get breakfast at the hotel, so you have to grab a bite at the airport. I m... More About: Breakfast
Paris Cheapo Bike Rentals Sont Partout!
2008-03-16 18:24:00 It’s been over a year since this Cheapo has been in Paris , and since I arrived on Thursday with my fellow Cheapo (and wife), Meredith, I’ve been surprised by two very noticeable changes: 1. Smokeless cafes and restaurants 2. Nifty bike rentals appearing on many, many street corners. I’ll save commentary about smokeless cafes for a later post. Coming from a relatively recently smoke-free New York City, it’s more or less a similar effect, although seeing the bustling cafes of Saint-Germain des Pres without piles of Gauloises Blondes stacked on tables seems a little, well, weird. That said, customers are allowed - perhaps even encouraged - to smoke at outdoor tables, so maybe the change isn’t really that big of a deal. As for Paris’ “Velib” bike rental program, though, there is no question it’s a city-wide success. Initially I thought the program would be more of a tourist draw and envisioned mobs of backpackers with Let’s... More About: Bike , Rentals
It Might Be Cold And Rainy In Brussels, BUT…
2008-03-11 20:03:00 There are some FAB budget hotels! After Day #2 of braving the elements (and more than a few tour groups in search of the adorably bizarre Manneken Pis), the Cheapo squad is armed with some great finds! We’ve found a 3 room chocolate-themed gem in the middle of town; a wild EU-inspired international themed hotel where each room is decorated in an individual country motif; a gorgeous 16 room charmer with a hoarse Jack Russel terrier named Mia who greets guests with a very low, raspy “woof”; heck, we even found the best Soupe de poisson for only 3.4 euros! (catch: you have to eat it while standing at a bar…and outside…and in the wind and rain…hmm, come to think of it, I have a slight sore throat…) We have many more hotels to inspect in Brussels before heading off to Bruges. Onward, Cheapos! More About: Cold
Hallo, Berlin! Transit strike, Reichstag visit
2008-03-07 03:31:00 Greetings from Berlin , which today (Thursday) has begun rather overcast and moody (see above — the view from my kitchen window in Prenzlauer Berg, overlooking Mauerpark). Yesterday, as I touched down in Tegel at 8:10 AM, I found the city blanketed in snow, a not-too-frequent occurrence this year. I also found myself arriving on the first day of a transit strike. Trams, buses, and the U-Bahn shut-down yesterday, leaving passengers with only the above-ground S-Bahn for mass transportation. The strike continues today. My taxi driver whisked through the snow and along the back streets in Prenzlauer Berg, avoiding the congested highway. Yesterday, in that “first day, no sleep” delirium that blesses you on your first day in Europe, Pete, Meredith and I had the good fortune to meet up with Hilary from Less Than a Shoestring, that great daily blog about serious budget (or “no budget”) travels. She’s based in Berlin and really knows how to see ... More About: Visit , Strike , Transit
Cheapos at Work: Off to Berlin
2008-03-04 20:20:00 At long last, Tom, Pete, and Mere are heading off to Berlin today to attend the ITB conference through Saturday. It should be quite an event, throwing together national and city tourist boards, travel writers, travel agencies, and other industry types for three hectic days. The organizers of the event sent off a press release on Monday screaming that the event has sold out. We’ll see what the Berlin Messe looks like when it’s packed to its brutalist walls! And then, as Pete noted on Friday, we’ll head to Brussels to see what the city looks like from a budget traveler’s perspective. As Pete and Meredith tackle the hotel scene there, I’ll head off to Bruges for the week to see what budget hotel options exist in that medieval playground. Along the way, we’ll be blogging. We’ll cover the travel conference, the hotel hunt, and the state of bargain travel in Belgium. With the US dollar slipping daily against the euro (today it’s at $1.5... More About: Work
The Cheapos Take ITB Berlin
2008-02-29 21:08:00 After a long, wintery stretch of being holed up at the office, the Cheapos are heading out for a road trip! Next Tuesday, Tom, Pete and Meredith are flying to Berlin to attend “The World’s Leading Travel Show” at ITB Berlin. Held in the massive Messe Berlin expo center, the Cheapos will be among the 150,000+ attendees swarming through acres of travel trade show bliss. EuroCheapo will be one of thousands of companies attending the conference, which spans all regions of the world and travel categories, including cultural tourism, eco-tourism and adventure travel (although this Cheapo is personally psyched about conducting a greater-Berlin Mensa cafeteria taste test.) ITB Berlin sponsors and partners include Eurosport, PhoCusWright, CNN, Yahoo! and many others. Following the conference, the Cheapos will be driving from Berlin to Brussels and Bruges, where they’ll be hunting down the best budget hotels to publish on EuroCheapo. Thanks to the Cheapo community ...
Florence: Should you rent a scooter?
2008-02-27 18:17:00 Ah, Florence , Renaissance city of artistic treasures, architectural icons, and mouth-watering delicacies. And throngs of tourists. And locals zipping up and down tiny streets on scooters and motorcycles. If you’re an adventurous traveler, you might consider seeing the city like a local — on a cute little euro-scooter. But should you? Pros Rent ing a scooter in Florence makes sense if you want to take scenic drives through the countryside. If you rent a typical scooter (like a Honda SH 125 cc or the smaller Cagiva Cucciolo 50), you’ll be able to drive along country roads and scoot your way through Chianti country. Sounds romantic, no? The hilly countryside (and even immediate environs of Florence) are much less strenuously traversed on a scooter than trekked on a bicycle. Cons Renting a scooter is not practical if you simply want to speed up your city sightseeing. Sure, the locals zip about town, but they also are trained to avoid the busiest streets and pedestrian z... More About: Scooter
Barcelona tip: Free (and fun) stuff to do
2008-02-26 19:53:00 Sightseeing in Barcelona can get pretty pricey. But never fear, there are plenty of things to do in Barcelona that won’t cost you one Euro-cent. Our recommendations: 1) Go, go, Gaudi! Stroll through Park Geull, an incomplete masterpiece by Antoni Gaudi. Walk up the grand staircase, explore the cavernous shelters and sit on benches laden with mosaic tiles and glass—Gaudi’s trademarks. Geull is open year-round, but closes at dusk. Call (34) 93 413 24 00 for more information. 2) Take it to church A visit to the Barcelona Cathedral, in the center of the Gothic district, places you in the middle ages, and won’t cost you a shilling. Pieces of the original building dating back to the 10th-century are still intact. To find the cathedral, simply head to Plaça de la Seu and look up. How in-spire-ing! 3) Grab a bongo Got your own? Bring ‘em along and join the many bongo players who congregate in Parc Ciutadella on weekend afternoons. You’ll see ... More About: Free , Stuff
“Lost”-Minute Lisbon Getaway for under $900?
2008-02-22 19:31:00 We’ll admit it: we’re fans of the TV show “Lost” (Aaron’s a member of the Oceanic Six?? Helloooo curveball!) We’ll also admit that today is an exceptionally wintry, snowy, icy Friday in New York City and we’re finding it hard not to daydream about Lost-y seaside escapes. Thus inspired, we’ve decided to plan a spontaneous (if imaginary) last-minute trip for next weekend somewhere warm and sunny. Where could we walk on a beach, eat great seafood , see interesting sights, and make our euros stretch to the max? Oh yeah, and stick to a budget of less than $1,000? Here’s our plan: Destination: Lisbon Why? It boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year, is currently 65 degrees, has great nightlife, tasty food, and is budget-friendly. In short, we love Lisbon. Getting there An initial search on CheapTickets.com found a flight for $590 departing Friday at 6 pm (heck, we’d only have to leave work a couple hours early) and re... More About: Getaway , Minute
Calling All Cheapos: Brussels and Bruges advice
2008-02-20 18:08:00 Dear readers, we’re packing our bags for Belgium, where we’ll be adding two new cities to the site! And we’re asking you for your advice! First, we’ll visit Brussels , the bulls-eye of the European Union. Known for its bankers, beer, and chocolate, Brussels is also known for rather expensive lodging, presenting us with both a challenge and an opportunity! Next we’ll head to the picturesque village of Bruges , always popular with tourists–and full of charming hotels. (Bruges has also been in lights recently with the debut of In Bruges, a film starring Ralph Fiennes and Colin Farrell. It’s even playing in the theater downstairs from our office. We smell popcorn!) Now, we’re asking you for your tips! Have you been to Brussels? Bursting with something to say about Bruges? We’re compiling our list of independently-run hotels, bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and pensions to review for both cities. In addition, we’d love t... More About: Advice , Calling
Amsterdam: The cheapest bike in town
2008-02-19 21:32:00 Amsterdam is one of the best European cities for cycling. See the city, speed along the canals, and act like a local. Ready to roll? First, grab a good map. The tourism office facing Centraal Station offers a bike-specific map with highlighted biking paths and touring suggestions. Then, go get a bike! Where? Mike’s Bike Tours Kerkstraat 134 One of the most popular bike rentals in Amsterdam, Mike’s (along with other rental agencies) requires you to leave some sort of deposit when you rent a bike: your passport, an imprint of your credit card, or a deposit of €200. They provide you with two bike locks, and will even demonstrate how to use them! (A word of caution: Mike’s also has a location in Munich and it can be a bit tricky to navigate their web site, so if you decide to book online, make sure you’re on the Mike’s Amsterdam page!) Rates - 1/2 day: €5 (€8 with insurance); 1 day: €7 (€10 with insurance). Frederic Rental Bike Brouwerstgra... More About: Amsterdam , Town
EuroCheapo’s been Facebook’d
2008-02-16 18:35:00 (Editor’s Note: While we always shy away from self-promoting posts on the blog, please indulge us for a moment…) We recently updated our EuroCheapo page on Facebook and we think it’s pretty Cheapo-rific. On our Facebook page you’ll find photo albums including “Cheapos At Work”, “CheapoPets We’ve Met Along the Way” (hint: We’ve got sheep! Lots of ‘em!), and the occassional shot of our reviewers lost in the streets. You can also view videos submitted by fellow Cheapos and write all over our wall (we encourage it!). Best of all, you’ll be joining a growing family of Cheapos! We’re just getting started on our page, and we’ve got contests and more in store. Have a look, browse the photos, and become a fan of EuroCheapo!
Paris: Cheap tickets for concerts and opera
2008-02-14 17:23:00 We love Paris . We love classical concerts and operas. And we love saving money. Thus, we combined our loves and put together a list of five ways to do culture in Paris à la cheapo. Free classical music Pick up a Pariscope, the weekly listings guide (in French), at any magazine kiosk and flip to the classical concert listings. You’ll see many freebie concerts, often by young musicians and local ensembles, held on Sundays in churches around town. We’re especially fond of concerts in the 16th Century Eglise St-Merri, in the 4th arrondissement, which presents free concerts on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. (Incidentally, the bell tower contains the oldest bell in Paris, cast in 1331!) Cheap seats for concerts in major venues Paris boasts world-class performances in state-of-the-art musical halls. Best of all, many of these venues receive government support to help keep ticket prices affordable — or at least some ticket prices affordable. (Don’t b... More About: Concerts , Opera , Tickets
London: Tasty and Cheapo Eats
2008-02-13 16:54:00 London can be a tricky city for dining. Long criticized for the quality of its fare (”It’s no Paris!”), the city has undergone a gastro-awakening over the past decade that has benefited the bellies, if not the wallets, of its diners. So what’s a Cheapo to eat? Here are our dining tips, all tested and tried: 1. Go for conveyer belt sushi! We were initially turned off by the robotic, ever-moving feel of these establishments, frequently seen in London’s malls and Tube stations, but the low prices always lured us back to the belt. Eventually, we even got a hang of it. (Not counting the time the California rolls spun out on our table.) We’re big fans because you watch all the sushi and sashimi as it’s prepared, so you know it’s fresh. You can also ask the chef to add a little extra something (Wasabi? Extra roe?) to your particular dish. Hey, if we’re conveyer converts, you can be too. Try Yo Sushi, which has tons of locatio... More About: London
Venice: Nightlife Survival Guide
2008-02-12 19:34:00 Venice may be known for its opera house and Vivaldi concerts, but it isn’t celebrated for its nightlife. This can present problems for travelers looking, well, to do something at night. This problem also dogs single travelers in Venice, who may not find any special romantic epiphany wandering the canals alone after dinner. (And we won’t even go into the nightlife issues faced by single hotel reviewers, staying in the town in the dead of winter…) Alas, the canalled city does offer a range of nightlife options. Here’s our quick guide: 1. Have a drink with the locals Head to Campo Santa Margherita in Dursoduro to hang out with the locals in the small cafes, bars, and lounges lining the square. Don’t be intimidated by the clusters of real Venetians. Grab a drink. Recommended: Cafe Blue (Dursoduro 3778), serves drinks and live music until 2 AM. The hopping bar is a favorite with locals and tourists alike, and is located next to the equally enticing Caf... More About: Nightlife , Venice , Guide , Survival
Dublin tip: Free castles and modern art
2008-02-08 16:55:00 When visiting any city, we’re always relieved to find free activities to take the burden off our wallet. We’re happy to report that enchanted, moody Dublin offers a wide-range of high class sightseeing opportunities that won’t cost you a euro-cent. Our three faves: Dublin Castle For die-hard history buffs, reaching the Dublin Castle is like reaching the legendary pot of gold. The impressive stone castle is perched high atop the center of Dublin, overlooking the city. Tour the 13th-century Norman Tower and take a trip through the halls of its medieval prison. Free guided tours of all buildings on the castle grounds are available daily. Check out this historical landmark’s web site, with its interactive maps, 360-degree panoramic photos, and bite-sized history lessons. Tip: Leave time for the gift shop where crystal jewelry and one-of-a-kind Belleek china pieces abound. Irish Museum of Modern Art Old meets new at the impressive national modern ... More About: Castles , Modern Art
Budapest tip: Confections of a Cheapo
2008-02-07 19:06:00 Back in day, it was fairly typical to see many old Hungarian men and woman hanging out well into the night at a traditional coffee house in Budapest . Ideas were discussed and many pastries were consumed. Today, it’s hard to narrow in on some of these ancient gems (no, we’re not talking about the old men and women), but they do still exist. And, the best part? An old coffee house or confectionery in Budapest can make for a fantastic cheapo’s night out. For the price of a cup of coffee and a yummy confection, you’ll be stepping back in time, connecting with Hungarian culture and often hanging out in a lavish turn-of-the-century building. Here are five of our favorites: 1) Angelika I. Batthyány tér 7 Open: Monday through Wednesday and on Sundays from 9 am to midnight; T...
Vienna: Opera high notes on a low budget
2008-02-06 18:28:00 We’re always keen to dispel the myth that you must be rolling in it (money, that is) to enjoy world-class entertainment. Take the Viennese opera. This Austrian gem is well within the range of Cheapos. Here are our three best bets for landing a night at the Opera : Try ’standing room only’ If you are willing to stand for the duration of the performance, then you can get some of the cheapest tickets in town. The cost of a ”standing room only” ticket is between €2 and €3.50 per opera. These tickest are only available at the evening box office, which opens 80 minutes prior to show time. Snag seats for a song In the nosebleed section of the opera house, you’ll pay anywhere from €7 to €18 for a seat in the rafters (but what rafters they are!). Considering a spot in the front orchestra could cost you €200, we consider this is a huge score. Just bring some good opera glasses. Take a tour and skip the show If The Marriage of Figaro i... More About: Notes , Vienna , Budget , High
Paris Tip: Sleep in a Parisian apartment
2008-02-05 18:12:00 Naturally, EuroCheapo’s Paris guide is devoted to finding the perfect budget hotels for your next visit to the city. However, if you’re in the mood for something a little more intime next time you visit, you might consider staying in a Parisian apartment. We’re not talking about an apartment rental, mind you. We mean a real Paris apartment, inhabited by living and breathing Parisians. “Pour Vous Paris” is a friendly group of Parisians who have opened their apartments (and their extra bedrooms) to foreign travelers. Better yet, they’re enthusiastic about practicing their English, answering questions about their city, and even taking their guests on free walking tours of their neighborhoods. And the rooms tend to be cheap — from €45-60 for a single, and €55-70 for a double, depending on neighborhood and “comfort level.” The group is not an agency and you pay your host directly upon arrival. However, you must pay an annual mem... More About: Sleep
London Survival Guide: 20 free museums!
2008-02-04 17:56:00 Planning to visit London on a budget could initially give a Cheapo a nervous breakdown. But, as documented throughout our London guide, it is possible to live it up in London on a modest budget — with a little planning. How? Besides the obvious (choosing a budget hotel, eating cheaply, and getting around with an Oyster card), you’d be crazy not to take advantage of London’s free museums and attractions. Most of the nationally-run museums and art galleries are publicly financed and don’t cost visitors a pence. It’s a beautiful thing… 9 must-visit free museums: British Library British Museum National Gallery Natural History Museum National Portrait Gallery Science Museum Tate Modern The Tate Britain Victoria and Albert Museum 9 notable, free museums: Bank of London Museum Imperial War Museum London Political Cartoon Gallery Museum of Garden History Museum of London National Maritime Museum Petrie Museum of Egyption Archaeology RIBA Architect... More About: Free , Guide , Museums , Survival
Flashback! Fodor’s “Budget France ‘82″
2008-02-01 22:11:00 The other day, a copy of “Fodor’s Budget France ‘82″ landed in our office. The cute little book, measuring no larger than a pocket-sized Agatha Christie novel, has captivated and charmed us ever since. For one thing, it’s so simple. The 178-page book is all text, providing three maps (France, Paris, and the Metro), ten chapters, and a phrase index in the back. The only photo to be had was an advertisement on page 174 for a Fodor’s language course, audio cassette-edition. The book retailed for $5.95 (about $13.00, adjusted for 2008). Money and prices abroad in 1982 Obviously in 1982, France used the franc, which had an exchange rate of about $.17, or 5.89 francs to the US dollar. That is, if you exchanged your travelers checks at a bank. The book explains that travelers’ checks “are still the safest and simplest way to carry money.” Today, of course, travelers’ checks have mostly been replaced by credit cards and ATM mac... More About: Flashback
Barcelona: Is the Barcelona Card a good deal?
2008-01-31 18:04:00 Tourist discount cards can provide great value and a major convenience. But, they can also create a major headache when trying to evaluate their value. Today, we turn to Barcelona … The Barcelona Card The city-run Barcelona Turisme office issues the Barcelona Card as a two-day pass (€25), three-day pass (€30), four-day pass (€34), and five-day pass (€40). Prices are 20% cheaper for children, and all passes booked in advance on the official website receive a 10% discount. Benefits of the card are varied. Pass holders enjoy, among other things: Free public transportation throughout most of Barcelona (including the airport train). Free admission to 12 museums, and reduced admission (50%-10% off) to another 20 museums. Various other discounts, ranging from 10% to 35% off at cultural, entertainment, leisure, and nightlife spots. Is the card a good deal? Well, it’s complicated. We fired up our old Commodore 64, tapped out some quick algebra equations and came to ... More About: Deal , Good
Florence museum tip: Book online, skip the line!
2008-01-30 17:49:00 If you’ve ever visited the fabulous Uffizi museum in Florence , you probably know that your first hour (or two) there can often be spent waiting in a long, slow ticket line. And, that’s if you’re lucky. After all, the museum puts a daily cap on total entrants, so if you arrive on really busy days or after lunch, you can find yourself without a ticket at all! Enter the sleek new website of the “Polo Museale Fiorentino,” the city’s governing board for 20 museums, including the Uffizi, the Accademia, the Pitti Palace, the Museum of San Marco, and more. On the site, you can take virtual tours of each museum, read about upcoming exhibits, verify opening hours, and map out locations. But our favorite feature: The site now offers online ticket booking for all museums, allowing users to bypass the long queue and restricted entrance schedule. How it works The process is simple: You choose the museum you wish to book, pick a date, and then select an... More About: Book , Online , Line
Rome Hotels: Three central and unusual sleeps
2008-01-29 18:37:00 At EuroCheapo, we’re all about hotels with a little extra flavor. And when in Rome , why settle for a normal night’s sleep? These three hotels in Rome have traipsed through history, from ancient history to 19th-century, but all of them today offer modern amenities so you can sleep comfortably. 1) Casa Banzo Campo de’ Fiori Doubles from €110 This bed and breakfast, with just three rooms, screams, “location!” Housed in a 15-century palazzo near Campo de’ Fiori, this family-run establishment is far enough from the crazy Campo crowds, but close enough to easily walk to the Vatican, Spanish Steps and other Roman highlights. Each of the Casa’s rooms are chockablock with vintage accoutrements. Think oil paintings, mahogany surfaces, and lots of marble. And, we haven’t even mentioned the frescoes! Just keep in mind, book early if you want to stay here. With only three rooms, the hotel fills up quickly. If you do stay here, tell An... More About: Hotels , Central
Madrid Tip: Cheapo Night Out
2008-01-25 17:01:00 Hitting the town in Madrid doesn’t have to rip into your bank balance faster than a speeding bull. As in all good cities, nighttime budget-friendly options abound! Here’s our cheapo guide to living it up for a night in Spain’s vibrant capital. Get in the mood Start out near central Plaza de Chueca, an area where there’s no shortage of trendy clubs and restaurants, many of which are cheapo-friendly. Considered to be the premiere gay area of Madrid, Chueca and its main square are full of people hangin’ out in cafes and bars almost every night. In fact, if you hang out in the square long enough, chances are decent that you’ll make some new friends and find yourself involved in some last-minute plans. Dinner While daytime lunch specials certainly abound around Chueca (a good midday meal can be had for between €5-8), it can be a bit challenging to keep dinner prices low. We’d recommend checking out the trendy and delish Bazaa... More About: Night
Paris tip: 5 Free Sights in the City of Lights
2008-01-24 17:32:00 Visiting Paris can be, how shall we say, très cher? But, several of its finest tourist sights don’t cost a euro-cent. Here’s a list of our top five favorite free attractions. 1) Père Lachaise Cemetery Frédéric Chopin, Guillaume Apollinaire, Honoré de Balzac, Édith Piaf… This cemetery is a “who’s who” of famous names, and not all of them French (Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and other expats are buried there as well). Bring flowers to leave graveside or just stroll the cobblestone paths and well-landscaped grounds. Better yet, take a virtual tour on the cemetery’s web site. Check out Baron Haussmann’s mausoleum! Very schmancy. Open: Monday through Saturday 8 AM to 6 PM and on Sundays from 9 AM to 6 PM. Note: When sundown occurs before 6 PM, the cemetery closes at dusk. 2) The Seine and Islands Man, if this river could talk! It has certainly seen its share of history, revolution, and passing love interests. Take a walk along ... More About: Sights , Free , City , Lights
Berlin tip: “Mensa” cafeterias dish up cheap meals
2008-01-23 18:06:00 We are unapologetically fond of German cafeteria food. When visiting the German capital, we always stop for a sampling of local cuisine at one of the state-run (and subsidized) Mensa cafeterias, where a nourishing lunch may be enjoyed for just a few euros. Although Mensa cafeterias are commonly found on campus at German universities and packed with healthy, athletically-inclined students, the dining halls are open to the public, and you’ll often find yourself dining alongside area businessmen and women. For the adventurous tourist, the cafeterias offer a unique and budget-friendly opportunity to get a taste of the real Deutschland. Cafeteria food is, mildly put, not everyone’s culinary preference. But we enjoy it and embrace it for all of its qualities – healthy portions, light seasonings, regimented serving procedures, and unwavering value. How the Mensa works Most Mensa cafeterias require that you purchase a “MensaCard” onto which you can load – and reload – cash.... More About: Berlin , Cheap , Dish , Meals
London Tip: Oyster cards reduce transit costs
2008-01-22 18:36:00 We’d like to take this opportunity to extol the virtues of London ’s Oyster. Oyster card, that is. In a city fit for a queen, it often seems that prices for everything can be a royal pain. However, with the little blue and white Oyster card, visitors and locals alike benefit from drastically reduced rates on mass transit. (You can use the card on the Tube, trams, buses, DLR, London Overground and some National Rail services.) Take a single fare on the Tube, for example: A trip from within Zones 1-4 (say Kew Gardens to Oxford Street) would normally cost £4. With the Oyster, the price fluctuates—depending on time of day, day of week, and zone—from £1.50-2.50. In some cases, that’s more than half the cost! And, since we last checked, with the money you save on public transport, you can buy more cups of coffee. So, why doesn’t everyone opt for oyster? Well, we’re not sure. It does initially take a few minutes to buy the card. There&rsquo... More About: Reduce , Cards , Costs , Transit
Travel Smarts: Why do hotel rates vary on the Web?
2008-01-18 16:14:00 You’ve found a great budget hotel in Paris and you’ve searched around on CheapoSearch for the best rates from different booking agencies for your dates. And then it hits you: How can there be different rates for the same dates in the same hotel? And why are these small hotels offering booking with online agencies, anyhow? A little back story Ten years ago, most small, independent and family-run hotels in Europe weren’t on the radar for most first-time tourists to a city. They were simply too small to work with travel agencies or weren’t fortunate enough to be selected by the handful of travel guidebooks that recommended hotels for the first-time “independent traveler.” During the past decade, these same hotels developed their own websites, presenting photos, room descriptions, and prices. Most built in some sort of booking form, as well. When we would visit them to inspect for EuroCheapo, many hotel owners and managers would explain that they d... More About: Travel , Hotel , Rates , Smarts
Copenhagen Tip: Happy to be free!
More articles from this author:2008-01-17 16:08:00 Denmark, home to Hans Christian Andersen and all those friendly, tall—and it must be said—great Danes, was recently proclaimed the happiest place on earth. In a number of population studies, pollsters asked residents to rate their level of happiness and other factors, and it seems the Danes have a real twist for felicity. All this happiness, in spite of high taxes and hefty price tags? After all, according to the Big Mac Index, a Happy Meal must cost at least $5 in Cope nhagen ! Yet we agree: Denmark is a happy (and happening) place! Here are five of our favorite and free ways to boost your serotonin in Copenhagen: 1) Get cultured In 2006, the National Museum and the Statens Museum of Kunst became free to the public. And, every Wednesday, a number of other major museums and galleries open their doors without a charge. We suggest the Tøjhusmuseet, where the relics of the Royal Danish Arsenal are housed, and the Hirschsprungske and Ordrupgaard Collections, two museums ... More About: Free 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
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