Archive for May, 2010

The Gellert Baths in Budapest. Photo by Joe Mabel.

Budapest: Five of the best thermal baths in town

For over a thousand years, kings and queens from every part of Europe and Asia have enjoyed—and fought for—Budapest’s natural hot springs. Seemingly every other conqueror of the city made his mark by building a bath (or “fürdo” in Hungarian) to call his own. Each day, more than 350,000 cubic meters of hot water gushes » Read more

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Posted in Budapest, Entertainment, fun, Health, Hungary, Local Customs, Local Objects
Mayday Reflections: In Berlin and beyond

Mayday Reflections: In Berlin and beyond

  May 1, the day when comrades used to march in solidarity in Europe’s streets, has come and gone. And in many European cities this past weekend, visitors were possibly surprised to find just how seriously local folk still take their demonstrations. From Paris to Athens, from Moscow to Milan, the streets were thronged with » Read more

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Posted in Berlin, Europe, Events, Festivals, Germany, hidden europe, holidays, Local Customs, Local Objects, politics
Barcelona: Secondhand shopping secrets in Barcelona

Barcelona: Secondhand shopping secrets in Barcelona

I have lived in Spain for over four years now, though I’m originally from Portland, Oregon. In my native city, secondhand and vintage clothing boutiques are as common as rainy days. When I lived in Portland, it was all the rage to shop secondhand. From frocks to socks to records and costume jewelry, purchases were almost » Read more

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Posted in Barcelona Sights
Allegiant Airlines: Is there a market for a European Allegiant?

Allegiant Airlines: Is there a market for a European Allegiant?

  Allegiant Airlines is one of North American aviation’s most underreported success stories. The airline flies to a select number of popular vacation hubs from several relatively remote and seriously underserved destinations across the United States. Allegiant’s model is genius. It is the only vacation destination player at most of its traffic-starved airports. For residents » Read more

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Posted in Airlines, Airports, Alternative Transportation, Budget Air Travel, Destinations, transportation
Travel Planning: Five tips for finding a cheap hotel during summer

Travel Planning: Five tips for finding a cheap hotel during summer

We’ve all been there. Your flight is booked, your itinerary is nearly finalized and now all you need to do is book your hotel rooms and your travel plans will be complete. But there’s just one small problem: It’s the summer. And you’re planning on going to, say, Paris, and are freaked out that all » Read more

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Posted in Alternative Accommodations, Belgium, Bruges, Brussels, Cheap Hotels, Florence, Italy, Milan, Paris, Practical Info, summer, tips, Travel Smarts, Trip Planning, Vienna