A lot of folk in Scotland sleep in on New Year’s Day. The indulgences of Hogmanay take their toll on body and soul alike. A long sleep and a cold shower are the only effective remedies. But, quite contrary to the rest of Scotland, Orcadians are often up bright and early on January 1. Kicking » Read more

By C.H. Kwak— With plenty of Eurocrats flaunting their nontaxable income, Brussels can be a tricky place for Cheapos. But eating and shopping in Brussels don’t have to cost an arm and a leg (although they can, if that’s what you’re into). Let me give you a few splurge options–and their budget alternatives. Chocolate It’s » Read more

By Theadora Brack in Paris— For the full-bodied love of the sparkling good life in Paris, don’t limit your vin blanc et vin rouge cravings and desires to the grocery store chains—it’s a misconception that specialty shops are always more expensive. In fact, they are more than happy to match any budget. So step away » Read more

By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona— Cheers! The holidays are here, and in Barcelona this means about six serious celebrations, beginning tonight, December 24. This is quickly followed by Christmas Day, Sant Esteve (December 26), New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and King’s Day (January 6), all of which are celebrated with the same gluttonous » Read more

By Laura Mongillo in Florence— Winter in Florence is an amazing time. Without the snow and ice of colder spots in Europe, Florence remains cool enough to still feel like winter. Florence fully embraces the holiday season and all the joys associated with it. The holiday lights, combined with smaller crowds, really brings out the » Read more

By Bryan Pirolli in Paris— Sometimes in my tiny apartment in Paris, I find a few euros that I hid away for a rainy day, which are numerous in this city. Discovering a ten euro bill, however, can offer me the chance to do something fun, different, or exciting. To finish up the year, here’s » Read more

The virtues of Britain’s second city, Birmingham, are often overlooked by the majority of Brits who see the city as a place to change trains rather than a spot to linger. Yet the Midlands city with a population nudging a million boasts some of Britain’s most striking modern architecture and cuts a dash in culture, » Read more

By Nicole Arriaga in Rome— For those of you with plans to ring in the New Year in Rome, the problem is not finding something to do. Rather, the real dilemma lies in narrowing down your celebratory options. Fortunately for Cheapos, Capodanno (New Year’s Eve) is one time when the city’s squares come alive with » Read more

By C.H. Kwak in Berlin— Once synonymous with juvenile delinquency, the immigrant and working-class district of Neukölln has become the hottest neighborhood in Berlin. The past three years have seen especially the northern edge of Neukölln transform at a furious speed. A junk shop turns into a designer boutique overnight, a wholesaler into a tapas » Read more