Archive for September, 2011

In Barcelona's cafes, to tip or not to tip? Photo: Picrad
In Barcelona's cafes, to tip or not to tip? Photo: Picrad

Tipping in Barcelona: When to tip and how much

By Regina W Bryan in Barcelona— I just got back to Barcelona after spending two months in the United States and Canada. It’s normal to have a little culture shock when going in-between countries, and one of the aspects of life back in North America that always confuses upon return is tipping. In Barcelona, and » Read more

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Posted in Barcelona Practical Info
Dublin: Which neighborhood is right for your trip?

Dublin: Which neighborhood is right for your trip?

By Jessica Colley— Cheapos are faced with one difficult decision when stepping foot in a new city: which neighborhood to use as a home base? Often, affordable accommodation options aren’t in the best possible locations, leaving the choice of a few different neighborhoods. This is definitely the case in Dublin. The following neighborhood guide can » Read more

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Posted in Cheap Hotels, Dublin, Hotels, Ireland, Neighborhood, Trip Planning
Capital Connections: New links in high-speed rail networks

Capital Connections: New links in high-speed rail networks

Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries, editors of the book Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide for Independent Travellers, explain how new high-speed rail services are transforming the relations between capitals and the provinces in France, Sweden and Turkey. Turkish delight In the Turkish city of Konya, the acronym “YHK” has been much talked about this » Read more

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Posted in Day Trips, France, hidden europe, Paris, Practical Info, Stockholm, Sweden, Train, transportation, Trip Planning, Turkey
Proposing in Paris: 5 romantic spots for an inspired proposal

Proposing in Paris: 5 romantic spots for an inspired proposal

By Bryan Pirolli in Paris— Whether you’re a gay couple from New York celebrating your newfound right to wed or you’re simply inspired by the romantic aura of the City of Light, proposing in Paris never goes out of style. From the top of the Eiffel Tower to the padlocks of love lining the Pont » Read more

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Posted in France, Gay and Lesbian, Paris, Romance, Trip Planning
Florence: How to look like a local – Part 1: The Clothes

Florence: How to look like a local – Part 1: The Clothes

By Marc Justin in Florence— Let’s face it. Most of us look like Clydesdales trotting around Florence in our clunky running shoes and baggy Bermuda shorts while the locals prance down the sidewalk like fashionistas of cool. So what can we do about the not-fitting-in situation? Read on my friend, read on. Start with the » Read more

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Posted in Fashion, Florence, Italy, Local Customs, Practical Info
New York: Fall farmers’ markets outside Manhattan

New York: Fall farmers’ markets outside Manhattan

By Desiree Browne in New York— The summer tourists have gone home and most of the weird, simmering smells have dissipated. Why not fall in love with New York this autumn by shopping for seasonal fare at the city’s outdoor farmers’ markets, some of which offer free activities? Of course, you could head straight to » Read more

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Posted in Food, markets, New York, Outdoors, Shops, United States
Rome: What to do on rainy days in Rome

Rome: What to do on rainy days in Rome

By Nicole Arriaga in Rome— As the saying goes, when it rains it pours and the last place you want to be when traveling is stuck outside in the rain. When it’s raining like mad in Rome, you don’t want to be hanging out in the middle of the Roman forum, as there’s nowhere to » Read more

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Posted in Rome Sights
Germany: Steaming through the Harz Mountains

Germany: Steaming through the Harz Mountains

Compared to the Pyrenees and the Alps, the Harz Mountains are no more than a ripple in the flatlands of northern Germany. But they are a welcome relief to those who find little appeal in the two-dimensional landscapes that mainly prevail in this part of Europe. The Harz region is easily accessible from Hamburg or » Read more

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Posted in Budget Deals, Europe, Germany, hidden europe, Hikes, Practical Info, Train, walking
Moving to Barcelona: What you need to know

Moving to Barcelona: What you need to know

By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona— I came to Barcelona in 2005, and my goodness there was a lot I didn’t know! An ex-pat friend and I often joke that if we had known what it would take to establish ourselves in this sunny metropolis by the sea, we never would have come. Yes, it » Read more

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Posted in Barcelona Practical Info
Paris Fashion: Finding high-end designers at Cheapo prices

Paris Fashion: Finding high-end designers at Cheapo prices

By Theadora Brack in Paris— Calling all fashionistas and fashionistos! Last week were you caught madly zigzagging between utter love and frustration with Target by Missoni’s recent launch? Well, lean in because this Paris insider tip is for you. (Target by Missoni’s 1960s Italian film-inspired campaign featuring Margherita Missoni was pretty marvelous, I must say. » Read more

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Posted in Fashion, France, Paris, Shops