Archive for December, 2011

Christmas lights Barcelona
Barcelona's holiday season takes some endurance. Photo: Carquinyol

Barcelona: Tips for celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve

By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona— In Barcelona, and in fact all over Spain, the party seems to go on forever. While there are holidays, long vacations and festivals year-round in Spain, December is an especially merry month offering up nine days of “fiesta” instead of just the 25th and 31st/1st. So merry, it’s scary, » Read more

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Posted in Barcelona Sights
Brussels: From Christmas cribs to concrete

Brussels: From Christmas cribs to concrete

Brussels is a class above so many other European cities. While spots from Strasbourg to Stuttgart clutter their main squares with standard-issue Christmas markets, Brussels takes an altogether more sensible approach to Advent. Top-of-the-range stables The magnificent Grand Place, the showpiece piazza in the heart of the Belgian capital, hosts a dramatic seasonal centerpiece: a » Read more

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Posted in Belgium, Brussels, Entertainment, Europe, Exhibitions, hidden europe, Museums
London for Free: Performances, galleries, skating and tours

London for Free: Performances, galleries, skating and tours

By Nina Derham in London— Despite being a notoriously pricey city when you consider the cost of booze, transport and accommodation, London is surprisingly generous when it comes to dishing out free attractions and entertainment. To begin with, all the main museums and art galleries are free, meaning that visitors can spend days wandering between » Read more

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Posted in Art, Entertainment, Free Stuff, London, Sports, United Kingdom, walking
Free Wi-Fi in New York: Where to go online for free

Free Wi-Fi in New York: Where to go online for free

Most visitors to New York these days bring along a laptop or a smartphone, handy for checking emails, finding things to do, and calling home on Skype. The trouble is, using these devices can be pricey, considering what many hotels charge to use their Wi-Fi. But never fear, the Cheapos are here, with a list » Read more

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Posted in Media, New York, Practical Info, technology, United States
Paris: Favorite cafe, chocolate shop, and boulangerie “hangouts”

Paris: Favorite cafe, chocolate shop, and boulangerie “hangouts”

By Theadora Brack in Paris— ’Tis the season to be jolie, so I’ve decided to whip up a little something special for you, Cheapos. Here are a handful of my favorite hangouts in Paris. They’re all food-related and drool-worthy, but that’s no big surprise as I eat, love and pray daily for an abundance of » Read more

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Posted in Cafes, Food, France, Paris
Rome at Christmas: Holiday events in 2011

Rome at Christmas: Holiday events in 2011

By Nicole Arriaga in Rome— With Christmas fast approaching, Romans are getting into gear spreading the holiday cheer. While you won’t see any street-corner Santas in Rome, that doesn’t mean Mamma Roma is a Grinch. The city has a long list of festive holiday activities, and almost all are free! Here’s a quick overview of » Read more

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Posted in Rome Sights
Amsterdam’s best bars for beer

Amsterdam’s best bars for beer

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— In a city drenched with every conceivable vice, the one sin that pulls me in is good beer. I’m a sucker for a freshly-poured brew that’s flavorful, cold and tasty. And I don’t mean mainstream pilsners. If you like the satisfaction of enjoying a well-crafted beer at a good price, » Read more

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Posted in Amsterdam Eating and Drinking
Paris Gift Guide: Cheapo gift ideas for everyone on your list

Paris Gift Guide: Cheapo gift ideas for everyone on your list

By Bryan Pirolli in Paris— If you’re playing Santa from Paris this year, you might be hard-pressed to find any elves to help you with your list. With overpriced Christmas markets and no sales until January, shopping for friends and family can be a daunting – not to mention costly – task. So for each » Read more

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Posted in Cheap Souvenirs, France, holidays, Paris, Shops
St Pancras Station, London: A place to linger

St Pancras Station, London: A place to linger

London’s St Pancras station is the grandest terminus in a city that is full of wonderful railway stations. It is a place to linger. For 140 years, this spectacular station has been the jumping-off point for travelers bound for the East Midlands and Yorkshire. Wider horizons Four years ago this week, St Pancras found new » Read more

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Posted in Belgium, Brussels, Europe, Food, France, hidden europe, Hotels, London, Paris, Restaurants, Train, United Kingdom
Dublin: 5 Christmas traditions for budget travelers

Dublin: 5 Christmas traditions for budget travelers

By Jessica Colley— Don’t worry about the cold – Christmas is the perfect time of year to travel to Europe, as the holiday season brings out old traditions, favorite songs, outdoor markets, and a variety of strategies for warming up. Dublin is no exception. This compact, walkable city is ideal for budget travelers looking to » Read more

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Posted in Dublin, Entertainment, holidays, Ireland, markets