Barcelona's holiday season takes some endurance. Photo:
Carquinyol
Regina W BryanDecember 15, 2011
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
hiddeneuropeDecember 14, 2011
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
Nina DerhamDecember 13, 2011
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
Desiree BrowneDecember 12, 2011
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
Theadora BrackDecember 12, 2011
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
Nicole ArriagaDecember 9, 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
Audrey SykesDecember 8, 2011
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
Bryan PirolliDecember 7, 2011
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
hiddeneuropeDecember 7, 2011
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
Posted in Belgium, Brussels, Europe, Food, France, hidden europe, Hotels, London, Paris, Restaurants, Train, United Kingdom
Jessica ColleyDecember 6, 2011
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