Archive for May, 2012

Cirrus has landed for the last time. Photo: Curimedia
Cirrus has landed for the last time. Photo: Curimedia

European Airline Update: Some carriers grounded, others launch new routes

The high season for airline bankruptcies in Europe tends to be the fall, but 2012 is sending spring shivers through the industry with a number of carriers having stopped operations in recent weeks. When German regional carrier Cirrus Airlines filed for insolvency earlier this year OLT Express looked set to take over Cirrus. But that » Read more

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Posted in Airlines, Airports, hidden europe, Practical Info
First time in Paris? 8 activities not to miss

First time in Paris? 8 activities not to miss

By Theadora Brack in Paris— Rumor has it you’re planning a trip to Paris! So bless your soul and grab my hand. I have a few recommendations for a dreamy Parisian bucket list, big or tall. Here is where I find my inspiration! 1. Book it! While kicking down the cobblestones, why not pick up » Read more

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Posted in France, Paris, Trip Planning
Barcelona: 5 things that are always free

Barcelona: 5 things that are always free

By Regina W Bryan in Barcelona— I wish this list was easier to compile, but Barcelona is not the “land of the free.” In fact, many locals believe that we pay more here for just about everything than they do in other parts of Spain. Road-trip? You’ll pay loads in tolls in Catalonia. Bread and » Read more

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Posted in Barcelona Practical Info
To Visit or Stay Away: The Greece Question

To Visit or Stay Away: The Greece Question

Tourism in Greece hasn’t fared at all badly this past year or two. Indeed, in 2011 visitor numbers were very buoyant as travelers who might otherwise have taken vacations in Egypt or Tunisia opted instead for Greece. Greece was a key beneficiary of the Arab Spring. Germany shuns Greece Yet over the past year, Greek » Read more

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Posted in beach, Greece, hidden europe, politics, Travel Smarts
Berlin: Mauerpark Sunday Karaoke fights to keep on singing

Berlin: Mauerpark Sunday Karaoke fights to keep on singing

Sunday Karaoke in Berlin’s Mauerpark has become somewhat of a weekend institution. Major newspapers worldwide have written articles about the “Bearpit Karaoke” phenomenon. Tourists have given it their TripAdvisor seal of approval. YouTube explodes with Bearpit Karaoke videos. Even Flickr groups have been created, all dedicated to spreading the word, sound, and image of something » Read more

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Posted in Berlin, Events, Germany, Parks
Paris Bathroom Undercover: Free relief in the city’s ritziest hotels

Paris Bathroom Undercover: Free relief in the city’s ritziest hotels

By Bryan Pirolli in Paris— When walking the streets of Paris, every experience seems special, from buying that perfect baguette to spotting your new favorite article of clothing in a store window. So why should something as necessary as going to the bathroom be any different? If you can drink a glass of wine in » Read more

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Posted in France, Hotels, Paris, Trip Planning
Bier Bitte! Three favorite biergartens in Berlin

Bier Bitte! Three favorite biergartens in Berlin

By Molly Hannon in Berlin— Although Germany’s southern region of Bavaria tends to rule the roost when it comes to beer, Berlin manages to deliver some good pours. With summer on the horizon, a biergarten visit is a necessity. Here is a list of three of our favorites from Berlin’s eclectic cast of biergartens—both on » Read more

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Posted in Bars, Berlin, Drinks, Germany
Win a trip to Germany, courtesy of airberlin, A&O Hostels and EuroCheapo!

Win a trip to Germany, courtesy of airberlin, A&O Hostels and EuroCheapo!

The summer travel season is heating up, Cheapos, and what better way to celebrate than by winning a free trip to Germany? EuroCheapo has teamed up with airberlin and A&O Hostels to offer one very lucky Cheapo a freebie trip for two from New York City to Germany. Trip Details The grand prize winner will » Read more

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Posted in Air Berlin, Airlines, Berlin, Contest, Germany
Exile in Paradise: Americans in Florence

Exile in Paradise: Americans in Florence

A dense web of connections links America with Florence. Some argue it massively invigorates the Tuscan city, while others aver that Florentine life has been distorted by the American impact on the city. What view you take on the American influence on Florence, there is no doubt that the Italian city (as seen through American eyes) » Read more

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Posted in Exhibitions, Florence, hidden europe, Italy, United States
Bad news for BERlin: Airport Edition

Bad news for BERlin: Airport Edition

While meeting an arriving friend at Berlin’s Tegel Airport last week, we both heaved an internal sigh over what would be our last trip to that airport. Tegel’s no more special than any other airport really (although its design *is* unique, if entirely impracticable in the current airport security climate), unless you count all the » Read more

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Posted in Air Berlin, Airlines, Airports, Berlin, Germany