Lately I’ve received quite a flurry of emails from friends seeking advice as they prepare to head from the US to Europe for the first time in several years. As it turns out, they’re not alone. According to several industry surveys, more Americans are planning to visit Europe in 2013 than in previous years. So » Read more

Yes, dear reader, we know that DotCom (or even .com) is big in your world, but canny European businesses — and individuals, too — know that small is beautiful. And you don’t have to go all the way to Tuvalu, the island territory in Polynesia, in order to pick up a head-turning e-mail address. Though » Read more

Last week, a (not so) funny thing happened on the way to work. When I went to renew my 30-day MetroCard, the usual $104 fare had gone up to $112, as part of the subway and bus fare increases that went into effect on March 3, 2013. Many “straphangers” are incensed about yet another fare » Read more

The Parisian Vélib’ program is still the standard for bike share programs worldwide (or at least we like to think). Fortunately for visitors, the service has become simpler than ever. Those without a puce, or microchip in their card, were once out of luck when trying to take a bike from a stand. But over » Read more

In today’s edition of our “Cheapo Questions” interview series, we’re talking to Andy Steves, founder of Weekend Student Adventures (WSA). Since 2010, WSA has hosted student-friendly weekend excursions all over Europe for travelers both young and young-at-heart. We had plenty to ask Andy about what makes Weekend Student Adventures special, as well as his own » Read more

When in Venice, it’s a Spritz. In Dijon, Kir’s the thing. And in Berlin? Ask for a “Weisse mit Schuss.” You probably won’t be surprised to discover that Berlin’s unique potent potable is 99% beer – a local brew called Berliner Weisse. So what’s the Schuss? It’s up to you. There are two options: raspberry » Read more

“Hey, come on,” said our neighbor as we sat in spring sunshine, exclaiming in mild delight at the timetable that had just been delivered by the Berlin postie. “Look,” he said, “it is just a train timetable.” One book: 140 years of travel history But the March 2013 issue of the “Thomas Cook European Rail » Read more

It’s easy to feel that your money is getting eaten away in London, but it is possible to have fun on a tenner. Here are my Top 10 Things to do in London on £10. 1. Ride the RV1 or number 11 bus From £1.40 For as little as £2.40 (or £1.40 with an Oyster » Read more

Public transportation strikes are extremely common in Rome (there was one just a fortnight ago). They usually get called with a couple of days notice and have the potential to disrupt even the most carefully laid travel plans. But you can avoid the headaches of “scioperi” (strikes) by keeping an eye out for upcoming strikes » Read more