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

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

By Bryan Pirolli in Paris— It’s a longstanding and debatable stereotype that Parisians are rude. Many visitors to Paris who try to speak French, order a salad without pork, or try to ask for directions often have the impression that the local they address are anything but kind and welcoming. It may be cultural misunderstanding, » Read more

By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona— I’ve lived all over Barcelona, from the upper Eixample by the Sagrada Familia, to the ancient heart of the city in the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter). I now live near the sea, which suits me best. Which barri is right for your trip or move to Barcelona? That depends » Read more

By Theadora Brack in Paris— Got 24 hours to spend in Paris? Grab the cameras and bucket lists, and let’s shoot the city like there’s no tomorrow. Here are six of my favorite iconic backdrops for photo ops, perfect for your social media portraits and status updates, too. There’s no sin in boasting. Besides, it’s » Read more

By Marc Justin in Florence— Instead of my usual banter about the best things to do in Florence, I’m going to try something different. No recommendations this time. At least, not the usual kind. Instead, here are some activities to avoid – expensive bad ideas, hence the crummiest things to do in my city. 1. » Read more

By Audrey Sykes in Amsterdam— Tipping abroad can be confusing, especially when you’re on a whirl-winded European trip that takes you into and out of different countries with different customs. Often travelers tip too much, or to little, and rarely the right amount at the right time. How much should you tip in Amsterdam? Learn » Read more

By Theadora Brack in Paris— Recently one of our Cheapo readers asked us for a few shopping tips. Emily plans to visit Paris with her teenage daughter in July, which is the parfait time because “Les soldes d’été 2011” (the big summer sales) kick off on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 and last through Tuesday, July » Read more

By Regina W. Bryan in Barcelona— Suddenly flip-flops, sunglasses, reddened skin and the smell of coconut suntan lotion are filling the air. This can only mean one thing in Barcelona: spring, and high-season, are here. As the summer approaches the city streets will swell a bit more each month with visitors, tourists, cruise-ship goers and » Read more