EuroCheapo's Money Matters Articles

Traveling with an InterRail pass
Waiting for a train. Photo by One from RM.

Eurail and InterRail: Extra charges for rail pass holders

Breezing through a Paris train station this month, we realized how easy European rail travel has become. We sit at home, plan and pay for trips online, and even print out our own train tickets. How times have changed. A few years ago, we envied rail pass holders for the freedom that came with being » Read more

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Posted in Amsterdam, Belgium, Europe, Finland, Germany, Greece, hidden europe, Italy, Money Matters, Practical Info, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, tips, Train, transportation, Travel Smarts, Trip Planning, United Kingdom
Travel Tips: 10 ways to travel Europe for under $1000

Travel Tips: 10 ways to travel Europe for under $1000

Don’t let the fear of expenses get in the way of a trip across the pond. When done right, touring Europe can be cheaper than traveling through North America. If I can manage a four-month jaunt for under $1500, you can manage a two-month trip for $1000 or less. Here are 10 ways to make » Read more

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Posted in Alternative Accommodations, Budget Air Travel, Cheap Souvenirs, Europe, Money Matters, tips, Travel Smarts
Rome Contest: Share your best budget meal

Rome Contest: Share your best budget meal

Italian food and the Eternal City—what could be wrong? Um, costly dinners, for one thing. Rome is no stranger to overpriced restaurants catering to tourists. But this doesn’t mean you have to shell out for tasty Italian fare. A first step toward finding a cheap meal is heading beyond the historic center. The closer to » Read more

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Posted in Food, Italy, Money Matters, Rome, tips, Travel Smarts
French Train Sale: Cheap train tickets from Paris this summer (reserve before June 30)

French Train Sale: Cheap train tickets from Paris this summer (reserve before June 30)

June 4, 2010: Flash— Taking the train between Paris and Amsterdam, Brussels, or Cologne this summer? If you act quickly, you could book a seat on a high-speed train for as little as €25. The French National Railway, SNCF, announced today discounted train tickets on the Thalys line from Paris to a select number of cities for travel » Read more

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Posted in Amsterdam, Belgium, Money Matters, Netherlands, Paris, Train, transportation
ATM, Debit, and Credit Card Fees for Americans in Europe: Know before you go!

ATM, Debit, and Credit Card Fees for Americans in Europe: Know before you go!

May 27, 2010. Like a good Cheapo, you’re planning to avoid currency exchange counters and head for the ATM upon arrival in Europe. But if you’re American, we have a couple of questions for you. How much does your American bank charge to withdraw money from a foreign ATM? Do they take a percentage? What’s » Read more

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Posted in Money Matters, Practical Info, Travel Smarts, Trip Planning
6 Ways Americans heading to Europe can benefit now from a stronger dollar

6 Ways Americans heading to Europe can benefit now from a stronger dollar

May 19, 2010. Europe’s recent financial troubles, propelled by the debt crisis in Greece and other countries, have given European markets the jitters in the past few weeks. As a result, many investors have turned away from the euro, causing its value to plummet against the US dollar. As of today, the US dollar is » Read more

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Posted in Ask the Cheapos, easyjet, Money Matters, Practical Info, Travel Smarts, Trip Planning
Venice: Five free things to do

Venice: Five free things to do

While there are plenty of cities in Europe with many free museums and attractions to visit, Venice is sadly not one of them. The city’s economy is based on tourism, hence you’ll find that almost everything comes with a price tag attached. Though Venice may seem to be a less than ideal location for the » Read more

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Posted in Art, Free Stuff, Italy, Local Customs, Local Objects, Money Matters, tips, Venice
Stockholm: When (and when not) to tip in Sweden

Stockholm: When (and when not) to tip in Sweden

Traveling from the US to Europe, it’s easy to fall into the same tipping habits you use back home, like handing over 20 percent without even really thinking about it. The tipping culture throughout Europe varies quite a bit, and Sweden is no different. However, knowing how the tipping culture works can save you some money » Read more

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Posted in Local Customs, Money Matters, Practical Info, Stockholm, Sweden, tips, Travel Smarts
Stockholm Airport Transportation: Cheap ways to get in from Arlanda

Stockholm Airport Transportation: Cheap ways to get in from Arlanda

I have spent too much time wandering around airports trying to figure out the cheapest way to get into my latest European destination. It’s frustrating and really no way to start a trip after having been crammed on an airplane for several hours. Some airports are easier than others, though, and offer a few different » Read more

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Posted in Airports, Alternative Transportation, Bus, City Transportation, Money Matters, Practical Info, Stockholm, Sweden, tips, Travel Smarts, Trip Planning
How to rent a villa in Tuscany. Is it right for you?

How to rent a villa in Tuscany. Is it right for you?

A few years ago my wife and I pulled a daredevil stunt: We rented a 1,100 year old villa in Tuscany and invited both sides of our families to join us for a week-long vacation. Now, before you ask “what were you thinking?” or say “that doesn’t sound particularly Cheapo, Pete,” let me explain further. » Read more

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Posted in Alternative Accommodations, Florence, Italy, Money Matters, Other