Here’s a simple and essential car rental tip that will save a lot of time, money and hassle: When renting a car in Europe, make sure you know if it requires diesel or unleaded gas. Why, you ask? Allow us to demonstrate photographically what happened on a recent journey when we overlooked this critical step. » Read more

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

We love London. We love to stroll through Borough Market; we love to browse through antique doodads on Portobello Road; we love the many gardens and plentiful greenery; and we certainly love a good Sunday roast. But if there’s one thing about London we wouldn’t mind changing, it’s the cost. Alas, the city that brought » Read more

By Samantha Collins in Rome– Whether you are seeking designer dresses or cheap chic, Rome has some of the best places to shop in Italy. The names of Italy’s finest designers sit alongside independent boutiques and market stalls as shopping in Rome caters to every budget. Here is my “Top Five” guide to the best places » Read more

There is something about Caravaggio that fascinates people. Even those who would normally prefer to cross a street of hot coals than spend time looking at paintings seem happy to make an exception for this rebel of Counter-Renaissance Art. To celebrate Rome’s Caravaggio exhibition that has just opened at the Villa Borghese (and runs through January » Read more

We were pleased when a copy of Bed in a Tree, published by Eyewitness Travel, came across our desk the other day. Flipping through, we couldn’t decide which magnificently unusual hotel we liked best. The book, written by Bettina Kowalewski, surveys 27 of the world’s most unique accommodations, from giant wine barrel guestrooms in Germany’s Rhine » Read more

Every September, Amsterdam celebrates its cultural heritage with gusto. Usually set on the second weekend of the month, Open Heritage Day is a two-day event offering various attractions and a glimpse of Dutch heritage for free! This year’s celebration, set for September 12-13, 2009, will open about 4,000 attractions all over the Netherlands. Here are some highlights from » Read more

The annual US Open tennis tournament is one of our favorite sporting events in New York City. We love the nighttime lights. We love the rowdy crowds. We love the celebrity sightings. Heck, we even love taking the 7 train to Queens! But most of all, we love watching it all from courtside seats that » Read more

It’s so dang hot outside today that we’re having trouble concentrating.  Our office air conditioner is working over time, squirting water on customers entering the Crate & Barrel directly below, yet somehow the line at our favorite burrito cart shows no sign of letting up. Follow Friday To help treat this heat-induced A.D.D., we’ve turned » Read more