When people think of Venice, the first three things that usually come to mind are water, gondolas and crowds! Venice is an year ’round-city, with tourists filling the streets 365 days a year (and particularly during the summer). An obvious way to skip the crowds is to visit Venice during the winter, when rain and » Read more

This travel lark takes quite a bit of courage. Heavens, just browsing through the new edition of the Rough Guide to Paris, we see the text kicks off with Notre Dame (and a handful of other sights stranded on the Île de la Cité in the middle of the River Seine), and then dives straight » Read more

Heading to Rome but don’t know anybody in town? We recently found out about a cool organization that connects you with locals and other travelers in the Eternal City. Active since 2008, Friends in Rome is a social group that caters to both Romans and tourists. Participants attend meet-ups to chat, have a drink, or » Read more

Hamburg, Germany’s great northern maritime city, deserves at least a weekend for exploration. From the moving World War II monuments to a bustling fish market, here’s a rundown on how to spend a cheap but worthwhile weekend in Hamburg. Friday AM: Boats and beaches of the Elbe River Cheap boat rides can be found along the Elbe River » Read more

For a lot of us, the appeal of Amsterdam lies in its diversity—be it food, culture, or the shopping experience. Tucked away from all major shopping spots, you are likely to find smaller, Dutch-specific stores that offer an interesting gift-hunting experience. Try these shops for a unique souvenir from the Netherlands: For Books: De Slegte » Read more

Visitors to Barcelona (especially those who stop by the tourist office) will no doubt learn about the Barcelona Card for museum and transportation discounts. A couple years ago, we were not sure if the Barcelona Card really packed enough bang for the buck. In fact, our conclusion was simple: the Barcelona Card? Not for us. » Read more

Downtown Marrakesh is bursting in flavor, from the colorful riad hotels to the lively and entertaining Djemaa el Fna. It’s easy to be overwhelmed, especially when it comes to dining. To help ease you into dinnertime, here are five things to remember when dining out in Marrakesh. 1. Wash your hands It’s a given for » Read more

Transportation is easy in Madrid, but if you aren’t aware of your options, you may end up losing money when you’re trying to save it. Here are some tips to help you get to where you’re going and still have money to spend once you get there! 10 bus or metro rides with the “billete » Read more

In the costly city of Helsinki, opportunities to cut costs are always welcome. While finding a budget-friendly bed is possible, some hefty expenses (museums, meals, and nights on the town) are unavoidable. If you’re planning a trip to the Finnish capital, chances are you’ll see the Helsinki Card advertised as a must-have for visitor discounts. » Read more