EuroCheapo's Travel Smarts Articles

Wander, Wonder and Whims: A different approach to travel

Wandering and wondering in Bari, Italy. Photo © hidden europe
Wandering and wondering in Bari, Italy. Photo © hidden europe

Aug 15 We have become great fans of less-planned journeys. Cast back a generation and travelers were much less worried about having every aspect of their itinerary planned out in advance. There was a happy spontaneity to travel. That’s changed. Nowadays, travelers view their vacations as investments that need to be properly planned and carefully managed. The » Read more

Posted in Europe, hidden europe, Local Customs, Travel Smarts, Trip Planning

Germany by Rail: The 2012 Deutschland Pass

Germany by Rail: The 2012 Deutschland Pass

Jun 06 Okay, let’s say you’ve made the decision to go for a rail pass. Of course there are times when a pass makes total sense. It may be that you really are making a lot of journeys, or perhaps you just want to relish the freedom to roam at will. Here’s how to get the most » Read more

Posted in Budget Deals, Europe, Germany, hidden europe, Practical Info, Spain, Train, transportation, Travel Smarts, Trip Planning

To Visit or Stay Away: The Greece Question

To Visit or Stay Away: The Greece Question

May 23 Tourism in Greece hasn’t fared at all badly this past year or two. Indeed, in 2011 visitor numbers were very buoyant as travelers who might otherwise have taken vacations in Egypt or Tunisia opted instead for Greece. Greece was a key beneficiary of the Arab Spring. Germany shuns Greece Yet over the past year, Greek » Read more

Posted in beach, Greece, hidden europe, politics, Travel Smarts

“Like” Travel Deals? How Facebook makes it easy to save

“Like” Travel Deals? How Facebook makes it easy to save

Apr 23 Social networks have revitalized customer/corporate contact across the travel industry — angry passengers receive immediate responses to their hasty tweets; travelers stuck on a train can expect answers within minutes to a Facebook post questioning the reason for their delay. Due to the far reach of the negative word on the web and the success » Read more

Posted in Air Berlin, Airlines, Budget Air Travel, Media, Practical Info, technology, Train, transportation, Travel Smarts, Trip Planning

Berlin: 5 popular sights that can be tourist traps

Berlin: 5 popular sights that can be tourist traps

Apr 03 By Molly Hannon in Berlin— “A tourist trap is an establishment, or group of establishments, that has been created with the aim of attracting tourists and their money.” Wikipedia’s definition nails it on the head. Indeed, tourist traps aim to attract tourists—or to be exact, their wallets. Although Berlin is renowned for its diversity, creativity, and rich » Read more

Posted in Berlin, Germany, Travel Smarts, Trip Planning

Having a Bâle in Basel? Know your exonyms!

Having a Bâle in Basel? Know your exonyms!

Mar 07 There comes the moment on the train journey from Paris to Cologne when Aix-la-Chapelle morphs into Aachen, just as when one makes the journey in the reverse direction Lüttich suddenly becomes Liège. Many European cities have multiple identities and it’s always good to know in advance the various possible renderings of your destination station (and » Read more

Posted in Europe, France, hidden europe, Practical Info, Train, Travel Smarts

iPhone in Europe: Comparison of AT&T and Verizon plans

iPhone in Europe: Comparison of AT&T and Verizon plans

Feb 27 Note: This article is part of a series on Using an American iPhone in Europe… without Going Broke. If you’re trying to decide between AT&T and Verizon as a carrier, consider the differences in their rate plans for using American iPhones in Europe. Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences: AT&T v. Verizon: An iPhone » Read more

Posted in Media, Practical Info, technology, Travel Smarts, Trip Planning

iPhone in Europe: How to set up your phone to avoid a billing “surprise”

iPhone in Europe: How to set up your phone to avoid a billing “surprise”

Note: This article is part of a series on Using an American iPhone in Europe… without Going Broke. So, say you go with the $30 data package. What exactly does that mean? How many emails can you send and receive with 1200 MB of “data transfer”? How many web pages can you browse? Which applications » Read more

Posted in Media, Practical Info, technology, Travel Smarts, Trip Planning

iPhone in Europe: Information for Verizon customers

iPhone in Europe: Information for Verizon customers

Note: This article is part of a series on Using an American iPhone in Europe… without Going Broke. Since 2011, Verizon has offered the iPhone to its customers. Verizon’s international rates are comparable to AT&T’s, but Verizon’s data plans are a bit pricier. Making international phone calls on Verizon’s iPhone 4S For the international traveler, » Read more

Posted in Media, Practical Info, technology, Travel Smarts, Trip Planning

iPhone in Europe: Information for AT&T customers

iPhone in Europe: Information for AT&T customers

Note: This article is part of a series on Using an American iPhone in Europe… without Going Broke. AT&T offers a number of international phone and data packages for Americans taking their phones abroad. The day before take-off, I called and spoke to a customer service representative about my options. Two weeks later I’m still » Read more

Posted in Media, Practical Info, technology, Travel Smarts, Trip Planning