Posts by author Tom Meyers
Photograph courtesy of Newtonxl at Flickr
We’re big fans of the French TGV rail system. These sleek trains zip throughout the country, transporting passengers comfortably at speeds up to 200 mph. The trains are such a success that short flights between most cities in France don’t make sense — the TGV is faster, and much less of a hassle. Related: Sometimes First Class TGV is cheaper » Read more
Which European airport guarantees the worst experience? Which has the longest security lines, the craziest gate transfers, or the most disorganized baggage claim? We chuckled our way through Elisabeth Rosenthal’s piece in last Friday’s International Herald Tribune in which she gives results of her own unscientific poll. The results: 1) London Heathrow “Hands down the worst” cited by “100 percent » Read more
Photograph courtesy of Two-Zero's Diary
Throughout France today, 2008 was ushered in with a countrywide smoking ban in restaurants, cafes, and discos that smokers have been anticipating for months. In early 2007, a similar law banned smoking in public spaces and work places, but this is the biggie — no more smoking at the table, over an espresso, or on the dance floor. » Read more
It’s a sunny Friday here in NYC, but in France and Germany, commuter moods are clouded with continued rail strikes. Here’s the latest: France The rail strike entered its third day on Friday. The BBC reports a slight increase in the number of trains and metros running across the country, and a significant decrease in » Read more
(See bottom of post for summer 2011 update) We were pleased to see that Eric Rayman at the New York Times recently arrived in Paris and immediately hopped on a Vélib’ bike rental. In yesterday’s travel section, Rayman describes the joys of pedaling down the Boulevard St-Germain (and the terrors of biking through Place de » Read more
Yesterday’s New York Times travel section contained several pieces of particular interest, namely: A Cook’s Tour of Milan Mimi Sheraton’s front page feature examines Milan’s somewhat surprising culinary reputation. It ain’t just fashion and furniture, folks! (Caution: Contains mouth-watering photos of risotto, pears in wine, veal cotoletta, and more…) For Your Next Trip, Stock Up » Read more
Q: My wife and I are planning our daughter’s wedding in New York City this fall. We’ll have about fifty people traveling to the city for the occasion. Should I book 25 rooms myself or ask everyone to be in charge of their own reservation? – Steve K, Bellevue, Ohio A: Good question, Steve! Planning » Read more
photograph courtesy of audinou
Q. I’ve heard that it’s possible to rent an apartment in Paris for much less than you’d pay for a hotel. Is this true? Where can I find these apartments? Do you recommend this option? Thanks for your help. Joe H., Washington, DC. A. You’re on to something, Joe! Apartment rentals throughout Europe can be » Read more
photograph courtesy of LoopZilla
We asked you for your best London budget tips and you provided! Thanks! Our winning tip was provided by Dan F., who lives and works in London. “Everyone in London gets around with an ‘Oyster card.’ The cards don’t cost anything to use and they get you major discounts on all public transportation in London.” » Read more
photograph courtesy of MacAllenBrothers
Dear EuroCheapo, Is it possible to reserve a double room for three people? There are three of us traveling to Paris in the spring. We’re friends and could easily share a double. Do you think anyone would notice or care if we snuck our third friend in? — A.H., Columbia, MO Ah yes, the old » Read more
Question: In which EuroCheapo city is this fountain found? photograph courtesy of Tom Meyers Hint: It ain’t in Scandinavia. Gratuitous question: How happy is this crew?
photograph courtesy of Xavi_Calvo
A fellow Cheapo wrote us recently with this question: “I’ve heard about these cheap flights (like $10 to fly from London to Florence!) that you can get around Europe. Your site seems really enthusiastic about these airlines, but a friend told me that you can only book them from Europe and you have to be » Read more
Photo by Tom Meyers Mystery photo! In which city, listed on EuroCheapo, did we snap this photo? Answer. Hint: After snappin’, we did some snackin’ on reasonably-priced rotisserie chicken. De-lish. Another hint: Note the blue socks and Birkenstocks. This man fits right in. More examples.
This question from a EuroCheapo reader came across our desk yesterday: “Do you have any idea how I can get to Copenhagen from Madrid by train or bus? I’m looking for a cheaper alternative because flying will cost a lot more. “Is there a site I can look into? I’ve been searching online but I » Read more
Yesterday, France’s new smoking ban took affect, prohibiting smoking in all public places in the historically smoke-friendly country. Recognizing that the public might not be immediately inclined to follow the rules, the government has added some muscular penalties—anyone caught smoking in a public space will be fined €68. Failure to pay this fine within 45 » Read more
