Matthew Kepnes, known to his thousands of daily blog readers and social media followers as “Nomadic Matt,” has spent nearly 10 years traveling the world on a budget and sharing his adventures along the way. An updated version of his 2013 book, “How to Travel the World on $50 a Day”, was released this past » Read more
Photo: Bilbao is just one of the reasons to go to Spain this year. stanjourdan
Do you really need more than one reason to visit Spain? Its beaches, an incredible culinary scene, friendly citizens, and a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage Sites have long enticed travelers from all around the globe. Made up of islands, rugged mountains, bustling metropolises, and quiet hill villages, there is a little something for everyone within » Read more
You here it all the time from American travelers: “I’d love to visit London, but it’s just too expensive right now.” True, the British pound is still strong (especially compared to the plummeting euro), and the high prices on everything from eating out to taxis can add up fast. If dining at every Gordon Ramsay restaurant » Read more
That ticket to the Louvre just got cheaper for American tourists. Photo: Ian K.
Americans traveling to Europe this year will finally have a little relief at the register, or at least a smile on their faces when they examine their credit card statements once they get home. The euro has fallen significantly against the dollar in the past six months, tumbling down to US $1.17 for 1 euro » Read more
Tapas are a celebrated and essential part of eating in Spain, and Barcelona is no exception. These snack-sized foods can be eaten hot or cold and can range from a serving of Serrano ham to a dish of codfish croquettes. They are usually eaten before the main meal accompanied by a glass of wine or » Read more
The Copenhagen Card includes entry to Tivoli Gardens. Photo: Stephen D. Strowes
Note: This article was updated on January 2, 2015 with new information, photos and links. Budget travelers get understandably nervous when visiting Copenhagen. As is the case with many other northern European capitals, prices for food, lodging and shopping can be stunningly steep. But Cheapos should not steer clear of this city of Danish design, » Read more
2015 will be a great year for visiting Paris. Photo:Yann Caradec
The New Year is almost upon us, and with it the attention of so many readers turns to travel in 2015. As is our holiday tradition, we’re ready with our list of why you should be excited about visiting Paris in 2015. (Funny how the list gets longer every year. We wonder what 75 reasons » Read more
Even with falling oil prices, flights to Europe from the US are still really expensive. It often seems like there’s no way around it. That’s where we come in. Our main expertise might be hotels, but we also know our way around low-cost airlines. This past fall I was able to nab a fantastic deal » Read more
The ice rink at Somerset House. Photo: Uri Baruchin
Thinking of heading to London this winter? Congratulations, you’ve picked a wonderful time to visit. Sure, it’ll be a little chilly but with average temperatures of around 37 to 50 degree Fahrenheit, it’s nothing a good coat, gloves and a few warm layers won’t cope with. For budget travelers, there’s also the advantage of securing » Read more
Where can you pick up a good ride in Amsterdam? Read on! Photo: Orse
To first timers in Amsterdam, it’s overwhelming to see a surplus of bicycles blanketing the city. Bicycles are leaning on everything, and transporting everyone, everywhere at all times of day and night. Questions that come to mind are: 1. Which one is the bike lane? 2. Why do all the bikes look so shabby? 3. » Read more
The London Pass can help you save. Photo: Protocol Snow
While many of London’s most interesting sights, such as the national museums, are completely free to visit, there are still those “must-see” places that come with a hefty price tag. Whether you’ve got your heart set on sailing over the city at the London Eye, delving into its gory depths at the London Dungeon, or » Read more
Don't worry, you won't have to lug your luggage in Venice. Photo: Emiliano
You may have heard the recent head-scratching news that rocked Venice’s tourism scene last week. According to reports that shot around the Web on Friday, the city was (allegedly) set to impose fines on tourist who dared to roll through the streets with suitcases that feature hard plastic wheels. According to news reports, this new » Read more
Editor’s Note: WOW Air ceased operations in March of 2019. Travel blogs have been abuzz in the last few weeks in the wake of Iceland-based WOW Air’s announcement that they will be offering summer 2015 transatlantic flights starting at $99. How is this possible? Is it really possible? There must be a catch, right? Before » Read more
There’s that famous phrase “tired of London, tired of life.” But it’s not that we get tired of London’s countless entertainments and diversions—it’s just that sometimes our wallet does. When that budget starts to bite, it’s worth remembering that the many things that London offers for free, can be every bit as inspiring as all » Read more
Twenty-five years ago on the night of November 9, 1989, Berlin witnessed the Fall of the Wall, an iconic moment for the whole world. This weekend the city was aglow with lights spread out along 15km of the wall’s former path. It was a spectacular sight to behold across Berlin, and the city held several events » Read more
The view from the most famous Barcelona landmark, Sagrada Familia. Photo: craiggyisland21
Compared to sprawling Madrid, Barcelona is compact and easy to cover on foot or by public transportation. Nevertheless, if you’re coming for a short trip to the city, staying in a central location and near a popular sight will save you a lot of money and time. There are several budget hotels to choose from » Read more
Rotterdam brilliantly mixes the old and the new across the city. Photo: Rudy and Peter
In terms of architecture and scale, Rotterdam feels almost surgically sewn together. This impression reflects the city’s experience of the twentieth century. Heavily bombed during the Second World War, Rotterdam is an architecturally new city, with boxy hypermodern buildings and expansive, well-designed public spaces. It is also a real port city, raw and enriched by » Read more
Flying above Gatwick Airport. Photo: Phillip Capper
Arriving at one of London’s five major airports often feels like it’s just the beginning of your journey. You still need to navigate your way through the city’s 1,572 square kilometers, while attempting not to waste time and money. But the time it takes to get from the airport to your hotel can increase massively » Read more
The Red Light District in Amsterdam. Photo: Jordi Alfonso
Amsterdam is often stereotyped in a sinful cliché of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. Family members always ask me, “So, you’re living in Amsterdam? How’s the pot (chuckle, chuckle)!?” Hardy, har, har. While the city undoubtedly has a “party” vibe around town, things have changed since the 1970s and ’80s. And most locals lead » Read more
It’s no secret that hotel rooms in New York are expensive, but there are deals to be had if you know where to look. And these deals are not limited to far-flung locations or flea-bag motels. In fact, even in the city’s most popular areas, you can find nice accommodations that won’t break the bank—and » Read more
The Chamberlain Clock in Birmingham. Photo: Elliot Brown
Birmingham, the UK’s second-biggest city in terms of population, is no London copy. The West Midlands city is full of classic Victorian buildings and bold contemporary architecture alike. Historically an important center of manufacturing and modern industry, Birmingham has more recently seen an extended refurbishment of canals and industrial areas and the creation of a » Read more
Asking or a "carafe d’eau" (carafe of water) comes in handy at cafes and restaurants. Photo: John Cohen
So you’re feeling like you’ve mastered the “bonjours” and “mercis”? Maybe it’s time to kick it up a notch. Sometimes in Paris, hand signals don’t always work when you are shopping or dining in a café. We know the feeling when you want to say, “No, stop, please, I didn’t want the €65 box of » Read more
My train pulled into Amsterdam on Sunday during a marathon. Well, I didn’t realize the Amsterdam Marathon was happening at first. I just realized that something was up with the trams. I had studied up on the city’s tram system in advance, and knew that to get from Centraal Station to my hotel, the cute-and-simple » Read more
Photo: newplasticmachine
A 24-hour tube service is something London has most certainly been missing. While taking the night bus is a cultural experience of sorts, it’s by no means the most direct route home, often involving hours spent hanging around bus stops in the freezing cold. On arrival of said bus, expect to pile in with a » Read more
From custard tarts and cherry liquor to old-world neighborhoods and historic architecture, the list of Lisbon’s charms is lengthy. Definitely near the top of that list are the many well-priced accommodations, which are a Cheapo’s dream come true. There are loads of brilliant and inexpensive options whether you are looking for an arty boutique or » Read more



































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