The train terminal at Charles de Gaulle airport. Photos by Tom Meyers
If you’re planning a trip to Europe this year and nervous about how to afford it, we have a few basic rules that, if followed, should help you save on the biggest items in your travel budget. Sure, everyday small charges like cafe cremes in Paris (€2-4) and vaporetto rides in Venice (€6.50) do add » Read more
A dance festival at The Scoop. Barney Moss
By Lara Kavanagh in London— Now that the worst of the winter weather seems to be finally easing off, lots of fun London activities are quite rightly taking themselves outdoors. Theater is one of London’s biggest selling points, and one of the city’s beloved spring and summer activities is to catch an Open Air Theatre » Read more
Who makes the best macaron in Paris? Read on! Photos: T. Brack
Who’s the top macaron in Paris? Two names I often hear during heated gastronomical debates in my circle are the historic old school favorite Ladurée, and the flashy newcomer Gérard Mulot. While both are certainly splurge-worthy, I’ve often wondered if one had a bit of an edge over the other. So this week I’ve taken » Read more
Head to an Amsterdam cafe-bar for a coffee and cookie. Photo: Joanne Goldby
On the surface Amsterdam’s café culture seems a little confusing and intimidating. If cafes serve beer and coffeeshops serve the “green goods,” where does one go for just a cup of joe? Here are some pointers. Ordering coffee? Ditch the details! If you’re craving a large mocha latte with 2% milk and sugar-free syrup, you » Read more
The main shopping street in Ohrid, Macedonia. Photos ©hidden europe
“Why would I choose Macedonia over nearby Greece or Albania, both of which are much easier to get to?” That was the challenge laid down by one reader when he commented on our blog post last week. So we accept the challenge. Why go to Macedonia? What’s in a name? Similar in size to Massachusetts » Read more
Buying fruit at Paris' Bastille market. Photo: Jeremy Nelson
By Bryan Pirolli in Paris— Whether you’re navigating the stalls of the outdoor organic market at Boulevard Raspail or elbowing your way through the international clientele at the market in Belleville, there are a few things to know before braving a marché in Paris. Each market is unique and offers a local and intimate peek » Read more
Monkeying around for free in Dublin's Natural History Museum. Photo: New Chemical History
Dublin might have a rainy reputation, but this city has many free museums where you can leisurely wait out a storm. Travelers might automatically be drawn to free art museums, but there are also fascinating literature and science exhibits, too. The center of Dublin is packed with free museums–the following three options are less than » Read more
Let the kids loose in Hamley's on Regent Street. Photo: Robinh00d
By Lara Kavanagh in London— There are many worthwhile child-friendly attractions in London, but when you’re on a budget some of the entry prices can be intimidating. To balance out costs during your visit, consider these four free activities, guaranteed to entertain the whole family. Exploring Hamleys 188-196 Regent Street London W1B 5BT Tel: 0871 » Read more
Cantal baguette at the Café de la Mairie. Photos by Theadora Brack
It’s (sigh) time for another confession. On my very first trip to Paris years ago, I ate practically nothing but baguette sandwiches, both night and day. Even then, see, I was already a Cheapo in spirit! And soon I was hooked. Still after all these years, my love for the classic French “sammiches” (as my » Read more
Lovers buying books, celebrating St. Jordi's Day. Photo: Tgrauros
No box of chocolate See’s, no tacky stuffed bear, no lovey-dovey cards from Hallmark. Nope. The Catalans have an entirely different way of celebrating love: with books and roses. Men give one red rose (instead of a dozen) to their sweetie on St. Jordi’s Day, Barcelona‘s most romantic day of the year. And women? They » Read more
The royal procession will end at Buckingham Palace. Photo: Edwin
Many Brits feel that foreigners often take more of an interest in the royal family than they do. However, Prince William’s wedding to Kate Middleton on April 29, 2011 has been a constant theme in the media since it was announced last November and the British public has been lapping it up. Even those who » Read more
The view from the top of St. Peter's dome. Walter Parenteau
By Nicole Arriaga in Rome— Even though Rome is fast becoming one of the most expensive cities in Europe, there are still plenty of memorable things to do that won’t put a big strain on your budget. Here are my top ten Roman activities that cost less than €10. 1. Galleria Borghese: €8.50 Piazzale del » Read more
The magnificent Insitut du Monde Arabe.
Photo: Godjo
Recent events in the Maghreb may have cut your trip to Egypt or Tunisia short, but fret not. Here in Paris a flourishing North African population shares its culture in plenty of delicious and delightful ways. North African nations of the once-mighty French empire, including present-day Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, still maintain important links with » Read more
Dublin's Canal Bank Cafe. Photo: Canal Bank Cafe
You don’t have to order the (sort of scary?) black pudding or the full Irish breakfast to enjoy a meal that will banish your Guinness-induced headache on a Sunday morning in Dublin. While there are still plenty of places in town to find your traditional “fry” (as an Irish breakfast is often called), there are » Read more
Inside Another Country Bookshop. Photo: Ptwo
In a bustling, art and club-filled city like Berlin, there are always reasons to go out at night. Sometimes, however, you just want to curl up with a book. Here are four places I frequent to pick up English books, new and used. 1. Another Country (Bookshop) Riemannstraße 7, Kreuzberg Tel: (030) 6940 1160 Web » Read more
Turning heads on the Beerbike. Michiel020
The preferred way to travel in Amsterdam is undoubtedly by bicycle, and bike tour possibilities abound. Know your options, however, before settling for just any old group cycle through the city. From beach cruises to picnic pedaling, here are my “top five” alternative bike tours that are offered in and around Amsterdam. Culinary bike tour » Read more
Brig, Switzerland. Photo: Fredrik Rubensson
Brig is one of those places through which every European traveler passes eventually. Strategically placed in Switzerland’s Valais region, this major transport hub lies at the northern end of the Simplon tunnel. It is served by major international express trains such as the services from Geneva and Basel to Milan and Venice. And Brig is » Read more
On the set of the Daily Show in New York. Photo: Lee Gillen
You visit with them regularly, perhaps even nightly. They entertain you, keep you company on your travels, sometimes lull you to sleep. These are the magic, ubiquitous folks we call the personalities of late night, of course, and you can visit many of them in person in (where else?) New York. It would figure that » Read more
Wendy taking a break in Saint-Germain des Prés. All photos by Theadora Brack
Recently my sister Wendy flew to Paris for a short jaunt, so I spun a special day tour, tailor-made to suit my very stylish and au courant sibling. With a little pre-planning, we were able to visit two fashion-related exhibitions, three historical monuments, four grand magasins, along with five prime (and oh-so-affordable) shopping districts. And » Read more
Enjoy the blooms on a walk through the city. Photo: Paulius Malinovskis
Alright, so the spring season doesn’t officially start until March 20, but here in Prague the birds are singing and the temperatures have warmed up enough that I can finally wear a lighter coat. I can’t promise that we’ve seen the last gusts of winter, but for now (and later), here are some great ways » Read more
The Travelodge Covent Garden. Photo ©hidden europe
Cast back 20 years and most Brits who pounded the country’s freeways knew exactly what a Travelodge was. They were the functional hotels strategically placed at major highway intersections across the country. Good for a one-night stop to break a long drive, but hardly the sort of spot you would choose for a cozy weekend » Read more
Know how to spot the best Tuscan wines. Photo: Jason Parrish
Tuscany is world-famous for its wine, so it make sense that every restaurant, bar, cafe, bottega, supermarket and even hotel in Florence is trying to sell you a couple of bottles. But how do you know the good stuff from the vinegar? Here are a few tips for navigating the dangerous (and delicious) waters of » Read more
Visit Monet's water lilies in the village of Giverny. Photo: Elliot Brown
As Paris begins to blossom, spring fever starts to hit and even the most ardent lovers of Paris may feel the itch to get away for a day and stretch their legs in the countryside. Many visitors will head to the grandiose Chateau de Versailles or even the nearby Chateau de Vincennes just to the » Read more
Bikes wait for riders in Dublin's city center. Photo: Informatique
In 2009, the streetscape in Dublin changed for good. Almost overnight, the bicycle lanes were filled with splashes of bright blue – the Dublin Bikes (or simply “db”) bike-share program had launched. A development like this in a city as small as Dublin caused quite a stir. Suddenly, you could be almost anywhere in the » Read more
St. Peter's Line, now with service to Tallinn and Stockholm. Photo: Mifl68
Europe’s ferry schedules are famously fluid, and it’s often devilishly hard to keep pace with new route developments. Here is our choice of a quartet of interesting ferry options for spring and summer 2011. 1. St. Peter Line to Russia The news last week that over 60 ships were trapped in thick ice in the » Read more
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