European river cruises can be affordable! Read on for ways to save while cruising around Europe.
I am sure that by now most European travelers have heard of the many virtues of river cruises. River cruising is a wonderful way to discover or rediscover small-town Europe, as well as numerous world-class capitals. While river cruising is generally not considered a budget vacation, with a little planning and a solid understanding of » Read more
A Vaporetto pulling into station. Photo: Tom Meyers
Transportation around Venice can be very expensive — and I’m not even talking about using water taxis, which have a pricing system (yikes!) of their own. I am talking about “public transportation,” which in Venice mostly means taking the vaporetti (water buses) up and down the Grand Canal. A single trip on a vaporetto costs €7.50 (valid for » Read more
Apella beach in Karpathos is stunning and it costs nothing to explore and relax there. Photo: KayMaria Daskarolis
Just like much of the rest of the world, Greece is recovering from a sobering economic recession followed by the crushing weight of a pandemic. Unlike much of the world, however, Greece has also become home to masses of refugees. So please, don’t negotiate with anyone on the islands this summer as a way to » Read more
Driving at sunset in Paris. Photo: Christian D from Pexels
Getting around Paris with the Metro is quite easy — and cheap too! However, for those times when you might want to take in the Parisian scenery above ground or just avoid the Metro stairs and crowds, then you might want to use a ridesharing app like Uber. We’ve taken rides with Uber around the » Read more
An unlocked phone and SIM card will allow you to check in with loved ones back home. Photo: Steven Lasry
So you’re headed to Europe for a much-needed vacation. You probably can’t wait to text or video chat your family members to tell them about your travels. And, of course, you’ll need to be snapping gorgeous photos of the main attractions to make everyone on social media jealous (or at least to capture the memories » Read more
Trying coq au vin at TU-Mensa. Photo: Stephan Luckow
We are unapologetically fond of German cafeteria food. When visiting the German capital, we always stop for a sampling of local cuisine at one of the state-run (and subsidized) Mensa cafeterias, where a nourishing lunch may be enjoyed for just a few euros. Although Mensa cafeterias are commonly found on campus at German universities and » Read more
Photo: Silvie Lindemann from Pexels
Felicidades! (That’s Spanish for “congrats”). It’s time to say hola to your dream vacation in Spain. But before you go, it’s important to consider how SIM Cards in Spain can save you money while you share your experiences with family and friends. You’ve booked your flights, reserved your accommodations, and built yourself an itinerary for your adventure » Read more
This NanoSIM card might be small, but its savings are huge. Photo: EuroCheapo
On a recent trip, I spent two weeks visiting Paris and traveling around Bordeaux and the Loire Valley. To stay connected with my American iPhone this time around, I decided to try out a new strategy and buy a SIM card in Europe. Rather than purchasing what was then a $70 “Passport” package from AT&T » Read more
Photo: Le Buzz on Unsplash
You’re about to go on that great trip to Germany you’ve been planning for a long time. You’ve got your tickets, the hotels are booked, you’ve packed your bags, and it’s time to go. But not so fast! Chances are, there are still a few details you’ve forgotten to consider — like choosing the right » Read more
Getting a rapid test on the streets of Paris for 25 euros. Results in 15 minutes. Photo by Tom Meyers
In the summer of 2021, France, along with most other European countries, reopened its borders to American visitors — with a few caveats about who can enter, who needs to quarantine, and what you’ll need to do in order to move about freely. I spent most of August 2021 traveling in France with my family, » Read more
Inside the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. Photo: Maria Firsova
Brussels is not cheap, but it does have some freebie gems which all Cheapos should take advantage of. While we have no secret tips for nabbing free steamed mussels and Belgian beer (alas!), we do have the skinny on the top free attractions in the city. (Don’t forget to check out our Brussels city guide » Read more
The bright lights of Times Square! Photo: Kevin P
Good news theater lovers! Broadway is slowly returning to the stage for the first time since it closed on March 12, 2020, due to COVID-19. This fall promises a number of shows to see including Hamilton, Chicago, and To Kill a Mockingbird. Before you get your tickets, just note that vaccinations and masks will be » Read more
Photo: French bee
As Europe starts to open up to Americans, there is good news coming out of France for budget travelers. French bee airline has launched a brand-new route from the East Coast. Flights started from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Paris Orly Airport (ORY) on July 15, 2021. And prices for this direct flight start » Read more
Fish and chips from Grandi Food Hall in the harbor. Photo: Craig Nelson
Eating out in Iceland is not usually a budget option, except for take-out foods like hot dogs, burgers, and fish & chips. For those of us who would like to eat well and affordably, here are some ways to save on food in Reykjavik. Note: This article is part of our budget travel guide to » Read more
Attention Cheapos! The New York Times reported last night that fully vaccinated American tourists will be permitted to travel to all 27 European Union member countries this summer, according to an interview conducted with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. Related: Tips for traveling to France during Covid-19 No official timeline has been announced, but one » Read more
Watch the seals and sea lions play … or nap. Photo: Paige Bennett
Do you love wildlife, the beach and free street parking? Then La Jolla Cove is the beach for you! Located in beautiful San Diego, California, La Jolla has a lot to offer budget travelers looking to save on a beach vacation. Best of all, the weather here is ideal year-round with temperatures almost always warm. » Read more
Fewer people = better views. Photo: Paige Bennett
Zuma beach in Malibu is one of my best-kept secrets, and I’m sharing it with you! Zuma is tucked into the coastline near Malibu. Many people head straight for Malibu, where you can expect crowds and astronomical parking fees — if you can even find a parking spot. But Zuma is quieter, more secluded. And » Read more
Redondo Beach is south of Santa Monica and not far from LAX. Photo: Paige Bennett
Redondo Beach is one of the cleaner beaches in the Los Angeles area. Santa Monica is one of the most popular beaches in the area with its action-packed pier, but don’t ignore this less-crowded beach that also has a pretty lively pier. Exploring more of the western U.S.? Here’s our guide to the best West » Read more
You’ll need to pay the Olympic National Park access fee to reach Rialto Beach. Photo: Olympic National Park
Nestled along the edge of Olympic National Park against a coastal forest, Rialto Beach is an awe-inspiring nature escape. You’ll see islands dotting the horizon as you walk among the misty, driftwood-covered shoreline. If you are ready to be truly stunned by the natural beauty of the U.S., read on for tips on what to » Read more
Watch the surfers at Manhattan Beach. Photo: Paige Bennett
Surf’s up at Manhattan Beach, California, where you’ll rarely see the waters without a swarm of swimmers and surfers. Located in Southwestern Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach is great for athletic types who love to move when they’re out in the sun. So run, don’t walk, to book a stay for the best rates! Other affordable » Read more
It’s called the "Best Coast" for a reason. Photo: Paige Bennett
The West Coast is the Best Coast, as they say, and after a few years of living here, I have to agree. While I love to escape to the desert and the mountains, both of which are abundant here, there’s something special about looking out to the ocean, feeling the gentle sea breeze, and squishing » Read more
A stylish room at Hotel Design Apart in Dusseldorf. Photo: Booking.com
Düsseldorf, Germany blends the fun of a big city (more than 600,000 residents) with the charms of a small town. Read all about the best things to see and do in our budget travel guide to Düsseldorf. And although Düsseldorf has an expensive reputation, there are quite a few affordable hotels for budget travelers. From » Read more
Browsing books in Greenlight Bookstore. Photo: annulla
It’s no secret that Brooklyn is well stocked with trendy shops and hipster eateries, but the borough also offers a wide array of fine independent bookstores. Here are three of my favorites, from DUMBO to Greenpoint: Related: Our 10 favorite independent bookstores in New York City WORD 126 Franklin Street Brooklyn, NY 11222 Hours: 11 » Read more
Which New York neighborhood is right for your trip? It depends... Photo: Unsplash
Neighborhoods matter in New York. When choosing a place to stay, don’t ignore neighborhood for the sake of price. It is a vastly different Manhattan from the Upper West Side to the East Village, so look to strike a balance between price and location. Be (somewhat) close to where you want to visit, and the » Read more
We're hoping to experience autumnal scenes like this in Hallstatt, Austria. Photo: Unsplash
Friends asked me throughout 2020, “When will you return to Europe?” My answer last March and April was, “Who the heck knows?” But now, as we’ve said goodbye to that ridiculously challenging year and hello to 2021, my answer has changed to, “hopefully Autumn.” Do I have a direct line to researchers developing a COVID-19 » Read more
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