Slovak koruna. Photo: Uzyel
On January 1, 2009, Slovakia switched its circulating currency from the koruna to the euro, making it the 16th European Union member state to join the “euro zone”. The country was granted permission by the European Union to make the switch during the summer of 2008, when the exchange rate was pinned at 30.126 koruny to the euro. » Read more
Find high-end undergarments for cheapo prices at Sympa in Paris.
I see London, I see France… I see Cheapo underpants! I’m still giddy with excitement. You see, I’ve just discovered Paris’ route de la soie (“Silk Road”). It’s a road through the less-traveled bargain clothing stores of Montmartre. Follow my lead and you, too, can find high-end clothing at bargain-bin prices. The Panty Raid low-down Our search takes place at » Read more
Friends hanging out at La Vineria, in Rome.
Rome—It’s Friday night and you’re in the mood to grab a few drinks at a cool spot with some friends. Where can you find the right “vibe” without putting a dent in your wallet? Where can you sample delicious local wines? Step this way… Campo de’ Fiori: La Vineria A delightful watering hole overlooking the » Read more
Recently Twitter, the micro-blogging service and current “it” brand of the web, turned 3 years old. Yet, while most three-year olds we know spend their time observing others and imitating their parents, Twitter is busy trying to create a new communication platform (and vocabulary) for the web. Twitter for budget travelers? So what does this mean » Read more
Get free tours and learn the history of Athens through these podcasts. Photo: David Clay
Athens, city of architectural splendor and ancient history, proves to be a great subject for a variety of free podcasts. Covering everything from basic Greek to Athens-based rock bands, these five free treats can be easily added to your iPod or mp3 player in preparation for a trip to the birthplace of democracy! Athens in a flash » Read more
The beach in Terre-de-Haut.
The island of Terre-de-Haut in the tiny Les Saintes archipelago just south of Guadeloupe is a little slice of Francophone heaven in the midst of the Caribbean. But unlike St. Barts, another tiny French Caribbean isle, Terre-de-Haut isn’t so French that it doesn’t also feel as if it’s part of the region. Terre-de-Haut marries its » Read more
Minsk, Belarus. Photo: Nigel Swales
Last week Berlin hosted the ITB 2009. The ITB is a travel extravaganza, a huge trade fair devoted to extolling the merits of countries from Sarawak to Sardinia. Europe made a good showing of course, with almost every country of the continent there to present its case for a share of the tourist dollar. Almost every. » Read more
Terre-de-Haut, Guadeloupe, a part of the French Caribbean.
Three European countries have territories in the Caribbean today: France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. If one measures things in terms of citizenship rights, then all of these three countries’ Caribbean territories are part of Europe. If one measures them instead in terms of full territorial integration with their European “mother countries,” then only » Read more
McSorleys on 15 E. 7th St.
McSorley’s Old Ale House in New York’s East Village is hardly a hidden gem. Given its status as New York’s “oldest continuously operated saloon,” most guidebooks recommend a visit and the weekend lines tend to trail out the front door. And if you visit during peak hours you’ll have a hard time finding a spot to sit, » Read more
Fellow Cheapos, I’ve got a confession to make: I’m hooked on flea markets. I’ve hardly missed a weekend at the flea market in years. I rarely spend more than €20 a visit, but rest assured, I’ve slowly amassed a world-class collection of treasures (which some might call “kitsch”). Porte de Vanves Flea Market If you only » Read more
Looking for a delicious, super-cheap meal in central Rome? Local hot-spot Panificio Firenze, a tasty joint serving as grocery store (alimentari), bakery (panificio) and deli (salumi), has been delighting locals with fresh breads, meats, and cheeses since 1929. At lunch time it’s as busy and chaotic as the trading floor at the stock exchange. Made » Read more
The Troitskiy Most, the bridge spanning the Neva river.
I’ve been back from St. Petersburg for nearly six weeks, but I’m still combing through my photographs, trying to make sense of it all. It was a wintry thrill to visit this northern city in the colder darker months. It also, however, provided some stunning views of the city during the long, winter night. Today I » Read more
An internet cafe can help you stay in touch. Photo: Bill L
When I travel, I look for affordable ways to stay in touch with my friends and update my family back home. Thanks to the Internet, it’s much easier to stay in touch now than it was in the past, and the cost of doing so has plummeted. For those who are looking to save a » Read more
The author, Reinhardt Suarez, wandering through Speyer, Germany, birthplace of the pretzel.
How have I made the most of my limited budget abroad? It goes without saying, “Prepare, prepare, prepare!” Research and development Although down-to-the-minute planning can be limiting, doing some research on the best hotels and hostels, and the best modes of transportation, is the key to saving your money later. If you can do research » Read more
The view from Notre Dame. Photo by Liz Webber.
At some point while visiting Paris, you’ll probably want to take in a sweeping view of the city. Sure, going to the top of the Eiffel Tower is great, but there’s one flaw – you can’t actually see the Eiffel Tower, the most iconic feature of the Paris skyline. There are plenty of other places » Read more
Cheapos do love a nice ride. That’s why we first brought you news of Vienna‘s awesome Citybike program two years ago. At the time, our correspondent Ellen Farkas said, “When it comes to bicycles, the Viennese fully support two-wheeled transport without any fuss. They take their bikes as far as they can, come rain or » Read more
Tough times have left empty seats in Riga's restaurants. Photo: Stephen Downes.
I awoke this morning to hear a story on National Public Radio about the financial crisis affecting certain Eastern European countries, especially Latvia, Hungary, and the Ukraine. Edward Lucas, of The Economist magazine, pointed out that Latvia’s situation is pretty dire: a bank recently collapsed, the nation’s debt is swelling, and the country’s economy shrank by » Read more
Impressive smørrebrød in Copenhagen. Photo: Maria Eklind
Copenhagen has for years been a top-notch gourmet capital in Northern Europe with high priced, multi-Michelin starred restaurants rising up as fast as you can say, “The Little Mermaid.” But, the bills at these places can be staggering, often more than €150-200 for a meal. Cheapo-gourmets have no fear. Here are a few local secrets – and budget eats – to » Read more
Go Kim, go!
Today we’re kicking off the new month with an interview of Kim Mance, co-founder of the new social network for travel bloggers, TravelBlogExchange.com. We’re big fans of “TBEX,” signing up shortly following its launch earlier in the year, and have enjoyed watching it rapidly grow and thrive. For all of our Cheapo bloggers out there, » Read more
We’re rubbing the sleep from our eyes a little later than usual today, dear Cheapos. Thanks to all who attended our “Farewell Winter” party at the home office in New York City last night. The place was packed and the night roused on until late. Folks chattered of finding cheap airline tickets, what cool budget » Read more
Glass-making is hard work! Photo: Jack Seeds
In Venice, land of gondolas and Guggenheims (Peggy, that is), glass artisans have always thrived. In fact, the island directly north of the city center, Murano, is known as “Glass Island.” Since the 1200s, Venice’s major talents in the glass industry have set up shop here, first making one-of-a-kind pieces for royalty and today, offering » Read more
Flying Ryanair. Photo: Michell Zappa
We enjoy spending time researching Europe’s newest discount airlines and perpetuating our love / hate relationship with Ryanair. However, we often hear from fellow Cheapos “Hey, how do I find cheap flights from the U.S. to Europe?” and thought we’d put together a list of a few of our favorite ways to nab a cheap » Read more
The ornate Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood features fascinating details inside and out. Photo: Abhinav Jha
The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is one of the most famous sights in St. Petersburg, Russia. Although the Cathedral touts an old romantic style, it is, in fact quite young, constructed between 1883-1907. Officially named the “Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ,” the church was built as a memorial to the slain Tsar Alexander II of Russia, » Read more
A blue plaque celebrates Dickens in London. Photo by WallyG
Blue plate specials Since 1867, London has placed blue plaques on many of its most historic homes and buildings. Today, there are hundreds of little blue signs all over London. You can make full day trips just touring one neighborhood, like Bloomsbury, trying to locate all the plaques. According to English Heritage, which sustains the signs and decides which buildings » Read more
OK, Cheapos, does this modernist museum ring any bells? Have you been here? Be the first to guess its identity below! Make sure you give us the city and country, too. (Bonus points for the name of the church in the background.) Hint: While the museum is dedicated to a rather somber subject, you’ll ultimately leave the » Read more
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