Europe visiting best way

What's the better access to visiting Europe this summertime, if you can remain a month or much and seek to view rather a piece, but you wear't need to consume overly more money or remain at the lowest bottom-end hotels? That's the challenge an elderly pair newly posed. And although it's exceedingly comprehensive, I can offer some general counseling. If you now: cheap travel - it`s easy and very interesting

To begin, if your picture of an inexpensive European hotel is a drab six-floor walkup, you're 20 to 30 years behind the times. As in the United States, European budget accommodations are progressively at contemporary budget chains. The bottom-end chains are a piece plainer than any we have here, with really tiny rooms (around 100 angular feet) and maybe a tub across the hallway, but the next tier upward is often like Motel 6, Super 8, and new U. S. budget chains.

If you intend to remain as lengthy as four to six weeks, however, my hint is that you resolve downward for a week or much in a specific spot and make your sightseeing by day excursions quite than shift hotel.

* Settle down in a major city apartment and do your sightseeing by public transportation.

* Settle down in a countryside cottage and do your excursions in a rented car.

In your shoes, I'd do some of each—maybe a week or so in two cities and a week or so in two countryside areas.

Just about any major capital and commercial center would do for city-based stays. My first choice would be Paris, as it has lots to see and do and excellent local and regional public transportation. As an added plus, rental apartments for the summer are fairly plentiful in Paris because so many Parisians go away for a month or more. Also good: Either Milan or Rome for Italy; Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin, or Frankfurt for Germany; and just about any sizable city for Switzerland. I'd add London except for the low-cost constraint.

To keep costs a bit lower, you might consider some time in Eastern Europe—a city such as Budapest, Prague, or Warsaw—or the countryside. However you'll find fewer rental choices and you'll probably find it a bit harder to cope with shopping and the other details of daily rental life.

Whatever city you stay in, you'll be taking a lot of short day-trip excursions rather than a few long trips. I suggest you avoid rail passes and instead look to everyday senior deals for your train and transit requirements.

For a countryside stay, I'd say, pick out what you like. France, Italy, and Spain have a wider selection of rural rentals than other European countries, but you can find options just about everywhere. I'd stay away from Provence and Tuscany, because rentals there are so over-publicized that prices are high and availabilities are tight in the summer season. And in midsummer I'd also avoid seaside areas, since the locals grab up those rentals.

Whether for city or countryside, the Internet is full of sites that list European vacation rentals. Among the bigger are Vacation Rentals by Owner and HomeAway, both of which provide listings prepared by property owners and link you to those owners. If you prefer to deal with a U.S.-based agency that actually visits and evaluates its properties, start with At Home in France for France and Spain and Vacanza Bella for Italy. Those are just two of dozens, however, and you might want to do (or have your travel agent do) some more extensive searching. And if you live in a U.S. location Europeans might consider desirable, consider a home exchange through a site like HomeLink International.

International travel medical insurance uk

More than ten millions people in United Kingdom live without medical health insurance - more than the total number of first and second graders in U.S. public schools. However, in London, the number of people with health care coverage has grown significantly in the past decade since the inception of ALL people, UK goverment traveller's Health Insurance Program (GTIP).

Ten years ago, somebody enacted the Goverment people's Heath Insurance Program (GTIP) to provide coverage for people travelling in families earning too much for Medicaid, but not earning enough to afford private insurance. London was the first city in the nation to have an approved GTIP plan.

ALL travellers has provided comprehensive healthcare coverage to nearly 186,000 people, making a profound contribution toward reducing the number of uninsured people in the state. While the national people uninsured rate is currently 11.5 percent; London's rate has continually declined from 15 percent prior to ALL Peoples and is now 7.2 percent, well under the national average.

ALL Peoples is a low-cost, comprehensive healthcare coverage program for peoples under age 19. Benefits include well child check-ups and immunizations, sick child doctor visits, prescriptions, vision and dental care, hospitalization, mental health and substance abuse services, and many other services.

The ALL Peoples program, administered by the London Department of Public Health insurance, hosted a special birthday" celebration April 24 to mark a decade of providing healthcare coverage to peoples so that London's peoples may
enjoy years of healthy, happy birthdays.

Travel deals very available

With an active travelling season expected this summertime, it may be hard to discover a last-minute trade.



According to a new study from the Department of Transportation, fares on internal flights averaged $380 in the 2006 fourth fourth, upward much than 3 percentage from $367 the past year. And with airlines filling nearly 80 percentage of seats, the higher prices are possible to continue.





"As far as airfares, you see fewer and fewer deals because airlines have reduced capacity," said Michael Stitt, executive producer at Travelzoo Inc., which tracks and publishes travel deals. "So the airlines have the ability to increase prices."



At the same time, 69 percent of U.S. adults said they plan to fly as much as or more this summer than they did last summer, up from 57 percent in 2006, according to Expedia.com, a travel search engine.



Still, though you may have trouble finding bargain-basement prices, travel professionals say it is possible to pare costs. You just need to think strategically.



Shop midweek. Many myths exist about which day of the week airlines typically cut fares. But when it comes to last-minute weekend getaways, Stitt said most airlines post specials, or e-fares, on Tuesdays.



"Sometimes [the deals] are great, sometimes they're good, and sometimes they're just OK," Stitt said. Regardless, be prepared to travel in the morning: Most fares require that you fly Saturday and return early the following week.



Flights that depart on a Tuesday or Wednesday also can help you snag a fare as much as 40 percent lower than leaving on a Friday.



Be flexible. If you can stay as loose about your destination as you are about the days you travel, you will have an even better chance of saving money.



Travelzoo, for example, releases the 20 best travel deals of the week every Wednesday at 9 a.m Eastern time. Among bargains recently listed: A seven-week Alaskan cruise going for $849, which normally costs between $1,200 and $1,500, and 50 percent off rooms at a new Scottsdale, Ariz., resort.



Also, regard heading to areas where summertime is the off-season for travelling. A new hunt for flights from Chicago's O'Hare airport to Phoenix (the closest airport to the Scottsdale resort, incidentally) turned upward round-trip fares starting at $176. Several flights to Mexico could be had for little than $400 rounded journey, including taxes and fees (all prices are based on travelling from June 12 to June 19.



Keep searching. Don't accept you are overly later to rescue a few dollars on trips to more favorite summertime destinations, such as Europe. While you won't find the low fares typical of early spring and fall, the continent's off-season, airlines may run periodic sales to help fill any empty seats.



Airlines, for example, sometimes release additional discounted student airfares starting in mid-May, said Kristen Celko, vice president of marketing and e-commerce for STA Travel North America, a student travel organization. On average, student fares are 10 percent to 20 percent cheaper.



"Procrastination may pay off," Celko said.



Even if it is expensive to cross the pond, you may be able to find deals on the continent. The weak dollar is leading many U.S. travelers to avoid Europe this summer. As a result, European hotels are starting to cut rates.



For example, the Leonard hotel in London is offering rooms for about $158 per night as long as you book by May 30, about 55 percent off what the hotel normally charges.



Act fast. When you do spot a deal, don't delay. With capacity tight, any specials that do surface likely will be for a limited number of seats or hotel rooms.



"Be ready to book fast," said Stitt of Travelzoo, "because the best deals go fast in the summer."

Travel insurance "too cheap"? hmmm...

By Jennifer Hill

LONDON (Reuters) - Holidaymakers have been warned that some travel insurance policies are too cheap to be able to pay out.

Independent financial research company Defaqto found 30 separate single trip policies that charge 10 pounds or less for a week's travel to Europe -- with one quoting just 5.49 pounds per person.

In its report "Travel Insurance in the UK -- Cheaper is rarely better" -- which is based on an analysis of 986 travel insurance policies -- it urged travellers to beware buying insurance on price alone.

Brian Brown, author of the report and Defaqto's head of insight, said: "The insurance industry and the government must to do more to ensure that all consumers are aware that when it comes to travel insurance, low cost is not always best."

He said areas of particular concern included a lack of understanding on how baggage cover works and a requirement for insurers to obtain original receipts even for minor claims.

"Consumers are being let down by the insurance industry which has made travel insurance policies jargon-heavy to the point that the only thing they can easily compare is price," continued Brown.

"This, compounded with increased competition, means that too many people are now travelling abroad with inadequate cover.

"With the continued growth of overseas travel to increasingly exotic places, more people are likely to end up on the wrong side of an insurance claim."

Defaqto estimates that around 10 million overseas visits are uninsured each year.

It believes many holidaymakers mistakenly believe that a European health insurance certificate removes the need for travel insurance.

[Reuters]

Cheap travel to Asia and Latin America

Q: I appetite to cheap travel a showy summer visit influence a foreign country. What are some amusing spots latitude my dollar will activity far?

A: The dollar has been weakening inveigh most currencies over the former several agedness, but able are still some acceptable deals out able - especially clout Latin America and Asia.

Countries agnate because Argentina and Costa Rica and cities agnate being Bangkok and Beijing keep been popular visit spots for decades, but over the gone continuance they own experienced ample jumps influence tourism being the dollar loses its buying ability agency aged European standbys according to considering London, Paris and Rome.

Travel cheap - booking Mesh site Travelocity saying biking to South America rise by 7 percent compared adumbrate last age; commutation to Central America bittersweet 14 percent and cruising to Asia bittersweet 17 percent, vocal Amy Ziff, Travelocity ' s editor at goodly.

The Caribbean has again be remodelled level added of a stay purpose, hide expedition rising added than 20 percent since a time ago, Ziff uttered.

Any of the motive has been the dollar, which still buys a lot agency Latin America and Asia but is weakening access Europe, Canada, Australia and Current Zealand. Over the preceding five dotage, the euro has gained about 50 percent inveigh the dollar, and the British pound has strengthened by about 30 percent. You ' ll save almighty dollar practicing your French access Montreal instead of Paris, but you won ' t pocket considering much because you might anticipate: the U. S. dollar ' s worth about 1. 11 Canadian dollars double time.

Authentic ' s not aloof the exchange ratio influence some regions; increase boundness ante up tourists extra sticker shock. Ireland, Greece and Spain aphorism costs rise added than 3 percent last bit, higher than the U. S. ' proportion influence 2006 of 2. 5 percent. The U. K. had increase of 3 percent, and Australia and New Zealand - whose currencies keep and strengthened rail the U. S. dollar agency recent agedness - saying breakthrough near 4 percent.

A thrifty cheap traveler ' s ace bets are places that may cost a lot ascendancy airfare, but longitude domicile and aliment aggrandized than accomplish up the asymmetry. Do the math: Authentic may booty an extra $300 to fly to Buenos Aires than to London, but if your hotel is $100 a after dark cheaper, you ' re saving banknote beside aloof a few days. And $40 agency the Argentinian place authority buy you a fancy steak ball for two that would cost you twice because much command Europe, Ziff notes.

If you ' re wedded to Europe, consider heading east, says Amanda Webb of STA Travel Inc., a budget travel agency aimed at students. Travelers hoping for big bargains in Prague might be disappointed, she says - the Czech capital is still cheaper than big cities in Germany and Austria, but its days as a struggling student ' s haven are over. Better deals can be found in Eastern European countries such as Latvia, Lithuania and Croatia.

Other exchange rate - conscious travelers may want to consider Japan. It ' s still a pricey destination compared with other countries ( Tokyo topped the Economist Group ' s list of most expensive cities to live in for more than a decade until last year ) but the yen hasn ' t risen against the dollar over the past five years, noted David Durrant, chief strategist at Julius Baer Investment Management. Also, Japan ' s inflation has been virtually flat, so U. S. travelers who visited there many years ago might be pleasantly surprised to return and find prices haven ' t soared as they have in European cities.

Cheap travel and cheap flights - it`s very easy, believe me

Travel cheap to NY with a CityPass (new york city travel and tourism)

In my new york city travel and tourism post i need to say about the brand-new York CityPassr adds The Metropolitan Museum of Art considering the sixth blockbuster ticket influence its leaflet of charge - distinguish attractions credit Contemporary York Place. CityPass, recognized for bundling ample - place destinations ' most popular museum and attractions tickets into one bout - and almighty dollar - saving leaflet, announces a advanced time of its Brand-new York CityPass. Available June 1, 2007, Brand-new York CityPass bag the iconic Empire State Box Observatory, a Circle Line Travel journey, and four of the cosmos ' s most big-league museums: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art ( MoMA ), Guggenheim Museum, and the American Museum of Characteristic History and Brick Bull's eye. Priced at $65 for adults - a $130 assessment - Au courant York CityPass represents a commutation capital of 50 % kill individually purchased attraction tickets, character line - jump privileges. Visitors own nine days to appliance the six tickets.

New york city travel and tourism Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the creation ' s antecedent cultural destinations. Its collections accommodate also than two million works of art spanning 5, 000 agedness of cosmos culture, from prehistory to the coeval and from every apportionment of the globe.
The Advanced Greek and Roman Galleries - the Met ' s newest grand public space - were inaugurated on April 20 to ample fanfare. A ostentatious architectural space, a aglow - filled, aerial atrium, bodily comprises New York ' s newest museum - a " museum - hide - the - museum " - for the affectation of the Met ' s extraordinary collection of Roman, Hellenistic, and Etruscan art, much of actual abstruse ascendancy New York for generations. More than 5, 300 works access all media, blase since the continuance of the museum ' s founding influence 1870, are installed on the two levels of the contemporary galleries. Note: The Museum ticket entitles its holder to bypass assurance products, and provides entrance to all galleries and exhibitions, virtue twin - age acceptance to The Cloisters, which is the Met ' s branch for medieval art and arrangement access better Manhattan.

Ace ' s no bout according to summer to ascertain the arctic halls and galleries of Advanced York ' s other antecedent museums. The American Museum of Common History tells the remarkable adventure of human evolution from millions of age ago to current Homo sapiens; Gold!, a appropriate display adumbrate a ton of gold influence a thousand forms evoking Complexion, desire, attraction and efficacy appears buttoned up August 19, 2007. Note: CityPass ticket holders may upgrade to beam Gold! for a poor charge of $9.
The Museum of Current Art offers a chronological overview of Post Impressionism to contemporary art agency its galleries, access a gamut of six curatorial departments: picture and sculpture, drawings, prints and illustrated books, photography, chart, and film and media. Its remarkable environment and collections introduce vanguard artists of changeable periods, or the chance to stroll up to a Brice Marden or Jackson Pollack depiciton, or beam what the fuss is about Fassbinder films.
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum ' s city travel and tourism now recognizable curving Frank Lloyd Wright exterior is after all unbefitting restoration to cinch more 50 dotage of landmark grade. Inside, the Kandinsky Gallery remains a magnetite, because are Chagall, Picasso and van Gogh paintings, the changing exhibits and the museum ' s intriguing multidisciplinary art programs.

The remaining two tickets deliver breezy daytime or superb dusk skyline counterpoints to the streetscapes. The Circle Line Commutation journey ticket includes a close composition of the Statue of Liberty and stories of Manhattan ' s bygone and ad hoc. The Empire State Abode is added than imaginary constitution; actual is a trip to the top of a landmark that has appeared influence added than 90 movies and fueled the city ' s romantic reputation for decades.
Also included to underscore Big Apple distinctions and nibble at other costs, the booklet includes tips, transportation information, contact numbers and Web sites, museum shop discounts, restaurant values, and Bloomingdale ' s shopping package.
New York CityPass, $65 for adults and $49 for youth 12 - 17, is valid from June 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008. Ticket holders have nine days from first use to visit the six museums and attractions in New York CityPass travel and tourism.

New York city travel and tourism CityPass is one of ten destinations designed for ultimate value and urban distinctions. CityPass destinations also include Boston, Philadelphia, Toronto, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, San Francisco, Hollywood, and the theme parks of Southern California. Ticket booklets can be purchased in advance at www. citypass. com, and at all participating attractions or visitor information centers in each city.

Eastern Europe is final frontier of budget travel

Leave it to an upstart airline sowing its post-Soviet-era oats to redefine the word "discount."

With the weak dollar and strong euro I'd been thinking a lot about Eastern Europe when a notice popped up in my in-box from Slovakia-based SkyEurope.

The airline offered to whisk travelers from London, Paris, Rome and Amsterdam to Budapest, Bratislava, Krakow and Prague. The deal: tickets for 7 cents.

I punched in some dates, and hit the jackpot -- two seats on a flight from Amsterdam to Budapest.

With taxes and a $6.50 "transaction fee," the total came to $52.19 per ticket. British Airways was quoting $146 and the train takes 20 hours.

For adventure-seekers looking for an escape from $5 cups of coffee and hordes of tourists, these and the other ex-communist countries are the final frontier for European budget travel.

Most of these countries haven't adopted the euro as their currency (Slovenia is the exception). So things still cost less than they do in Western Europe, and the dollar still buys more.

I used the Internet to book a flight on Romania's Air Tarom and rooms. Postings on VirtualTourist.com and TripAdvisor.com yielded lots of lodging suggestions that I didn't see in guidebooks. Getting around is fast and cheap with new flights from London, Paris, Amsterdam and Rome. (see www.flylc.com for a list).

It's true that the secret is out on many destinations. Croatia is on everyone's radar.

So I'm happy to be getting to Romania while Adam Marius still rents rooms for $25 in the old walled city of Sighisoara in Transylvania. He built a Web site showing rooms he built next to the family home in the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, the 15th-century Romanian prince known as Dracula.

Entrepreneurs such as Nicolae Prisacaru, in the farming village of Vadu Izei near the Ukraine border, offer inexpensive travelers' services. I hired Nicolae as my guide for two days at $30 a day plus gas money. He has arranged to pick me up at a train station, and booked rooms for me.

Of course, low prices alone don't make a destination worthwhile.

I'm happy with my $50 room in a hotel in Eger, Hungary. But I'm going there to soak in the thermal baths and sip the Bulls Blood wine.

The journalist in me is looking forward to a visit to Sliven, Bulgaria. There I hope to meet traveling sock saleswoman Diana Beleva to whom I loaned $25 through Kiva ( www.kiva.org), a San Francisco nonprofit that pairs individuals in the U.S. and elsewhere with entrepreneurs in developing countries.

Kiva has linked hundreds of people with Roma, or Gypsies, trying to make a living. There's Idriz Akiof, 64. He owns his own barbershop.I'll be touring socks stalls and barbershops, and looking forward to my stay in a $40-a-night Bulgarian guesthouse with built-in wooden wardrobes, woven carpets and a tavern that serves roasted lamb and rabbit.

By the numbers

Eastern Europe can be affordable -- here are some sample costs for a particular trip.

$52.19: Price per ticket to fly from Amsterdam to Budapest on SkyEurope

$146: Same flight, British Airways

$25: Cost per night for a room in near Dracula's birthplace.

$25-$30: Cost per day, including meals, to stay in a guesthouse in Transylvania

$1.30: Cost for a haircut by a Gypsy in Bulgaria


Please, read my other article about the best way to visit Europe this summer



By the The Seattle Times

Planning a Budget-Friendly Vacation?

These Tips Will Help You Get There.

Planning their annual family vacation is something DawnDenise and Douglas Capers III of White Lake, Michigan, anticipate with zeal. And last year was no different. The Capers decided to take their two kids, ages 12 and 2 1/2, to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, for the holidays. For more family fun at Disney, log on to www.blackenterprise.com/disneyblog.

Although they did not purchase a travel package, their travel agent managed to save them $700 by booking their airline reservations in advance and traveling on Christmas day. The Capers also saved tremendously on their hotel accommodations by using their business reward points at a top hotel. They ended up paying a mere $159 for a six-night stay in a suite. The Capers spent close to $3,500, which included airfare, three-daypasses to all the Disney parks, a minivan rental, food, lodging, and souvenirs. "We saved where we could. There was nothing to complain about. Overall, it was a great trip, even though we went there during a peak time," DawnDenise says.

Planning a vacation can be expensive, especially when you are talking about a whole family. But with a little time, creativity, and persistence, you can extend your travel buying power. The key is to start early in order to get the best deals.

Before you begin, decide what you want to get out of your vacation. Are you searching for a trip abroad, a cruise, a relaxing all-inclusive family resort vacation in the Caribbean, or a fun-filled excursion at a specialty destination? Whatever you desire, staying within your budget is possible with proper planning and minimal Web-surfing skills.

Here are some tips to help you book a budget-friendly vacation:

* Extend your travel buying power by purchasing vacation packages at sites such as www.priceline.com. You can save money by booking your airline tickets along with a hotel room or rental car. If flying, airline tickets are cheaper February through May and September through December (except the week before Thanksgiving and two weeks before Christmas).

* Instead of trying to pack the family up and fly across the country, consider taking the scenic route--and yes, that means a road trip (www.roadtripamerica.com). Road trips can be fun because you have control of when you can stop and enjoy your surroundings. However, be prepared for your kids to ask you over and over, "Are we there yet?" Pack food, books, music, and games for the road.

* Be flexible about when you travel. Plan your vacation for the off-peak season. Peak and off-peak seasons vary depending on where you are going and the time of year. If you want to avoid the crowds and save a few extra bucks, ask the hotel about the best time to travel.

* When making hotel reservations (try www.go4travel.net), be sure to ask for the lowest rate available for corporate, senior, AAA, AARP, and military members. Hotels are typically more expensive the closer you get to a major attraction. Also, consider staying at a hotel that offers a complimentary breakfast. Talk to the concierge where you are staying. Ask them where to find the deals.

* Take advantage of a trip to a national or state park (www.nps.gov or www.reserveamerica.com). Rates are cheaper and there is a lot to do, including visiting beaches and lakes or going swimming, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Many of the state parks offer cabins, and camping is even cheaper.

* Travel with a protection plan from your travel agent or credit card provider. For a small fee, purchase insurance in case of trip delays, unpredictable weather, medical emergencies, and baggage delay or loss.

TOP 10 SPOTS TO VACATION ON A BUDGET

Atlanta, GA

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX

Raleigh-Durham, NC

Orlando-Daytona Beach, FL

Kansas City, MO

Denver, CO

Los Angeles, CA

Chicago, IL

Cleveland, OH

Washington, DC

SOURCE: HOTWIRE.COM

Students Work Abroad

Students have many opportunities to travel abroad, but one campus organization offers students the chance to work in another country. AIESEC connects 40 U.S. campuses with 800 universities in 97 countries and is sending 14 Ohio State University students to work throughout the world this summer.

This organization gives students the chance to work abroad at schools and orphanages - all at a cost of $500. Ann Bacon, a junior in international studies who taught English in Morocco last summer, said it was a very rewarding experience. "(The Moroccans) were wonderful and so were all the people I met from other places participating in the program," Bacon said. "I am going back to visit my friends in Morocco this summer." This summer her job will be visiting students at their work sites throughout the world, she said.

Bacon spent Tuesday evening promoting the program at the Global Village Festival at the Recreation and Physical Activity Center. AIESEC is originally a French acronym meaning International Association of Students in Economic and Commercial Sciences. It was created in the 1970s and originally helped students obtain corporate jobs abroad. "Whether you want to go abroad or stay local, the organization wants to expand global cultural awareness," said Brittany Thompson, vice president of financial affairs in the organization.

Members participate in cultural events, such as a traditional Indian dinner at OSU and around Columbus. To get into the global program, students pay a $45 application fee plus a $455 internship fee. "It is one of the cheapest ways to work abroad," said Thompson, a senior in international studies.

The fees go toward helping students with transportation to the airport, finding a place to live and showing students around. Students must pay for their own airfare. The cost of living can be covered by a salary. "If the work is unpaid, only room and board will be covered," said Brian Morgan, a senior in political science and president of the organization since May 2005. "But if it is paid work, you will probably break even with the cost of living." The program leaves much room for students to personalize their trip based on their interests.

There are four types of "traineeships" or work categories: management, development and environment, Internet-based, and educational. "Students set up where they go, when they leave, and what type of work they want to do based on their interests," Morgan said.


For more information, visit aiesec.org.ohio-state.edu

True Cost Of Budget Travel

People are being misled by cheap holiday deals. According to Trading Standards tour operators are advertising prices which do not represent the amount you end up paying. The hidden charges can sometimes more than double the cost of a holiday.

Sky News Video

Web gives clues for cheap travel

So staying in a five-star hotel is out of the question. So you're not even eligible for a free little bottle of midflight scotch, much less an upgrade to business class.

Worry not: There are options for cheap travel that will give you the experience you want.

Start at www.budgettravel.com, which claims to "know the kinds of travel information you want." It bills itself as a "central location" for inexpensive excursions, and offers breakdowns by region, country and activity. This site also is a library of extensive information on hotels, embassies, visa applications and ways to get things done cheaply and efficiently. You can even submit your own vacation photos for others to see.

Crazy Dog Travel Guide (www.crazydogtravel.com), aimed especially at backpackers, gives all you need to know about hostels, airlines and -- an important point for budget travelers -- avoiding scams that will relieve you of your much-needed cash. Several parts of the site, replete with "hot links," take you through a series of questions to determine your best route to cheap travel.

Via Nova Destination Magazine (www.destinationmag.com/) features new locations monthly -- "South Padre Island," "Alabama's Undiscovered Coast" -- and allows travelers to sign up for a monthly travel bargains newsletter via e-mail.

At Student World Traveler (www.studenttraveler.com), an e- magazine that assaults the eyes with its yellow background, information is offered on everything from inexpensive clubs and bars to finding out how to "learn about the world while teaching English abroad."

Eurotrip.com (www.eurotrip.com), "your backpackin' Europe site," is also worth a look, especially its "cheap flight tactics" and "budget guidebooks" section. And Shoestring Travel (www.stratpub.com) is culled almost entirely from information submitted by other travelers.

Other sites to consider: U. Can Travel (www.netos.com/uct/), which gravitates toward national and international work and volunteerism; Backpack Africa (www.backpackafrica.co.za) is Africa's backpacking community's clearinghouse site and worth a look; and Amazon Road (www.amazonroad.com) offers information on how to "work your way around the world" on the cheap.

For the British Isles, Visiting Britain Cheaply (www.soon.org.uk/ britain.htm) offers a wide variety of tips -- especially geared toward students -- to lower costs.

More conventional travel sites like Expedia (www.expedia.com) and Biztravel.com (www.biztravel.com) may not be particularly oriented toward the budget traveler, but with a bit of persistence and trip permutations they can produce some genuinely cheap fares. And, of course, Priceline.com (www.priceline.com) will allow you to bid for travel and may or may not make you a winner. But if you're the roll- the-dice type, it's worth a try.

Finally, one of the world's most popular travel guides -- Lonely Planet -- has been, for a generation, dedicated to inexpensive, meaningful travel. Visit them at www.lonelyplanet.com.

9 things you didn't know about journey in Europe

Think you've got it see away? Think again. Even for the experienced traveller, less things you didn't think of are perpetually revealed as you guarantee each original travel. Here are a few to recall when backpacking the first-world countries...

1. Backpacks are overrated. Although the thought of strapping your reality to your shoulders seems strong and enticing, there are countless advantages to having wheels. When dealing with ticket lines and beaurocracy, taking away and putting on a 70-pound suitcase can be a plenty more hard than setting downward a manage.

2. Don't think everything you view. This applies particularly to the price of living - just because three restaurants in a quarrel are charging 13? for a smoothie doesn't mean you won't discover a café around the twist charging half that, or be capable to buy sweet fruit for simply a pair of dollars.

3. Get off the beaten route. This is vital to capable touring - seeing what everyone else is seeing (at the cost everyone else is paying) can not simply be overrated, it can really trouble from the hidden treasures a spot has to provide.

4. Don't make your preparation. at least, not overly far forward. Trying to difficult to see away in rise what your agenda can be and what you should view can be overpowering, not to cite really misleading; the most up-to-date data should normally be obtained at the station the day before exit.

5. Don't be yourself. Well. you should ever be yourself, but be cautious to behave sure, still if you have to counterfeit it. Being prominently lost, susceptible, or hesitant will have you an instant objective for pickpockets, trivial thieves, and seedy guys (particularly seamy guys.

6. Don't drink the water. Actually, you truly shouldn't be drinking the USA water, either, but that's another tale. Even in first-world countries, most locals purchase their water bottled or establish filters.

7. If you wear't request, they won't say. Special discounts that may be accessible to you - pupil, young, military, or corp-related - won't surface by themselves. When you buy anything, ever take certain that you clarify yourself, and cite anything that might have you a trade.

8. Google doesn't know everything. I'm the best one to talk the praises of our internet super-search car, but really correct tips (and directions) will be best obtained from locals.

9. You can't view the woodland for the trees. It's simple to be sucked into the form of sightseeing and frenzied touring, snapping photos and bubblegum - but wear't leave the target of your voyage; if you aren't enjoying yourself, learning, or at least growing, go a measure backwards and assess your position.

Super Cheap Travel Tips

Today i found a superb article at The Frugal Duchess. She wrote it wery well.
Now, you can read it to...

Old downtown hotels in many cities frequently offer lower weekend rates. That's the word from Melissa Gracey, a bank marketing specialist.

For work and for pleasure, Gracey is frequently on the road and while traveling, she's learned to conserve dollars. For instance, for weekend trips, Gracey typically books elegant rooms in grand old hotels in the downtown districts of the cities on her itinerary. Her rationale is simple.

"Nothing goes on downtown on the weekends. You can always get cheaper rates on weekends," Gracey says.

From Washington, D.C., to Denver, business districts are often ghost towns on weekends, therefore, the operators of many upscale and historical hotels will significantly cut room rates to fill vacancies.

Consider the evidence. One summer, Gracey and her siblings took their father, Gene, for his 60th birthday, to Milwaukee to visit the Harley-Davidson factory. Gracey booked downtown quarters in The Pfister, a 150-year-old historic hotel. The family paid a weekend rate of $120 per room, a considerable savings from the weekday rate of $400-plus, Gracey says.

Likewise, in Denver, Gracey has enjoyed handsome savings at The Brown Palace, another historic hotel with weekend bargains. And in Memphis, The Peabody also offers steep discounts on weekends. Gracey also saves money on airline tickets. She conserves cash by always comparing flights that leave from either Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International.

Sometimes a flight to the same destination will be $50 cheaper, depending on the airport. "You can never tell which airport will be cheaper. I always check both," Gracey says.

Her routine also includes a price check at Southwest Airlines. That's because Gracey, as a frequent traveler, has discovered that Southwest is constantly adding new destinations with rates as low as $59 a ticket. The airlines also offers various specials through Internet sales, she adds.

Family vacations can present many opportunities for parents to educate children about finance, says Jessica Cecere, president of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach.
"Vacations and weekend getaways are something to look forward to and with careful planning, they can fit into your budget," Cecere says. "Showing children you can have fun without spending hundreds of dollars is an important lesson in their financial literacy education."

Compare prices for transportation and lodging options, searching for special Internet-only offers and discounts, and identifying fun and affordable events and attractions. source for the tips below: Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Palm Beach

* Enroll in frequent flier, hotel rewards and preferred customer programs. They offer future savings and usually have no membership fee.
* Book lodgings with amenities. If you're among the 55 percent of U.S. residents who stay in hotels, motels or a bed-and-breakfast when traveling, choose lodging with free breakfasts, swimming pools and fitness centers.
* Consider driving. A family can save hundreds of dollars otherwise spent on airline tickets and destination rental cars by driving. Traveling by car, truck, camper/RV and rental car accounts for 79 percent of domestic trips.
* Pack food and snacks. Packing sandwiches, fruit and beverages rather than eating in a restaurant can save a family of four almost $50 per meal.
* Research airline options. Be flexible with your air travel plans. Layover flights are often less expensive than nonstops. If several airports are within an hour of your destination, compare ticket prices. Staying over a Saturday night and purchasing your ticket in advance could reduce your airfare by two-thirds.
* Book cruises months ahead. Rates are typically cheaper with advanced purchase. Remember to budget for drinks, tips, side trips and souvenirs.
* Go out for lunch rather than dinner. Restaurants charge less for lunch.

Luxury hotel rooms at lowest prices

Whether you like to spend your
holidays in the snow, sand or seaside, you can find the best hotel
deals in the most popular destinations of the world. Below are some of
the most popular holiday destinations with links to book luxury hotel rooms at lowest prices.

London

London
, the capital city of England, is energetic, cosmopolitan, hectic,
diverse and thrilling. It is the largest city in Europe, and is a
mixture of wealth and poverty, of glitz and grime, of imposing
buildings and elegant shops, of world-class theatre and incredible
nightclubs. Sights not to be missed include the National Gallery, the
Tate Gallery, the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey,
the Tower of London, and Covent Garden.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/London.htm

Paris

Paris
is the economic, artistic, historic, and cultural capital of France. It
is also deeply traditional, almost village-like and in parts, a
dilapidated metropolis, which houses around 2 million people. The river
Seine bisects the city, the Right Bank is home to the grand boulevards
and most monumental buildings, many dating from Haussmann's
nineteenth-century redevelopment. The Left Bank has a noticeably
different feel, it has an atmosphere of Bohemian, dissident,
intellectual connotations, and it shows in Paris' best range of bars
and restaurants. The Eiffel Tower is Paris' most famous and instantly
recognizable landmark. The Champs-Elysees is the city's most well-known
boulevard. Elegant and broad, it links Place de la Concorde with the
Arc de Triomphe.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Paris.htm

Prague

The
capital Prague, largest city of the Czech Republic, and former capital
of Czechoslovakia, is located on both banks of the Vltava River.
Visitors are drawn to the 'fairy tale' characteristics of Prague, but
this is only part of its lively blend of styles. Prague is
unquestionably a city best explored on foot, the entire central area
has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city centre is
like an enormous open-air museum with an interesting mix of
architectural innovation including Renaissance, Baroque, Gothic,
Romanesque, Cubist and Art Nouveau styles.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Prague.htm

Rome

Rome
combines a sense of living history with a bustling, lively capital
city. It is endlessly fascinating, utterly compelling and a feast for
the eye with fountains, churches, palaces and ancient monuments at
every turn. From the awesome splendour of the Colosseum, the Sistine
Chapel, the Pantheon, the Trevi fountain, the Spanish Steps, the
Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica oozes romance and excitement.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Rome.htm

Barcelona

Barcelona
is the Mediterranean metropolis of excellence and yet at the same time
open to all cultural influences flowing in from beyond the Pyrenees.
Its well-ordered and proportioned town grid has given it quarters of
unrivalled beauty, such as the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas and the
modernist Paseo de Gracia.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Barcelona.htm

Brussels

The
capital of Belgium, Brussels, is a cosmopolitan city, with liveliness
and an appeal that are intimately related to its role as a crossroads
for all of Europe. The many aspects of Brussels are expressed in the
four quarters of the city. The Lower Town, which extends from Manneken
Pis via the Grand Place to the Botanique. The Royal District in the
Upper Town occupies the area between the Warande and the Palace of
Justice. In the North of the city lies the Heizel with the Atomium and
Bruparck. Just outside the city centre visitors will find the
Cinquantenaire park and the European District facet.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Brussels.htm

Amsterdam

A confident mix of old and new, Amsterdam, capital city of The
Netherlands, features beautiful 17th- and 18th-century buildings and
boasts some world-class museums, most notably the Van Gogh Museum, and
the Rijksmuseum, home to some of the world's finest artworks, including
those by famous Dutch artist Rembrandt. Nightlife in Amsterdam is as
mixed as the city itself, with something for everyone's tastes
available. A trip to Amsterdam would not be complete without renting a
bicycle ( Holland has more bicycles than residents), or cruising down
the canals by boat.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Amsterdam.htm

Edinburgh

Scotland's
capital Edinburgh, is perhaps the country's most alluring city, it is a
fascinating place with many historical and artistic treasures, a
fantastic pub scene and scenery as beautiful as the Scottish highlands.
Edinburgh Castle is a good place to start your exploration of the
Scottish capital. The castle is beautiful, mysterious, romantic and a
reminder of the city's bloody past. Edinburgh's Royal Mile is one of
the world's most captivating streets.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Edinburgh.htm

Melbourne

Multicultural
Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia behind Sydney.
Located on the Yarra River at the mouth of Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne
is a city of style, of Victorian architecture, of trams, of fashion,
food, theatres, art galleries, and leafy gardens. It is a sport-mad
city, which hosts events such as the Australian Tennis Open, the
Australian Formula One Grand Prix, and the premier horse race, the race
that 'stops a nation,' the Melbourne Cup. The " Great Ocean Road" is a
popular drive for tourists and locals alike, acknowledged as one of the
world's most spectacular coastal drives, visitors can view the
spectacular site of the Twelve Apostles.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Melbourne.htm

Stockholm

Visitors
can experience the magic of age-old traditions, historical sites and
breathtaking settings in practically every part of this unique country.
The most popular tourist destination is the Swedish capital, Stockholm.
The grand old city by the water is known for its unique wonders such as
the Vasa Ship; its elegance and grandeur, typified by the Royal Palace
and surrounds, and its wonderfully preserved Old Town, "Gamla Stan",
with 13th-century roots, subterranean vaults, church spires and narrow,
cobbled laneways.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Stockholm.htm

Sydney

Many
visitors would be surprised to find that Sydney, it's largest city, is
not the capital of Australia. Built on the shores of the stunning Port
Jackson, Sydney is one of the world's landmark cities, and is also
Australia's oldest city. Sydney, the nation's premier metropolis, mixes
a flare for groundbreaking architecture, a love of the arts and
high-powered commerce. The must-do's on every visitors list include the
Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Centrepoint Tower, The Rocks, Bondi Beach,
Olympic Park Homebush better known as the site of the 2000 Olympic
Games, and Darling Harbour.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Sydney.htm

Vienna

Located
on a plain bordered by the Wienerwald and the Carpathian foothills, the
Austrian capital, Vienna, is a cultural, industrial, commercial, and
transportation centre. Vienna owes its spectacular architectural
heritage to the Habsburg dynasty that controlled much of Europe for 600
years. Of special interest are the Hofburg, or Imperial Palace, with
it's 14th century Augustinian church, Imperial Apartments and Royal
Chapel where the Vienna Boy's Choir sing. Many of the world's most
important composers including Beethoven, Mozart, Schubert, Strauss and
Mahler have lived and performed behind Vienna's Baroque facades.

http://www.hotelclub.net/hotel.reservations/Vienna.htm

Author Bio

Chloe
Lim is a photographer and avid traveler. She travels extensively for
work and family vacations. She is always on the lookout for bargain
travel deals and discount luxury vacations.

Traveling doesn`t have to be financially painful

Make practical decisions in Europe

I am a student. I am also a European traveler.

But I am a student first, which means I have no money. Don't let this stop you from traveling this amazing continent - make some smart financial choices, and you can enjoy an unforgettable trip this summer.

Europe gets cheaper the farther south and west you go. You will see outrageous prices in the United Kingdom - but pay practically nothing in the Czech Republic.

I recommend traveling in the off-season, but more sights will be open in the summer. Just be prepared for long lines and inflated prices.

And the difference between a frantic European tour you'll never afford again and one on which you can relax, knowing you're not breaking the bank and can return someday, comes down to three things: sleeping, eating and getting around.

Getting around

There are plenty of deals for getting around in Europe if you're willing to do some research. Flights from the United States are reasonable if you book far enough in advance, and travel agencies like STA travel offer student discounts.

Once you're in Europe, flying from country to country is dirt cheap. Ryanair, Easyjet and www.opodo.com are just a few online resources for flying in Europe.

Everyone I know recommends a Eurail pass if you're travelling for an extended period of time. For one prepaid price, you criss-cross by train. I paid $438 for 11 days worth of travel over two months. It easily got me around Europe for a month, though some trains require an additional reservation deposit.

Public transportation is much cheaper than taxis. But don't underestimate the strength of your own legs - taking the Tube from sight to sight might save time, but you miss out on the little extras you discover when you travel by foot.

Sight-seeing

My advice: pick and choose what you really want to see and do in Europe. Don't try to do everything.

Many sights are great from the outside. Why climb the Tower of Pisa when you can get the full satisfaction from just looking at it? Churches and cathedrals are free, unless they charge you to climb to the top or see special tombs. Don't pay for the elevator in these cases - use your legs and climb the stairs. This applies to the Eiffel Tower, as well.

Don't overdo it on museums and art galleries. It's worth it to visit the Vatican Museums in Rome and Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna. I didn't think the Jewish Museum in Berlin was worthwhile, and my friend thought the same of the Prado museum in Madrid. Paris offers one pass for all its museums - definitely worth it.

Shell out a few extra euros for an audio guide in big museums - you won't regret it. You've already picked the museum and paid the admission fee - why not make an effort to understand the art you're going to see?

Other free and very worthwhile stops that are unique to Europe are the concentration camps. It doesn't make for an uplifting day, but they were unforgettable, life-changing experiences.

Again, don't skip a sight you want to see just because of the entry fee. Trust me, you'll regret it.

Sleeping

Why spend $400 a night for a private, 4-star hotel suite when you can meet people your age, pick up practical travel advice and sleep in a cozy bunk bed at a $15 per night hostel? Granted, I've gingerly laid my head on a few sketchy pillows - don't sleep cheaply in Athens, by the way - but the savings are phenomenal, especially if there is a kitchen.

Check out www.hostelbookers.com or www.hostelworld.com for deals, but be warned that many exaggerate their amenities. And don't pick one located miles from the train station and major city sights.

Many people save on a night's accommodation by crashing in airports or train stations. Not comfortable - but free! Overnight trains are also an option.

Eating

There are plenty of ways to save money on everyday meals. My friends tell me kebabs - gyros - are great in every country, and food in side-street cafes is generally well-priced. Grocery stores make for an inexpensive meal. Try to treat yourself to at least one big meal in every city or country; you won't regret it. And eat gelato - Italian ice cream - every day.

As for drinking, don't buy a lot of alcohol when you eat out. Pick up a bottle of wine at a grocery store and people-watch, as one of my friends did, or go out and use your foreign accent to pick up free drinks (probably works best if you're a woman).

More travel tips

Are you a student? If you're reading this, you probably are, and therefore qualify for great deals all across Europe. I bought an International Student card for $22, which you can always flash in hopes of a few bucks off your entry fee or meal. Many places just wanted my student ID, however, so carry that, too.

Believe it or not, there is now a company in Europe that offers free walking tours of major cities. I took the New Berlin tour in Germany, and it was phenomenal. Visit www.neweuropetours.eu for more information.

Don't be too cheap, however. If I was as stingy as my travel partner last month, for example, I would have missed out on the greatest experience of my trip - paragliding in the Swiss Alps. For 183 Swiss francs (about $150), I leapt off a cliff and glided down through the most spectacular views imaginable.

My friends and I haggled with a gondola driver in Venice, and though the trip still wasn't cheap, it was totally worth the experience.

And if you find that special, can't-find-it-anywhere-else souvenir, you'll kick yourself later if you don't just buy it. I picked up original prints and artwork in every country, which is a great way to remember my travels.

Emily Hartwig

Summer travel tips

This year, the summer travel crush could prove to be one of the toughest on record: high fares, crowded planes and thousands of lost bags every day. Flight delays, already at their highest levels since 2001, could also bedevil travelers if thunderstorms or hurricanes hit particularly hard.

But getting to London or Los Angeles does not have to be a nightmare. A few smart strategies offered from analysts, travel consultants and airline representatives could help smooth the way.

The best fare

Q: How do you find a cheap fare?
A:If you have not started looking, get on the Internet and shop around now, before fares go higher, especially if you are heading overseas, travel consultants say. Airlines are expecting packed flights - they have not added many planes in recent years - and are not expected to offer as many cheap fares, the consultants said.

Tom Parsons, chief executive of Bestfares.com, said tickets on some flights in June and July are already 40 percent more expensive than those offered in April and May.

"Everybody is fighting for cheap seats," Parsons said. "And there are no cheap seats." But he said hope is not lost in the quest for a decent fare. He suggested flying on low-demand days. For
example, if you are going to Las Vegas or another tourist destination, it might be cheaper to fly on a Sunday and return on a Wednesday. You would miss the weekend hoopla but might have more money in your pocket for the slot machines.

If you are thinking about redeeming frequent-flier miles for your ticket, you should be prepared to shell out more to get to your destination unless you are extremely flexible about the days of
travel and your destination. Parsons said he is spending 60,000 frequent-flier miles to reach St. Martin in June. The trip would usually cost about 35,000 miles, he said.

"If you are trying to go someplace exciting ... some of the airlines are requiring double the miles," he said.

In case of bumping

Q: What should you do if your flight gets canceled or you get bumped?
A: With more delays - and potential missed connections - airlines might have trouble rebooking passengers on other packed planes.

Experts offered a variety of tips to protect yourself if you get booted or find yourself on a flight going nowhere. David Stempler, president of the Air Travelers Association, suggested being
quick on the draw with a cellphone.

If your flight is canceled when you are at the airport, get on the phone with the airline's reservation service. "You can beat all those people walking to the ticket counter," Stempler said.

Travelers should also have a backup plan - a list of other flights on other airlines heading to the destination. If your flight is canceled or you get bumped and cannot get on another flight
offered by your carrier, start calling airlines on your backup list.
If those carriers have open seats, reserve them right away. You do not have to pay for the tickets to reserve them, Parsons said.

Hustle back to your gate agent or get back on the phone with the reservation specialist. Let him or her know you have confirmed seats on another carrier. If your original airline still cannot find
you seats on one of its flights, it will pay for your tickets on the other carrier, Parsons said.

Get an early start

Q: What is the best time to fly to avoid delays and cancellations?
A: Start your trips in the morning.

"Fly early, before thunderstorms kick in," said Basil Barimo, a vice president at the Air Transport Association, a trade group that represents major carriers.

Because problems tend to mount through the day, it makes sense that earlier flights have a better chance of fewer delays; the chain effect can make an airline's schedule worse later in the day.

Baggage blues

Q: What can you do to ensure your bags make it to your destination with you?
A: The lost-baggage trend does not look good. Airlines lost or misplaced more than 4 million bags last year, up from about 3.5 million in 2005, according to the Transportation Department's Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Savvy travelers can take a few steps to reduce the risks of arriving without your bags and mitigating the problems if you do:
Make sure your baggage tags match where you are going.

If traveling with a spouse, pack some of each other's belongings in each bag. That way, if the airline misplaces one bag, you might arrive with the other and have a few items of clothing.

Pack backup clothes in a carry-on bag.

Fly an airline that does not lose as many bags. For example, you might consider booking flights on Northwest or Continental airlines, JetBlue Airways, or AirTran. They posted the lowest rates of lost bags - just under five mishandled bags per 1,000 customers in 2006, according to the Airline Quality Rating report.

Thanks to denverpost.com

Money Tips For Travelers

I hope that these money tips will help you save some money while traveling and make you trip more enjoyable.

Planning



Start
with thorough trip planning. Use free destination guides. Buy a
guidebook, it will pay for itself within the first day of your trip. Do
not forget to buy a travel insurance, it will provide you with peace of
mind while on a trip and prevent you from becoming a bankrupt if
something happens.

It is becoming a popular trend - to buy your
holiday using a credit card. This option allows you to have an official
record of your purchases/bookings. Some cards also provide an
additional insurance to the holder. American Express lets you transfer
your purchasing points to your frequent flier program account. When you
purchase an air ticket with MasterCard, the credit company
automatically signs you up for an accidental life insurance with
$100,000 coverage amount.

In order to save on your trip, travel
with a partner(s). You can book a double hotel room for almost the same
amount as a single one. By splitting accommodation and dining costs,
taxis, car rental fees travelers in a group will save money.

Booking

For
sightseeing try to travel off-season, usually October through April in
the Northern hemisphere and April through October below the equator.
You will be able to find cheaper airfare, find more budget rooms, spend
less time in lines, and meet more local folks than tourists.

Accomodation

Keep
written records of all accommodations you reserved. Learn the
cancellation policies. Usually late cancellations or no shows are
charged one night stay. If you have to cancel, try to do it long in
advance. Reconfirm all reservations two days in advance by phone.

During summer and weekends year-round, you can get a fancy business hotel room at a cheap one-star hotel price.

Dining

You can save a lot of money by buying food at a local grocery store.

Eat according to the season. Order and buy food that is in season where you travel, it will cut down your dining expenses.

Avoid touristy restaurants, instead eat where local people eat. There you will find better food for less money.

Try to adapt to local cuisine, combine learning the local dining traditions with good prices.

Avoid breakfasts at hotels, they are usually high-priced.

Every country has menu specials. Learn simple words and you can dine well with locals anywhere for under $20.

Transportation

Save
money by driving in groups. For four people it is generally cheaper to
share a rental car than to buy a bus ticket or a rail pass to travel
between cities. Avoid renting a car in a big citiy, it is less
convenient than using public transit. Airports usually have cheap and
regular public transit connections to the town center.

Carefully choose parking spots. Thieves recognize and target tourist cars.

learn your rail options. If you travel a lot, buy rail passes. Three rides generally cost more than a day pass.

In
Europe budget airlines can often get you from one city to another
faster and cheaper than the train. Beware though: budget airlines often
use small airports located far from town, which can cost a extra time
and money. You also are allowed less luggage on board for free.

Shopping

Use your moneybelt to store the cash safely.

Students, families, and seniors should ask for special discounts.

Understand all fees and expenses. Ask to have all bills itemized. Do your own math when calculating the cost.

I wish you a successful and safe trip!

Cheap Travel To Russia And Some Important Things You Should Know

Cheap travel to Russia

Visiting Russia can be very expensive
considering the distance of country. But with several online travel
companies, the price tag is significantly lower that it was before.

To
get affordable and cheap travel to Russia, all you have to do is to
check the websites specializing on cheap tours. There are available
travel tours and packages for group and family who decide to make a
stop to Russia.

About Russia

While Moscow and St. Petersburg
are the primary cities of the country, Russia has several side
countries to discover. Be careful though when traveling. Make sure you
know very well the places you are planning to visit.

You might
have a little trouble communicating with locals especially if you are
away on these two cities. But if you can understand the Russian
language, you wont be having any problem.

Russia is a big
country. In fact, it is the largest country in the world with a size
twice as much as the United States. It spans from Europe to Asia and is
divided into 11 time zones.

Climate has been the major issue of
those who plan to travel Russia- that is if you will go to the Siberian
region. Most people visit Russia when winter ends. It is usually for
May- September. Unlike the usual impression, summer is perfect during
these times.

Safety tips

When you decide to travel to Russia,
learn as many things as possible. Know the language, the people, the
culture, how to get around, and especially- know where the U.S. Embassy
is located.

When you pack, pack light. Avoid carrying too much
cash and expensive jewelry. Never show your wallets in public. Use
money belt that can be worn around your neck. It is safer than wallet.
Be vigilant when in crowded places like public markets, public
transport, and tourist sites among others. Be aware of pickpockets at
all times.

If you are going from point to point, do not hail on
unmarked taxis and cars. Likewise, never share taxi to other people you
do not know. If you are planning to travel by bus or train, take extra
precaution.

If you are planning to drink on public places, make
sure you have someone who remains sober. Any sign of intoxication might
attract professional robbers and thieves.

Make sure other people
back at home know your itineraries and contact numbers and numbers of
your travel document such as your passport before leaving. If something
wrong happens, they would know where to find you. Make enough
photocopies of your plane tickets, passport, visa, and all your travel
documents. Leave a copy at your home or to someone you know.

Check
for travel warning and avoid the regions of Ingushetia, North Caucasus
of Chechnya, eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krii, and
Dagestan. These places could be dangerous for tourist.

Avoid
drinking tap water. Instead drink bottled water. If there is no
available bottled water, boil the water first before drinking.

All these could help you make it through your Russian trip safely.

Amsterdam Cheap Travel Guide

When you opt for a cheap travel to Europe, the city of Amsterdam should be your best choice. The city offers cheap relatively compared to most European cities but not sacrificing the quality of the trip.

The city...

Amsterdam
is undoubtedly a beautiful city. No wander it is the fourth most visited cities in the region just after Paris, Rome, and London. Most of the population speaks either French or German or both. The people also can speak English and Dutch as well. The area is relatively flat. You cannot find slopes and hills unlike other European cities. If you want to roam Amsterdam by foot, it is very conducive for hiking. This would save you from the trouble of renting a car or hiring a taxicab to
transport you within the city. And since Amsterdam has lots of sights to offer, hiking would be fill up the day while spending some time on different attractions the city has to offer.

If you don't feel the idea of hiking, Amsterdam provides not only cheap but free transportation. White-bikes are located in abundance in the city. In fact there are over 700,000 bikes waiting for you. You can hop on one of these communal bikes at one place then drop it off on the other.
They are stationed in different point of the city so you won't get a hard to locate one.

Not into biking and hiking but still opting for cheap Amsterdam vacation? You can always ride any of the public transportation within the city. Amsterdam offers some of the best train, bus, and tram systems in Europe. They are cheap and the service is extremely good.

The attraction...

Amsterdam is lined with several museums and monuments often time just a shot away from one another. To be exact, Amsterdam has 42 museums and almost 7,000 monuments within its limits. And if you want to visit them without confusion, the city has prepared 7 waking routes, marked especially for you.

You can see the works of Hals, Vermeer, Rembrandt, and several other world-renowned artists in Amsterdam's most famous museum- the Rijks museum. A Van Gogh admirer? Vincent Van Gogh has his own museum located near Rijks. For a more contemporary and modern pictures,
paintings, and pottery, you can visit Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. For a closer feel of Amsterdam during the 1600s, you can visit the Museum Willet-Holthuysen that is considered World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

When you visit during summer (July-August), expect to see bed of Tulips along with other Holland's pride- narcissus, daffodils, and other flowers.

Canal attraction is superb. During summer, you can tour the city by boat. The city's canal stretches up to 100KM giving you an alternative way to see the city. During winter, the same
canal freezes and transforms into a sporting site where skating events take place.

The rates...

Amsterdam is not a typical European city where you have to spend so much to survive. It does not charge premium rates like any other European cities. You can stay at one of the hostels in Amsterdam under $70. Dining is also very affordable in the city. You can survive a decent meal for under $15. Transportation is also cheap. Tram pass could be purchase at around $5 for unlimited ride for the day.

Picturesque view and rich culture and history give every reason to travel to Amsterdam. And with prices are relatively cheap, you surely would enjoy your stay at Amsterdam.

A Cheap Day in London

Sample Budget Itinerary:

Wake up at your hostel (15-20 pounds) and prepare for your day (Fill your water bottle, gather your Tube map, Travelcard (5 pounds), camera, etc.)

Have your free breakfast and gather ideas from fellow travelers.

Take Bus number 11 (1.50 pounds) from Liverpool Station. Sit up top and take in many of London's most famous sights.

Wander around Chinatown and soak in the sights and smells.

For lunch (5 pounds), you have a ton of choices around Leicester and
Trafalgar Squares. Don't look past the Tesco...a picnic lunch while people watching is quite fun.

Take in the National Gallery (Free) and spend the afternoon enjoying some
of the world's most beautiful art. Don't miss: The Monet painting of a beach that has actual sand in the paint. The view from the upper gallery
windows.

Have tea (4 pounds) at the Cafe In The Crypt at St. Martin-In-The-Fields.

Walk along the riverfront near Big Ben, the Parliament and London Bridge.
Linger until sunset and watch the lights come on from across the river.

Dinner at the hostel (5 pounds) and an hour in the inter-net lounge to plan the next day.

Total: 30-35 pounds (about 56-65 USD)


Thankx again to www.onthecheaptravel.com

Londons Cheap Eats

One major way to save costs is to select lodging that comes with a meal and/or inexpensive eating options. Picnic meals are also a good way to save money and enjoy a local park or plaza at the same time.
However, part of the fun of traveling is discovering local restaurants. London is home to delights from all over the world. Here are a few of our choices for favorite cheap eats around central London.

Café in the Crypt, St Martin-In-The-Fields Church, Trafalgar Square.

So good we returned several times. The Café is in the lower level of the church and has tons of ambiance with brick walls, curved archways and classical music in the background.
Meals are served cafeteria style with several selections, including vegetarian. Afternoon tea is offered every day, so check upstairs in the chapel and you might get to hear the world famous musicians practicing for that nights program. Listening to the practice is free and afternoon tea is very reasonably priced. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are also offered, with dinners by candlelight offered on select evenings.

Club Mangia (Punch Tavern) 99 Fleet St.

The next time you’re in the City, check out Club Mangia at the Punch Tavern for an array of impressive international dishes. At lunchtime, you can avail of the £7.50 all you can eat deal and load up on the impressive meals that change daily – often including an awesome moussaka – not to mention the side salads. For less than £5 you can also get a take away to enjoy elsewhere.

Wagamama (Leicester Square, Knightsbridge, Earls Court, Fleet St., etc.)

This Japanese noodle bar chain is a hit with all ages. Good food, served fast, with most dishes coming in under £10 make for an enjoyable meal at any time of the day. Also check out the three meal deals on the side of the menu. Most include a main dish, accompanying gyoza (dumplings) and a drink for under £15. Quick tip: become a “member” online and rake in even more deals.

Food for Thought (31 Neal St., Covent Garden)

If you’re the type who likes to eat quick and wander, then Food for Thought is for you. This vegetarian restaurant may seem a bit hippy to first timers, but with an average meal price of £4.50 you’ll soon learn to love it!

Italiano Coffee Company (46 Goodge St.)

The Italiano Coffee Company is loved the world over by backpackers and exchange students who can’t get enough of their £3 pizzas. Perfect for when you want a hot, tasty meal and aren’t bothered with interior design.
--Beth Morrissey

London: Getting Around

Ok. If you get to London, it will be interesting for you...
London is one of the world's largest cities, but is fairly easy to navigate via public transportation with a little research.

The Tube is London's underground subway network. It was the world's first subway system and some of the station platforms were used as air raid shelters in WWII. It is usually the fastest way to get around town and Travelcards (available in 1 or 3 day lengths) will allow you to travel as much as you'd like for one set price. Also, children under 11 travel free after 9:30am on weekdays and all day on weekends.

London is famous for its double decker buses. Although much slower than the Tube, it is a very inexpensive way to see the city. One popular route is number 11, which will take you by St. Paul's Church, Fleet St, Trafalgar Square, Parliament Square, Victoria Station, Buckingham Palace Rd, and Chelsea. A one-way fare is just 1.50 pounds...compare that to the 20-30 pounds for the pricey tourist buses that will take you by the same sights!

Try to avoid cabs as the cities clogged traffic will almost certainly make it an expensive ride.

Thanks to www.onthecheaptravel.com

London: entrance Free Galleries

To continue the previous post (Londons entrance Free Museums), i publish this one. Enjoy "Londons entrance free galleries" :)


Here are more free galleries in London. Closest neighborhood or Tube
station in italics.

Association of Photographers Gallery, Old Street
Britart Showroom, Commercial Street , Algate East
Camden Arts Centre, Arkwright Road
The College Art Collection, University College
Crafts Council, Pentonville Road
Kenwood House, Hampstead
National Gallery, Trafalgar Square
National Portrait Gallery, Leicester Square
Late Night at the National Portrait Gallery
London International Gallery of Children's Art, Finchley Road
Mashed Potato Gallery, Deptford
Peter Pan Gallery, Great Ormond Street
The Royal Hospital at Chelsea, Chelsea
Sesame Art, Islington
Special Photographers' Company, Notting Hill Gate
Tate Britain, Pimlico
Tate Modern, Southwark
Tate Modern Late View (F & Sat, 10pm), Southwark
Wallace Collection, Marylebone
Whitechapel Art Gallery, Whitechapel