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com in 2001 with the goal of making travel through Europe affordable and memorable. In the years since, our editors have visited thousands of hotels, taken innumerable train trips, spent nights in airports, run out of gas in rental cars, and eaten our fair share of currywurst. During this time, weve picked up money-saving tips of all shapes and sizes -- lessons occasionally learned the hard way. The list that follows is a compilation of some of our best tricks to help you save on the big ticket essentials (airfare, car rental, train tickets and hotel rooms) and help lower your budget in five of Europes priciest cities. We hope these tips will help you experience more while spending less. And thanks for using EuroCheapo.com!
About these tips: The travel information contained in this booklet was written by the editors and correspondents of EuroCheapo.com. For more detailed information about these subjects, consult the URLs at the end of each section.
All information contained herein is 2012 by Over There Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
First the essentials: Before you hop on that flight, heres a list of planning tips that are sure to help you get off on the right foot. From understanding bank charges and accessing money on the road, to calling to say hi to mom for less, these simple steps will help stretch your trip budget.
Tip #2: Know if your bank charges a foreign ATM withdrawal fee. Also, do they charge a percentage of the withdrawal? Both?
This will vary widely among banks, however many banks charge $1.50 to $5 per withdrawal AND some add a foreign transaction fee of 1-3%. However, some banks will only charge a flat fee and others may only charge a percentage. Know before you go.
Tip #3: Know if your bank charges a foreign transaction fee for debit card charges.
Just as ATM fees vary widely, debit card charges are all over the place. For the most part, however, the bank will assess a foreign transaction fee, and most hover around 3%. In some cases, its slightly less. Weve also heard of banks charging both a foreign transaction percentage AND a flat-fee for debit charges.
Tip #4: Know if your credit card charges a foreign transaction fee.
For most credit cards, the answer will be yes. Its often around 3%,
but, like everything else, it varies from card to card. Notably, the Capital One credit card does not charge any foreign transaction fees for purchases abroad, which has made it quite popular with travelers. Also, if you have multiple credit cards, chances are theyll charge differently - use the one with the lower rates, Cheapos!
Tip #5: What does your credit card charge for cash advances?
Most cards will charge a percentage of the cash advance, plus any other fees that your card would normally charge for an advance. Some banks also set a minimum cash advance fee. Know your credit cards policy before you make that withdrawal!
If you can bundle your calls into one or two sneaky McDonalds visits each week, youll save a bundle on international phone charges. Additional information:
ATMs, Debit cards, and questions for your bank: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/atms-debit-cards-credit-cardsfees-in-europe-questions-for-your-bank.html iPhones in Europe: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/using-anamerican-iphone-in-europe-without-going-broke.html
Havent bought your tickets yet? No problem. We have plenty of suggestions for snagging great deals on flights, knowing when it is (and isnt) worth it to rent a car, saving money on transportation around cities, and making the most of train travel. All aboard!
Tip #15: When traveling within Europe, know whether it makes more sense to fly or take a train.
Decide carefully between flying and taking the train around Europe. Calculate the real travel time of the trip, adding in time to and from the airport and time for security. Also add up the real cost of the flight, including baggage fees and transportation to the airport. And most importantly, if the cost and time is equal, which way do you prefer to travel?
Additional information:
Saving on airfare, rail passes and more. http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/cheapo-basics-10-ways-tosave-on-the-big-items-in-your-travel-budget.html Considerations before booking rail tickets: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/european-train-travel-someimportant-considerations-before-booking-train-tickets.html Read this before you buy European rail passes: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/what-kind-of-rail-pass.html Calculating the real cost of renting a car in Europe: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/renting-a-car-how-tocalculate-the-real-cost-of-car-rentals-in-europe.html
Whether youre planning to travel for two days or 20 days, where you stay can have a big impact on both your budget and your trip experience. Here are some tips for booking the right hotels for your trip.
Tip #19: Try to avoid school holidays when choosing travel dates.
Having a sense of local travel patterns is a smart way of seeing Europe at its best while trimming costs. For example, beware of the last week of October and first week in November, when two-thirds of schoolchildren in the European Union have a fall break, and many of them hit the road.
manage their bookings, but can charge different room rates depending on the commercial terms of their contracts. So shop around, Cheapos, and compare prices to make sure youre getting the best deal. (Luckily, when you search on EuroCheapo, we compare rates from around the web for you. Done!)
Tip #21: Consider which amenities you really need, and skip the ones that are just nice to have.
When is the last time you had a truly delicious breakfast at a hotel? While they do exist, if it isnt included in your room rate, wed recommend skipping it altogether and starting your day at the cute caf down the street. Itll be cheaper. Also, think about the room amenities that you really need to enjoy your visit. Is a satellite TV a necessity? Do you need air conditioning in Vienna in early June? The difference between a one-star and a three-star hotel might be more noticeable in your wallet than in your room.
neighborhood in Paris, for example, will probably have restrictions placed upon its ability to do renovations. This might make adding an elevator impossible, which would prevent the hotel from achieving three-star status, no matter how lovely the rooms or how cordial the management. Also, note that one-star hotels will often offer things for free (like Internet access) that four-star hotels tend to charge for.
Tip #26: Arriving early? Dont necessarily take the only room available.
Your flight arrives early in the morning and you get to the hotel before check in begins. Youre tired and want to rest up. The room you were
originally assigned hasnt yet been cleaned, but there is one room available that you could move into now. Beware of that free room! Ask if its the same size and about any other preferences you may have. It could very well be the dreaded worst room in the hotel (or it could be perfectly fine). You might be better off leaving your luggage and coming back later to a better room, even if you are a bit tired.
Tip #27: Come back early enough to inspect your hotel room.
Say youve arrived early, checked in, left your luggage in a luggage room, and hit the town. Now what? Wed recommend, if possible, returning to the hotel early in the afternoon to move into your room. (This isnt just about making sure your room is adequate. Its also about leaving your possessions in a luggage room thats shared by countless others.)
Tip #29: If asking for another room, be nice and offer a good explanation.
This is rather obvious, but if you return right away to the reception and ask to switch rooms, be as courteous as possible. The
receptionist, after all, has all the power in this situation. Explain why youd like to switch rooms. Had you requested something else when reserving? Are you afraid of bathtubs and need a shower? Do you prefer a quieter room on the courtyard? Offer some sort of explanationand smile.
Additional information:
Five tips for finding cheap hotels during the summer. http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/travel-planning-five-tips-forfinding-a-cheap-hotel-during-the-summer.html What do hotel stars mean? http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/hotel-star-ratings-in-europewhats-in-the-stars.html Navigating school holidays when choosing travel dates. http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/planning-tip-navigatingschool-holidays-when-picking-travel-dates.html How NOT to get stuck with the worst room in the hotel. http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/strategy-how-to-not-get-stuckwith-the-worst-room-in-the-hotel.html
Think the City of Light is going to leave your wallet, um, light? Think again, Cheapos. Here are a handful of tips to help make your next visit to Paris more affordable - without sacrificing any of the fun!
Whered everyone go? While the Louvre and Notre Dame are flooded with tourists from around the world, one piece of Paris is curiously lacking in August: the Parisians. Neighborhoods around town have seemingly emptied out and the usually crowded parks and picnic spots have a surplus of vacant space for those left behind. This also makes shopping difficult as clothing boutiques, chocolate shops and fromageries all shut their doors for several weeks.
EuroCheapos recommended hotels in Paris: http://www.eurocheapo.com/paris/ Getting around Paris - Metro, buses, airport transportation: http://www.eurocheapo.com/paris/features/getting-aroundparis.html Budget tips for Paris: http://www.eurocheapo.com/paris/features/budget-tipsparis.html 20 things to consider when choosing a hotel in Paris: http://www.eurocheapo.com/paris/features/considerationswhen-choosing-hotel-in-paris.html
55 ways to save on your trip to Paris: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-55-ways-to-save-onyour-trip-to-paris-in-2012.html 10 ways to save time and see more in Paris: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-10-ways-to-save-timeand-see-more-in-paris.html 7 ways to avoid crowds in Paris: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-7-ways-to-avoid-crowdsat-sights-stores-and-more.html 7 things that are always free in Paris: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/paris-7-things-that-arealways-free-in-paris.html All Paris articles: http://www.eurocheapo.com/paris/features/
If you're nervous that your Roman Holiday will leave your budget in ruins, take a deep breath and read on. Rome is an expensive city, but remember that many of the sights you'll want to see are free. For everything else, we have a few Cheapo suggestions for surviving the Eternal City.
Tip #50: When shopping at a Roman grocery store, abide by the rules.
Heading to the grocery store? Put on the protective gloves before you
touch fruits or produce. Weigh and label the fruit and vegetables you plan to buy. Bag your own groceries. Bags arent free and will cost you 4 - 10 cents per bag.
Tip #51: Cant take the Roman heat? Take a dip in a city pool!
Take a plunge in one of our favorites: RivaNord (Transport: Tram 2 from Piazzale Flaminio to Pinturicchio). La Piscina delle Rose (Transport: Metro A to Termini, transfer to Metro B to EUR Palasport). Blue Wave Team Sporting Club Ostiense (Transport: Metro B to Marconi).
A special note about the Trevi Fountain: No one comes to Rome without making a stop at the grandiose Fontana di Trevi. Whether it be day or night, its hard not to admire the sheer beauty of the fountain that Federico Fellini chose as his backdrop for his classic, La Dolce Vita. Tourists flock in herds to the fountain to throw in a coin. Legend has it that it ensures that youll come back to Rome one day soon.
Theres no structure quite as remarkable as St. Peters Basilica. The road and square leading up to the church is just as magnificent. Although theres no cost to get inside, there is a dress code that is strictly enforced. No shorts and skirts above the knees and no bare shoulders. Make sure to check out the Vatican Grottoes underneath the church, where several Popes (including Pope John Paul II and St. Peter) are buried. And dont forget to snap a picture with one of the Swiss Guards standing outside! The attached Vatican Museum houses the Vaticans impressive art collection. This includes no shortage of masterpieces, most notably Michelangelos painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. At 15 per adult ticket, the museum is not cheap, but its certainly worth it. Additional information:
EuroCheapos recommended hotels in Rome: http://www.eurocheapo.com/rome/ Getting around Rome - Metro, buses, taxis: http://www.eurocheapo.com/rome/features/getting-around-rome.html Budget tips for Rome: http://www.eurocheapo.com/rome/features/budgettips-rome.html Types of hotels in Rome: http://www.eurocheapo.com/rome/features/types-of-hotels-rome.html 10 things to do for less than 10 euros in Rome: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/rome-10-things-to-do-for-less-than10.html 5 rules for shopping in a Roman grocery store: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/rome-5-things-to-know-before-shoppingin-a-roman-supermarket.html 25 free things to do in Rome: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/rome-25free-things-to-do.html
Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Here are some suggestions for maximizing your budget, including information on museums, free sights and getting around this curvy city of canals.
During high tourist season the Anne Frank House Museum is open until 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on Saturdays); and during the off season until 7 p.m. (9 p.m. on Saturday). In fact, during July and August the museum doesnt close until 10 p.m. daily. So save time and avoid that long line by coming later, about an hour before close.
from Amsterdam in advance online. Whether you have a print-out on hand or you have to use a kiosk computer at the station, both methods are so much faster than waiting in line to buy tickets at the station. (Of course, checking in for flights in advance and using selfservice check in at the airport will also save you loads of time.)
faces, and much of the street is lined with different works side-byside.
Tip #74: Best of the free - Free internet (and great views) at the library.
The public library (OBA) is right next to Centraal Station. Its new and boasts a sleek modern look, with seven floors and the latest computers with free internet, free wireless, and even a free piano for tickling the ivory. And if youre at the library, youll also have to check out one of the best views of the Dam. Head to the top floor where caf La Place is located, and outside youll find a roof terrace overlooking the entire city.
Additional information:
EuroCheapos recommended hotels in Amsterdam: http://www.eurocheapo.com/amsterdam/ Getting around Amsterdam - trams, buses, bikes: http://www.eurocheapo.com/amsterdam/features/gettingaround-amsterdam.html
Budget tips for Amsterdam: http://www.eurocheapo.com/amsterdam/features/budget-tipsamsterdam.html Types of hotels in Amsterdam: http://www.eurocheapo.com/amsterdam/features/aboutamsterdam-budget-hotels.html 10 ways to save time when visiting Amsterdam: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/amsterdam-10-ways-to-savetime-when-visiting-amsterdam.html 20 free things to do in Amsterdam: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/20-free-things-to-do-inamsterdam.html Favorite late-night snacks: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/amsterdam-5-late-nightsnacks-for-cheapos-on-the-prowl.html Amsterdams museum pass options: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/amsterdams-museum-passoptions-which-is-a-better-deal.html When to visit Amsterdam (and which dates to avoid): http://www.eurocheapo.com/amsterdam/features/when-to-visitamsterdam.html
Although undeniably pricey, London is full of budget-friendly bits. We've staked out some of the best deals, including a few choice freebies. Take note of these tips and you, too, can be a Cheapo in Her Majestys city.
Service and London Overground. You can get your Oyster card at Tube stops and Travel Information Centres by paying a 5 deposit.
Tip #79: Ditch the tourist bus and take the RV1.
When youre out and about in London, you may be tempted to give one of those open-top sightseeing buses a go. Well, theyll set you back a whopping 23. So heres an idea for Cheapos: One of central Londons public transport bus routes, the RV1, takes in an incredible number of sights and is a whole lot cheaper. Pay with your Oyster card (max 1.35) and bag a seat next to the window. This is a great option in the winter, as shivering in the rain on an open top bus is certainly not our idea of fun!
Tip #82: Best of the free - Sample your way through Borough Market.
Situated in an immense open-air space under a Victorian-style warehouse roof, Borough Market is Londons oldest food market. Serving up fine artisan cured meats, French cheeses, fresh oysters, cider, organic fruit and vegetables, homemade cakes, mushroom pate and everything in between, the market is one of the best of its kind. Ask for free samples!
Tip #84: Best of the free - Childs play at the Natural History Museum.
Keep little ones and teenagers intrigued on a shoestring budget with a day trip to the Natural History Museum. The impressive cathedrallike structure plays host to one of the largest natural history collections in the world. It includes everything from microscopic slides to mammoth skeletons, a dinosaur gallery, and a life-size model of a blue whale.
Tip #85: Best of the free - Cultural pursuits at the British Library.
If you love reading, especially in the confines of a tranquil space, a trip to the worlds largest library is a worthwhile (and free) way to spend an afternoon. The British Library holds more than 150 million
items, from The Beatles manuscripts and the notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci to works by Karl Marx, Virginia Woolf, Charles Dickens and George Bernard Shaw. Grab a coffee and one of your favorite reads, and camp out in one of the many comfortable reading rooms.
Tip #86: Best of the free - An urban walk along the Southbank.
Entertain yourself without opening your wallet by taking a blissful walk along the Southbank of the River Thames. There are always free events (live music, dance, theatre, book readings, workshops and more) going on day and night, and even when there is a dry spot, there are plenty of other attractions in the area.
Tip #87: Best of the free - Take in the view from Waterloo Bridge.
Of Londons 33 bridges that cross the River Thames, Waterloo definitely offers the most impressive views. Looking east you can take in St. Pauls Cathedral, the Gherkin, the Oxo Tower, Somerset House and the National Theatre. Look westward and you can take in the bustle of busy shoppers and street performers along the South Bank, as well as the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Visit during the day to take photos and in the evening to admire it all lit up.
Additional information:
EuroCheapos recommended hotels in London: http://www.eurocheapo.com/london/ Getting around London - Tube, buses, Oysters: http://www.eurocheapo.com/london/features/getting-aroundlondon.html Budget tips for London: http://www.eurocheapo.com/london/features/budget-tipslondon.html
Types of hotels in London: http://www.eurocheapo.com/london/features/about-londonhotels.html Best views in London for free: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/london-the-best-views-in-thecity-for-free.html Day trip from London, Cambridge: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/cambridge-an-easy-andaffordable-day-trip-from-london.html 20 free museums in London: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/london-budget-survival-guide20-free-museums.html
Why is it that the most charming cities are always so expensive? If the thought of having to sell your car to finance a trip to Venice wakes you out of your romantic reverie, dont despair. Follow our lead for ways to enjoy the floating city without drifting away in debt.
Tip #91: Dont sit down for a snack in St. Marks Square.
Venice is notorious for its mediocre and overpriced food. You can find good food in Venice, but its often still going to be on the expensive side -- and not in the most popular squares. Nowhere is getting a bite to eat more unnecessarily costly than in the bars and restaurants surrounding St. Marks Square. Beware.
Tip #95: Best of the free - Explore the Lista Di Spagna and the Strada Nuova.
Every single guidebook in the world tells you to avoid the crowded Lista di Spagna and the Strada Nuova. But we dont mind it. If you like window shopping, walking slowly, and seeing lots of people, you must give it a stroll.
Tip #96: Best of the free - La Passeggiata Alle Zattere (Walk in Zattere).
The Fondamenta delle Zattere is a long promenade in Dorsoduro, overlooking the Canal of the Giudecca and extending for about one kilometer from Stazione Marittima a San Basilio up to Punta della Dogana, where the Canal enters the Bacino di San Marco. Strolling the Fondamenta is a favorite pastime of locals, especially on Sunday afternoons.
Tip #98: Best of the free - Visit the citys private art galleries.
There are many museums in Venice, but there are also myriad privately owned art galleries. These are free to enter and display a wide variety of work from both local and international artists. Some galleries to consider include: the Contini Art Gallery (S. Marco n2675/2769, Calle dello Spezier), the Galleria dArte lOcchio (Dorsoduro 181-185 near the Peggy Guggenheim Collection) and the Galleria Ravagnan (Piazza San marco, 50A)
Tip #100: Best of the free - Tour the Squero San Trovaso and find out how gondolas are built.
This squero (boatyard), located along the Rio San Trovaso and dating back to the 17th Century, is one of the few still operating in Venice. Take a tour and see gondolas being built and repaired. The tour usually lasts 30 minutes and is free.
Additional information:
EuroCheapos recommended hotels in Venice: http://www.eurocheapo.com/venice/ Getting around Venice - Boats, water taxis, gondolas: http://www.eurocheapo.com/venice/features/getting-aroundvenice.html Budget tips for Venice: http://www.eurocheapo.com/venice/features/budget-tipsvenice.html 5 simple ways to save in Venice: http://www.eurocheapo.com/venice/features/budget-tipsvenice.html 10 things to do for under 10 euros: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/venice-10-things-to-do-forless-than-10.html Lesser-known museums worth visiting in Venice: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/venice-lesser-knownmuseums-worth-visiting.html Save on vaporetto tickets with a Tourist Travel Card: http://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/venice-save-on-vaporettotickets-with-a-tourist-travel-card.html Cicchetti - Cheap Venetian Delights: http://www.eurocheapo.com/venice/features/cheap-eatsvenice.html
We hope these 100 tips have given you plenty of ideas for easy ways to save while youre on the road. And while this list represents only the tip of the Cheapo-iceberg, there is one last tip thats a cut above the rest and deserves its own special mention: