Cheap European Travel: Part II – Enjoying Your Stay

Going on a group tour of Europe is one of the cheapest ways to see major destinations in a condensed amount of time. Many of these tours are frequented by Spring Breakers and college students, so if you intend on taking a family, choose wisely. For younger crowds, Contiki Tours cannot be beat. However, families should consider Intrepid Travel, winner of the Best Tour Operator Award in the Responsible Tourism Awards in 2006.

Family Friendly

Intrepid Tours hosts much smaller groups, which means you will feel like you are travelling with friends and family by the end. The tours allow for more independent excursions than many tour lines to accommodate the desire of most families to set off on their own. In fact, one of their small group tours is geared toward young families. The best part about travelling Europe is there is as much for adults to do as there is for children. Without the stress of deciding where to go, figuring out how to get there, and wondering which destinations are safe for families, parents can fully relax and leave the stress to the tour guides. Safety is a primary concern for all families. Tour guides have scouted the areas prior to sending you. In large cities in Europe, one wrong turn can put you in the wrong area, and the provision of your tour guides allows this concern to be lifted.

Intrepid Tour Options

Swiss Family Adventure

§         Length: 8 days

§         Route: Geneva to Morgins

§         Attractions: While enjoying breathtaking views of the Alps, visit small villages of chalets and dairy farms, stop at a goat farm and enjoy a challenging Alpine ropes and ladders course. When you head to Montreaux, you can tour the Chateau de Chillon for a history of knights and princesses sure to enchant and young child. Paddle boating through Lake Geneva is family fun among one of the world’s most beautiful and pristine cities. Educational activities include learning how Swiss cheese is made and visiting a local chocolate factory. Finally, there is a day trip to see glaciers.

Swiss Family Adventure

§         Length: 8 days

§         Route: Prague, Czech Republic to Budapest, Hungary

§         Attractions: In this culturally rich area of eastern Europe, you will enjoy architecture like no other place on Earth. A highlight for most guests is a walk  across Praque’s famous Karlsbruck, Charles Bridge, which includes statures of the Saints from nearly 400 years ago. The Prague castle is a magnificent site for the entire family; even children who do not understand the historical significance will be in awe of its beauty and detail. A puppet show with Czech marionettes is a family favorite. You will have the opportunity to go for a bike ride through a rural town of Cesky Krumlov, founded in the 13^th century. River rafting near Vienna offers more breathtaking landscapes and family fun. The Prater Amusement Park in Vienna is more commercial, but a visit to the palace of the Hapsburgs brings the whole family right back to the rich culture of Hungary and Austria.

Tags: All-inclusive, cheap european travel, cheap family travel, european travel tours

Cheap European Travel: Part I – Getting There

Many people are looking to cut travel expenses to Europe because of the weak dollar against the euro. While the exchange rate does not lead itself to inexpensive travel, the cost of travel has dropped dramatically. Everything from plane tickets to local subway fares may be lower because of the global recession and the decrease in travelers heading to Europe. Here are some quick tips on how you can save in your travel and accommodations on a European trip before too late.

Cheap Plane Tickets

The cheapest plane tickets to Europe are available if you are willing to have multiple layovers. Depending on where you are flying from in the US, this most likely means a stop over on the east coast. The longer the layover, the better chance your ticket price will drop. The same goes for getting to Europe; if you can stop in London, Madrid or Paris before heading to your ultimate destination, you will save money over tickets directly to smaller cities. Travelling midweek will also drop your plane ticket drastically. Summer months tend to be heavy for European travel, but the end of the summer sees a slightly lower volume of travelers, meaning better deals for you. Try signing up for alerts from airlines to watch ticket priced if your travel dates are flexible.

Cheap Hotels

If you are renting a car, you will find many hotels outside of major cities that have great deals. Driving in Europe is not easy. You will have a very compact car with a number of differences, the least of which is you are on the wrong side of the car. Roads are extremely narrow, very crowded and most cities are not planned. However, thousands of travelers navigate these conditions each year. Renting a car should be reserved for the experienced traveler. If you can stay outside of the city, you will find budget hotels all over. For example, The Hotel Formule 1 has about 300 hotels in France. While there is a sink in each room, there is a shared toilet and shower. Sacrificing a private toilet can save you tremendously with rates starting at under $40 a night. For a step up, try Premiere Classe which has a private toilet and shower in each room. Be prepared to spend closer to $60 a night in Première Class hotels.

Cheap Rail Tickets

One of the best ways to get around Europe once you are there is by rail. In fact, you may consider flying into a large city and taking a train to your ultimate destination to save money. EuroCheapo has a full list of rail schedules and prices to assist you in planning your trip. Anytime you are planning to travel a significant amount by train, remember to pack light. You will be carrying your luggage on foot to most of your destinations from the train; some times, you may be walking multiple miles. Packing light is key to all European travel, but do not pack too casually. Jeans and t-shirts are a dead giveaway for American tourists.

Tags: cheap european travel, cheap tickets to europe, cheap trains in europe, Cheap travel

Mexico is Still a Bargain

The H1N1 flu virus has taken a bite out of Mexico’s tourism dollars, and this is making an already cheap vacation even cheaper. Forbes recently stated “you can still find cheap, safe vacations” in Mexico. Mexico has always opened its arms to American tourists. If you are looking for good destinations, stick to the tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta that are less affected by violence and corruption than the more congested, native cities. There are a number of factors that make Mexico a good option for those looking for an inexpensive alternative to a Caribbean island vacation.

Ease of Travel

Direct flights are available to many cities in Mexico from most South and Southwestern cities in the US. Because Mexico is situated in an almost direct line south of the US, there is not a large difference in time zone as there may be for some more Eastern countries in Central and South America. This means your travel time and jet lag are cut back significantly. It also means your flights are generally less expensive, easily around $400. Be wary of tickets that are too cheap, as you may be purchasing in the off season. More than just cold weather, the off season at many Mexican destinations can be rainy.

Westernized Culture

In most of the tourist destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta, you will find a highly Western culture. Most vendors and wait staff will speak English, and most restaurants and bars will have American brands. This may take away slightly from the cultural influx you may be seeking, but you can still find culture on day trips to ruins or remote beaches. It is best to stay on resort or in more tourist filled areas at night. While there is some risk of petty crime, these areas tend to have higher security and be well-policed.  

Friendly to Tourists

Mexico cities rely heavily on tourist from the US. Beyond this, many Mexican natives have friends and family residing in the US. This means they are generally friendly to American tourists and welcome the influx of dollars each year. Unlike some remote communities that dislike the resorts and hotels brought by Western tourism, Mexican cities embrace this as a multi-billion dollar industry. You will find street vendors, hotel staff and local musicians welcome your family and your travel dollars. The dollar remains strong against the Peso, making this less expensive than many European options.

Protect Your Health and Safety

RE/MAX Investment Properties compiles reports on crime rates in Mexico. Recently, they found major tourist zones in Mexico are up to 26 times safer than some tourist zones in the US. Nonetheless, there are many slums in Mexico that are in close proximity to tourist areas. Always be aware of your surroundings, and always travel in groups. Carry some extra cash, but do not wear expensive jewelry or carry pricey cameras. You may opt for a disposable camera for the trip. Bringing your own toiletries and washing hands frequently can reduce the risk of infectious disease.

Tags: Cheap travel, hotel deals, mexico travel, travel safety

Cheap Disney Vacations

Once you get inside an airport or a sports stadium, prices on simple items skyrocket. Waters, sodas and bags of popcorn become high-priced goods. This is because you are in a bubble where no outside vendors are permitted. Disneyworld is the biggest “bubble” in the United States. All vendors, including hotels and transportation, are paying a premium to be located on the grounds. This means family fun comes at a very high price most times of the year. From dining to just getting around, you will be paying for the experience. There are little ways to cut fees though, making your dollars go further to get even more happiness from the happiest place on Earth.

Passes through Travel Agents

Disney offers a variety of group tickets. All of them are better deals than buying each park pass independently, but they also require you purchase tickets to a huge amount of activities. If you are looking for more flexibility, Disney travel agents may be able to supply this for you. Small World Vacations, an exclusive Disney agency, does not charge a fee for services. This agency provides custom packages, such as “Magic Your Way,” that allow you to start with the basics and add on from there. There are even options to add on for just a few of the tickets instead of the whole family. This means the adults can add a dining package, and the kids and babysitter can eat on the cheap. Taking a babysitter may allow you to enjoy many of the new additions to the family of Disney activities that are geared toward adults. Beyond the mouse ears, Disney has added many high end restaurants, night clubs, and even a Cirque de Soliel show. Ask a travel agent about enjoying these activities while your kids get the most of the children’s focus.

Discounts, Discounts, Discounts

If you are clever with selecting discounts, there are many to be found. For example, Disney passes are free on your birthday. If you plan your vacation around even one family birthday, you will receive nearly $100 in discounts. Plan to stay during a week when there is more than one birthday, and the savings will continue to rise. Disney also offers free passes with a military ID. That’s right: if you are home on leave, heading to Disneyworld, or Disneyland for that matter, is a great way to reconnect with your family.

Free Sightseeing

While not many activities are free: there are some things you can enjoy without a pass. In Orlando, Disney’s boardwalk has street performers, shops, a dance hall, a dueling piano bars and many other fun sights. Downtown Disney has fountain displays, a play area with thousands of Legos, and magic demonstrations. The hotels themselves can provide hours of sightseeing for the whole family as you gape at the execution of complex themes. Finally, about 20 miles south of Orlando, the Disney Wilderness Reserve has very inexpensive tours of a wildlife reservation. These activities will not dent your pocket.

Tags: cheap disney vacations, Cheap travel, disney vacations, hotel deals

Luggage Fees by Airline

One of the first travel factors to sky rocket in price in the recession is luggage fees. Airlines are facing increased expenses, mostly from growing fuel costs, and bad PR from a number of recent mishaps. They have likely conducted market studies showing the cost of tickets cannot go much higher without people deciding to stop purchasing them. The solution? Across the board the solution has been increases in hidden fees. Some airlines are much more egregious offenders than others.

Leaders in Luggage Fees
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics provides accurate information on all fees assessed by airlines over the past year. In a 2009 study, the Bureau reported the following luggage fee assessments:
1. American Airlines - $108,117,000
2. Delta Air Lines - $102,838,000
3. US Airways - $94,227,000
4. United Airlines - $59,102,000
5. Northwest Airlines - $59,786,000
6. Continental Airlines - $55,616,000
7. AirTran Airways - $30,881,000
8. JetBlue Airways - $12,603,000
9. Frontier Airlines - $12,456,000
10. Southwest Airlines - $5,982,000

Leaders in Passenger Carry
In what will come as no shock to those who have followed Southwest’s success in the industry, the airline additionally maintains the highest passenger numbers. Southwest has long been thought of as the only airline in the industry that turns a consistent profit. The Bureau reported the following in terms of numbers of passengers transported:
1. Southwest Airlines
2. American Airlines
3. Delta Air Lines
4. United Airlines
5. US Airways
6. Continental Airlines
7. Northwest Airlines
8. AirTran Airways
9. JetBlue Airways
10. SkyWest

American Airlines still maintains a greater share of the flight market than Southwest, but only by just a touch, and its profits routinely fall short of Southwest’s annual returns. The moral of the story here is that luggage fees alone will not boost your profits. To those airlines who assess hidden fees, reconsider how you can gain loyal customers who will come to you first even if the ticket price is a little higher. This is what Southwest has done, and, in fact, their ticket prices are often the lowest.

Avoiding Hidden Fees
Ideally, you will locate a Southwest flight with no hidden fees at a low rate heading directly to your destination. In the real world, though, this is not always possible. You may have to hop a flight on the dreaded American Airlines, as so many of us do, to get where you are going. Read the baggage and fees policy before flying. Often, you may check one bag for free. American charges $15 for the first checked bag, making carrying on an attractive option. If you are travelling as a family, work to negate the total number of checked bags. Wear your heaviest, bulkiest clothes and assure each member of the family has the allotted 2 carry-ons. Most importantly, invest in a luggage scale. Narrowing all of your belongings into one bag will only save you money if you are not assessed additional fees for the weight of your bag. You can get luggage scales at nearly any airport store, but we recommend purchasing a quality piece. It often comes down to mere ounces of the standard 50 pound allotment.

Tags: Cheap travel, hidden fees, luggage fees

How to Take France by Train

Train travel is often less costly than air travel. Once you arrive in France, you can save money and time by avoiding airports and taxis all together. Simple trains run the entire length of the French Riviera. The key is to plan ahead for this type of travel. If you treat a train trip like any other, you will be overwhelmed. Know what you are getting into.

Step 1: Pick the Right Luggage

• Durable with solid sides – When you are traveling, you will likely have to load your bad into the cargo containers on the bottom of trains and buses. Most of the time, guests will do this themselves. This means the bags will be poorly stacked, and you could end up on bottom. Pick a bag that will not tear and has some structure in the sides to protect your belongings.
• Easily carried – You can walk from the train to many locations to save money as long as you can carry your baggage. The best choices have straps like a back pack or shoulder bag.
• Well-hidden pockets – You should carry valuables on your person at all times. However, you may have a few valuables or souvenirs to hide away in your luggage. Make sure your bag has a few hidden pockets for this type of thing.
• Bag within a bag – Having a smaller bag within your suitcase will allow you to leave your luggage behind if you get to a safe hotel. Look for a small bag that can be easily folded into a pocket then brought out for day trips.

Step 2: Pack Wisely

• Consider the weather – You will be covering a lot of distance from the north of France to the Mediterranean. Check the weather in each location you will be visiting. If you are traveling in spring or fall, the weather can be unpredictable.
• Layer your clothes – The key to dressing for all temperatures is to pack layers. Bring clothes than can be easily folded away or tied around your waist. A good windbreaker is an essential in some towns.
• Simplify cosmetics and toiletries – You are on vacation, give the hair dryer a break. The more you can cut down on your beauty routine, the easier your trip will be.

Step 3: Travel in Small Groups

• Break up for day trips – Even if you are traveling as a family, breaking into small groups can make your traveling easier. You will be visiting a lot of cities that could be explored for weeks. It may be necessary to take separate day trips order to make sure everyone sees what they want to see.
• Small groups are best for museums – Traveling through crowded sites like the Louvre, Versailles or historical ruins can be cumbersome for large groups. It can also lead to a chance of one person getting lost. Take on museums in teams of 2-4. Visit different exhibits at your own pace.

Tags: France, Train tickets

4 No-Hassle Budget Vacation Tips

The popularity of “staycations,” a term for staying home during a vacation, shows just how much people are cutting back luxury spending. If you are one of the hundreds of thousand couples or families cutting back this summer, you can still take a vacation. Implement simple, budget-conscious strategies to make your trip enjoyable but inexpensive. The simple rule to follow: spend when you want to, save when you can. When you are following this rule, you will save money on the day-to-day essentials while still splurging on the fun memories. Try these simple strategies:

1. Shop Around Online

If you are planning on calling a hotel or airline to ask for best rates, you shouldn’t expect to truly get the best rates. Many websites offer market comparables to help you find the truly best deal. Try checking back regularly. If a hotel is not booked leading up to the weekend you are looking to stay there, prices may go down. Remember: renting someone else’s time share is also a great option. Check sites like Craigslist to see what may be available.

2. Go in the Off-Season

Price discrimination is a common practice for both hotels and airlines. If you are not flexible with your travel dates, you can expect to pay more. Instead of heading to Washington DC for the Fourth of July, try going on a fall weekend. Most vacation spots have off seasons. Check the rates over a six-month time period to get a feel for which dates are less popular. One warning: if you are travelling for good weather, check the weather in the off season. For example, many Caribbean locations are cheap in the off season because it is hurricane season.

3. Avoid Expensive Hotels

If you aren’t afraid of the outdoors, consider camping. You can rent a camper, RV, or tent at a camp site for relatively little. There are some campgrounds which will charge you very high rates each evening. Instead, seek out local, state or national parks where camping is permitted. Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County, California, for example, offers a great mix of beach, mountain terrain, the luxury of Laguna Beach and the busy nightlife of nearby Newport Beach. There are just over 30 campsites. Rather than staying in a luxury hotel in the area, and there are plenty, choose the campgrounds to save money.

4. Make Your Own Breakfast and Lunch

Eating out is one of the pleasures of vacation. Avoiding dish duty, grocery shopping and the hassles of planning what to eat each night is very relaxing. You don’t have to give up this experience all together to save money. Try eating out for dinner but making your own breakfast and lunch – including coffee. By drinking coffee in your room and eating in two meals a day, a couple can save on average $50 a day. That $50 can be used to buy the nice bottle of wine over dinner, rent the jet ski or simply have a little left over when the vacation is over.

Tags: hotel deals, off-season travel

Los Angeles on a Budget

If you are looking for good weather, lots of culture, diverse food and lots of day-trips, then heading to Los Angeles is a great option without leaving the country. Los Angeles sits in between the mountains and the ocean, providing for a unique landscape that is very conducive to outdoor activities. Combine this location with its Mediterranean climate, a very rare combination of moderate temperatures and very little rain, and the city makes for a charming summer destination. But be careful: Los Angeles is not cheap. You have to select activities wisely to truly save money by staying in the country. Some suggestions:

Tour Venice Beach

Many tourists flock to Santa Monica beach’s pier for daytime activities. This pier is among the most expensive and crowded in Los Angeles. Try renting a bike at the pier for approximately $15 to ride the “Strand.” This will take you through Venice Beach, a virtual carnival lined with vendors, performers and sidewalk cafes. A bite to eat here will save you versus eating on the Santa Monica Pier.

Walk Crystal Cove State Park

If you can get to the Corona Del Mar area for a day, take the chance. Touring Newport Beach, the stately Balboa Island and the surrounding neighborhoods brings a fairytale charm to the day. Go early with a cup of coffee and walk through the miles of Crystal Cove State Park. You will find houses preserved in time since the early beach town of the 1940s. If you are lucky, you will see a lot of wildlife in this abundant natural habitat.

Hike to the Hollywood Sign

Don’t be embarrassed to take this iconic trip – thousands of Angelenos do it every year. The hike is five miles round-trip. Start with a tour of Griffith Park, a scenic location and planetarium near Hollywood. Take the Brush Canyon Trail through the natural landscape. You will enjoy the natural streams, trees and bushes that cover the trail. The trail dead-ends about 20 feet behind the sign. You cannot actually touch the sign for risk of citation. However, you will be afforded an excellent photo opportunity of the city from a unique viewpoint.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Long Beach is one of the best kept secrets in Los Angeles. Heading down to Long Beach for the day allows visitors the opportunity to see the Queen Mary where it is permanently docked. Driving across the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach is a breath-taking view of the shipping containers and cranes bringing in goods from Asia. While you are there, splurge on the $7-$15 to see the Aquarium of the Pacific. The exhibits are very interactive. The aquarium boasts unique exhibits such as the river otters and shark tank.

Visit the Getty Museum

It is hard to believe that such a beautiful day can be spent at the Getty free of charge. The museum is managed by an endowment that keeps the grounds impeccably clean while allowing visitors to browse the gardens and exhibits totally free. The tram ride will show a unique view of the city, and the architecture is well situated in the hills for viewing sweeping skylines.

Tags: aquarium of the pacific, crystal cove state park, getty museum, hollywood, venice beach

Vegas on a Budget

Few areas in the country have suffered worse from the recent recession than the Las Vegas area. Las Vegas saw a boom that lasted nearly 40 years where hotels became more lavish, parties became more out of control, shows became more awe-inspiring and trips, ultimately, became budget-breakers. The bubble finally burst, and consumers are the benefactors of the crisis. It is not uncommon to find hotel rooms for 50% off when the location is not fully booked. Additionally, Las Vegas has become more family-friendly, offering daytime activities to rival long nights out on the Strip. If you’re not careful, though, you may end up spending equal to pre-recession rates. Know how to save on the basics, and you will find more change to put in the slot machines.

Best Time to Go

Las Vegas does not see a huge off season. The summer months see a high degree of traffic, but they can be too hot for many guests. If you choose to travel in the fall or winter, check to see if the pools will be open at your hotel. They are not open year round traditionally. Holidays such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July or even Halloween can create a Vegas-rush. Guests from nearby towns like Los Angeles hop over for the three-day weekends. Big gambling days, such as the NCAA basketball finals or Kentucky Derby weekend, can raise prices. Choose a weekend when there are not other activities going on.

Best Places to Eat

Buffets can be a budget-friendly way for a couple or a family to eat. Be sure to inquire about buffets at your selected hotel. If you are looking to save money, it is best to avoid the signature restaurants at lavish hotels. Consider asking a concierge about off-the-strip dining. You may also use restaurant guides and search for lesser-known locations. Consider saving money by visiting a local grocery to stock up on snacks and lunches. You my also be able to save on alcohol if you purchase it outside of a hotel.

Best Places to Stay

Location is key when you are choosing where you will stay in Las Vegas. If you will be visiting the strip with frequency, it may make sense to stay at a hotel on the strip. This will save you money on cab rides. If you are touring the hiking and scenery, which is an excellent way to save a few pennies, you may consider staying just off the strip. Many hotels that are not in the heat of action offer complimentary shuttles to popular destinations during certain hours of the day.

Best Shows to See

Vegas is home to dozens of free shows. Take a trip to the Bellagio to see the water show, which runs every 15 minutes and is totally free. You can also visit the Mirage to see the animals on location. The casino floors themselves are often a sight to see. Consider taking a tour around to view the Wynn blown glass gardens, the landscapes at New York New York and the Mediterranean facades at Paris.

Tags: discount vegas hotels, Las vegas

Travel by Train

Train travel was once considered an elite experience, surrounded in luxury, intrigue and romance. Today, few trains offer the types of comfort and first-class traveling as they did in the early 1900s. However, if your travel dates are flexible and you do not mind the close quarters, a train trip can still offer a unique opportunity to see new sites. Best of all, train tickets are likely to be less expensive than airplane and car rental fees. Even if you are only traveling a short distance, say city-to-city, you may be recognize strong cost savings and a little adventure in purchasing the ticket.

Popular Train Routes

Most train travel in the United States is carried out through Amtrak. The Amtrak routes spread wide across the US, and tickets are typically easy to purchase on the company website. Specials, such as trains during off-hours or off-seasons, are almost always available. Amtrak spans the entire East Coast, from Washington D.C. to Orlando, Florida. Once unique feature is the opportunity to bring your car with you on the train. You can ride on the train’s passenger car while you car rides on a carrier. On the west coast, you can travel from San Diego all the way up to Seattle on the train. You can opt to pass through popular spots such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. The countryside along the California coast floats in and out of view during the scenic trip. Other popular trips include:

• Southwest Chief – This is a trip through the areas of New Mexico and Arizona. Stop at a few destinations along the way for dune buggie rides, mountain hikes and nights spent beneath the stars.
• Crescent – This train runs from New York to New Orleans every single day. Make sure you have enough time to spend a few days in New Orleans once you reach the destination. You may opt for a one-way plane ticket home. Popular times to travel are before Mardi Gras and the Sugar Bowl. Go during an off-time for cheaper rates.
• Silver Line – This line runs from New York to Miami. The trip can take several days, so again be sure to give yourself plenty of time.
• Ethan Allen Express – This trip is not named for the furniture store but for Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain boys. It runs from New York to Vermont over the hills and brooks. Many visitors take this train to see the leaves changing colors. Even in the winter, the landscapes can be breathtaking, and the trips can be cheaper.

Train Travel Tips

Be prepared for a lack of privacy. If you’re the type of person who requires hours in the bathroom preparing for a dinner, this may not be for you. Pack light, and be ready to keep it low key. If you want to be comfortable, dress comfortable. Be sure to buy travel insurance in case of cancellations or missed connections. Though increment weather is not as large a factor in train travel as in air travel, delays still do occur. Your train trip can recapture the adventure of the turn of the century if you have the right attitude and come prepared.

Tags: ethan allen express, southwest chief, train routes, train ticket