The shoulder seasons, the period in the fall or early spring that’s wedged between high season and low season, might offer lower prices and decent weather, but this doesn’t always mean it’s the best season to go. “I would say that the best time to come to Paris depends on what you want to do,” said Heather Stimmler-Hall, editor of Secrets of Paris and author of “Naughty Paris: A Lady’s Guide to the Sexy City”.

More Paris tips
• The best 15 cheap hotels in Paris
• 50 Ways to save on your vacation in Paris
• 10 Ways to prepare for your trip to Paris
• The best time to visit Europe

The Best time to visit Paris on your vacation

Depending on your priorities, budget travelers can win in any season. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of visiting Paris during the four seasons.

I love Paris in the springtime…

Visit in the spring (late March to May) for the Paris that people sing songs about. Sure it can be wet and icky, but once that sun starts to come out and play, Parisians are on a euphoric crash course for the summertime. All of the sins of winter are quickly forgotten.

You can push the picnic season with some wine along the Seine, or at least enjoy a comfortable evening on a café terrace. You can run the Paris Marathon or maybe just cheer (me!) from the sides. The city starts to come alive again, and you’ll be here before the summer prices start to jump.

Just avoid the spring break in April when it seems all of Europe descends upon Paris. Though after Easter, there are a few leftover chocolate eggs at a discount.

Related: 9 Ways to celebrate Spring in Paris

A lovely autumn day along Canal Saint-Martin. Photo: Craig Nelson

I love Paris in the fall…

Visit in the fall (September to mid-November) for gorgeous weather, thinner crowds, and some great events. The Salon du Chocolat, Journée de la Patrimoine, and Nuit Blanche all occur at this time of the year, allowing you to participate in some of the city’s best events during your stay.

And then there’s the fall foliage in the Père Lachaise cemetery—just try to beat it. Paris feels fresh and renewed as everyone is getting back into the grove after a busy summer (and an August break), and all restaurants and attractions are on a normal schedule.

As for prices, September is still considered “high season” for traveling to Paris, making hotel rates at their peak. However, rates quickly fall as you head into October. (Just avoid fall fashion week, September 25 – October 3 in 2019.)

The downside? Picnic season is over, weather can go from hot to cold, but that’s about it in my book. At least you can walk all over the city without having to feel guilty about heading into a museum.

I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles…

Visit in the winter (late November to early March), and you’ll have to bundle up in Paris. But who doesn’t like scarves, right?

Prices spike around Christmas, but this doesn’t mean you can’t find a deal. The Christmas lights and markets all around town also add a bit of magic to the city during the often frigid days.

Related: Tasty & cheap ways to stay warm in the Paris drizzle

The sky never seems to open up in January or February, but this is primo time for visiting the museums and galleries that help make Paris so famous. Or take in some shopping during the twice-annual soldes (nation-wide sales) that happen in January.

And did we mention the seemingly endless hot chocolate and/or mulled wine options?

Lines for major attractions are virtually non-existent, and hotel rates are at their lowest during the year. (Be sure to avoid spring fashion week when every hotel in town fills up.)

Also, prepare for a crush of people at the stores before Christmas, and a generally disappointing New Year’s Eve and/or Valentine’s Day—they aren’t quite as festive as you’d think! If you can’t make for Valentine’s Day, you can still check into our favorite romantic hotels in Paris at any time of year!

I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles…

Hot and sticky, but absolutely delightful, Paris in the summer can really be a treat. The Fête de la Musique keeps buskers and singers out all night on June 21, and Gay Pride seems like the city’s biggest party at the end of the month (this year on June 29, 2019).

The fireworks on July 14^th (Bastille Day) are one of the most breathtaking experiences I have witnessed in Paris. Add in concerts, free outdoor cinema, beaches along the Seine, and a sun that sets around 10 am, and you can’t go wrong.

Ice cream, picnics, and chilled rosé wine are just more reasons to come in the summer. No need for a stuffy museum when you can picnic your days away in any of the green oasis around town or stroll endlessly throughout the city.

The downsides? Prices are generally at their highest for all of the major aspects of visiting, including hotels, flights and trains. May, June and July are particularly busy and expensive, while the city clears out in August, which ushers in a surprising drop in hotel rates. Check for the latest hotel prices in Paris on djddz.com.

The fact that some hotels and other buildings don’t have AC might also scare some away, but the city is generally pretty cool at night, and you can make up for that by picnicking nonstop. Also, many restaurants and shops close in August for their own summer break, so be prepared for a few disappointments. But I have a feeling you’ll have a memorable experience (and perhaps even come home with a tan!).

Related: Pros and cons of visiting Paris in August

When do you love Paris?

Tell us your favorite time to visit Paris (and explain why!) in the comments section below.

The post When is the best time to visit Paris? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So book one of our affordable London hotel picks, check out our tips for saving on the top 10 attractions, and get going!

Related:

• London budget itineraries for 1, 2 & 3 days
• Visiting London? 10 Mistakes every first-time visitor should avoid
• 21 Easy ways to save on your trip to London

12 reasons to visit London in 2017

Here are 12 budget-friendly reasons we’re excited to visit London this year. Pack those bags — we’ll see you there!

The dollar is finally stronger against the pound. Photo: wwarby

1. The dollar is strong against the pound

Ah, Brexit. While Britain’s — and Europe’s — leaders are figuring out just how it’s going to work, it means the pound is relatively weak (currently $1 = £1.25), resulting in better exchange rates for overseas visitors.

London is an expensive city, so we recommend you seize the day and get more for your dollar.

2. It’s an amazing year for art

There are some stellar temporary exhibitions opening in London this year. Our favorite “must visit” exhibits include:

• The David Hockney retrospective at Tate (Feb 9 to May 28)

• Some of the biggest names in American modernism in The American Dream: Pop to the Present at the British Museum (March 9 to June 18)

• Blockbuster Impressionism with the Cezanne Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery (Oct 26 to Feb 11, 2018)

• The story of a record-breaking rock band with Pink Floyd at the V&A (May 13 to Oct 1).

And make sure to keep an eye out for the annual Museums at Night event for after-hours fun, taking place from May 17 to May 20, 2017.

Related: London’s High Culture on No Budget: Free concerts, art and theater

The V&A Museum is looking better than ever after a recent renovation. Photo: Ars E

3. The V&A gets a facelift

The scaffolding is finally coming off the V&A this year. With the unveiling of a grand new entrance and courtyard space, the museum is transforming its look. Best of all, admission is always free. We recommend you look out for the Friday Late events on the last Friday of each month, with DJs, drink, talks, and events.

4. Celebrate Jane Austen and Harry Potter

2017 has been declared Britain’s “year of literary excellence”, partly due to two significant anniversaries: the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen’s death as well as marking 20 years since the release of the first Harry Potter book.

The Jane Austen 200 events are centered in Hampshire, an easy train ride away from London, while there’s plenty of Harry Potter goodness to experience in the city, including a live orchestral screening of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone at the Royal Albert Hall and, from October 20th, an exhibition at the British Library. Plus, there’s also always Platform 9¾ to visit at King’s Cross station…

Head to Oxford and Cambridge to see the famous world-famous Boat Race. Photo: jonbgem

5. Experience the Boat Race…

Oxford and Cambridge have been racing each other on the River Thames since 1829. In 2017, the race is happening on April 2nd, so mark your calendars. Supporters (and drinkers!) line the river in a much-loved London tradition. Check out theboatrace.org for more information.

6. …and the London Marathon

Another sporting event that sees Londoners lining the streets is the London marathon, this year taking place on April 23rd. With a route that weaves through south and central London, there’s plenty of chance to support the more than 37,000 runners who travel from all over the country — and the world — to take on the course, not to mention seeing the elite runners at close proximity.

A view from the cheap seats at Wimbledon. Photo: UYM

7. Enjoy the atmosphere of Wimbledon

This world-famous tennis event takes place this year from July 3-16. The public ballot for this year has already closed, but you can still gain entry via ‘The Queue’ — an experience in its own right. Some queue overnight to get the chance of buying a ticket for Centre Court, but arriving early on the day of a match should be enough to purchase a less expensive Ground ticket. Go in the early days of the tournament, and you’ll see plenty of matches taking place and perhaps catch a glimpse of a rising star.

8. Hear world-class musicians at the BBC Proms

The Proms are an eight-week series of classical concerts held in the splendor of the Royal Albert Hall, this year running from July 14-September 9. One of the highlights of the year is giving “promming” a try — standing in the Arena of Gallery areas of the Royal Albert Hall. Tickets for “Prommers” are traditionally low, last year just costing £6 (around $7.50) — understandably long lines form for the most popular artists. And you’d need to consider camping out overnight to be in with a chance of getting into the legendary “Last Night of the Proms”…

Jump into the streets of Notting Hill during their annual Carnival celebration. Photo: Angel G.

9. Party on the streets at the Notting Hill carnival

West London turns into a giant party with one of the world’s largest street festivals at the end of August. Over a million people turn out each year to witness the dancing, music, and spectacle for the Notting Hill Carnival — a celebration of multicultural Britain. It’s also completely free of charge, however, expect to be tempted by the aromas of street food along the way.

10. Go behind the scenes at Open House

Want a glimpse behind the locked doors of some of London’s most historic and significant buildings? Of course, you do! Mark the September 16 and 17 in your diary for Open House, revealing the capital’s hidden architecture with hundreds of usually closed locations open for visitors across the city, for free. Some events require advance registration; otherwise simply join the queue!

Fireworks light up the London Eye on New Year’s Eve. Photo: Paul B

11. Welcome in next year with fireworks

Start 2018 with the spectacular fireworks display that takes place over the London Eye and Big Ben. The event is free but ticketed — sign up now to get your tickets when they become available.

12. Stay in the West End’s biggest budget hotel

The West End of London is usually out of the price range for accommodation for budget travelers (although you can find some excellent affordable places to eat). That will change this year with the opening of a 583-room Ibis Styles hotel on Shaftesbury Avenue close to Picadilly Circus. While at the pricier end of our budget (around $125 to $190 per night), it’s a welcome change from the 5-star luxury hotels that traditionally swamp the area. We’ve been waiting since they first announced the news in 2014, so we can’t wait for the doors to open!

Need a place to stay in other parts of the city? Check out our top budget hotels in London.

The post London: 12 Reasons to visit London in 2017 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While you never really need any reason to visit, we thought we’d put together a list of 50 major events hosted by Paris in 2017, all of which seem pretty great to us. You can find many more listed on Paris’s official visitor website. On y va!

Related:
• 50 ways to save on your trip to Paris
• The top budget hotels in Paris

Events calendar: Paris in 2017

Funny, you don’t look 40! Photo: williamchatelain

January

1. Winter shopping sales!

January 11 – end of February

Most of the shops in town cut their prices and offer huge discounts every year during Paris’ “soldes” (sales), which begin city-wide on January 11. Sales last for up to six weeks! (Check out these favorite shopping neighborhoods.)

2. Richard Avedon show

Through February 26

The Bibliothèque National de France hosts “La France d’Avedon,” a show examining the role France has played in the photographer’s work.

3. The Pompidou turns 40!

January 31, 2017

Exactly 40 years after Beaubourg opened its colorful, glassy doors, the cultural center has a packed calendar of events to commemorate its big anniversary. Events will be held throughout 2017 in 40 French cities, and Paris will celebrate the opening from February 4-5, along with hosting major exhibits throughout 2017 (including the first-ever retrospective of the American artist Cy Twombly, through April 24).

Cheapo note: Remember to avoid fashion week (January 18-26, 2017), as the city’s hotels will be packed with fashion industry types (with expense accounts), and rates will be sky-high.

Vermeer’s “La Latière”, one of the iconic works on display at the Louvre’s exhibit.

February

4. Grand Salon d’art Abordable

February 17-19, 2017

In the mood to bring home some artwork? Stop by the 20th annual “Affordable Art Fair” at the Bellevilloise, where you can find something artsy for every budget, from €50-€5,000.

5. Louvre Exhibit: “Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting”

February 22 – May 22, 2017

In February, the Louvre opens one of its biggest shows of the year, an exploration of the works of Vermeer, shown alongside those of his Dutch contemporaries. Not to be missed.

6. Musée Marmottan Monet: Pissarro Retrospective

February 23 – July 2, 2017

The Marmottan Monet museum, dedicated to Claude Monet’s Impressionism paintings and the artist’s own personal art collection, hosts a retrospective on Camille Pissarro, “le Premier des Impressionnistes.”

On your mark, get set, CLIMB! Photo: josefstuefer

March

7. Race to the top of the Eiffel Tower!

March 16, 2017

Think you’re fast on a StairMaster? Step up to the “Verticale de la Tour Eiffel” challenge, and try to be the fastest to climb the Eiffel Tower’s 1,665 steps.

8-9. Picasso about Town

There are two major Picasso shows opening in March, sure to delight fans of the Spanish-born painter:

• The Musée Picasso focuses on what role the artist’s first wife, Olga, played in his work. “Olga Picasso” opens at the museum on March 21 (through September 3, 2017).

• Meanwhile, the Musée du Quai Branly looks at the artist from another angle — examining the influence of non-western art on his work in “Picasso Primitif” (March 28-July 23, 2017).

10. Printemps du Cinema

March 19-21, 2017

Cinephiles take note: The 17th annual “Printemps du Cinema” spring film celebration means €4 tickets to films at cinemas throughout the city. What a deal!

11. Grand Palais: Rodin Retrospective

March 22 – July 31, 2017

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sculptor’s death, the Grand Palais will host one of the year’s biggest art retrospectives, which will bring together for the first time works by Rodin and his contemporaries from a number of different collections. Think you can just show up? Get your tickets in advance!

Racing along the Seine during the Paris marathon. Photo: lilipop

April

12. Paris Marathon

April 9, 2017

Join (or simply watch) more than 57,000 runners, as they race along many of Paris’ main thoroughfares, including along the Seine, for the Paris Marathon. If you plan to visit for the marathon, be sure to swing by the “Salon du Running“, a runner’s trade fair, from April 6-8, 2017. (Not up for an entire marathon? Join in the half marathon instead, on March 5!)

13. Photography Month!

April is “Mois de la Photo de Grand Paris”, with more than 80 photography exhibits taking place in the greater Paris region. Check out all events here.

14. Walker Evans at the Pompidou

Photo fans should also be sure to swing by the Pompidou Center’s Walker Evans retrospective, which opens April 26.

15-16. Salon Sugar / VeggieWorld

April 20-22, and 22-23, 2017

Want to try something sweet? Snack your way through the Salon Sugar at the Parc Floral (April 20-22). Looking for a healthier expo? Go natural at VeggieWorld, France’s largest vegan party, held at Le Centquatre.

Hang out at the Louvre until midnight on May 20! Photo: doc_bosco

May

17. Walking and eating tours: Les Heures Heureuses

Pack both your appetite and your walking shoes for this three-day event, which pairs neighborhood walks with stops to taste local bites from more than 280 restaurants, for only €2 each. Check the website for neighborhood food maps and schedules!

18. Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés festival

May 11-22

Tap your toes along with world-class performers at the Saint-German-des-Pres Jazz festival, now in its 17th year. Visiting in June? Swing over to Parc Floral for the Paris Jazz Festival (June dates TBA).

19. Belleville Artists’ Open Studios

May 13-16, 2017

Head to the artsy Belleville neighborhood in northeast Paris as more than 250 artists open their studios to the public, free of charge. Meet artists and take home a unique and affordable souvenir!

20. Night of Museums

May 20

Stay out until midnight browsing the galleries at more than a hundred museums in the Paris region during the annual Nuit des Musées! Best of all, admission to city-run museums is free.

21. French Open tennis tournament

May 22-June 11, 2017

The world’s best tennis players race onto the clay courts to compete for the cherished title at the Roland Garros stadium. Get your tickets in advance!

Dancing in the streets during the Fete de la Musique. Photo: stijn nieuwendijk

June

22-24. Art blockbusters!

In June, several major art expositions will open to the public. Three of our favorites are:

• “Derain, Balthus and Giacometti“ opens June 2 at the Musée d’Art Modern de la Ville de Paris, with more than 200 works by the great modernists.

• “Portraits de Cezanne“ opens mid-June at the Musée d’Orsay, examining the great landscape artist’s lesser-known portrait works.

• David Hockney retrospective in late June at the Pompidou Center celebrates the artist’s 80th birthday with a major showcase of his work.

25. Fête de la Musique

June 21, 2017

Celebrate the beginning of summer with free concerts all over the city in performance halls, neighborhood squares, and street corners!

26. Summer Sales

June 28, 2017

Almost every shop in town gets in on the “Summer Soldes“, when they slash prices on clothes for nearly six weeks of sales!

“Paris Plages” turns the banks of the Seine into a beachy oasis. Photo: dkakiuthi

July

27. Christian Dior exhibit

July 6, 2017 – January 2018

A major retrospective on the wildly talented artist and designer opens at the Musée des Arts Décoratif on July 6.

28. Open Air Cinema

July 12-August 20 and July 28-August 13, 2017

The summer months will give film-lovers dozens of opportunities to catch some notable flicks in the great outdoors. The “Open Air Cinema Festival” (July 12-August 20) presents films with a cooking theme this year at La Villette, while the Cinéma au Claire de Lune (“Cinema by Moonlight”) series will be projecting a wide variety of films outdoors throughout Paris from July 28-August 13.

29. Bastille Day!

Friday, July 14, 2017

The French celebrate their national holiday in style, with a parade along the Champs-Elysées, fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, and “fireman balls” (yes, dancing with French firemen) at fire stations all over the city! Here’s our guide to celebrating in cheapo-style.

30. Paris Plages!

July 20 – August 21

Throughout the summer, “Paris Plages” transforms the banks of the Seine into a beachy oasis, with all the sporty fun and beach chairs that go along with it. Stroll along the sand or take a seat and soak up some rays.

31. Lollapalooza

July 22 and 23, 2017

That’s right, the American rock music festival Lollapalooza has expanded to Europe, and will be rocking out for two days of concerts at the Longchamp race track. Check the official website for more information and updates.

32. Tour de France finish

July 23, 2017

After pedaling literally all over the country, a swarm of thousands of cyclists descends upon the capital on July 23 in a mad race to the finish line. See all dates and schedules on the Tour de France website.

33. Concerts at the Hôtel de Ville

In July, the main square in front of the Hôtel de Ville hosts four days of free live concerts for its Fnac Live concert series. Come early, these concerts draw big names — and big crowds!

August

34. Parisians on Vacation

Wait, where is everyone? Although museums and sights are open during the month of August (including many of the fabulous art exhibits mentioned above), many of the locals are not around for the month. Many smaller shops and restaurants close up for most of August, as well.

So should you still come? Here are some thoughts on visiting Paris in August.

Cheapo note: August does tend to be the cheapest summer month to visit, as very few business travelers visit the city and many leisure travelers opt for the beach. Hotel vacancies tend to be higher, driving down rates.

Paris in September means perfect weather and fewer tourists. Photo: hollywood_north

September

35. Festival d’Automne

September – December

This four-month autumn arts festival draws more than 100,000 spectators to 40+ events celebrating contemporary theater, dance, music, visual arts and film. See website for calendar.

36. European Heritage Day

September 16-17, 2017

Gain free access to spots that are usually off-limits to visitors during this two-day Europe-wide celebration.

37. René Goscinny exhibit

The life and far-reaching work of Goscinny, creator of Astérix and Obélix, Petit Nicolas, and Lucky Luke, will be on display at the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaisme.

38. Placido Domingo’s “Aida”

September 23, 2017

Opera fans take note: Placido Domingo will conduct Verdi’s “Aida” in a lavish production at the Stade de France for one night only. Tickets from €29.

39. Fête de la Gastronomie

September 22-24

Eat your heart out at the Fete de la Gastronomie, which offers tasting sessions, lectures, and workshops, all of which celebrate France’s rich culinary tradition.

The Hotel de Ville is all lit up for “Nuit Blanche” in early October. Photo: ancorena

October

40. Nuit Blanche

October 7-8, 2017

Artists take their work to the streets on the night of October 7, leading the public from one art installation to the next for the city’s “Nuit Blanche” celebration.

41-44. Major fall art openings

The fall art season offers several heavy-hitters at the big museums around town, most of which open in October. These include:

• October 4: Rubens at the Musée du Luxembourg showcases the artist’s portraits of European monarchs.

• October 9: Gauguin at the Grand Palais; a major retrospective of the artist’s career.

• October 10: “Picasso 1947” at the Picasso Museum, features the 10 major works the artist donated in 1947 to the Musée National d’Art Moderne.

• October 18: The Louvre will focus on Francois I’s relationship to Dutch art for its exhibit “Francois I and Dutch Art“.

45. Salon du Vintage

Weekend in mid-October

The Carreau du Temple in the Marais hosts the annual Salon du Vintage, which brings together purveyors of vintage clothing, furniture, vinyl records, and more.

46. Salon du Chocolat

October 28 – November 1, 2017

More than 500 chocolate makers, dealers, artists and gurus descend upon the Porte de Versailles to celebrate everything chocolate at the Salon du Chocolat.

Ride sky-high over central Paris on the “Roue de Paris”. Photo: ayustety

November

47. The “Big Wheel” goes up!

From mid-November through mid-May, the city’s Ferris wheel (the “Roue de Paris“) in the Jardin du Tuileries offers riders an exceptional view over central Paris.

48. Photo fairs

November 9-13, 2017

Photogs take note: Paris hosts a number of major photography-related expos in November, including the Salon de la Photo at the Porte de Versailles (November 9-13) and the Paris Photo Fair at the Grand Palais (November 9-12).

Paris gets into the holiday spirit. Photo: scrubs

December

49. Christmas window displays

The city’s big department stores get in the Christmas mood in December when they unveil their holiday window displays. From Galeries-Lafayette to Printemps and the Bon Marché, there’s a lot of holiday in store! Here are some tips for finding the best displays and getting in the holiday mood.

50. New Year’s eve celebration

Finally, head to the Champs-Élysées on December 31 to join the crowds gazing over at the midnight light show. Happy 2018!

The post 50 Reasons to visit Paris in 2017 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

2015 is set to be no different, so whether you’re planning a first time visit or a return to a city you know and love, here are 10 reasons why you should plan a visit this year.

1. Peruse the V&A’s new galleries

Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road SW7 2RL

The Europe 1600-1800 Galleries have just opened their doors at London’s V&A Museum. The project has involved the transformation of seven galleries into a fresh new space in which over 1,000 pieces of 17th and 18th century art and design are displayed. What’s more, admission is free, so there’s no excuse not to take a peek!

2. Get to know Sherlock Holmes

Museum of London, 150 London Wall EC2Y 5HN

Baker Street’s most famous character and his life in Victorian London will be explored in depth at this special exhibition entitled “Sherlock Holmes: The man who never lived and will never die.” Open now until April 12, 2015.

A new budget-friendly Z Hotel is coming to Shoreditch at The Bower mixed-use complex. Photo: Courtesy of The Bower

3. Chic city sleeps on a budget

Z Shoreditch, 136-144 City Road EC1V 2RL

Z Hotels’ cool mix of modern design and affordable room rates is the ideal combo for travelers on a budget who don’t want to scrimp on comfort and style. So we’re super excited about the opening of the new Z Hotel in Shoreditch in March 2015, which is set to follow the boutique-budget mantra of its three other London properties, offering 107 stylish compact rooms in one of the city’s most exciting neighborhoods. The hotel will be located in the new multi-use complex called The Bower Old Street.

Related: 5 central London hotels for under £100

4. 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta

British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB

To celebrate 800 years since the granting of the Magna Carta, the British Library is running a series of events between March 13 and September 1, 2015. The charter was originally issued by King John of England to try and make peace with rebel barons, but over the past 800 years it has come to symbolize the foundation of modern day democracy. The main exhibition, Law, Legacy and Liberty, should be booked in advance and tickets cost £12.

Related: 7 things to do in London that won’t cost you a dime

Keep an eye out for Shaun the Sheep sculptures around London this year. Photo: Dave Pearce

5. Shaun the Sheep arrives in London

Shaun in the City, Multiple locations

Wallace and Gromit fans will be in their element following the “Shaun the Sheep Trail” which sees over 100 “Shauns” placed in locations around central London to celebrate the launch of Shaun’s very own movie, and the Chinese Year of the Sheep between March 28 and May 25, 2015. If you miss the London trail, you can catch it in Bristol over the summer.

Les Enfants Terribles will take you “Underground” at Waterloo Station.

6. Immersive theater at its best

Alice’s Adventures Underground, Leake Street SE1 7NN

Forward thinking theatre company, Les Enfants Terribles, are back in the capital this year with an immersive theatre production of “Alice’s Adventures Underground” that is sure to be out of this world. Held at the Vaults underneath Waterloo station between April 2 and May 31, guests will make a simple choice at the start of their evening; “Eat Me” or “Drink Me”, and from then on their evening will unfurl in different directions as they journey through Wonderland.

Help Hampton Court Palace celebrate its 500th anniversary! Photo: Nightblue

7. Hampton Court Palace turns 500

Hampton Court Palace, East Molesley, KT8 9AU

To celebrate 500 years since construction began on this beloved palace, a number of exciting events will be taking place, including a sleepover on March 21 and a huge party over Easter weekend (April 3 – 5) with live Tudor and Baroque music, traditional food, and a spectacular son et lumiere show.

8. The Lyric Theatre reopens with a bang

Lyric Hammersmith, King Street, Lyric Square W6 0QL

Pies at the ready—the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith will reopen its doors this spring after refurbishment for an oh-so-exciting run of “Bugsy Malone”, the first professional theater production of this family-friendly classic in over a decade. Performances from April 11 until August 1, 2015.

9. Ode to Damien Hirst

Newport Street, SE1 6AY (website still to launch)

Scheduled to open in May 2015, the enormous Newport Street Gallery will fill a whopping five buildings with Damien Hirst’s private contemporary art collection, housing over 2,000 pieces in total, including original works by Banksy and Francis Bacon. Even better news for modern art lovers? This exciting exhibit will offer free entry.

Wembley Stadium will be hosting World Cup Ruby this year. Photo: Ben Sutherland

10. Rugby World Cup kicks off in London

Wembley, Twickenham and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Stadium

From September 18 through October 31, 2015, Rugby fans can rejoice as the World Cup arrives. Matches will be played at different venues across the UK, three of which are in London, where the semifinal and final will also be played. If you can’t get tickets, then don’t despair, because London’s pubs will be even more lively than usual on match days.

The post 10 reasons to visit London in 2015 appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

As is our holiday tradition, we’re ready with our list of why you should be excited about visiting Paris in 2015. (Funny how the list gets longer every year. We wonder what 75 reasons to visit Paris in 2075 will look like…)

Fortunately 15 reasons to visit the City of Light is an easy challenge, with many new things happening, beginning in January. Here are just a few of the highlights that we’re looking forward to:

The renovations at the Musée Picasso have finally finished, and it’s looking better than ever. Photo: Yann C.

15. Picasso is back in the house

After accidentally lying to you years ago, this time we’re sure. The newly renovated Picasso Museum has finally reopened. We’re serious this time. We’ve seen it. It just reopened. So go visit!

14. BYO Bag

A city free of plastic bags? That’s what Paris should look like in 2015. Mayor Hidalgo wants to rid the city of the pervasive bags that contribute to pollution. We’re inching closer to a cleaner Paris. Think about bringing your own tote bag.

13. Swan Lake! Singin’ in the Rain!

“Swan Lake” at the Opéra Bastille this March-April? Yes please! (And cheapo seats are available from €5!) The theatrical offerings next year are as high quality as ever at the city’s two main opera houses. Or swing over to the Théâtre du Châtelet for a bit of “Singin’ in the Rain”, March 12-26.

Related: Cheapo guide to the Opera district

12. Papal visit

The pope’s coming, and he’s pretty cool, right? Francois I’s plans are still shaping up—no doubt waiting to see if we’ll be around to give him a visit of our favorite spots—but we’ll let you know once he decides to book. With only two or three other visits planned around France, you can bet this historic trip will mean a lot of excitement in Paris.

The Ritz at Place Vendome might be out of our price range, but we’re still looking forward to the new renovations. (Hint: fancy bathroom break!) Photo: Welshdan

11. Flushing at the Ritz

Okay, so we can’t afford to stay there, but the post-renovation re-openings of the Hotel Ritz and the Hotel de Crillon are still exciting. We like to stop into the bars to pretend that we’ll have a drink and splurge, but actually we’ll just use their impeccable bathrooms when nature calls. Why not?

10. New Paris Philharmonic opens

The opening of the new Paris Philharmonic, a building designed by Jean Nouvel, will “revolutionize music in Paris” according to some, but we’re just excited to see the final architectural product. Way up in the 19th arrondissement, it’s sure to have an impact on the neighborhood at least. Check their site for the 2015 program.

9. Navigo gets simpler

Those monthly Navigo passes for the Metro can get tricky, but in 2015 it all gets easier. For monthly subscribers—so students, long-stay visitors, expats—the new fee is €70 for all zones, so there’s no need to buy extra tickets to get out to CDG or Versailles. Thanks for making things easier, Paris!

Related: Will buying a Navigo Pass help save you money?

8. Taxi changes

See them while they’re still here! Those green taxi stands with the buttons that you press in vain while calling a cab? They’re on their way out, to be replaced with a smartphone app. At the moment, Parisian taxi drivers aren’t happy, already facing competition from Uber. We’ll see how the story develops.

The Grand Palais is one of the most beautiful spaces in Paris, and 2015 welcomes a host of world-class art. Photo: Pierre-Louis F.

7. MOMA and Gaultier at the Grand Palais

The Louvre in Abu Dhabi will be stealing a lot of the attention on French art in 2015, but there will be no shortage of great shows going on, especially at the Grand Palais. Modern art from the San Francisco MOMA will headline one show in April-June alongside another featuring French fashion’s bad boy Jean-Paul Gaultier (April 1-August 3).

Another much-anticipated Picasso exhibit, featuring his works compared to those of other famous artists, should be up in the fall also at the Grand Palais. But then, there’s also a lot happening at the Orsay, the Petit Palais, the Palais de Tokyo, the Louvre, the Carnavalet…

6. New Generator Hostel powers up

European chain Generator is opening up its newest youth hostel boasting 916 beds in the 10th arrondissement. The hostel isn’t your dad’s backpacker hostel, featuring more a more upscale design that might attract business travelers looking for a deal. And with rooms starting at 25 euros, who could blame them?

Related: The best cheap hotels in Paris 

5. “Best City for Students”

Paris was named best city for students in 2015 by the QS report, beating out London and Melbourne. With so many student discounts, free cultural offerings, affordable student living, and a concentration of good inexpensive schools, we totally agree. (So maybe take that semester abroad now, right?)

Pedestrians will have more room to stretch their legs next year in the central districts of Paris. Photo: David McSpadden

4. Cars out of the center

Adieu, we say to the cars, adieu. The mayor has proposed addressing air pollution by restricting the number of cars in the central first four arrondissements in Paris. By allowing only cars from residents, deliveries, and other necessary vehicles, she hopes to make the historic center more pedestrian and bike friendly, and a whole lot cleaner. Diesel fuel is also on the chopping block…

3. “Tastes of Paris” in late May

We’re not about to throw down a few hundred euros for a Michelin star dining experience in Paris. Not yet at least. But the country’s most famous chefs are bringing their dishes to the public at the first ever Tastes of Paris event at the Grand Palais, May 21-25. Names like Ducasse and Robuchon will be there, offering tastings of their famous fare—with much more enticing prices.

Related: Eating cheap in Paris with 8 dinners for €10 or less

2. Race up the Tour Eiffel in March

Sure the Paris Marathon is attracting tens of thousands of people to Paris in April, but the Eco Trail run, held just a few weeks before on March 21, is offering a historic opportunity to run up the city’ most iconic monument, the Eiffel Tower herself. If you’re an experienced runner, enter the lottery to win a spot among the 40 runners to be selected for the “Verticale Tour Eiffel” race in March.

You can never have enough baguettes in Paris. Photo: Paul Asman

1. Baguettes

And if nothing else, I hear that Paris still makes some good baguettes… You know, if nothing else. Here’s a list of the 2014 winners for the “Grand Prix de la Meilleure Baguette” (Grand Prize for the Best Baguettes). Why not check them all out?

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