Once you book your hotel, it’s time to figure out what to bring. So should you pack the sandals or the sneakers? Just jeans or slacks, too?

Here are some tips for looking like a local.

1. No socks with sandals… or sandals too early

It’s primavera (springtime) in Spain and this makes it a snap to see who is local and who just landed for spring break. How can I tell? I look at people’s feet.

It is still too cold for most locals to wear sandals, and while they may not be wearing warm, leather boots anymore, we’re still not ready to get the manicure and show off our ankles yet. Sandals make their appearance more in May, and definitely in June. When sandals are firmly on Spanish feet once more, you will never, ever, in a million years, see them worn with socks. There should be a law…

In addition to not wearing sandals yet, locals will also be the ones wearing a coat, perhaps of the light mid-season variety, and scarves… which brings me to tip number two.

2. Pack scarves for color, variety and warmth

When a friend came to visit he told me that “real men don’t wear scarves, or eat quiche, or wear pink.” While this may have been true in his part of the world, it is not so in Madrid.

Scarves are in year-round (especially on women) and will give you Euro-flair and something warm around your neck when the cold spring rain beings to fall (and it will fall). Also, bringing a few scarves in different tones and textures will spice up your wardrobe if you’re traveling light.

If you don’t have any scarves, don’t fret, you’ll find an abundance of them for sale here.

Related: 10-day itinerary for Spain through Barcelona, Madrid and Seville

3. Consider hats and sunglasses.

Every local has at least two pairs of shades. You need them in Madrid for those long strolls through Buen Retiro Park and lunches on sun-drenched plazas.

Hats are also in, but not so much the baseball cap or cowboy hat. I’ve seen many locals donning newsboy hats which work for hiding a bad hair day and keeping the sun off your nose. In the summer months those with sensitive skin should wear a hat, as the Spanish sun is fierce. However, most locals do not.

4. Keeping it casual?

For the most part, people do dress nicely when they go out, and Madrid is not a “sweatpants” culture. This does not mean you need to wear your best dress and high-heels (unless you want to) or a suit. Instead, a pair of ironed jeans or slacks, a button-down shirt, a pair of stylish sneakers (not bright white Nikes), and perhaps a sweater or jacket will work for guys.

More informal? Jeans and a t-shirt will work, too, depending on where you are planning to spend your time. Ladies: Do pack a dress or two for a night out. Jeans and sneakers also work for girls and can be dressed up with the right blouse or sweater. I’d go for flats or sneakers any day over heels simply because there is a lot of walking in Madrid.

Overall, dress up rather than down for this sophisticated city.

Related: Which Madrid neighborhood is right for your visit

5. Accessorize!

I see many visitors on the Madrid Metro wearing their backpack in front of them. While this is a clever way to not get robbed, it makes you look like a tourist. To which you may respond, “But I am a tourist!” And there is nothing wrong with that. I’d sling the backpack over one shoulder and keep a good grip on it. I’d also tuck the camera away if you’re not using it, as nothing screams “I just got off Delta” like a dangling Nikon.

Instead, wear your favorite watch. Spanish men (I’m generalizing) add fashion “bling” with fancy-pants watches and nice belts. If you’re a lady, show your style with a large handbag that has a million zippers (making it impossible for anyone to rob you on the bus).

Your fashion tips for Madrid

Have you been to Madrid? Tell us what you like to wear during your Spanish vacation.

The post Madrid: 5 ways to dress like a local appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

While walking down Avenue Montaigne in Paris and checking out the Chanel and Givenchy shops, I get self-conscious. This is why I rarely walk down that particular street. Fashion is a quintessential part of Parisian culture, whether we like it or not.

Alas, if I’m not going to wear designer clothes in Paris, I should at least make sure that the clothes I do wear are clean. Tourists making their way across Europe will often feel the need to stop in at the local laundry facility after hours spent on planes and trains, but there are a few tips to keep in mind.

1. Know the difference between “laverie” and “pressing.”

I have never dry-cleaned anything in Paris, but if I wanted to, I’d go to the pressing. Here you can also pay a premium and let someone else do all of the dirty work, while you hit the Louvre and pick it up later.

Otherwise, if you want to do it yourself, you’re looking for the laverie. These laundromats can be found in every neighborhood, are full of washers and dryers, and are usually open from the morning until around 7 or 8 p.m. Ask at your hotel for the nearest laverie.

2. Bring along some patience.

One thing to keep in mind is that a wash cycle in a front loading French washing machine will take a while.  Count on 40-50 minutes of washing followed by 20 minutes of drying. Every laverie varies slightly.

Weekends are an especially busy time to do laundry, so if you can, think about going during a weekday morning to avoid the locals who are getting errands done while not at the office over the weekend.

The wait for a dryer can be particularly painful in the wintertime when hanging clothes out to dry is hardly a possibility. Otherwise, skip the dryers and hang up your linens back in the hotel if you have the opportunity. In the summer they’ll be dry within hours.

3. Be prepared to pay.

Unfortunately there are no passes or discounts when it comes to doing laundry. We’re all equal in the eyes of the laverie. Prices for washing will depend on the size of the machine you use, with larger ones costing up to €6 or €7 for a wash.

Drying is usually by the hour, so expect to pay about a euro for 5-10 minutes of hot air and tumbling. It can all start to add up, so come with plenty of coins!

4. Buy detergent there or at the supermarket.

Depending the laverie, detergent is usually available from a dispenser. If you need other products, however, the supermarket does sell both liquid and powder detergent relatively cheaply. Look for the word “lessive,” which means detergent. Common brands are Skip and Persil, amongst others.

If you want fabric softener, which is the only way to make your clothes feel like they actually got clean, a bottle will set you back a few euros but it will last a long time. It might be worth asking your hotel or hostel desk if they have any, to avoid buying a whole bottle for one load. Look for the brand “Cajoline” (Snuggle, in English) to find the other assouplissants.

5. Be smart and safe.

Keep in mind that laundromats are public places where anyone can enter and that there are rarely any personnel present. In the winter, these auspiciously warm indoor areas can attract some unsavory characters looking for a respite from the cold. While usually harmless, these loiterers hanging out in laveries, especially if drinking, could be intimidating, so keep your wits about you.

Also, if you are going to take a walk while your clothes dry, be sure to set a timer so you return before the dryer stops. Some impatient locals will have no problem taking out your fresh clothes and plopping them on top of a dirty machine. It’s also impolite to keep other people waiting for a machine.

Your laundry tips

Have any advice or questions about doing laundry in Paris? Share with us in our comments section.

Also in our guide: If you’re also looking for advice on affordable places to sleep while you’re in Paris, be sure to read through our editors’ picks. Each of our picks has been visited, inspected and approved by EuroCheapo. Read more in our Paris guide and be sure to see our advice on where to stay during your visit.

The post Paris: 5 tips for doing laundry in Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

During a holiday luncheon with some Parisian friends while in New York, we Americans were allowed a rare glimpse into what the French find striking about our own culture, from tipping to the color of our money.

Money, money, money

My French friends first discussed the differences in money issues. Why are American bills all the same color? How much do you tip a cab driver? Why are telecommunications so expensive?

They marveled at the things that we take for granted (after all, the euros do feel like Monopoly money to us sometimes).

At the end of the meal, willing but frustrated with trying to calculate the absolutely un-Parisian gratuity, they just said, “Tell us what we owe,” and the bill was settled by the American locals at the table.

Fashion

Far from being pretentious fashionistas, the smartly-dressed couple did comment on the fashion sense, or often lack thereof, among Americans walking the streets. Why were people wearing such goofy hats and earmuffs? Why were there so few lingerie stores? Where in the city does one find nice affordable clothes? Wasn’t this a fashion capital of the world?

We gave them our opinions and suggestions, trying to convince them that in America you can leave the house without getting dressed to the nines, and they were in awe. After having purchased a few sets of fleece pajamas at Old Navy, they started to see the perks of living Stateside.

Food

After discussing how delicious pancakes were and observations on the general availability and size of food in America, the Parisians did wonder a few things. Do Americans eat vegetables? Is everything really deep-fried, as it would seem?

Why do you call them “appetizers” when they are actually “entrées” in French and you call them “entrees” when they are “plats” in French? It seemed to them as if American cuisine were deliberately messing with their heads.

But they weren’t complaining.  On the contrary, they were elated to have a real hamburger, to enjoy crispy bacon, and to discover that in fact they could order delivery to their apartment whenever they wanted. In Paris, the idea of delivery isn’t as widespread as in New York, and far less variety exists.

It was at this point, imagining having all sorts of cuisine at their front door that they started asking about moving to America…

The post Europeans in the US: Seeing things from their point of view appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

What do you like? Study the billboards!

But first things first, let’s prepare for our voluptuous quest. Looking for discounts? Schedule your trip during either the big January or July sale periods. Also, know your European size numbers. Upon your arrival, start looking for lingerie billboards. It’s an easy, breezy way to figure out what you like and don’t like. Plus, it’s free.

So without further ado, here are six of my favorite hunting grounds for lingerie. From the grand magasins to the bargain bins of Montmartre, all budgets are covered here. Plus, I’ve asked a few of my Parisian friends to drop the names of their pet brands and shops, along with a few tips.

1. Department stores

Shake the jetlag blues away with a little browsing at Galeries Lafayette. Its entire third floor, a.k.a. “Seductive Fashion” is dedicated to lingerie and hosiery, and yes, it’s got the goods to back up its name. With a dazzling slew of French brands, you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground without a great deal of wear’n’tear on your heels. I personally like shopping here because the no-pressure staff gives me space to browse and dream.

More “Seductive Fashion” at Galeries Lafayette.

Every once in a while, I’ll treat myself to an exquisite piece by century–old Aubade and Galeries Lafayette’s very own alluring house brand. Here you’ll also find Erès—my friend Anne’s favorite brand. “Cozy,” is how the discerning book designer succinctly described her decades-old French staple. Erès’ bathing suits also boast all-natural construction. You won’t find any uncomfortable high wire acts here, Cheapos.

2. Old-school lingerie shops

Are you in need of individual attention or a bra fitting? Well then, trek it to one of the independently owned lingerie and hosiery shops. My former beau (and now my husband) purchases special little sweet-nothing gifts at the Corsetry boutique Claverie at 234 rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin, near Metro Louis-Blanc.

In business since 1860, Josephine Baker and Mistinguett are just a few of the starlets who frequented the former corset showroom. Art Nouveau stained glass and curved staircases abound! These small classic French institutions are slowly becoming extinct, so while the sheer fun of it lasts, take a browse!

Etam at the former La Samaritaine department store

3. Chain, chain, chain

Trendy French chains also stock tantalizing collections. Musician Cat Masson didn’t miss a beat when I quizzed her about her favorite lingerie lines. “I love Etam and Oysho, too! Princesse Tam Tam is really nice—a little pricy but worth it! Here’s my secret. After I wash them in the machine inside a little lingerie bag at 30 to 40 degrees maximum, I hang them until they’re dry. Don’t forget the bag! They’ll last longer.”

4. Like Target?

Well, then you’ll love its French cousin Monoprix. Affordable and hip, the trusty chain also commissions designers to create their collections. My clothes designer friend Ghislaine swears by Monoprix’s house brand of lingerie. “It’s affordable and good quality. And pretty too! Some I have had for ages! So long that the tags have become unreadable.”

Rue de Rennes is a prime Cheapo hunting ground for lingerie. Here the brands to spy for are Monoprix (50), Valege (146) and Darjeeling (152), along with Cat’s picks: Etam (135-139), and Princesse Tam Tam at 53 rue Bonaparte, located just a hop, slip and jump from the Rennes Metro stop.

Dig in at Sympa in Montmartre.

5. Bargain bin bliss

And squeaking of historic buildings, don’t leave Paris without experiencing the bargain bins of Sympa at 62 Boulevard de Rochechouart. A Cheapo haven, it now occupies a part of “le bal de l’Elysée Montmartre,” where the famed Can Can star (and favorite muse of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec) La Goulue made her racy debut!

Here at Sympa, Etam, Petit Bateau, and Unzies sit pretty on the outside, while Chantelle and Huit hold court inside. My book editor friend Annelise recommends Petit Bateau. A century-old institution, she said, “For me, the “touch” of the clothes is pure cotton, simple looks, and a sweet taste of childhood.”

Shhhh. Secrets Pigalle in Pigalle.

6. Pigalle

Located near Sympa you’ll find the shops of Pigalle. Whether you’re in the market for false eyelashes, custom-made corsets, or Nancy Sinatra-worthy go-go latex boots, they’ve got you covered both night and day. I’d kick off my search at either Secrets Pigalle on 62 Boulevard de Clichy or Rebecca Rils at 76 Boulevard de Clichy. Kitty corner to the pair of shops is the Moulin Rouge. There are lots of distractions, so look both ways before crossing!

Cheapos, do you have a favorite lingerie shop in Paris?

The post Paris: Lingerie shopping from tops to bottoms appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Stick to studenty/artsy neighborhoods—the Mitte/Prenzlauer Berg border, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain—and you’ll be sure to score a dud or two that will make you look oh-so-European for oh-so-few Euros. We think that Mitte/Prenzlauer border and Kreuzberg are the best hunting grounds.

Young and hip: The Mitte/Prenzlauer Berg Border

Most of the boutiques lines up on Kastanienallee, Oderberger Strasse, Eberswalder Strasse, and Schönhauser Allee, are inexpensive repositories of stylish his and her fashions. We’re partial to the bright and colorful Kwikshop (Kastanienallee 44), which specializes in locally-crafted clothing, notebooks, and fun, reasonably-priced gifties. Continue up the street to find Skunk Funk (Kastanienallee 19), a young and fun boutique well-stocked with great little getups.

Turn left onto Oderberger Strasse to find more clothing shops and a smattering of second-hand and vintage spots. Paul’s Boutique (Oderberger Str. 47) hawks used designer sneakers; VEB Orange (Oderberger Str. 29) specializes in East German throwbacks.

If you’re after designs by local Berliners and you’re in the area on Sunday (when most other shops are closed), the Mauer Park Flöhmarkt (U-bahn: Eberswalder Str., Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.), which lives in the scruffy park at the eastern end of Oderberger Strasse, is the place. A hybrid flea market-craft/design fair, the dusty, cramped, and excellent flea market boasts dozens of booths hawking duds and jewelry by young Berlin designers hoping to make it big.

Edgy and Worldly: Kreuzberg

Head southwest to Kreuzberg, where you’ll find another batch of inexpensive yet style-conscious shops. Shops here tend to be of the edgy (think leather and studs) or worldly (as in hemp, and vegan) variety—but there is a wide range of styles thrown into the mix.

From the Gorlitzer Bahnhof U-bahn stop, stroll down Oranien Strasse to find looks like appeal to the hoods cosmopolitan, punk-ish crowd. Depot 2 (Oranien Str. 9) draws fashion-forward types. The organic duds are noteworthy.

On the other side of district, the Bergmannkiez (the area around Bergmann Strasse; U-bahn: Geneisenau Str.) is just a touch more upscale. But the secondhand shop Colours Kleidermarkt (Bergmann Str. 192)—where you can buy a kilo of clothes for less than €15; on Tuesday, between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. it’s only €10—is worth the journey. (So is a divine döner from Mustafas Gemüse Kebab on Mehringdamm, near the entrance to the U-bahn).

Further Afield

If you’re into bargain shopping and you’ll be in Berlin for a while, consider a stop at Designer Outlet Berlin (Alter Spandauer Weg 1; RE 2 & Bus 662). A half-hour ride from the city center, this new mall offers German brands for less.

Closer to the Center, there are three T.K. Maxx (check the website for locations) outposts—owned by the same people behind T.J Maxx and Marshall’s. They are among the first discount shops of their kind in Germany—so expect a crowd of bargain hunters.

The post Shopping doesn’t (have to) break the bank in Berlin appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.