Ask for the nearest “Rossmann” or “dm” (day-em) store. In Germany, there’s one in practically every neighborhood and almost certainly every train station, from Berlin to Munich.

What you’ll find

The palette of products runs the gamut of typical drugstore suspects: personal hygiene from top to bottom (soaps, toothpastes, lotions, razors, cosmetics, cotton balls, detergents), household products, organic foods, snacks, beverages and babycare items (such as food, pacifiers, and diapers) among others.

There will be plenty of items that are useful to a budget traveler, but perhaps overlooked during packing:

• Basic flip flops for beach, communal shower, or hotel room for just €1!
• Emergency necessities—such as earplugs, headphones, band-aids, batteries, tissues, film, hosiery, condoms, spare underwear or even superglue—at reasonable prices.
• Sponges and soap for hand-washing dishes and corkscrews or resealable lunch bags for self-caterers.
• In case you’ve been invited to dinner, a selection of wines and chocolates as well as gift bags are available.

These stores also generally offer instant photo services. Print your new-found friends a quick souvenir directly from your camera’s memory card!

These chains are a boon to people with dietary restrictions, with a wide variety of organic alternative milks, as well as clearly-marked gluten-free foods and snacks. Lactaid-type tablets are sold as well. This is also the easiest place to pick up distilled water for medical equipment.

What you won’t find

Unlike the U.S., Germany does not sell over-the-counter medications outside of pharmacies. So if you need a basic pain reliever, suppository or cough syrup with active ingredients, you’ll still have to head to an actual Apotheke. Pharmacies, too, are located in nearly every neighborhood, but not in combination with such drugstores (familiar and convenient as that may be).

The post Finding What You Need in Germany’s Discount Drugstores appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Germany is well-acquainted with discount grocery stores, and is in fact the birthplace of the Aldi chain, now spreading across the US like wildfire. While the American and German shopping experiences do not coordinate 1:1, many of the money- and time-saving principles are the same:

• Limited selection: only the most essential and popular products are sold;
• Store branding: few name-brand options, though organics are often available;
• Warehouse ambiance: products are typically shelved in their delivery boxes;
• Customer inputs: self-bagging, deposit-based cart return.

For most travelers, these seeming limitations have great benefits. Stores are small and easily navigable. Restricted choice makes shopping quick and easy. Checkout is fast and efficient. And you can’t beat the prices on bottled water and produce, which help keep a traveler healthy!

Germany’s largest discount grocery store chains

The most common stores across the country are Aldi, Lidl, and Netto.

Self-catering travelers without cooking facilities will appreciate the following:

• In-store bakery items: hot, fresh loaves of bread, buns, baguettes;
• Prepackaged deli-sliced meats and cheeses;
• Condiments, jams, and spreads;
• Large selection of fruits and picnic-friendly vegetables;
• Chips, pretzels, nuts, dried fruits, and other snacks;
• Breakfast cereals, granola, and fresh milk or yogurt;
• Cheapest bottled water available;
• Amazing selection of inexpensive wines!

Perfect for cheapo travelers (with kitchens)

For self-catering travelers with cooking facilities, your options are unlimited. After a long day of sightseeing, you (and your pocketbook) might find a quick meal of refrigerated tortellini and prepared sauce, scrambled eggs and toast, or a glass of wine while your frozen pizza bakes the right respite from restaurant foods. Pants optional!

These stores also serve as a handy alternative to overpriced eateries in train stations and city centers. When all you want is a drink and a pre-packaged sandwich or salad, these can be had just as quickly from a discount grocery at a fraction of the cost.

In a pinch, these stores also offer a selection of basic items also available at discount drugstores, from toothpaste to sunscreen. If you’ve been invited to dinner, this is another easy place to pick up a bottle of wine, box of chocolates, and even an inexpensive bouquet for your host.

Your Aldi, Lidl and Netto thoughts?

Have anything to add to our love-song to Germany’s discount grocery stores? Share with us in the comments section.

The post Aldi and Lidl, oh my! A guide to Germany’s discount grocery stores appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Eataly, the world’s largest wine and food market has set up shop in a disused air terminal a short walk from Piramide Metro station (Metro B). There are a couple of other Eataly’s around the world (including one in New York), but the one in Rome (at 170,000 square feet) is by far the largest. It is spread over four generous levels, with 23 different eateries, cooking classes, onsite beer making and 14,000 products (the majority of them Italian) for sale.

Snack your way through Italy

The thing I like most about Eataly is that you can literally spend hours perusing the produce and picking up edible souvenirs. The owners (known for their appreciation for the slow food movement) stock specialty brands of oils and wines and chocolates from remote parts of Italy (including Sicily and Sardinia) that are almost impossible to find in ordinary supermarkets. They also do great fresh bread, seafood and even make their own cheese on site.

While there is no shortage of excellent places to eat in the eternal city, few match the convenience of Eataly’s hub of restaurants. Clustered on the second floor of the ultra-modern building, visitors have a pick of high-quality pizza, pasta, fresh and fried seafood and meat dishes.

Eataly isn’t particularly cheap – a plate of pasta and a drink for €15- 20. However, it’s worth visiting if you want a deeper understanding of Italian foods and ingredients or want an interesting experience in a city celebrated for its food and wine.

Directions

Getting to Eataly is a bit tricky, as it’s a little out of the center of the city. I recommend taking the Metro from Termini (Line B) to Piramide (it’s four stops). From there, head on foot (about 10 minutes) through the underpass that goes directly to Eataly.

Eataly – Air Terminal Ostiense
Piazzale XII Ottobre 1492
Opening time 10 am – 12 am daily
06 90279201
http://www.roma.eataly.it

The post Rome: Eataly opens its largest gourmet food shop yet appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Hey, you’re in Florence, consider this a good thing! Do not waste this unique opportunity to pick up some great souvenirs! Here’s a quick guide to gifts that will fit many a Cheapo budget:

Food & Wine

Why beat around the bush? Your tummy is getting a lot out of this trip and you’d like to share some of the yummy treasures with your loved ones back home. Problem is, a Florentine tripe sandwich doesn’t travel very well.

But, confection food does! Those olives you had with your aperitivo? They were from a glass container! That ball of mozzarella that balloned over your pizza? Comes in sealed plastic! Those sundried tomatoes? They’re, um, dry so they actually travel quite well.

My point is that all these things are purchasable at any of the markets in Florence and come in small travel-friendly packages. Or if you want, do it the “cheapo way” and buy them in a supermarket.

In terms of wine, don’t waste your time. Go straight to the supermarket where a bottle can cost up to 75% less than it does in a specialty shop.

Art

In the good ol’ days, all you had to do was become friends with the local nobility to get Michael or Leo to paint you a little number for your living room. Now, one either has to be an international art thief or an auction prince with deep pockets to score one of those. Bummer.

So we’re stuck with the replicas. Hit the souvenir shops in the Uffizi museum, the Palazzo Strozzi, or any of the other galleries where you just saw a fancy painting to pick up the poster/picture format. For something like movie posters, try the Movie Store on Via Guelfa near the tourist office.

Or, just prance about the little streets in the historic center where you’ll find tons of shops selling prints. Prices vary so don’t be afraid to shop.

Clothing

Now for the third prong in our souvenir trifecta: clothes. If it’s souvenir threads you’re after (i.e. t-shirts with prints of statues on them or sweatshirts with “University of Florence” embroidered onto the front), then the markets will be your best bet. They also carry soccer jerseys, aprons, scarves, hats, just think of something and you’ll probably find it.

Also, don’t forget about Florence’s rich tradition in leather-making. You’ll find small shops all over the place that carry these goods. Sandals, purses, wallets all make great souvenirs. Some are pricey, some aren’t. A wallet can cost as little as €5 and a purse, €20.

Last Chance: Airport

Oops, you’re just about to board the plane and forgot one last cost center from your list that’s souvenir worthy. Fortunately, there are a few shops in the airport that carry food, wine and clothing. But of course, these will be more expensive.

Whatever you do, don’t snatch the blanket from the plane to give to your uncle. Seriously, don’t.

Also in our guide: Looking for hotels that fit your Cheapo budget? You’re in luck! Our editors have visited, inspected and reviewed the best cheap hotels in Florence, all centrally located. Read more in our Florence guide.

The post Florence: Cheap souvenir ideas for everyone on your list appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Whatever you think, panini make a very affordable lunch. There are several great places around town where you can grab one while walking between the sights.

First, let’s address some basic concerns–how to order?

Which kind of bread?

When ordering a panino, lots of places, especially if they let you create your ownsandwich (these are truly the best and freshest!) will ask you which type of bread you’d like. Italian bars and cafès often serve different types of breads; here are the most common:

Ciabatta: Literally means “slipper,” it’s long and flat.

Rosetta: Puffy on the outside and shaped like a rosebud, it’s mostly hollow and airy on the inside.

Tartaruga: Gets its name from the word “turtle” because of its hard shell-like form.

Pizza bianca: This is essentially plain pizza bread without any sauce or toppings and tastes a bit saltier than the others.

How much?

How much should you expect to pay for a panino? Typically, a sandwich costs between €2.50-€4.00, depending on the neighborhood. Anything more than that is just a rip off.

Here are a couple of my favorite spots to hit up for a tasty panino:

Bar Amore
Via dei Banchi Nuovi, 41
00186 Rome (Piazza Navona)
Cost: €2.50

Bar Amore has been around since the 1940’s and is a hub for many locals, office workers and students in the area. The place gets crowded in the mornings for breakfast and is also a hot spot for a quick lunch. Unfortunately, there are only a few tables, so many people simply grab their sandwiches to go.

Marco, who I call the “panino man,” is quick at taking your order and whipping your sandwich into lunch art. He’s also handy at making suggestions (in charming, if broken, English) on what would work well for your sandwich. He offers goodies like scamorza cheese, tuna, prosciutto crudo, turkey breast, breaded chicken, hamburger patties, salame and all sorts of mixed grilled and boiled veggies.

If you’re nearby on a Tuesday, you must try the famous porchetta (pork) from Ariccia. It’s spettacolare!

La Sanwicheria al Nazareno
Largo Nazareno, 16/17
00187 Rome (Piazza di Spagna)
Cost: €4

This little sandwich shop just off Via del Tritone between Piazza di Spagnaand the Trevi Fountain opened in 2011 and definitely serves some interesting panini! They charge a bit more than the rest, but the quality of their ingredients definitely justify it. Everything is made fresh to order (as opposed to some bars where nobody knows how long things have been sitting there!).

You can put practically anything on your panino, including arugola, fennel, tartufo, prosciutto crudo, mortadella, and lots of other interesting and yummy ingredients.

Making your own panini from the supermarket

Instead of buying apanino from the bar, you can always buy the ingredients from the supermarket and make one yourself! Almost any supermarket will sell you a few slices of prosciutto crudo, turkey (tacchino) or salame. All you have to ask is for “due o tre fette di _____” and specify which meat you want. This typically won’t run you more than a euro, especially since you’re not buying 100 grams of cold cuts.

Most supermarkets have a bakery where you can pick out your bread. Ordering just one rosetta, ciabatta or a tartaruga will probably set you back between €0.30 and €0.60. If you get a piece of pizza bianca, it could cost you about a euro. They will even slice the bread for you, if you ask.

Lastly, you’ll need to grab some mozzarella. A portion of mozzarella will cost you between €1-€1.50 for the cheapest brand. And voilà! You have your own delicious homemadepanino for about €3! (Also read our article about shopping in a grocery store in Rome.)

Also in our guide: Looking for an affordable place to stay in central Rome? In our guide to Rome you’ll find our editors’ reviews of the city’s best affordable hotels, all located in the city center, near Piazza Navona, Termini Station, the Vatican and other central neighborhoods.

The post Rome Panini: How to find and order the best sandwiches appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

• Related: Heading to Amsterdam? Be sure to swing by our guide to the best cheap hotels in Amsterdam. Our editors have inspected, photographed and reviewed budget hotels all over the city center. Read more in our Amsterdam guide.

Here’s my plan for a perfect Cheapo-day:

Breakfast: Head to the Heijn

The local grocery store here is called Albert Heijn, and its shops are well equipped with meals “to go.” Find one with a coffee machine (sometimes free!) and grab one of the many warm, freshly-baked delights at the bakery.

While you’re there pick up a fresh, packaged sandwich and a bottled fruit smoothie for lunch. Find the drink section for a row of beers, sodas and bottled water all for under a euro each. Now you’re set for the day!

Cost: Warm ham and cheese croissant with a coffee/tea: about €2 (Tourist cafe price: €5)
Sandwich, smoothie and a drink: about €4.50 (Tourist cafe price: €12)

Transport: Rent a bike

Cycling around town is a fun way to see the city and cover lots of ground without your feet hurting from cobblestones. They’re also the quickest and cheapest way to get around. Trams cost €2.60 one way, and don’t even think about taxis.

Learn these bike safety rules, find a good bike rental store, and enjoy money well spent for your ride (and your health).

Good deal on daily rental: €7  (Typical tourist price: €12.50+)

Take in the big sights–on your bike

Between the canals and beautiful greenery, Amsterdam has endless opportunities for bicycle cruising. Start in the center and knock out the main sights: Dam Square, the Royal Palace, national monument, and Nieuwe Kerk.

Next, pedal over to Spui and peek inside the quiet walls of the Begijnhof, or follow Spuistraat and snap shots of all the funky graffiti coloring squatter residences.

Vondelpark-it

Make your way to Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s largest central park, and ride along the winding paths past lakes, ducks, rosebushes and weeping willows. Join the masses soaking up the sun, or follow the Amstel and Ij rivers for a canal-side break (there are plenty of benches with gorgeous views).

Munch on lunch as you people watch. Wave at the families and groups on boats cruising by.

Sunset and a free boat ride

For a unique view of the city and an ideal spot to watch a sunset, walk up the stairs of Amsterdam’s science center NEMO (the curvy green building near Amsterdam Central station).

While you’re there, why not take a free boat ride? Jump on one of the free ferries behind Centraal Station headed north. It’s only about a 10-minute walk from NEMO, and the ferry to “NDSF Werf” takes about 20 minutes each way.

Cheap dinner and a stroll

After returning your wheels for the day, split an order of the famous Dutch treat: “frites” with mayonnaise (€2 – €3). Yum.

Then treat yourself to a healthy falafel or vegetable wok (€3 to €5) at one of the many “in ‘n’ out” food shops along Zeedijk, Spui, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein.

Looking for a little free romance? Couples will love strolling along the canals of the Jordaan, while others can do a bit of “window shopping” in the Red Light District.

Free concert

End the night with a bit of (free) live music at Jazz Café Alto, Mulligan’s Irish Pub or the Waterhole. And if you still have a few euros, buy yourself a drink. You successfully spent an Amsterdam day the EuroCheapo way!

The post Amsterdam: A day on less than €20 in Amsterdam appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Before venturing into the supermarket, however, I’ll let you in on a few cultural tips to help your shopping experience go more smoothly. Here are five rules to follow:

Put on the glove! Photo: Nicole Arriag

1. Put on the protective glove

When it comes to picking out your fruits and vegetables, Italians don’t want your grimy hands touching every peach, pear and pineapple. After all, no one knows where your hands have been. That’s why you’ll notice little plastic gloves hanging right beside the produce bags.

I was totally unaware of this the first time I went fruit shopping until I got scolded by another shopper for contaminating her food with my germs. Yikes! You would have thought washing your fruit and veggies when you got home was enough. Apparently not. So, word to the wise: Wear the protective glove when picking out your veggies!

2. Weigh and label your fruit

In Italy, it’s your job (not the cashier’s) to weigh your fruit and vegetables and to adhere the label to the bag. If you haven’t weighed and labeled your bag, you’re in a for a scolding when you get to the checkout line. Don’t be surprised if they send you back to weigh it yourself (or worse, send you to the back of the line).

3. Bag your own groceries

In Rome, the bag boy is you. Baggers don’t exist in Italy and you won’t see the cashier volunteering to help you with your duty. Her job, after all, is to scan your items as fast as she can and keep the line moving. Thus, your items will pile up into a mountain with the next customer waiting anxiously for you to finish. Bag it!

4. Bags aren’t free

Speaking of bagging your groceries, those bags aren’t free. Depending on the store, they can run anywhere from 4 to 10 cents per bag. So be careful about choosing how many bags to take. Of course, you’re welcome to bring your own bags or cart.

5. Line cutting is permitted

Little old ladies are notorious for cutting the line in Italy. No matter how long the line is, it’s not uncommon to see a sweet elderly woman give a cute and clever smile while working her way up the line. Hey, whatever works.

Also, if you have only one or two items to buy, it’s common to ask people to let you cut in front of them. People with carts loaded with groceries are usually willing to let you skip ahead if you only have a couple things in your basket. So don’t be afraid to ask, “Mi scusi, le dispiace se passo avanti per cortesia?”

Other supermarket rules?

Do you have any other shopping rules to add to our list? Add your own in the comments section!

The post Rome: 5 rules for shopping in a Roman grocery store appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Well, even if you haven’t run out of toothpaste, I’m pretty sure that it’s helpful to make a list of supermarkets located in all the main tourist areas of Venice to use as a reference. These major grocery stores provide not only the basics, but also a wide range of typical Italian products (like pasta, olive oil and cakes) that can make an excellent cheapo souvenir!

Related: Affordable Venice hotels with special perks

Supermarkets

Coop
website

Save when you buy water at the supermarket.

The COOP is a very large Italian grocery chain that seems to emphasize quality over profits. I find their items to be reliably good. Several locations can be found in central Venice, among them these four:

Fondamenta Santa Chiara (Near Piazzale Roma)

Sestiere Santa Croce, 1493 (telephone: 041 275 0218)

Cannaregio, 1976 (telephone: 041 720 374)

Sestiere Giudecca, 484 (telephone: 041 241 3381)

There are, of course, other supermarkets in Venice. These include:

Conad
1491, Dorsoduro
041 241 8820

Supermercato Punto Sma City
Sestiere Castello, 5065

Related: 5 simple way to save in Venice

Food shops

Along with a wide range of supermarkets, there are also several food shops in Venice that are worth checking out, even if you just like to window shop. These include classic old Venetian delicatessens and bakeries. Here you will be able to enjoy some of the best food Venice can offer.

Gastronomia Aliani
San Polo 654
Ruga Rialto/Ruga Vecchia San Giovanni
Vaporetto: Rialto Mercato or San Silvestro

This is my favorite food shop of them all in Venice. It’s a traditional delicatessen which stocks a very large selection of cold meats and cheeses from every part of Italy and a very large range of prepared dishes and roasted meats (try the baccala mantecato). It is run by Davide Aliani and his lovely mother.

Casa del Parmigiano
website
San Polo 214/215
Erberia Rialto

This cheese and meat shop has been selling a wide variety of delicious products since 1936! With a location just next to Rialto Bridge, it’s a must-visit in a central location.

I Tre Mercanti srl
website
Campo della Guerra
Castello, 5364
041 522 2901

Gourmet shop with fine Italian ingredients to take home or create a sandwich with. They also have a nice wine selection.

Panifici Majer
Three locations:
San Polo 2307, near Rialto
Santa Croce 1630
Dorsoduro 3108/D (near Campo Santa Margherita)

Panifici Majer is a small chain of Venetian bakeries. Aside from typical food items, it also sells cakes, wines and more.

I hope this reference list will be of use to you out there, in your moment of supermarket need. Happy Shopping!

The post Venice: The best grocery stores, supermarkets, delis and bakeries appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

There’s not much you can do, but there is some hope. Try these five tips to help ease the spending:

1. Your best food friend: Coop

The dominating Swiss supermarket chain is Coop (pronounced “cope”). Unlike many European grocery stores, Coop stores are quite large and offer lots of variety. It’s the perfect place to peruse an assortment of fine local chocolates (about two bucks a bar), not to mention the ideal spot to shop for meals to go.

2. Buy the ZurichCARD: Save on transportation, food, museums

I’m not usually one to recommend these touristy offers, but the ZurichCARD is your ticket to a cheap weekend in the city. Buy the 72-hour card for $40 or the 24-hour card for $20 and enjoy care-free, unlimited public transportation anywhere in and around Zurich. Not only that, but the card also gives discounts on nightlife admission, free drinks at restaurants and free entrance to all the museums in Zurich. As the Zurich tourism site says, “So much pleasure for so little money.”

3. Eating out? Shop around

I found meals purchased in department store cafes to be freshly prepared and reasonably priced. From coffees and cakes to salads and warm meals, it’s a Euro thing that’s quite enjoyable and tasty. Department store cafes usually have three to five stations offering the five food groups (complete with spice shakers and fresh herb offerings) at a lower price than nearby restaurants.

4. Continuing on to neighboring countries? Save up

Interestingly, Switzerland is surrounded by countries that offer dramatically cheaper prices for many of the things tourists are interested in. Germany, Austria and Italy carry similar mountain and seasonal souvenirs, while France offers even better food at a lower price (Paris excluded). Thus, while in Switzerland, be frugal with spending francs and wait to enjoy a satisfying splurge with a Swiss neighbor on shopping, dining and sightseeing.

5. Wander

Sure, it’s the oldest tip in the cheapo book, but strolling through this walkable city won’t cost a franc. Take in the amazing scenery. The mountains, lake, and old city quarters are best admired out in the fresh alpine air. Winters can bring crisp, clear and sunny days. Bundle up, slap on some shades and get out there! (Just watch for those patches of ice.)

The post Zurich: 5 Budget Tips for Saving Some Serious Francs appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Making good use of the local grocery

Even if you don’t have a kitchen at your hotel or hostel, the grocery store can still be a good option. Simply buy ready-made snacks and drinks, or grab some plastic cutlery and some paper plates and head for the park.

Although this last week (September 2009) has been stormy in Barcelona, the weather is usually sunny regardless of the season, so eating on a bench or having a simple picnic in the city center is totally realistic.

Some foods you might look for at the grocery store include: ready-made sandwiches (ham and cheese, tuna, egg, etc.), bottled gazpacho, bottled yogurt (to drink, like a smoothie), bags of olives, chips and dips, sliced Spanish hams and cheeses, ready-made salads, and fruit.

Pick up the basics at the supermarket, then head to a bakery for fresh baguettes and croissants (perfect for breakfast).

Three central Barcelona supermarkets

In the center of the city, it may be hard for the untrained eye to find the grocery stores hidden among the sea of touristy restaurants. Here are three suggestions:

Carrefour
Rambla de los Estudios, 113

Located on the Rambla, Carrefour is one of the most complete supermarkets in town, and it’s also cheap. You’ll find ready-made goods at the front of the store.

El Corte Ingles
Plaza Cataluña

It doesn’t look like a grocery store, but go down to the “-1” level of this department store on Plaza Cataluña and you’ll find a full-service supermarket with local and international products.

Bonpreu
Calle Jordi De Sant Jordi 1

Meaning “good price” in Catalan, Bonpreu is true to its name. The supermarket is the smallest of the three, and offers local products and, usually, a bakery.

The post Barcelona supermarkets: Finding picnic-perfect cheap eats appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.