Standard Swedish breakfast fare

The most common Swedish breakfast is made at home and centers around a smörgås (open-faced sandwich) consisting of bread, margarine or butter and a slice of cheese. You can spice up your smörgås with a variety of traditional toppings, including gurka (cucumber), tomat (tomato), and cold cuts such as skinka and nötkött (ham and beef). Contrary to popular belief, Swedish pancakes are not typically served for breakfast. (Sorry folks, IHOP got it wrong!)

Muesli, a common breakfast item in Switzerland, is also very popular among the Swedes. The blend of flakes, grains and sometimes dried fruits is usually served with filmjölk, a soured yogurt similar to buttermilk.

Coffee (kaffee) is an absolute must with any Swedish breakfast. The Swedes love their coffee strong; don’t be surprised by the lingering caffeine buzz…

Common for Swedes, daring for foreigners

For a more authentic (and fishy) morning treat, try knäckebröd (crisp bread) with kalles caviar. This delightful combination of fish paste and bread is not for the faint of heart. But, if you want the full Swedish breakfast experience, by all means try it. It tastes great on eggs, too!

You can also opt for an interesting dish consisting of makrill fillet (mackerel fish in tomato sauce) on a piece of soft bread topped with cucumber. This may sound a bit strange, but it’s actually quite tasty.

For a DIY-breakfast, you can purchase the above items from any local COOP or ICA grocery store in Stockholm.

Best restaurants for a Swedish breakfast

If you’d like to have a nice sit-down meal, here are three good options:

Cafe String

Nytorgsgatan 38
Breakfast: Saturday–Sunday 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Website

Café String is situated in the heart of SOFO, the bohemian district of south of Stockholm’s city center. It has a relaxed, friendly vibe with a good selection of Swedish breakfast foods, including waffles, fresh fruit and a variety of juices. String is very popular with the locals, so come early!

Sirap

Surbrunnsgatan 31 A
Breakfast: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Website

Café Sirap is Stockholm’s best choice for an “American- style” breakfast, and it should be — the owners are American. The contemporary atmosphere is very inviting, and the large portions remind you that America is king when it comes to big breakfasts.

Clarion Hotel

Ringvägen 98
Breakfast: Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 7:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m
Website

The Clarion offers more than your average hotel breakfast buffet. Expect a wide variety of warm and cold options along with Asian-style breakfast favorites (lactose- and gluten-free alternatives are available). If you stay at the hotel, the room rate does include breakfast.

Your favorite Swedish breakfast dishes

Have a favorite breakfast spot in Stockholm? A delicious recipe that can be made, even in a hotel kitchenette? Share your favorite Swedish breakfast tips below!

The post Stockholm: What’s a typical Swedish breakfast? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

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.

The tipping culture throughout Europe varies quite a bit from Paris to Amsterdam, and Sweden is no different. And a trip to Stockholm can add up fast if you don’t watch your budget. There are plenty of free museums in Stockholm and some great budget hotels, but everything else, from restaurants to taxis, will be higher than in most places in Europe.

However, knowing how the tipping culture works in Sweden can save you some money in Stockholm and beyond, while still keeping you in the good graces of your host nation.

Swedish tipping etiquette

In Sweden, service charges are almost always included in the bill — and keep in mind that the person waiting on your table at the restaurant is making a living wage without your tips. Of course, no one will be insulted if you leave a tip. Or if you don’t leave one, for that matter.

Understanding the bill

Despite the lack of social stigma towards not tipping, receipts tend to give you the choice. If you paid with a card, you’ll receive your bill with the total amount owed, as well as a couple of empty lines, one to fill in the tip, and one to fill in the final total.

Note: If you are in an upscale restaurant, there might be an extra line to fill in. Don’t. That line is for leaving a tip at the coat check, and unless you are visiting in winter, there tends not to be much coat checking going on.

Tipping in general

In the US, there are plenty of opportunities to tip. Those same opportunities can be found in Sweden, although, tips are not expected. Haircuts (no tip necessary in Sweden), hotels (no tip necessary in Sweden), bathroom attendants (never even seen one in Stockholm, so definitely no tip necessary), and of course, the two most common tipping opportunities – restaurants and taxis.

Tipping for restaurants and bars

Tipping when drinking and dining out has been changing recently. It is still completely acceptable to leave no tip or to only round up. A stor stark (strong beer) for 58 SEK will become 60 and everyone is happy.

However, ask around and you’ll hear that tipping is becoming more and more common in recent years. Not gratuitous tipping by any means, but a 5-10 percent tip is considered good form. Especially if you were pleased with the service.

Tipping for taxis

There are ways to avoid using taxis (public transportation in Stockholm and taking the train from Arlanda Airport, for example), but you may find yourself in a situation where you can’t avoid taking a taxi ride. If you’re traveling with luggage a tip of 10 percent is pretty standard. If you’re traveling without luggage, just round up a few SEK and thank your cab driver.

Stockholm is an expensive city to visit and by no means should you feel obligated to leave a tip. Whether it is for the taxi driver or the bartender, tips are not expected. Instead, save your money and grab another beer or check out just one more museum.

The post Stockholm: When (and when not) to tip in Sweden appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

However, one thing the UK does share with Europe is that servers will be on at least a minimum wage, relaxing expectations on how much to tip.

More London tips:
• 8 travel myths about London
• Follow these 25 tips in London for a better trip
• Top budget hotels under $100 a night in London

When to tip in London and Britain

Here are a few pointers on how to tip like a Brit — that should save you some money in the process.

Tipping in Pubs, Bars, Clubs & Cafes

If it’s counter service…

If you’re doing the standing, waiting and carrying for yourself, there’s no need to give your server a tip. Many such cafes or coffee shops will have a tip jar displayed on the counter — people will put spare change in them at most.

While there’s no tipping at a pub counter, there is a custom of offering to buy an exceptionally helpful bartender a drink — rather than pouring themselves something, they’ll simply add one pound or so to your total price.

If it’s seated service…

If you’re presented with a check at the end of your visit, leave a tip of around 10% of the bill. Otherwise, if you’ve had good service, just leave them some change on the table.

Related: How to visit a traditional pub in London

No need to leave a tip if you pick up a few gin and tonics at the bar. Photo: Craig Nelson

Tipping in restaurants

Reckon on leaving from 10% to 15% of the total bill, depending on the quality of your service. However, do take a look at the check first. Some restaurants add on their own service charge as standard and you don’t want to pay twice.

You may also get the option to add on a tip if paying by credit card. Don’t feel pressured to do this — many people prefer to leave the tip in cash instead, feeling that it’s more likely to go to the serving staff than the owners.

Related: 10 Tips to save on dining in London

Just round up for the tip in a London taxi. Photo: technicolourcity

Tipping in taxis

Do tip if you ride in a London taxi, but simply by rounding it up to a nice round number, for example paying £30 for a £28 journey.

Don’t round up by more than a couple of pounds — if your journey cost you £29.60, you’d probably still only round it up to £30.

Tipping tour guides

Your guide will probably expect something but do feel free to modify your tip depending on the quality of the service they provided. A tip around £5 is probably about right for a half-day/day tour.

Tipping in hotels

Most of the hotels we’d recommend on EuroCheapo are smaller, family-run establishments where there is no need to tip (although it’s always a nice gesture to leave a little something in the room).

In larger, fancier places you may want to tip a porter who has carried your bags to your room a couple of pounds, and perhaps also some coins for your chambermaid (depending on how much work you’ve given them!).

Related: 5 London hotels in a central location under £100 per night

Tipping in public bathrooms

While you may need to pay to access public toilets, you should never have to tip beyond that. Some bars and clubs use bathroom attendants, who often provide users with an array of beauty products or sweets in the hope of earning a bit of extra cash. Of course, if you take advantages of their services, you should give them a tip. If you decide not to, it’s your chance to shuffle off awkwardly, avoiding eye contact like a true Brit.

Your experience

What are your tips for tipping in London? Tell us in the comments!

The post When (and when not) to tip in London and Britain appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

I’m still not an expert, but these are a few tips on how to eat like a local when in Barcelona:

8 am: First Breakfast

What time do you eat breakfast? 8 am? In Barcelona they eat breakfast like Hobbits. At 8 am you have your “First Breakfast” which may be little more than a coffee with milk or a hot chocolate.

These can be part of either the first or second breakfasts. Photo: Regina W Bryan

10 am: Second Breakfast

Around 10 am you eat “Second Breakfast,” which is normally a sandwich, or bocata/bocadillo. What sort? Ham. Or maybe cheese. The bread is a baguette and is rubbed down with a tomato and then drizzled with olive oil. You might have another coffee, you might have a Coca-Cola, you might even have a glass of wine! Hey, it’s 10 am and any time after 7:30 am is wine-time, am I right?! (I’m making that up. There’s no wine-time… but you will see people drinking red wine with breakfast.)

Forget your pancakes or eggs and baked beans with bacon. That’s not on the local menu. (Of course, if you want an American, English or Aussie breakfast in Barcelona, I’ve got some tips here.)

Also see my related article on Barcelona breakfasts, including my favorite local spots.

12 noon… what’s that? You’re hungry? Too bad. Lunch isn’t until 2 pm.

2 pm: Lunch

If it’s a weekday, you’ll see locals in Barcelona doing one of three things: going home for a two-hour lunch break; eating out of Tupperware that they’ve brought from home on a park bench; going to the local bar or restaurant for a Menú del Día, one of Spain’s best inventions.

Some points to consider during your lunch in Barcelona:

Yummy, creamy soup that’s part of a menu del dia. Photo: Regina W Bryan

• Menú del Día: To eat like a local, find a restaurant serving a Menú del Día for €10. You get three courses and wine. This is a steal and a good way to fill up for a day of sightseeing. The same Menú del Día meal at night will cost you twice as much.

• Dining early: If you come at 1 pm or 1:30 pm you’re more likely to get a table.

• Wine: It’s socially acceptable to drink wine with lunch and then go back to work. (Don’t ask me how a person concentrates on much more than Facebook after a heavy lunch with wine.)

• Ordering: Sometimes the waiter will ask you for your complete order at once. This includes your starter, main course and dessert, so be prepared to decide.

• Weekdays: Weekday lunches are meals designed for workers, so service tends to be a lot faster.

• Napkin position: You don’t have to put your napkin in your lap. You can set it beside your plate.

• Gotta go: If you’re not getting attention from the waiter and you want to pay and leave, it’s usually OK to go up to the bar and ask to pay.

• You’ll get bread. If you eat it before your food comes then you’ll look like a guiri (a foreigner)… but let’s face it, you probably look like a guiri anyway, so go ahead! If I’m hungry I eat the bread and anything else they put in front of me.

• After lunch coffee: You’ll notice that no one orders a large coffee with milk after a meal. This was something that took me a while to get used to. A Catalan friend told me that it’s too heavy to have a large coffee after lunch. Fair enough. So the solution is to order an espresso or a “cortado” which is espresso with milk. If it’s hot out, I order the “cortado con hielo” – an espresso with milk over ice. Fabulous.

• Tipping: You are not expected to tip in Barcelona. If you want to leave something, leave a few coins. It is not common to leave 10%. I know it’s hard to not tip if you’re from a country where it’s the norm. It took me three years to stop tipping.

5-7 pm: Nibbles

It’s 5-7 pm and it’s snack time. This can mean almost anything. Sadly, most bars in Barcelona do not give a free tapa with your drink order. In other parts of Spain they observe this tradition and it comes in handy when you feel like a 6 pm refreshment.

You’ll see locals having a beer, or a tea, or another coffee and soft drinks. A quintessential snack in Barcelona are olives or a plate of “bravas” (spicy potatoes) or a bag of potato chips to go with your drink. My preferred snack is a glass of white wine, some boquerónes (white anchovies), and a plate of green olives.

See my related posts on 5 bars not to be missed in Barcelona.

Fish for dinner. Photo: Regina W Bryan

9-10 pm (start): Dinner

The Spanish do not tend to eat huge dinners unless it’s a special occasion. Some points to keep in mind about “la cena”:

• Timing: If you reserve a table before 8:30 pm or 9 pm, you’ll be the only one in the restaurant. Many restaurants don’t even open for the dinner shift until 8:30 pm.

• Staying up late: If you’re invited out for dinner during the week with a group of Spanish friends, do not think that the fact that they have to work the next day will keep them from staying out until 4 am. Fun trumps responsibility and food and friends come first.

• Splitting the bill: In a group you’ll either be asked to split the check evenly or someone will calculate it to the penny to see what each person owes. This really depends on the people with whom you’re dining.

• Cocktails before dinner? Cocktails are not commonly consumed pre-dinner. For example, in the US I might have a gin and tonic with a friend and then go eat. Not so in Barcelona. Mixed drinks and cocktails are for after dinner when you’re getting your groove on at the club. Have a beer to quench your pre-dinner thirst.

• Again, no one really tips. If there are a couple of euros left over from a group meal, I tend to leave them for the waiter instead of trying to equally divide them among the diners.

Finally, on the weekends restaurants fill with families having long, wine-drenched lunches. It’s not unusual to spend three or four hours at lunch. Afterwards, go have a siesta.

As they say in Catalan, Bon Profit!

The post 18 tips for eating like a local in Barcelona appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

How much should you tip in Amsterdam? Learn from the locals and follow these general guidelines:

Hospitality has a healthy wage

The restaurant and hospitality industry in the Netherlands represents a well-paid group of workers. They’re usually students, and if they’re considerably older chances are they own the place.

Regardless, minimum wage at cafes, restaurants and bars is well above that in North America (usually more than double), so servers do not live off of tips. In fact, many don’t expect anything beyond coins left on the table. Hence the lack of fast, positive and friendly customer service here: They’re simply doing their job.

Ten percent rule for nice restaurants

Eating out, for the Dutch, isn’t as common as it is in North America. It’s not as cheap (due to low demand), and the idea of a restaurant is reserved for special occasions (friends in town, celebrations, etc.).

Knowing that, don’t expect happy hours, “early bird” specials or daily deals. And if you find them, chances are it’s a tourist restaurant (which is not a bad option if you’re looking for a cheap dinner). Authentic, delicious dishes are reserved for cafes with three-course meals, charming canal-side ambiance and patient customers who take their time when dining.

For a tip at these fine dine establishments, hover around the 10 percent mark. It’s easy math, and the fine dining experience justifies the little extra spent on a tip.

Not one buck at the bar

When ordering any drink at a bar or a café, don’t tip. It might feel wrong at first and it takes some getting used to. But unless you’re at a high-end cocktail bar, servers only expect a little extra tip if it benefits the team. (Most places pool tips and split after a day, a week, a month; or they save up yearly and splurge on a party.)

If you’re a group of two or more sitting down for a drink, and you feel guilty for not throwing something on the side, the general rule is this: Take the total and round up to the nearest euro. It might be a mere 30 cents, but it will relieve the server from fishing around for change (and they’ll be thankful).

“Going Dutch”

One joke I heard from an expat about her dating experience with the Dutch summed it up pretty well: “The Dutch are like birds… cheap, cheap, cheap!” Alright it’s not that bad, but most Dutchies know they have a culture that leans on the thrifty side of life. The term “going Dutch” has a hint of truth, although many locals will say this view is long passe.

Regardless, I’d be fibbing if I said I’ve never split the bill with my local buddies. That’s how it usually goes even on dates, even for one round of Heineken. I’ve even received emails and Facebook messages with bank account details so I could transfer them an easy €10! So, relax and don’t be afraid to split the bill!

Final “tip”

Simply put, go easy on the tipping. If you really want to impress a server with generosity, cover the entire bill for your party, and have someone else worry about the tip!

Note: This goes for tipping in drinking and dining establishments only. Hotels, tour guides, taxi drivers and the like have their own tipping tradition, which will be covered in a later post.

For additional “tips” on what to see and do in Amsterdam, click here.

The post Tipping in Amsterdam: How much to tip in restaurants, bars and cafes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Finding affordable Kaffee und Kuchen is… well, a piece of cake in Berlin. But if you’re looking for something extra special, here are a few suggestions:

1. Albrechts Pâtisserie
Rykestraße 39 (Prenzlauer Berg near Kollwitzplatz)
Tel: +49 (0)30 440 172 73
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
Web site

As the name suggests, Albrechts Pâtisserie draws from the best of France and Germany. Combining “German traditions with French finesse,” Albrechts offers up to 20 different kinds of sumptuous cakes and pies on any given day.

The owner’s personal favorite? Stephanie Albrecht recommends the Schokodom, a tower of fluffy sponge cake and two kinds of mousse au chocolat, topped with more chocolate. In addition to the Prenzlauer Berg location, there are shops in Schöneberg and Charlottenburg (see the Web site for details).

2. Koriat
Pannierstraße 29 (Neukölln)
Tel: +49 (0)30 288 791 79
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday to Thursday), 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Friday to Sunday)
Web site

Israeli baker Aviv Koriat doesn’t bother delivering. Instead, folks from no less than 16 cafés personally pick up pastries from Mr. Koriat’s eponymous bakery in Neukölln.

The spartan shop has no seating inside, but it does offer a sidewalk bench. Try to look nonchalant as you balance your peach and pistachio cake on your lap while sipping espresso. You are on hipster-filled Pannierstraße, after all.

3. Der Kuchenladen
Kandtstr. 138  (Charlottenburg near Savignyplatz)
Tel: +49 (0)30 310 184 24
Hours: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Tuesday to Friday), 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday)
Web site

If you want to feel special without spending a fortune, check out this little shop. Der Kuchenladen serves handmade delicacies to a select few customers—that is, those who battle it out with young families and gay couples to grab one of the four tables in this tiny, pink-walled café. You’ll find all the usual suspects of German bakeries here, but always with a twist.

4. Alles Gute…
Simon-Dach-Straße 3 (Friedrichshain)
Tel: + 49 017 814 432 45
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Tuesday to Friday), 10 a.m. to 5 pm. (Saturday), 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday)

Follow the smell of freshly baked brioche and you’ll find yourself at Alles Gute. Whether you like your latte with organic or soy milk, this café on fashionable Simon Dach Straße caters to your whimsy. Plus, you won’t find a cheaper slice of artisan cake in the neighborhood.

5. Opernpalais
Unter der Linden 5 (Mitte)
Tel: + 49 (0)30 202 68-3
Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Web site

If you feel like splurging, you can mingle with the well-heeled dames at Opernpalais, which boasts “Berlin’s biggest selection” of over 65 cakes (including some for diabetics). The servers can be a tad impersonal, but you can’t beat the location on magnificent Unter der Linden.

The post Berlin: 5 great bakeries for coffee and cake appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Fear not: Whether you are a wine buff or a wine buffoon,  we are here to help with a short guide to Lazio wines and to the maze of Italian classifications.

Lazio wines

Lazio, the region in which Rome is situated, is not as well known for its wines as other Italian regions such as Tuscany and Abruzzo, but it still has a fair few to sample.

In the 1930s, the Lazio region suffered from boggy, malaria-infested land. However, Mussolini initiated a “bonification” program to make the land usable, which  meant workers from the north brought down local grapes such as Merlot or Cabernet. This has led to a diverse wine industry in the region.

Around 80% of the wines produced in Lazio are white, with the best known being Frascati from the Castelli Wine Region just close to Rome and Est Est Est, from Lake Bolsena, further north towards Umbria. Lovers of red should try a sip of Cesanese del Piglio or look out for the Red Cremere (produced by local vineyard Terre del Veio). There is even a Rosato Risona Rosé wine (which is nothing like the sweet, cloying wine drunk by teenagers at the height of 1970’s sophistication).

Wine Classification System

How do you know if you are buying a wine bargain or something that would be better sprinkled on your chips? Luckily, Italy has its own system for classifying wine quality. Bring along this (not very) serious guide and you will never have to worry again…

DOCG – Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita

This classification denotes the highest quality recognition for Italian wines, and only a few achieve this status. To be sipped seriously without the use of a straw and served on very special occasions such as marriage proposals and honeymoons, or sampled freely and without discretion at wine tastings.

DOC wine – Denominazione di Origine Controllata

Good stuff. Wine that has passed a strict set of tests to ensure its provenance and to ensure that the region’s produce remains distinct. Probably one to buy for a first date or a business lunch, ensuring that the label can be seen at all times.

IGT – Indicazione di Geografica Tipica

General wines that are suitable for the table. These wines are often grown in specific geographical growing regions but without the strict controls of DOC wines. Tend to be of a lesser quality, but excellent DOC wines fall under this to avoid the paperwork for DOC status.  (It’s worth tasting them all to check.) Works well if drunk as a second bottle and/or third.

VdT – Vino Da Tavola

This signifies wines that have met no other criteria than that they were produced somewhere in Italy. Fine in an emergency, but most suitable for buying as a present to take home to relatives or colleagues that you don’t like very much.

And if all that sounds like too much hard work, ask for the house wine, or “vino sfuso,” which costs hardly anything (you should pay around €4 for half a liter) and goes down like a treat. The best advice is just to try as many as you can!

Cheers!

The post Rome: A quick guide to local wines (and Italian wine classification) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Wash your hands

It’s a given for locals, but visitors often forget—washing hands before meals is an crucial prep move in Morocco. Clean hands mean clean utensils, as many Moroccan dishes are devoured using the right hand. Also, shopping around the busy souk market is a hands-on activity for the millions who drop by; it’s smart to sanitize. Every café and restaurant should have a small sink with soap in the restroom, so lather up before chowing down.

2. Say no to alcohol

Don’t expect a frosty beer selection or fine wine list to pair on every Moroccan menu: Most restaurants do not sell alcohol. However, cocktails and the like can be found in the many bars and clubs within Marrakesh. Luckily, there are a variety of other beverages to choose from (see below).

3. Say yes to mint tea

There will never be a restaurant without hot mint tea on the drink menu, so order one upon sitting down for a cultural nightcap. Fresh mint leaves are brewed best in the intricately decorated silver-plated pots. The pour—a single stream cascading from the spout a half-meter down to the cup—is essential and easily the most impressive performance of the evening. Be aware that Moroccans drop an abundance of sugar cubes into this steamy nip, so get ready for a minty sweet sensation.

4. Shop around

Getting lost in Marrakesh’s souk streets might bring you to a local culinary find, but it probably won’t. It’s best to stick to the busy and bustling areas of the center and surrounding area. Yet, like every city center, there are many over-priced cafés reeling in passersby, so shop around before deciding who will get your business. Do not feel pressured to eat somewhere because someone’s giving an arm tug; look at the menu, the price, and then decide if it’s worth it.

5. How the locals eat (cheaply)

Cheap eats bursting with as many sights as smells are found at the many food tents that open in the Djemaa el Fna by nightfall. Offering everything from snail soup to grilled veggies and other specialties, these small tents are equipped with benches for seating and an open kitchen to watch chefs at work. These open-air restaurants have menus cheaper than other establishments and offer savory dishes in an entertaining atmosphere.

The post Marrakesh Food: Five tips for dining in Marrakesh appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Photo by Sunnia Ko

In Bulgaria, herbivores and carnivores alike can enjoy the delightful and addictive red pepper relish known as lyutenitsa. Made from red peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, sugar, and other spices, a little bit of lyutenitsa can add life to a dry piece of bread or any of the grilled meats so commonly found in the Balkans.

You might have heard of lyutenitsa’s cousin—the ajvar sauce of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, a variety that is more pepper and less tomato. While you can find lyutenitsa (or ajvar, for that matter) at gourmet food shops elsewhere, once you’ve sampled some homemade lyutenitsa, we promise you’ll never go back to the store-bought variety.

Those traveling in Bulgaria should make some local friends and try to get invited over for a taste of lyutenitsa. Barring such an invitation, visitors can also visit an outdoor market and purchase the homemade variety as cooked up by an enterprising grandmother. One jar should be enough to last you weeks and you won’t have to pay more than BGN2 (€1).

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