So whether you’re a royal fanatic or not, being in London over the royal wedding weekend will undoubtedly be an exciting time to explore the capital, as well as an excellent excuse for a jolly royal knees up! There are tons of plans for fun and celebrations, many of which won’t be confirmed until the last minute.

Here are some budget-friendly tips to get your royal weekend in London off to a flying start:

The Royal Procession
Official Web site

If you are hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal couple in the flesh then your best bet it to bag a spot along the procession route.

Once the service finishes around midday the couple will make their way to Buckingham Palace, passing some of London’s most iconic landmarks as they go. The carriage procession is set to travel from Westminster Abbey, passing the Houses of Parliament and down Horse Guards Parade. The procession will then go down The Mall, passing by St James’ Park and Clarence House before arriving at Buckingham Palace.

Once you have decided from where to watch the procession, be sure to take supplies and get there early. The streets will be packed, but the atmosphere promises to be buzzing with excitement! Check out the official Royal Wedding Web site for information about the procession, service and reception.

Hyde Park

This beautiful central London park was the scene of much merrymaking when Prince Charles married Diana in 1981 and it is set to be the ultimate location for some royal partying in 2011, too.

Exact plans for the Hyde Park party haven’t been confirmed yet but the word on the street is that, come rain or shine, huge screens in the park showing the wedding will attract over 200,000 people. There are also whisperings that there will be live music and fairground rides to keep everyone entertained.

South Bank Festival
Web site

London’s classy riverside South Bank will be hosting its very own “Royal Wedding Weekend” from Friday April 29 – Monday May 2.

The four-day event will be packed with fun activities, many of which are free, including live music, bingo, art exhibitions, a royal wedding party where couples can take their “first dance” and even a comedic “alternative wedding reception” for those who didn’t receive an invite to the real one.

Tasty tidbits will also be on offer from the Real Street Food Market, with a strict “no grease” policy. Visitors will be treated to tasty, ethically produced food from all over the world–the perfect way to sample some of modern day London’s cosmopolitan flavor. Visit the South Bank Centre Web site for a full list of details.

Camp Royale: Cheap sleeping
Web site

The party is set to go on day and night with the opening of Camp Royale, a pop-up campsite on South London’s Clapham Common.

Organizers are planning to charge £75 per person for three nights’ camping on the common, making it both an affordable and unique way to stay in London. The idea is currently being contested by the local council and we are waiting to see if this wacky idea will move forward. If it takes your fancy then check their Web site to see if the Camp Royale will be open for business.

Guide to Royal London: the eBook

If you’re looking for a guide to the royal wedding, Frommer’s travel guides recently published “The Royal Wedding: How to See the Sights on the Big Day and Happily Ever Afterwards.” It’s a natty little “eBook” written by self-professed royal fanatic, Dinah Hatch. It covers information on the royal family, a procession map, and lists of the royals favorite shops, eats and drinks. The eBook can be downloaded for £2.99.

Your royal plans?

Do you plan to visit London during the royal wedding? Tell us about your plans in the comments section!

The post London’s Royal Wedding: A Cheapo’s guide appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Ah,  the “Carnivale di Venezia,” an experience that should be had by every traveler at least once. Extravagant costumes, colorful masks, crowds dancing in Piazza San Marco, and special Carnival desserts that bars and cafés display proudly all make it unforgettable, and unique to Venice. What’s better is that many events are entirely free.

A Cheapo Carnival

Though hotel rates do spike during this time of year, it’s nice to know that virtually all of Carnival’s public activities are free. Of course I am not talking about the elegant aristocratic “behind closed door” parties, attended by the rich and the famous. Rather, I’m speaking of the real Carnival, the people’s Carnival, which is the Carnival at its best and the most enjoyable–and it’s open to everyone.

The 2011 Carnival

The theme of the 2011 Carnival is fantastic: “Women and the 19th Century,” timed to celebrate Italy’s 1861 unification.

The festival will be held Saturday, February 19 and Sunday, February 20, 2011 and then from Saturday, February 26 through March 8, 2011. The days packed with the most events are any weekends and on Thursday, March 3 (Shrove Thursday) and Tuesday, March 8 (Mardi Gras).

Here is a short list of some of this year’s free Carnival events. You can find more on the city’s official Web site.

Saturday, February 19: The Great “Brindisi”
Piazaetta San Marco
7 p.m. – 8 p.m.

This is a joyful and elegant “toast” (“brindisi”) that offers the Venetians and tourists an opportunity to officially welcome in the Carnival. The festival will open with dances in San Marco Square, to the tune of the most famous Brindiam.

Sunday, February 20: Feast of the Venetians
Grand Canal and Cannargeio
10 a.m.

On Sunday, February 20 at 10:00 a.m. on the Grand Canal and around the Cannaregio district the “Feast of all Venetians,” dedicated to the citizens and visitors of the city, takes place. Rowing associations will perform a water parade from San Marco and will row along the Grand Canal until they reach the Cannaregio district.

Once in Cannaregio, they swish past the crowds lining the banks, waiting for the now famous “Flight of the Venetian Rat.” Upon their arrival, the wine and food booths open, dishing up and pouring out Carnival treats, such as the Venetian fritole, Galani and the beloved cicheti.

Saturday, February 26 and Tuesday, March 8: Feast of Marie
Various locations and times

On Saturday, February 26 the Feast of Marie departs at 2 p.m. from San Pietro di Castello, arriving in Piazza San Marco at about 4 p.m. On Tuesday, March 8 the water procession departs from St. James Gold at 3:30 p.m. and arrives at 5 p.m. in Piazza San Marco for an awards ceremony.

The event, called the “Festa delle Marie,” recalls the annual tribute that the Doge presented to 12 beautiful and humble Venetian maidens, awarding them with a generous dowry. The festival is a great opportunity to take in the traditional Venetian costumes.

Sunday, February 27: The Flight of the Angel
Piazza San Marco
Noon

The “Flight of the Angel” is an exciting “flight” of a secret guest of the city (usually a celebrity) from the top of
the bell tower in Piazza San Marco to the center of the square. The guest, or rather the “angel,” wears a beautiful costume with a special Carnival theme.

Saturday, February 26 to Tuesday, March 8: Shows in the Grand Foyer of San Marco
Grand Foyer, Piazza San Marco
2 p.m. – nighttime

The Grand Foyer of San Marco will host the festival’s “main stage.” Among the not-to-be-missed events offered are live music concerts hosted by DJs and radio stars, a circus with international artists, parades and comedians. The space will also host the festival’s famous dances every evening starting at 8 p.m. Don’t miss the grand finale on March 8: the Feast of Women and Mardi Gras.

Other events

Throughout the Carnival, from February 26 to March 8, you will be able to catch other events, such as performances in many of the city’s major squares by the commedia dell’arte. Additionally, costumed guides will lead city tours, and churches will be open late into the evening, many with classical concerts on offer.

Tuesday, March 8: Closing Night: The Rowing of the Silence
Grand Canal
Midnight

Don’t forget about the “Rowing of the Silence,” the event that closes the festival on Tuesday, March 8, at midnight. The Carnival’s big finale features a long procession of gondolas and rowing boats that travel the Grand Canal from Rialto to the Basin San Marco, following the sounds of a trumpet crying out from the first boat.

Along the way, the Grand Canal will be lit by candles and lanterns, recreating a subdued 19th-century atmosphere. Upon arrival in St. Mark’s Basin hundreds of bright balloons will be released into the air, signaling the end of the Carnival, and the metaphorical entrance into Lent.

I hope you’ll be able to take part at this year’s Carnival. Remember, you don’t need to shell out a fortune to have a blast!

The post Venice: A Cheapo’s guide to free Carnival events appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We know with an estimated 3.5 million people lining Manhattan’s streets to catch a glimpse of floating Spider-Man and Shrek and Kung Fu Panda, heading out yourself can seem like a bit of a nightmare, but we have a few tips to make it all worthwhile.

The Route (and Where to Watch)

Floating Kermit. Photo: MJStewart

The parade starts at 77th Street and makes its way around Central Park, first south along Central Park West, then curving at Columbus Circle to head east on Central Park South. It will turn south down 7th Avenue until 42nd Street, where it will go east for a quick block before moving south again down 6th Avenue. At 34th it will head back west to 7th Avenue and its final destination: Herald Square and Macy’s itself. Got that?

Not to worry: All you need to keep in mind are three segments, our short list of best places to watch. We factored proximity to food and facilities into our choices, in addition, of course, to good views.

1. Sixth Avenue and 42nd Street

Subway: B/D/F/M to Bryant Park, N/Q/R/1/2/3/7 to Times Square

The 6th Avenue stretch is a wider street, which means more space on the sidewalk for onlookers, so pretty much anywhere on 6th will do, but the corner of 6th Avenue and 42nd Street is a particularly good vantage point. Floats move down 42nd from 7th Avenue, so at that corner you’ll have a direct view. Along Bryant Park is also lovely, but we do recommend staying north of 38th Street so as to give a bit of berth to the chaos that will be Herald Square.

Where to fuel up

Grab a coffee (and a delicious pastry) at the Pain Quotidien or Blue Bottle Coffee on 40th Street and 6th Avenue, just across from Bryant Park.

2. Columbus Circle and Time Warner Center

Subway: A/B/C/D/1/2 to Columbus Circle, N/Q/R to 57th Street/7th Avenue

If you’re claustrophobic, this area tends to be a little less crowded. We should caveat: It tends to be a little less crowded because higher winds in this small stretch sometimes spur balloon teams to race through a little quicker. That being said, they won’t be whizzing past fast enough that you’ll miss them, and you may be able to evade some of the throngs over here, on the west side of the circle.

Click to see these locations on Google maps.

An added bonus is that the Time Warner Center is a great place to avoid the elements. If it’s a nasty day, just head up to the second floor to watch from the windows there.

Where to fuel up

The Whole Foods on the lower level of the Time Warner Center is perfect for a quick cuppa joe and a muffin.

If you’d rather indulge before the evening feast, dig into a flaky croissant or a fluffy, fresh donut at Bouchon Bakery on the third floor.

3. Central Park

Subway Stops: 1 or 2 to Lincoln Center, A/B/C to 72nd Street

It’s never bad to be hanging out along Central Park, so it’s a great thing that the parade makes its way down Central Park West. The parade starts at 77th Street, so anywhere south of that is grand. (We’ve heard that from 61st Street to 72nd Street is a good stretch.)

Where to fuel up

For a slice of Paris, pick up some coffee and fresh bread or pastries at Maison Kayser (along Columbus circle) before moving north on Central Park West.

Or hang out around the enchanting Tavern on the Green, a famous restaurant with a famously expensive menu. There are public bathrooms here when nature calls.

Sugar fiends should note that Magnolia Bakery (69th Street and Columbus Avenue) is just a block from the park and will be serving up their heavenly confections and signature blend coffee on the big day.

The Basics: How to survive the parade

Timing: So you’ve scouted your spot. What time to arrive? Early. The parade starts at 9 a.m. at 77th Street, but wherever you choose to watch it, crowds will already be forming at least two hours in advance. We recommend getting to your chosen spot by at least 7 a.m., earlier if you’re concerned about being up front.

Clothing: Also, it’ll be chilly that early on a November morning, so layer up, and bring along a thermos or two of something warm to keep you going while you wait.

Thanksgiving Eve Inflation Celebration

Another option is heading out the day before for a little pre-parade revelry. Balloon inflation has become just as big a draw as the parade itself.

Public viewing is from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m on the two streets flanking the American Museum of Natural History, 77th Street on the south and 81st Street on the north. The entry point is 77th Street and Columbus, and from there the action winds northeast up to 81st Street. The area is sectioned off so that crowds can move through in a semi-orderly fashion.

The real action takes place around 5 p.m., but as can be expected it gets crowded around then too, so if you can show up earlier, it’s worth it to get close to big balloons when they’re spread out flat and being prepped. Likewise, don’t worry if you show up a little later. It all moves along pretty well.

Did Ya Know?
Finally, five fun Macy’s Parade facts for your reading enjoyment:

1. Zoo-crazy: During the first years of the parade (which started in 1924) the Macy’s employees who marched in costume—think cowboys and sheiks and knights, oh my!—brought along animals from the Central Park Zoo to join them. Donkeys and goats paraded down the street, and one year there were even lions and tigers and bears. Until, that is, they terrified small children.

2. Burst your balloon: The first balloon, in 1928, was Felix the Cat. Because he was filled with helium only, and helium expands in high altitudes, Felix, sadly, popped.

3. Biggest balloon ever: It’s a balloon, it’s a parade, it’s Superman, way back in 1939.

4. The long way down: The first parade started at 145th Street, a 5.5 mile trek down to Macy’s.

5. Doggone popular: Since his debut in 1968, Snoopy has gone through six incarnations, making him the character with the most balloons.

The post New York: Where to watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Mayday across Europe

This year more than 140,000 well-behaved protesters marched in the streets of Istanbul, while over a million marched in Russian cities. While many protesters highlighted grievances over wages and working conditions, traditional Communists were out in force too, reminding the world that peace and socialism still deserve a place in the global agenda.

Mayday in Berlin

Our home city of Berlin has a fine history of Mayday protests on both sides of the old Wall. Participants represent the full gamut of the political spectrum—and many are of no fixed political opinions but merely enjoy the opportunity to taunt the police, burn a few cars and drink copious quantities of alcohol.

Rose-tinted views

“But it is not like the old days,” said one of our neighbors, recalling the mighty Mayday parades in Berlin of yesteryear. “Then the streets of Berlin’s central district were full of the party faithful, and I was proud to be there.”

Scratch the surface of Berlin life, and you’ll still run across outbreaks of nostalgia for the good old days of the German Democratic Republic. A time when life was altogether simpler. For many older Berliners who grew up in East Germany, the new order is associated with uncertainty in the labor market, consumerism and rising prices, and many look back with evident affection on some aspects of life in East Germany. Not all of course, and films like Das Leben der Anderen (“The Lives of Others”) act as a sharp reminder that life wasn’t always quite so rosy in East Germany.

The German word for this phenomenon—”Ostalgie” (“EASTalgia”)—nicely captures this peculiarly eastern fad, in which some folk look back wistfully on their lives in a country that had fabulous gherkins, no bananas, some of the most ghastly wallpaper in the world and lots of engagingly old-fashioned trains. Berlin even has a hotel that picks up the EASTalgia theme. Perhaps East Germany just disappeared too quickly for its citizens to mourn its passing.

Susanne and Nicky run a Berlin-based editorial bureau that supplies text and images to media across Europe. Together they edit hidden europe magazine. You can read more of their writing in their regular e-brief and in the Notes section on their website.

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