But as you plan your Spanish jaunt, it’s important to think about a few pitfalls that are easy to walk into… but just as easy to avoid.

Once you reach Spain, keep these rookie mistakes in mind to avoid any mishaps that can cost you precious time and money.

Related: Recommended budget hotels in Madrid | Barcelona | Seville

1. Trying to see too much

Spain is fairly large as European countries go, and you cannot possibly see it all. Where you go during your trip depends on what your interests are, but plan (at the very least) a couple of days in Barcelona, a day in Madrid, and some time in Andalusia. If you are a foodie, then the Basque Country should be at the top of your list.

Whatever you do, don’t try and bulldoze through your vacation, spending just a day in each town. Spain’s cultural rhythm is slow and leisurely, and it’s best to adapt to this way of being while visiting. (We go into this further in our guide to creating the best itinerary for your trip to Europe.)

To help you organize your visit, check out this 10-day trip itinerary for Spain that will take you through some of our favorite places in the country.

2. Thinking it’s all about bulls and flamenco

When many tourists think of Spain, they’re often only conjuring up an image of one region of the country, Andalusia. Angry bulls and beautiful women in ruffly dresses can indeed be found in Seville, but not so much in Barcelona or San Sebastian.

Each region of Spain has its own food, culture, and in some cases (like the Basque Country or Catalonia) language. However, while the tradition is illegal in some regions, you can still see a bullfight in Madrid.

3. Mistaking a rhythm for rudeness

Things move more slowly in Spain than they do in the United States and Northern Europe. Lunches are long and unhurried. Dinners last for hours. A drink at the bar can easily turn into watching the sun rise over the Mediterranean. Don’t mistake your server’s inattentiveness as rudeness. At the same time, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for whatever it is that you need (the bill, salt, another beer, etc.).

Your server may not come by every 10 minutes to ask you how everything is, but you will also never be hustled out the door so they can “turn” your table. Act like a local and chill with your glass of wine; feel free to linger and chat as long as you want.

Related: 10 Spanish phrases every traveler should know

3. Not packing the right gear

For whatever reason, many tourists assume that Spain is hot and humid year-round. Not so! Make sure to pack lots of light layers in the summertime and a heavy coat in winter (unless you plan to spend your entire vacation on the Canary Islands).

In the north of Spain rain is common, even during the summer. In the south of Spain, temperatures can easily reach the 100+ mark from June to August, and you’ll want to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.).

4. Ordering the wrong food at the wrong time

Important: The big meal of the day in Spain is lunch, and this is the time to have a hardy seafood paella. Do not order paella at 10 p.m. in the evening; it’s too heavy and in most respectable restaurants, it will not even be offered on the dinner menu.

Usually, Spaniards eat lighter fare for dinner, including tapas, fish dishes, and salads. Drink wine with lunch and dinner–order the whole bottle, and no one will bat an eye.

Related: 8 Tips for eating like a local in Barcelona

5. Eating too early

It can be difficult to get on the Spanish clock when it comes to meal times. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are enjoyed quite late by American standards. If you’re starving, go grab some tapas to hold you over until the restaurants open.

Lunch is typically served between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. If you go out to dinner at 6 p.m, you will either be dining alone or with other tourists. Most local restaurants don’t even open their doors until 8 p.m (or later).

Related: 7 local dishes you need to try when visiting Spain

There might be one Spanish flag, but Spaniards speak a variety of regional languages as well. Photo: abdallahh

6. Not knowing the languages (that’s plural)

If you know Spanish, then you’ll be able to communicate with everyone in Spain. However, not every local you meet will speak Spanish as his or her mother tongue. Don’t be surprised to see signs in Basque or Catalan as you travel, and keep in mind that there are five national languages in the country.

Picking up a few words in the regional lingo will show some respect (and really endear you to the locals). It can also help you save–here are 7 Spanish phrases to help you save in Barcelona.

7. Tipping too much

This one is always hard for visitors from the United States. Tipping is not common across all of Spain. You should not leave 20%. If you get a really good meal or excellent service, you might leave something, but generally, tips are not expected.

Even in popular cities like Barcelona, you don’t tip bartenders, cab drivers, waiters, or anyone else more than some spare change.

8. Not having cash on hand

Want to pick up some tasty Jamón ibérico or a pair of authentic espadrilles from a local vendor? Take note that many small shops and taxis do not take credit cards. Furthermore, numerous stores, both big and small, will not have small change if you give them big bills. Be prepared and have cash on hand in a variety of sizes.

Crowded areas like Las Ramblas are ripe with pick pockets and other scams. Photo: Fraser Mummery

9. Not paying attention in touristy areas

This largely applies to Barcelona and Madrid, but you should be careful all over Spain, especially in the most touristy areas. Don’t leave your valuables on the beach while you go for a dip. Instead, leave everything important in the hotel’s safe.

Do some research ahead of time to book a hotel in a safe area of the city where you are less likely to be hassled. Spain is not dangerous, but petty theft can be a problem.

Related: Safety tips for female travelers in Barcelona

Final Tip: Just go with the flow

Spain is a diverse and fascinating country filled with open and relaxed people. It’s hard not to love it once you get into the rhythm. Visit at an easy pace and allow yourself plenty of time to just chill. Loiter on a plaza. Dawdle in a park. Hang out for hours at a cafe or bar on the beach.

It’s in the waiting and watching and just “being” that Spain shows herself to you.

The post Spain: 10 first-time mistakes to avoid when visiting appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

We’ve mentioned it before, but it bears repeating that when in Paris, it’s OK to be a tourist. Book that charming hotel in the center of town, enjoy an outdoor table at a cafe, and stroll along the Champs-Élysées if you like. Over the years as a tour guide and correspondent, I’ve experienced lots of people who try, without success, to pass as a local. It’s just not necessary.

It’s normal that tourists want to fit in, but too often you end up adding too much pressure to the trip planning process and to the actual trip itself. Here are five ways I think tourists could relax about their trips to Paris:

1. Don’t freak out about wearing the right shoes.

I always tell people I can spot a tourist by their shoes—but since they are usually in a touristy spot, like by the Eiffel Tower, I don’t think I’m really all that clairvoyant.

The bottom line on footwear? If you really think anyone in Paris cares what you are wearing on your feet, and if you’d rather spend more time shoe shopping than planning the rest of your trip, that’s your problem. Parisians wear boots, sneakers, flats, heels, loafers, Chucks and everything in between. And while they aren’t always practical, flip-flops do come out in the summer from time to time.

Related: 8 Paris travel myths debunked

2. You don’t need to speak French like a pro.

You don’t know any French? Quel dommage. Enough websites (including EuroCheapo, for example) urge visitors to learn some basics—merci, bonjour, au revoir—and that’s all you’ll need to know.

It’s nice to know local lingo, but few waiters or bartender will expect you to whip out the conditional or future perfect tense while ordering a beer. Some Parisians speak English, and others who you will inevitably encounter are comfortable with tourists pointing, nodding and holding up fingers to signal numbers—if you’re polite about it. Get the bare basics down and then give it a rest. This isn’t a backwoods town where no one has ever met a foreigner.

Be prepared for lines at big attractions in Paris like the Louvre. Photo: Duncan R

3. Visit museums that match your tastes.

Paris is a treasure trove of art, and travelers want to be very discerning when choosing their museums to visit, and often think that it’s better to go to one museum over another. In the end, if you really care about art, go to the museum that matches your taste. If you’re only going to the museum because you think you need to, then go when it’s convenient and just accept that yes, there will be tourists at places like the Louvre. Everyone wants to see the Mona Lisa, and no one knows why, so either just go with it or else pass.

Related: 7 tips for surviving the Louvre

4. Relax about finding the “perfect” restaurant.

You only want to eat where the locals are eating? Sorry, I’m very selective about who can come over for dinner. Want to do what Parisians are doing if not dining at home? Have you seen the lines at McDonald’s?

Thinking that Parisians are all going to some quaint little, off-the-radar bistro every night is a good exercise for your imagination. There are plenty of great “local” places, but don’t think you’re going to unearth anything that hasn’t been dug up a thousand times already. Just try to enjoy your meal wherever you go, and don’t Instagram it—because real locals don’t need to photograph every goat cheese salad and glass of wine.

Be aware but don’t panic for your entire trip. Photo: Duncan Hull

5. Stay alert and stay safe.

Money belt, traveler’s checks, locked box in the hotel—check, check, check. You’re a tourist and you’re overly concerned about falling prey to pickpockets? While I applaud your caution, I wonder if you leave your phone laying on a table while you go to the bathroom at Starbucks. Do you often take candy from strangers? Do you leave your door unlocked at night?

For some traveling to Paris means leaving all notions of personal safety back in their home country—but Paris isn’t Disneyland. (Although there is one a few miles outside of the city.) It’s a real city with the same sorts of crimes that you find in other parts of the world, including America (without the fear of getting shot). If you’re walking around with a wad of cash in Paris, you’re asking for as much trouble as if you did that in Chicago, or London or Sydney—it’s not a good idea anywhere, so don’t do it.

Be vigilant and prepared, yes, but don’t overdo it. Keep your wits about you as I hope you do anywhere else in the world and you should be fine. Check out our article on popular “scams in Paris” so you know what to expect, but honestly, if a scruffy looking group of teenagers swarmed around you in Kansas City asking you to sign a dirty petition and give them money, would you really stop and engage them?

Other things tourists should relax about?

Do you have something else to add to our list of things tourists should relax about when visiting Paris? Do you agree or take issue with any of the points above? Share with us in our comments section below.

The post 5 things tourists should relax about when visiting Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are four negative aspects of visiting or living in Barcelona, with their (sometimes quite simple) solutions.

1. CROWDS

The center of Barcelona is crowded, especially in high-season (summer). Sometimes it can be downright frustrating trying to walk down La Rambla if you’ve got somewhere to be due to all the people on it. Of course, the city’s beaches are also packed in the summer, as are big tourist attractions such as La Sagrada Familia. If you don’t like pushing through gaggles of tourists, you’ll want to spend as little time as possible in downtown.

Solution

First of all, don’t stay in the center. Stay in a local, residential area. Avoid booking in the Gothic Quarter or on La Rambla.

Secondly, come during low-season or shoulder-season. October is a good time to see the city as is April and May.

2. THEFT

You knew this one would be on the list, right? Barcelona does not have a problem with violent theft (knock on wood), but rather with petty theft. Think pickpockets and con artists.

Solution

Several safety tips to keep in mind:

• Make a copy of your passport and carry that with you, leaving the original in the hotel safe or with the front desk.

• Don’t walk around with your camera around your neck.

• Men, keep your billfolds in the front of your jeans.

• Women, get purses with zippers and flaps.

• Don’t leave your bags on the back of a chair at a cafe, instead, always keep anything of value in your lap or beside you.

Spanish Rice in Barcelona

3. PRICES

Visitors don’t know the average price of things in Barcelona and therefore are  likely to pay more than a local. This causes businesses in touristy zones to jack up the price considerably and in many cases sell a mediocre product at an outrageous rate. That’s the world we’re living in people!

Solution

Stay away from tourist areas when you’re looking for a restaurant for dinner or shopping. Look at the menu. Is it translated into 10 languages? Then it’s probably catering to tourists. Best to find the place with the menu in Spanish or Catalan.

Look at the people who are eating in the cafe or restaurant. Do they look like they just got off the cruise boat or do they look like locals?

As a rule, don’t eat on La Rambla or on Plaça Catalunya. (Read more cheap eating tips.)

4. GRIME

Not everyone will agree with me, but I do find Barcelona—especially certain areas—grimy. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, it doesn’t rain much here so the filth is not often washed away. The city does have street cleaners who spray down the metropolis’ many soiled lanes, but their job is an endless and thankless one.

Also, there are a lot of dogs in Barcelona and some of these dogs have irresponsible owners. Ogling some fancy architecture in the Eixample may end with your foot in a pile of puppy mierda. I speak from ample experience.

Or maybe go down to the beach and count how many people pick up their cigarette butts after smoking away an afternoon by the sea…. to say nothing of all the folks (men, usually) who choose to urinate on dumpsters and in doorways (yes! ewwwwwwe) instead of in a nearby bar’s WC.

Wear your shoes in La Barceloneta, Barcelona

Solution

When I lived in La Barceloneta I saw visitors going shoeless and shirtless all the time when walking around the ‘hood. It was all I could do to not run over to them and shake them saying, “For the love of the sun man, put ON your shoes!” I restrained myself, and they probably now have foot fungus or who knows what. Don’t go barefoot unless you’re on the beach. Really.

As far as the dog mierda, well, it’s best to keep one eye on the road at all times, especially if you’re wearing sandals. By and large, you don’t want to sit on curbs and doorsteps. You won’t see locals doing this. You also don’t want to recline against a wall. This is where creatures, both dog and human, pee. Instead, find a bench or a shady cafe.

The post Four Negative Aspects of Barcelona and Their Solutions appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Here are some common sense tips about how to protect yourself before you leave for Paris, how to hamper a thief’s chances of robbing your iPhone once you’re there, and what steps you need to take after the theft to protect yourself if they do.

Before Your Trip

Make sure that you keep your serial number handy (meaning not only on your phone) in order to provide your phone operator, insurance company and the police that your phone has been stolen.

Install a free software app like Find My Phone to allow you to locate and shut down your phone from a distance.

Be sure to back up your contact list and photos and sync any other information stored on your phone with your computer. (Once you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to back up photos to cloud storage in case something happens to your phone.)

Consult your phone’s insurance policy if you have one. Be aware that some insurers will not insure thefts that occur outside of the U.S. so read the fine print before you go and add coverage as needed.

Safety Tips for Using Your Phone in Paris

The French police want you to know that using your phone in public is a bad idea.

I know, I know. The whole point of bringing your iPhone to Paris is so that you can whip it out at your convenience to find directions, use a cool Paris sightseeing app, or Google the name of that restaurant you wanted to try.

But be careful not to leave it on a café table while you are sipping an espresso enjoying the scenery, or hold it in your hands in public (which makes using it as a camera pretty difficult, of course).

Be sure to pay particular attention on the Métro, bus and RER, especially when it’s crowded.

Paper Scams

Tourists who frequent American chains like Starbucks and McDonald’s have also been the targets of a common scam where thieves use old-fashioned paper as a tool for stealing 21st-century electronics, ruffling papers in front of your face or handing you a note to unfold, making off with your phone in the ensuing confusion.

Another common scam involves being approached by a person bearing a clip board and pretending to want you to sign a petition for a seemingly worthy cause. While your hands are busy holding the clipboard and signing the bogus petition, someone else will be rummaging through your bag or pocket and making off with your phone.

Beware of Pickpockets

Even those who try to be vigilant about their belongings might find themselves the target of a stealthy pickpocket. In a country where personal space is not at a premium and even innocent people will crowd next to you with an alarming intimacy, it’s sometimes extra difficult to detect a ninja thief who is out to relieve you of your beloved electronic iAppendage.

In addition to public transport, be especially careful in crowded lines at tourist attractions, museums and the like. (Also see this post about tourist scams to avoid in Paris.)

If the Worst Happens, Here’s What to Do

As soon as you realize your phone is no longer with you, try to stay calm and act quickly to limit the damage.

If you have anti-theft software, use it to shut down your phone.

The next step is to inform your phone service operator so that they can deactivate the SIM card in your phone.

Tell the Police

Find the nearest police station and take the time to file a police report.

Using your phone’s serial number, the French police can do what your phone operator cannot: They can enter the serial number on a black list making the phone itself inoperable on any of the country’s networks even with a new SIM card.

Tell Your Insurance Company

If you have theft insurance, file a claim as soon as possible for the best chance of being compensated correctly. Remember that if you are in the midst of a phone service contract and your phone is stolen, you will have to pay full price for a replacement (forget those inexpensive phone offers they use to lure you into a contract in the first place).

Related: Using an American iPhone in Europe… without going broke.

The post How to keep your iPhone safe in Paris… and what to do if it gets stolen appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

1. Always keep a close eye on your bag.

This may sound obvious, but petty thieves are pretty crafty in Dublin. Many purse snatchers are women, and they target some of the best areas of the city, especially outdoor cafes and pubs.

Don’t hang your purse on the back of a chair. All it takes is one moment of leaning forward and your bag will be gone, on the shoulder of another woman in the crowd.

2. Where’s all the catcalling?

In Dublin there is a distinct absence of catcalling. However, this often encourages solo women travelers to put their guard down. Use common sense when walking alone at night, always choosing lit, busy streets even if the route is longer. Also, beware of overly friendly men approaching in groups of one or two with basic questions such as the time.

3. Avoid the quays.

At night, a walk along the River Liffey might seem like an appealing idea. While some areas along the quays are well lit and perfectly safe, others are pretty desolate with dark office buildings. These spots sneak up rather quickly, and locals know what areas are dark and quiet for drinking and carousing down by the river. To play it safe, avoid walking along the quays alone late at night or very early in the morning.

4. Be aware of closing time.

Pubs in Dublin all have the same closing time, 11:30 last call during the week and 12:30 last call on weekends. This means that all pubs and bars empty out at the same time, filling the streets with mostly merry intoxicated people. While somewhat rare, this can also be the time when scuffles will break out on the street. Be aware that fights are most likely to occur at this time, and steer clear of crowds or head home a few minutes before closing time.

5. Look into guesthouses instead of hostels.

In addition to hostels, Dublin is also home to a range of affordable guesthouses. Instead of automatically booking a bunk in a dorm, check out independently owned guesthouses and B&Bs. You will often get a small room with a twin bed, including a hearty breakfast, for the same (or slightly higher) price of a hostel.

Also, during the summer, actual dorm rooms at Trinity College are available to visitors when students aren’t in session. This is an incredibly affordable way to stay in the safe, very heart of Dublin.

The post Dublin: Tips for solo female travelers appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Back story

When I came to Barcelona in 2005, I came alone. When I tell people that they always ask, “Did you have friends here?” No, I didn’t. “Did you come for love?” No, I didn’t (anything but!). “Had you been to Barcelona before?” No, I hadn’t.

Honestly, I knew little about the city and had exactly zero connections. But I wanted to be here, to live here, to give it a shot.

Coming to Barcelona was not my first solo journey. Prior to hopping over the Atlantic I had lived in Central America for three years, and had traveled extensively around the area and Mexico. Usually I traveled with friends, but at times I also traveled alone. I was a “solo female traveler,” (a term made popular by blogresses such as Kate and Jeannie), but didn’t really realize it.

Fast-forward

When I compare my time living in Guatemala to my years here in Barcelona, one of the biggest differences is how I feel as a “solo female traveler” or just a “solo female.” In Central America I had more problems and even a few scary run-ins with shady characters. While I don’t want to paint Guatemala as dangerous, it is not as safe for women as Spain… not by a long shot.

This is something I love about Europe. I have more freedom here than I would in other countries and feel safer. Barcelona is not a dangerous city. As a “solo female” I can walk home at 2 a.m. and it’s no big deal because there are people on the street and it’s acceptable for women to be out late.

Still, here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re a woman on your own in Barcelona:

1. Don’t stay in El Raval

I’ve been harassed countless times in El Raval on busy, well-lit streets. About a month ago some guy tried to lift my skirt as I walked by him on Carrer Pintor Fortuny; I thought he was trying to rob me but then realized he was just a perv. He did this while a whole group of men looked on. I wondered, Don’t you have sisters? Mothers? Why don’t one of you tell this freak off?

But instead I did the telling off and then rushed away angry and flustered. I’ve also been robbed in El Raval, as have many other people. If you’re going out in El Raval (which is fun) keep your wits about you and stay away from dark alleys. Better yet, get someone to walk with you up to a main street.

2. Recommended safe places to sleep

Do stay in any of the following hostals which are safe for “solo female travelers”:

Eixample area: Hostal Fashion House or Hostal Girona.

Uptown/Diagonal: Astoria Hotel

City Center/ Pl. Catalunya: H10 Cataluyna Plaza

La Ribera/ El Born: Hostel Orleans

Meet people

Take a tour, or a class, or if you’re in town a bit longer join Meetup.com and check out the plethora of groups listed for Barcelona. Staying in a hostel also increases your chances of linking up with fellow travelers.

Safety on the beach

This could apply to “solo female travelers” or anyone really. It’s a drag but you can’t leave your belongings unattended at La Barceloneta beach (or any of the beaches in Barcelona) because they will probably be stolen.

You’ve got a few options: 1) skip the beach and go to Park Ciutadella instead, 2) find a friend to go with, 3) leave everything of value at your hotel, including the key at the reception and go with stuff that you don’t mind losing (I doubt they will steal your flip-flops, but you never know), 4) ask the person on the towel next to you to watch your stuff for you while you swim…

Paella for one?

It’s Spanish rice and it’s delicious. Sadly, most restaurants have a two-person minimum for paella orders. This means if you’re “solo” you’re out of luck. Solution? Just have tapas, they’re good, too, and “solo-sized.”

The metro

The metro is safe in Barcelona. However, I have had a couple unpleasant experiences as a “solo female” on the metro late (after 10 p.m.) in the outskirts of town. Stick to the center if it’s late at night and avoid distant stops like Besos or empty metro wagons. Issues with far-off metro stations late is another good reason to book a hotel in the city center.

Getting cat called

I don’t think sexual harassment is that bad in Barcelona. However, that’s not to say it won’t happen, and it takes places more frequently if a woman is alone.

Deal with it however you like. As it is usually in the form of whistling or some guy coming up real close and whispering some obscenity, more often than not I choose to completely ignore him or tell him where to shove it. It’s probably better to ignore him.

Honestly, compared to a lot of destinations Spain is an easy option for women traveling alone, as is most of Europe.

The post Barcelona: Tips for solo female travelers appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Regardless of whether this is your first or tenth time in Amsterdam, here are some “irregular” activities to avoid when you’re visiting Amsterdam:

1. Beggars

If you’re new to Europe, especially if you haven’t headed south, you may be surprised to see people on the sides of sidewalks and streets aggressively asking for money. Some are genuinely in need, while others are dressed for the part. An older woman with a large shawl covering her hair and upper body could very well be hiding a normal outfit underneath.

It sounds heartless, but you should be very careful about giving away money. Your generosity could backfire, and you could find yourself ensnared in another scam… or losing your wallet.

2. Tulip stands

Tulips are a symbol of Dutch culture, but the season itself is short. In fact, tulip bulbs can only be planted during the autumn, and chances of successfully growing from bulbs bought out of season are low to impossible.

But that doesn’t stop vendors from selling bulbs year ’round, and the flower market is open every season. Don’t buy flower bulbs on a whim, do your research first and find out which purchases are worth buying, and which will even survive. (Read more about buying tulips here.)

3. Prostitutes

The world’s oldest profession is a legal one in the Netherlands, and the women are rightfully well-experienced with negotiations. If you are going to partake in this business, know exactly what will happen before entering a “red light” room. Will there be physical activity? Where, what, and for how long will determine the price.

Pay careful attention to the details and to what is agreed upon – even the slightest interaction can cost an extra €5 or €10. This isn’t technically a “scam,” but rather a very shrewd business deal. Treat it as such before having any fun.

4. Taxis

Taxis in Amsterdam have a reputation for being over-priced and drivers are known to take long, unnecessary detours. Before hopping in, see that the base price isn’t above €8. Tell the driver where you want to go, and ask him his route. If it doesn’t sound right, go for another cab.

By April 2012, the starting price will be €2.50, the price per kilometer will be €1.83 and the price per minute will be 30 cents. (Read more about taxis and other forms of transportation in Amsterdam.)

5. Junkies

The Red Light District at night has its fair share of sketchy men selling hard drugs and stolen bikes. Despite what they claim to have, you really shouldn’t trust anything they say. To avoid getting in trouble with the law, ignore these sellers. Taking their word will bring nothing but trouble — and their goods are usually fake anyway.

Amsterdam is safe

In the end, Amsterdam is a safe place for tourists, and the buying and selling of goods is well regulated, from the coffeeshops to the boat rides. Use your instincts – if your gut feeling says something is too expensive or too good to be true, back away and find something that feels right.

Have you been scammed in Amsterdam?

Have you encountered any scams while visiting Amsterdam? Tell us about it in our comments section.

Also in our guide: Looking for hotels in Amsterdam that won’t scam you into paying too much? Our editors have pounded down the pavement in Amsterdam looking for affordable hotels, from no-star to three-star, that are central, clean and cheap. Read our recommendations in our guide to Amsterdam.

The post Amsterdam: 5 tourist scams to avoid appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Most importantly, as biking in this densely-populated city is the main form of transport, there are some important safety precautions you should take. Ride the cobblestone streets in confidence by following these top five tips for biking safely in Amsterdam:

1. Always have a bell.

Tons of bikes. Photo: Audrey Sykes

The saying in Amsterdam for pedestrians goes, “If you hear a bell, run like hell.” The locals love to ring their bell at tourists–it’s entertaining for the biker and educational for the walker.

Yet the saying rings true along busy streets; there will be times when a tourist is standing in the bike lane. It’s amazing how a simple bell ring can reveal a bike path from a sea of tourists. Visitors know to be on alert for the sound of bike bells coming from behind, so don’t be afraid to enforce this warning.

2. Always have a front and back light.

The one law bicycle police actively enforce is the bike light requirement. Pedaling around in the Amsterdam darkness is not only unsafe for you, but also for taxi drivers, night buses, trams and pedestrians. Those caught without lights are slapped with a €50 fine, with no questions asked. Ask for lights when renting a bike, and a two-pack set is just a few euros at the markets.

3. Never make random stops.

Would you ever break on the highway during moving traffic? Not in a million years. Stop in the middle of a bike lane and you’re just asking to be labeled a clueless tourist. Most major intersections have street lights for bike lanes, which is the best place to pause. If you need to make an emergency stop pull off to the side of the bike lane, just like a car.

4. Always signal your turns.

Extend your right arm to turn right, and extend your left arm to turn left–it’s that easy. Locals might be whizzing by as you feel surrounded by chaos, but these biking pros can read traffic instantly and will give you space if you signal… correctly.

5. Keep to the right.

Just like a car, slower traffic stays in the right lane. And a visitor on a rental bike is and will always be slower traffic in the eyes of the Dutch. Rush hour does exist in bike lanes, so be on your best behavior by biking straight, with confidence, and keeping to the right side.

The post Amsterdam: 5 basic rules of bike safety appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But aside from just generally watching your wallet or purse, there are a number of scams typically used on tourists in Paris. They should know it’s not so easy to con a Cheapo!

Here are a few of the most typical scams to watch out for:

1. “Free” bracelets at Sacre Coeur

Most days, as tourists start to walk up the steps to reach Sacre Coeur, they face a veritable gauntlet of men trying to trick them out of a few euros. This scam involves someone tying a string bracelet onto your wrist and then refusing to let go until you “pay” for the souvenir.

While these men can be aggressive, they are fairly easy to avoid. Often if you speak French they just leave you alone – a simple “non, merci” should do the trick. (Read more tips for visiting Sacre Coeur.)

2. “Did you drop this gold ring I just found?”

I don’t really understand how this one works, but it must, because so many scammers still do it. It starts like this: as you’re walking along the street, someone approaches you and asks, “Excuse me, did you drop this gold ring?” When you say, no, that’s not mine, the person then tries to foist the ring on you, saying it must be worth a lot of money.

Since he or she is in the country illegally, the person can’t possible sell the ring, but you as a respectable tourist should have no problem. Can you just give him or a her a little money (not even the value of the ring)? Of course, in reality the ring is worthless. Be on the lookout for this scam in the Jardin des Tuileries and the Champs de Mars, near the Eiffel Tower.

3. “Do you speak English?”

As foreigners in a strange land, we’ve all needed to ask for assistance at some point. So when someone asks if you speak English, the logical response is: “Yes, I do! How can I help?” However, the next step on the part of the asker is to hold up a card with a poorly written sob story asking for money.

This isn’t so much a scam as a clever way to engage with tourists before begging for some spare change. It’s up to you whether or not to part with a few euro coins. These alms seekers can be found in pretty much all the major tourist districts, and are especially abundant in the square facing Notre Dame.

Don’t panic!

As the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy would tell you, don’t panic! Like in any big city, it is important to remain on one’s toes in Paris, but that shouldn’t prevent you from having a good time. Just keep on eye on your belongings and use common sense and you should be fine!

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The post Paris: Smart tourists know these 3 scams appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

“In Barcelona, we’re thinking of staying in the Gothic Quarter to be close to everything, but we’re worried that it’s not safe. Is this area sketchy at night?”

Regina WB responds:

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter has the Cathedral, Plaza del Rey and many other fabulous sites that most visitors want to ‘oohh and ahh’ over. And therein lies the problem, while St Juame’s Square is lovely, and the craved gargoyles frightfully fantastic, is it safe? Yes and no.

Petty theft in Barcelona is rampant. For the most part it is safe to walk the streets of the city center at any time of night, because there are always people out in Barcelona. Violent crime is not a problem. But, you’ve got to watch your bag, your camera, your wallet, your cell phone and maybe even that gold chain around your neck (less someone rip it from your being on the subway!). Small theft is not punished (really) in Spain, and thieves are well aware of this. The problem is HUGE.

A friend of mine visited for a month from the United States. During her visit she experienced three robbery attempts. My friend is no novice, having traveled to over 50 countries in her time. But thieves in Barcelona are good, and they are everywhere the tourists are, and tourists are usually in the Gothic Barrio.

I do recommend staying in the Gothic because it’s really the heart of what’s happening in the city. Just be aware, and stay clear of the following places: La Rambla, (a.k.a. La Rob-la), the Metro (one of the places I’ve seen the most robberies, averaging one sighting a week), Calle Ferran (filled with drunk tourists) Irish bars (obviously). To play it safe, get a bag with multiple zippers and be alert. Never set your bag on the floor or casually on a chair. Don’t be the guy with the camera hanging on his neck.

Finally, don’t be afraid of Barcelona’s Gothic area, just be a ninja!

Regina WB lives in Barcelona and wrote EuroCheapo’s guide to Barcelona hotels. Additional writing by Regina can be found on her website www.regwb.com and on PlanetEye.com.

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The post Barcelona Q&A: Is it safe to stay in the Gothic Quarter? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.