I had a bad feeling when I checked into my second hotel on my trip to Lisbon. While in town for the week to review about 50 hotels for our Lisbon guide, I’d be spending three nights at this hotel.

I had just spent three nights at another hotel, the Metropole, several blocks away. My room had been wonderful—a spacious double on the fifth floor, with a small balcony opening to sunny city views. (And yes, it was quite affordable, given the off-season rates.)

But as I checked into this second hotel rather late in the afternoon, I grew nervous. The receptionist tapped away at his keyboard, apparently trying to find something open for my three nights. He frowned a lot. Finally, he handed me a keycard with a sigh and said, “I’m sorry, but this is the only room available.”

Minutes later I opened the door (which banged into the bed) of a very small room that hardly offered enough room to enter. It goes without saying that there was no desk (annoying, as I was in town for work), nor was there room to put away my luggage.

I had to face the facts: I had landed the worst room in the hotel.

Related: When should you book to get the best hotel rates?

I was partly to blame for ending up with this room. After all, I knew better. Here are a few pointers to avoid getting stuck with the “worst room”.

1. Be clear when making your reservation.

Receptionists have all the power. Pictured: The friendly owner of La Macarena Hostal, Madrid.

What exactly are you looking for in a room? Do you prefer one on a high floor overlooking the street? Are you looking for something on a lower floor with windows opening to the courtyard? Do you want one of the rooms with a balcony? Perhaps you need a bathtub instead of a shower?

Mention these preferences in your correspondence with the hotel at the time of making your reservation (but keep in mind that you’re requesting them, not demanding them). Sure enough, when I booked my room (through EuroCheapo, naturally), I did request a “room on a high floor with a view, if possible.” Well, I did get a room on a high floor…

Related: 10 Ways to save time & money before you go to Europe

Joking aside, your requests will usually be considered. When I’m inspecting rooms, I often notice certain rooms with little extras, like terraces, extra-large bathrooms, or great views. I often ask the manager or owner if I can write about the special perk—and if guests can request the room in advance. They almost always say the same thing. “Sure, mention it when reserving. If it’s available, there’s no problem.”

Which brings us to…

2. Show up early.

Although rooms are usually assigned in advance, there’s often a bit of juggling that goes on during the check-in process. Maybe another guest checked in and had an issue with their room. (For example, perhaps two friends had been given a double instead of a twin room. It happens all the time.) Check-in is never flawless and problems surface. People switch rooms. Get to the hotel as early as possible to minimize your chances of falling into the last place of a chain reaction.

However, remember that if you arrive before check-in hours (typically noon or 2 p.m.), you will probably have to leave your luggage in a storage room and come back once your room is ready. If this happens to you…

3. Make sure that you check in.

What? Didn’t you just check in? Not necessarily. Just because you’ve exchanged pleasantries with the hotel receptionist and left your luggage, doesn’t mean that you’ve actually “checked in.”

Ask if you can go through the process of checking in. That way, you’ll probably see a room number associated with your name on all the check-in paperwork.

When checking in, it’s also a good idea to ask nicely about the room. For example: “Could you please tell me if this room faces the back courtyard? I’m a light sleeper and just wanted to make sure.” When you ask nicely, with a smile, this can be the moment that changes everything.

4. Come back early to inspect your room.

So, you’ve left your luggage, checked in, and hit the town. Now what? I’d recommend, if possible, returning to the hotel early in the afternoon to move into your room. (This isn’t just about making sure your room is adequate. It’s also about leaving your possessions in a luggage room that’s shared by countless others.)

By moving into your room early, you can inspect it to make sure that it fits the bill. Does it?

5. If the room isn’t satisfactory—act quickly.

Upon entering the room, look around. Does it work? Be fair. Remember that most European hotel rooms (and especially bathrooms) are small. However, if the room doesn’t work for you and you get the impression that a better room may be available, act quickly.

Very important: Do not open your luggage, flop onto the bed, or (especially) use the bathroom. If, for some reason, you want to change rooms, you’ll need to act quickly, without disrupting anything. In many small hotels, after all, the cleaning staff leaves during the afternoon. In the case of a “sold out” hotel, you will only be able to swap rooms if you haven’t touched anything.

The other reason to act quickly is that as others check in, your chances of changing rooms diminishes.

6. Be nice and offer a good explanation when asking for a new room.

This is rather obvious, but if you return right away to the reception and ask to switch rooms, be as courteous as possible. The receptionist, after all, has all the power in this situation.

Explain why you’d like to switch rooms. Had you requested something else when reserving? Are you afraid of bathtubs and need a shower? Do you prefer a quieter room on the courtyard? Offer some sort of explanation—and smile.

A smile and friendly hello can go a long way with a hotel receptionist. Photo: Paulien Osse

7. Regardless of the outcome, thank the receptionist.

Perhaps the receptionist will bump some things around and offer you another room in the house. Or, perhaps they’ll sigh and apologize, and you’ll be stuck with your room. Either way, you’ll be seeing them for the rest of your stay, so be nice and thank them for their effort.

8. Stuck? Offer to switch the next day.

If you’re stuck in your room and staying for multiple nights, ask if it might be possible to switch rooms the next day. This often works, although it requires that you repack your bags after your first night. (Often the cleaning staff will move your luggage to the new room for you. Thank them with a tip upon departure.)

9. Really stuck? Chill out.

In my case, I was really stuck. The hotel had no vacancies, and there was no possibility of switching rooms on the second day. At first I was upset. My room was tiny, my bed was small and not comfortable, and I really wanted a desk. As I walked the halls, I could see much larger rooms being cleaned—and they had probably paid the same amount that I had.

And then I relaxed. I was focusing so much attention on wanting a larger room, that I wasn’t fully enjoying my evening in Lisbon. That night, I was strolling the Bairro Alto‘s web of narrow streets, looking for a spot for dinner, but still miffed about a room I wasn’t even in at the moment. That was my fault.

After all, my travel experience should be about more than just the size of my hotel room. Yes, it’s nice to attain the best room possible, but I’d caution against letting our accommodation desires (“I asked for a balcony!”) get confused for the reason we travel. If I was just traveling to pamper myself with comforts, I could just check myself into a spa for the weekend—back home.

Part of traveling is about not always being in control. That is what I told myself, at least, as I relaxed and settled into my funny, lumpy, little room.

Which is also why I showed up—and checked in—to my next hotel bright and early.

Your advice?

Do you have any tips on how to avoid getting stuck with a stinker of a room? Share them with us in the comments section.

The post Strategy: How to not get stuck with the worst room in the hotel appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Before you feel completely overwhelmed, take a deep breath. And maybe pour a glass of wine (French, of course).

More Paris tips:
• 50 Ways to save time and money
• How to spend your first day in Paris
•  When is the best time of the year to visit Paris?

10 Ways to prepare for your trip to Paris

We’ve got a list of 10 simple ways to prepare for your trip to Paris, from the somewhat obvious (book train tickets in advance) to a few ideas that might surprise you (watch a fun movie).

Enjoy and remember to have fun… You’re going to Paris!

1. Watch the film “Paris, Je T’Aime” (2006)

Many movies are set in Paris, but this is one of the best for pre-Paris education. The multiple stories taking place across Paris are a great intro to the city’s many different districts. The vignettes are split between French and English, so there’s no need to feel intimidated by the language.

Above, check out one of my favorite clips from the film about the 14th arrondissement.

Get in the mood with a good French book before heading over. Photo: borkurdotnet

2. Read a French history book

People always talk to me about various novels, usually historical fiction or straight up fiction, that are set in Paris. However, very few seem to read about events that actually happened here. A little context will go a long way, especially when visiting a city like Paris that’s drenched in history.

Try Andrew Hussey’s “Paris: The Secret History”, or Stephen Clarke’s “Paris Revealed: The Secret Life of a City” for something a bit lighter.

Book your TGV train tickets well in advance to get the great deals. Photo: rudiriet

3. Book the big stuff now

It’s an obvious one worth repeating. Don’t put off flights, trains, rental cars, and hotels until the last minute. Restaurants, cafes, and museums will fall into place once you arrive, but you can’t just roll up to Paris in high season and expect to find a great budget hotel at the snap of your finger. Book the big stuff now!

Related: 10 Best budget hotels in Paris | How to book your own train tickets on the TGV

4. Learn at least a few words of French

Bring a book or a smartphone with an offline app to translate some of the harder stuff, of course. But know the basics without looking in a book. “Hello” and “thank you” (bonjour and merci) are the absolute bare minimum, but maybe brush up on some basic vocabulary (numbers, directions, and cuisine) to make things easier on yourself.

To get you started, here are 10 French phrases to help you save and 22 sayings to learn before you go.

5. Plan (some) outfits in advance

Tourists have a tendency to fret about how they look in Paris when, honestly, no one cares how you look while you’re out sightseeing. Just relax and be presentable and comfortable.

But if you’ll be having a high-end dinner or going to the opera, plan on packing at least a decent pair of shoes and one nice evening outfit. If you head into an upscale restaurant wearing sneakers and shorts, you’re going to feel a bit silly. For last-minute fashion emergencies, try these high-end designers at cheapo prices.

6. Fast. Just Kidding. Sort of.

There’s no reason to go on a hardcore diet before coming to Paris, especially considering how much you’ll walk once you get here. But you’re going to want to eat a lot of delicious things (from classic dishes to breakfast pastries), and nobody wants to visit Paris with someone who’s complaining about the calories. Maybe just take an extra jog or two before visiting, so you can “experience” everything guilt-free.

Related: 8 Paris dinners for under €10 and how to eat your way through Paris for under €20 a day

7. Watch a documentary

Even if you don’t have the time for #2 above, you can still learn a few new things about France before flying over. Youtube is packed with short programs about Paris. The BBC does quite a few good ones, like this one on the Revolution or this one on the Louvre (above). You’ll enjoy your visit, even more, when you know a bit about what happened before you arrive.

8. Invest in, and break in, good shoes

I may repeat this one from time to time, but it’s really important. Don’t buy new shoes the day before your trip and then break them in for 10 hours your first day in Paris. Just don’t. You’ll hate yourself for it.

Break those shoes in well, and break them in early.

Want to join me on the Canal St. Martin? Put it on your wish list! Photo: Craig Nelson

9. Make a trip wish list

Don’t fuss with trying to do everything on your trip to Paris. Find the things you actually want to do and make it happen. Start by writing down your priorities. If you want to sit in a café for an afternoon, do it. If you want to go to the Rodin Museum or the Louvre, do it. If you want to relax along the canal with beer and pizza… call me and I’ll be there.

Related: How to beat the crowds at top attractions in Paris | 20 overlooked attractions in Paris

10. Think about the logistics now

You should think about some of the logistics before heading over. How will you charge your electronics? (Pack a couple adapters!) How do you get to the city from the airport? What time is your flight’s check-in? How much should you tip? Did you buy a plan for your smartphone or will you buy a SIM card when you get there? Did you call your bank to say you were traveling? How do you use the ATM?

Figuring out these small details will help make everything go much more smoothly, so you can focus on enjoying all the city has to offer. Take some time to do some research in advance, so you have more time for sitting at that outdoor cafe.

Other tips for preparing for your trip

How do you prepare for your trip to Paris? Share your tips with us in the comments section below!

The post 10 Ways to prepare for your trip to Paris appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

From plane tickets to trains tickets, cars and hotels, here’s a quick cheapo checklist of some simple things you can do now to find real savings later.

Note: Don’t feel like booking everything on your own? Check out the current EuroCheapo package deals for pretty incredible savings for US travelers heading to Europe. We book your airfare, hotel, and rental car all at once, and pass along the discounts.

1. Set up airfare alerts.

Know your dates and desired destinations? Create an airfare alert on websites like Kayak, Airfarewatchdog, and Skyscanner for your routes. They’ll send you email alerts when your routes go on sale.

2. Sign up for email newsletters from your preferred airline.

Similarly, make sure that you’re receiving emails from your favorite airlines about fare sales. The airlines will usually blast these off to their lists faster than the airfare alert websites–and with airfare sales, timing is everything.

Note: When setting up alerts, also consider “hubbing it”, by flying into secondary airports from which you can catch a cheap flight on one of Europe’s budget airlines to your destination. For example, if Chicago to Rome is your route, also consider flying Chicago to Dublin or Chicago to London, and then booking a cheap connecting flight from Dublin or London to Rome.

Airlines like Ryanair, easyJet and many others offer some shockingly cheap fares. (Search cheap airfare on EuroCheapo)

Set up alerts and get miles bonuses to score cheap flights to Europe. Photo: phinalanji

3. Consider switching credit cards to get frequent flyer bonuses.

These days, the fastest way for most people to use credit cards to get awards tickets is by taking advantage of sign-on frequent flyer bonuses.

If your mailbox is filled with credit card offers that promote big miles bonuses (up to 50,000 miles) for signing onto a new card, you might want to take advantage of these now. Most miles bonuses won’t be granted until you’ve spent a minimum amount on your new card, so now is the time to get a card, pass that minimum threshold, and cash in your reward miles on a flight to Europe.

All aboard… a Trenitalia train near Genova. Photo: mauboi

4. Buy your train tickets four months in advance.

You may have already read our articles about saving on European high-speed train tickets by booking them yourself through the official railway websites. (Like this one on German trains or this one on French trains. See more.)

Remember that the earlier you purchase them, the better the deals you’ll find. However, in most cases, you won’t be able to purchase these high-speed rail tickets until four months prior to the date of the train travel. You can look on the websites now to see times and routes, but you won’t be given an option to buy.

Here’s an overview of the most popular national railway websites:

• Bahn (Germany): Four months in advance
• Eurostar – (London / Paris / Brussels): Six months in advance
• Renfe (Spain): Four months in advance
• SNCF (France): Four months in advance
• Trenitalia (Italy): Four months in advance

Note that this is only for longer-distance and high-speed trains. Slower regional trains don’t need to be booked in advance.

Driving a car through the streets of Paris can make one nervous. Photo: chezdom

5. Book your car now. Make changes later.

Booking your rental car far in advance is a can’t-lose situation. Unlike with the railways, booking your car many months off is possible, and can result in substantial savings. (I just found week-long car rental in Paris next summer for $175!)

Then, check again as you get closer to travel time. If you do your search through EuroCheapo’s car search, you can cancel or modify your reservation without penalty. Find a better deal later? Cancel and re-book it!

The Hotel Esmeralda is located across the Seine from Notre Dame. Book it well in advance. Photo: EuroChepo

6. When should you book your hotels? It depends.

Knowing when to book your hotels is a wee bit trickier. Here are some general tips:

• Have your dates locked in and have a favorite hotel? Book it now, especially if it’s a popular hotel (such as the Esmeralda or Tiquetonne in Paris or the Celtic in London) and you’re traveling during peak travel season (late spring through late summer). The rates probably won’t get any cheaper — but the rooms will fill up.

• Don’t have your travel itinerary locked down? If your schedule is still in flux, you can go ahead and book hotels to lock in cheaper far-off rates, but stick to refundable rates that you can cancel if your plans change. You don’t want to be locked into visiting a city just because you booked non-refundable hotel rates.

• Flexible about your hotel? You could play the “last minute” game and try to score a great hotel deal. This might reward you with an amazing hotel deal, or it might penalize you with an overpriced hotel in a far-flung neighborhood. It all depends on how many other people are traveling to the same destination at the same time.

For much more on this topic, read my article on the best time to book a hotel. Click here to search hotels in Europe.

See these runners in Amsterdam’s marathon? They almost all needed a hotel room. Photo: archeon

7. Hotel prices too high? Play with your itinerary.

If your hotel searches are coming back with frightful rates, you might be trying to book during a convention or special event. This happened to me last year when I tried to find a hotel in Amsterdam during the city’s marathon. (It wasn’t pretty — and I ended up sleeping in nearby Utrecht.)

If rates seem wacky, do a little research and see if something else is happening during your planned visit. Then, play around with your itinerary, and see if you can visit the city during a less expensive period. Now is the time to tweak your trip.

Go ahead and watch “Amelie” again if it’s going to get you excited about Paris! Photo: petergerdes

Finally…

With all of these logistics, it’s easy to forget that this moment isn’t just about saving money on your trip. This is also the time to start getting in the mood! Your trip starts now! Some suggestions:

• Watch movies and read books about your destination.
• Pick up some travel guides and see which destinations really speak to you.
• Practice the language. Learn to say the basics.
• Seek out restaurants with the cuisines of the regions you’ll be visiting.
• Become familiar with the wines of the area you’re heading to. (It’s tough research, but shouldn’t be overlooked!)

Your tips

Have any “far off” tips to add to our list of ways to save far in advance on your trip to Europe? Share with us in the comments section below.

The post 7 ways to save now on next year’s trip to Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

As of today, the euro will cost you only $1.07. (For the latest rate, click here.) This is indeed great news for American budget travelers, as everyday charges that you’ll incur during your trip will be much, much less (in dollar terms) than they were just last year, when the euro hovered in the $1.30s for most of the year. And compared to the summer of 2008, when the euro hit $1.60, Europe is today a bargain for Americans.

How much will you save?

For most American travelers heading to Europe, the big savings will be the everyday charges that you encounter once you get to Europe. As the actual prices (in euros) aren’t changing, you probably won’t even notice all of these savings until you get home and examine your credit card receipts and see the conversion to dollars.

Indeed, your everyday travel expenses will be cheaper (in dollar terms) than they have been in more than 10 years. This chart illustrates my point:

Sure, the travel expenses need to be adjusted for inflation (perhaps that €65 dinner in 2008 would actually cost €75 today), but the point holds: expenses in dollar terms are much, much lower today.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much evidence that the stronger dollar is making airfare to Europe much cheaper on the big legacy carriers. Still, check out the new budget airlines flying between the US and European destinations, including Norwegian Air and Wow! Air (from $99). (Unfortunately, Ryanair backtracked yesterday on their plans to launch cheap US-to-Europe flights–sigh.)

How can you make your dollars work even harder for you? Here are 7 tips for making the most of this moment:

Pay when you book? Pay when you check in? Chill out! Photo: little-phoenix

1. Pay now or later? Don’t sweat it when booking.

So, with the dollar gaining strength by the day, shouldn’t you hold off on paying for your big on-the-ground payments (hotels, cars, etc.) until you get to Europe? Many of these offer you the chance to pay when you arrive or pick up the car, and if you’re traveling this summer, the dollar might very well be stronger then.

Or wait… Should you prepay for as many charges as possible now, to lock in these savings unless the euro gains against the dollar?

Well, that’s the billion-dollar question (and the basis of currency trading). If you can correctly predict this, you could make a fortune in the markets, as there are a lot of factors at play. Will the US raise interest rates? How will the Greek bailout affect the European economy? Analysts have all kinds of theories about this. It’s a good idea to follow the story and monitor the dollar-to-euro exchange rate.

However, keep the big picture in mind: The dollar is expected to remain very strong, and many are now predicting that “parity” (1 dollar = 1 euro) will probably happen within the next year. But it will likely slide up and down a few percentages in the meantime.

I’d suggest keeping an eye on the exchange rate, but then taking it easy. Don’t lose too much sleep over whether or not to pre-pay. At best, it will probably lead to only a savings of a percentage or two, and at worse it will cost you in terms of flexibility (as you might be locked into those purchases) and money lost on non-refundable cancelled reservations.

Buy those Greek ferry tickets directly from the ferry operator’s website in euros, not through a third-party reseller who might offer the sale in dollars. Photo: please

2. Buy tickets directly and pay in euros.

Booking ticket for transportation or attractions in advance? Be sure to book directly through the official sites and pay in euros, and not through a US agency that would probably be charging in US dollars (and making additional profits off of the strong dollar!).

Whether you’re booking Italian train tickets, Baltic ferry crossings, or “Sound of Music” dinner theater packages in Salzburg, go to the source when booking.

Note: If you’re booking rail tickets, please read tip #6 here before booking a rail pass. Buy tickets directly from the railway, not through an agent!

3. Plan your own vacation.

Related to this last point, the strong dollar makes this a great moment for American travelers to reap the benefits of planning their own trips. Buying a tour package can certainly take away some of the headaches of trip planning, but it’ll probably cost you. As many travel agencies set their tour package prices one or two years in advance, the chances are slim that they’re going to pass along the current savings from a strong dollar.

To make sure that you’re taking advantage of this exchange rate, plan your own trip!

When paying with a credit card, stick to euros! Photo: proimos

4. Once abroad, don’t let them convert to dollars at the register.

“Dynamic Currency Conversion” is probably my least favorite “currency” development in recent years. (Granted, it’s a short list.) It works like this: You head to the register to buy a new leather belt in Florence, hand over your credit card, and the cashier shows you an option on the keypad: Would you like to pay in euros or “see what you’ll be charged in dollars”? How thoughtful of them to convert to dollars for you, taking away the mystery of how much you’ll be charged!

Wrong. Stick to the local currency. This “dynamic currency conversion” is actually just a way for the local bank or card processing company to skim a bit more from the transaction. In this case, for example, they’re almost certainly converting the sales price of the belt into dollars at a much lousier rate than your credit card would be using, and then pocketing the difference.

But wait, it gets better: That probably isn’t the final amount you’ll pay, as your credit card will probably still charge you a foreign transaction fee on top of this. The “convenience” of seeing the amount in dollars is coming at the expense of getting a lousy exchange rate and still paying a transaction fee. Just say non!

Note: You might see this same offer at ATMs throughout Europe. I recently experienced this throughout Greece when using my debit card to withdraw cash. Stick to euros!

When abroad, use ATMs to get the best exchange rates. Photo: cloudyip

5. Get euros from ATMs and understand credit card charges.

This point is worth repeating, as many travelers still blow their budgets buying hundreds of euros before leaving for Europe, by paying for travelers checks, and by using expensive currency exchange counters once abroad.

To get money abroad, your best bet is to use your debit card to withdraw cash from bank machines connected to European banks (as opposed to shifty cash machines propped up outside a snack bar on the beach). You will almost certainly get the best exchange rates available to you, and, even though the bank will be making a bit of cash off of the transaction, you will undoubtedly be getting a better rate than you could get from home or from a currency exchange counter.

Important: Before you go, call your bank and ask how much withdrawing cash will cost you. Is there a charge per withdrawal? A percentage? Ask about charges and fees for using your debit and credit cards. If you have multiple cards, chances are one will be cheaper for you to use. (Here are some questions to ask them.)

Finally, if you don’t even use an ATM card back home, as you prefer to head into the bank to withdraw cash the old school way (I’m looking at you mom!), please get an ATM card before you leave for Europe. Just ask your bank, and you should have one within days. It will make your life much easier and help you save. (Just make sure to remember your four-digit PIN code.)

Think Rome will leave your budget in ruins? You might want to re-run those numbers!

6. Reconsider “too-expensive” destinations.

For years, we’ve been writing about how budget travelers should consider “cheapo alternatives” to Europe’s most expensive destinations. Want the sunny weather and beauty of Barcelona, but not the price tag? Consider Lisbon–with its warm climate, friendly locals and much cheaper prices.

While we’re still big fans of Lisbon, it’s worth pointing our that Barcelona and other expensive destinations (we’re looking at you, Rome, Venice, Paris…) that use the euro just got cheaper and are worth reconsidering. Run the numbers. They might just be in your budget again!

Do you know which countries use the euro? Click the map for a full list.

7. Stick to Eurozone countries.

Finally, and most obviously, remember that these savings for American tourists only apply to visiting countries using the euro. As of 2015, the euro is the official currency in the following 19 countries:

Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. It is also used as a currency in Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.

While the dollar is stronger against the British Pound than it was last summer ($1.49 for 1 GBP today, versus $1.70 last summer), the change is less dramatic. Still, even pricey London is a better deal for Americans these days!

Your tips?

What ideas do you have for making the dollar even stronger for Americans when traveling abroad? Share with us in our comments section below!

The post 7 Ways to Make Your Travel Dollar Even Stronger Abroad appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Not too long ago, Umbria–with its rolling hills covered in vineyards and olive groves and topped by tiny medieval stone villages–was touted as the cheaper alternative to Tuscany (her neighbor to the north). This is not so true anymore, as this region in central Italy has begun to show up on more travelers’ radars and prices have risen according to demand.

That said, Umbria doesn’t necessarily have to take a Tuscany-sized bite out of your wallet. Be it shoe-string or tight, here are four tips to help you stick to your trip budget in Umbria.

Time it right

The chances of scoring deals on flights, accommodations and car rentals rise exponentially by choosing a “shoulder” season (those buffer months between high and low seasons). This doesn’t mean you are stuck with the dog-days of January; shoulder season for Umbria generally includes the months of March (and some of April) and November (and some of October).

The weather can be spottier than it would be at the height of summer–with cool, crisp days interspersed with some showers—so bring clothes you can layer, and make sure you have both indoor and outdoor sights on your itinerary so you can work around anything the weather might toss at you.

Stay in an agriturismo

You can hardly spit in rural Umbria without hitting an agriturismo, or “farm holiday,” which are scattered throughout the region. These working farms offer accommodation (and sometimes small restaurants) and are a great choice for travelers counting their pennies.

Rates tend to be lower than hotels, many offer self-catering apartments so you can do some of your own cooking, and if you’re lucky and time it right you often have access to a vegetable garden, farm-fresh eggs, homemade wine, and olive oil. You also have the chance to savor authentic country life with an Italian family… an experience no money can buy.

Bring home the bacon (or prosciutto)

While we’re on the subject of the advantages of an agriturismo, let’s talk food. With access to a kitchen, you can dramatically cut down your restaurant expenditures by cooking at home and preparing picnics to take along on day trips. If you’re worried about missing out on Umbria’s fabulous regional cuisine, don’t fret; this simple fare is founded more on fresh, local ingredients than fancy preparation techniques.

Take the time to wander through the region’s farmers’ markets, local butchers, specialty cheese, pasta, and bread shops and pick up a little culture along with your dinner ingredients.

Sometimes the best things in life are free

Umbria is particularly budget travel friendly because so many of its sights are free. Almost all major artworks and architectural treasures are in churches open to the public. Much of the region’s charm is in taking scenic drives through the rolling landscape, walks in one of the region’s parks, or simply wandering the streets of its numerous picturesque hilltowns.

Umbria also has a plethora of music festivals from spring through late summer, and many hold free concerts during their program. A stroll through sleepy Spello, a drive along the Nera river, gazing upon the iconic frescoes in the Basilica of Saint Francis, watching the sun set over Lake Trasimeno, dropping in on an open-air jam session in Perugia, a picnic on Mount Subasio: all unforgettable moments in Umbria that won’t cost you a cent.

About the author: Rebecca Winke moved to Italy from Chicago in 1993 and shortly thereafter opened an agriturismo in her husband’s renovated family farmhouse at the foot of Mount Subasio near Assisi, Umbria. She spends her time taking care of guests at Brigolante, blogging about the lovely region she now calls home at Rebecca’s Ruminations, and wondering about what strange winds blew an urban vegetarian to a farm in Umbria.

The post Umbria, Italy: Tips for budget travelers appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Sure, everyday small charges like cafe cremes in Paris (€2-4) and vaporetto rides in Venice (€6.50) do add up and can make a Cheapo panic. However, these are relatively minor charges when compared to the big-ticket items in your budget: flights, hotels, car rentals and train tickets.

Luckily, there are simple steps you can take right now to minimize these big expenses. Some of these tips may be old news to you, bien sur. But even if one tip comes in handy, it could save you a whole wad of euros.

Kayak’s price alert

1. Set up airfare alerts

Haven’t booked your airline tickets yet? Set up airfare alerts to find a flight deal on Web sites like Kayak.com and Airfarewatchdog.com.

On Kayak, do a search for your desired travel dates and then click “Get a price alert” on the left side of the page. Once you register, they’ll email you with daily or weekly airfare deals for your route.

On Airfarewatchdog, “Deal Hounds” sniff out the lowest ticket prices for your route and send similar email updates. On both sites, you stand a much better chance of scoring a deal if your travel dates are flexible.

2. Pack lightly

As we mentioned last week, most transatlantic airlines have introduced ridiculous baggage fees for checking a second, third or overweight bag. For flights from the US to Europe, these fees can be as high as $200 per bag (one way!).

Check out our roundup of airline baggage fees and only check one bag.

The RoissyBus taks passengers from Paris to Charles de Gaulle.

3. Take public transportation to and from the airport

Alas, how many people have we dissuaded from taking a taxi from Charles de Gaulle to their hotel in Paris! Every one of the major European cities we cover on EuroCheapo offers public transportation from the airport to the center of town, and the majority offer both train and bus options.

Whether you’re getting from Charles de Gaulle to Paris or Schiphol to Amsterdam, there’s a budget-friendly (and usually quite efficient) way into town that doesn’t involve an expensive taxi. Check out our city guides for more information.

4. Think twice before booking a rail pass

For Americans, the lure of the Eurail Pass is strong. Just reading the descriptions of the passes on their Web site can get you excited and ready to hop on board!

It’s easy to forget that these rail passes are not always a good deal. Sure, they offer some convenience and peace of mind, but they don’t always save you money over simply buying individual point-to-point rail tickets (like the millions of Europeans who take trains daily).

Aboard the Renfe train between Cordoba and Granada. No need for a rail pass.

To find out if a rail pass offers “rail” savings, compare the pass price to the point-to-point ticket prices found on the railways’ official Web site (and not the Web site of a rail pass re-seller).

For much more information on this, read these posts: Read this before you buy a European rail passes; Extra charges for rail pass holders; Deutsche Bahn fares better than rail agents; How to book French rail tickets (in French)

5. Book major train tickets in advance

If booking rail journeys directly with the European railways, like the SNCF (France), Deutsche Bahn (Germany) and Renfe (Spain), book those seats in advance. For long-distance train travel, ticket prices climb as the travel date approaches, so advance booking is essential to getting a deal. Most of these railways release tickets three or four months in advance. (Local trains for small jaunts, however, do not need to be booked in advance.)

For more information, read our post on the “three-month rule.”

The EuroCheapo gang rented this car in Berlin. We weren’t smiling two weeks later when we paid the bill.

6. Know the real cost of renting a car

How much will that rental car really cost you? When you do a quick rental car search online, the rates you see will most likely not include taxes or insurance, and certainly won’t include the price of gasoline or the tolls you’ll pay on major highways.

Read our quick guide to calculating the real cost of renting a car in Europe. Then weigh those costs against other options, like trains or budget flights.

Then, use EuroCheapo to search and compare car rental quotes from competing agencies.

While you’re at it, know whether or not to buy extra insurance for your car. (And for that matter, know if you should buy travel insurance for your entire trip!)

7. Choose your hotel wisely

Your hotel expenditure will probably be the most expensive part of your trip. Here at EuroCheapo, we’re obsessed with hotel values. That’s why our editors spend so much time snooping around hotels, taking photos and writing reviews. We can tell you that two hotels sitting side-by-side can charge radically different rates for remarkably similar rooms.

The Hotel Tiquetonne in Paris is central, clean and cheap.

When choosing a hotel, consider “losing a star,” downgrading perhaps from a three-star to a two-star hotel. Decide which amenities you require in a room: Do you need a minibar? cable TV? elevator? If you’re open to a simpler hotel, you can save a bundle and you might find the hotel to be more charming, as well.

Also, give careful consideration to the hotel’s location. If you decide upon a hotel located outside the city center in order to save money, will there be an easy and affordable way home at night? We usually opt for simpler hotels near the center, within walking distance of nighttime activities, if possible.

Read our reviews of budget hotels all over Europe and take our advice–we’ve been there!

8. Know what’s for breakfast

This may sound minor, but breakfast is a big business for hotels. Whether or not breakfast is included in your room rate can add a jarring amount to the bill or save you in the end. It’s a tad confusing, too, as breakfast offerings tend to change by city.

These water bottles in Venice are cheaper at the supermarket.

In Paris, for example, most hotels do not include breakfast in the room rate. When you pay for breakfast, you’ll often be disappointed by what’s set down in front of you: a croissant or piece of baguette, butter and jelly, coffee and juice–for about €10. You’d pay about half that if you headed to a neighborhood cafe, stood at the bar and enjoyed breakfast with the locals.

In London, meanwhile, hotels and B&B’s pride themselves in their included breakfasts, which often come with eggs, bacon, sausage, beans and toast. It’s not necessarily healthy, but it’s good for your budget! (It also helps you eat a lighter and cheaper lunch.)

In many cities, hotels sometimes include breakfast in the room rate, depending upon conditions when booking. The only way to really know if it’s included is to check when reserving your room.

There’s another easy way to eat a healthy breakfast and pay a fraction of the price: Head to a neighborhood supermarket after checking into your hotel to pick up the essentials (bottles of water, oranges, bananas, etc.). If your room has a mini-fridge, you could store yogurt, milk or juice. Bon appetit!

9. Be careful with American iPhones

Americans heading to Europe should be careful before powering up their iPhones abroad. AT&T offers various European travel plans, and almost all of them are too expensive to be a serious option for budget travelers.

We recommend leaving your iPhone set to “Airplane Mode” throughout your trip, and only using it when connected to a Wi-Fi network. Read more in our guide to “Using an American iPhone in Europe… without going broke.”

10. Understand bank fees before using your credit cards or an ATM

How much will your bank charge you to use your credit or debit card abroad? How about withdrawing money from an ATM? When’s the last time you checked?

American banks have “adjusted” their fee structures during the past few years, so we’d recommend checking in with your banks before heading to Europe. If you have multiple cards at your disposal, chances are that they’ll charge different foreign transaction fees. Knowing who charges what will save you money in the end.

Read our quick overview to ATM, Debit and Credit Card charges abroad.

Your tips for saving on European travel

What tips do you have for saving on your “big ticket” items when traveling in Europe? Have a question about any of the tips mentioned above? Share your thoughts in our comments section.

The post Cheapo Basics: 10 ways to save on the “big items” in your travel budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

My fondest memories of traveling to Paris are when I traveled solo. Paris is a city of discovery and when traveling alone, I felt free to look into every nook and cranny of the city to find new museums, galleries, boutiques and markets. Traveling solo gives me the freedom to walk wherever I want to walk and at my own pace.

There are times, however, where I do want to socialize and meet up with others. Here are a few suggestions for places to meet fellow travelers in Paris:

Meeting through Web sites

The Web sites www.traveldaddy.com, www.meetup.com and www.virtualtourist.com have listings of “meetings” where travelers can connect with each other. This usually involves having dinner or some type of similar activity with anywhere from 2-25 travelers.

I’ve been to several of these gatherings. For the most part, I have enjoyed them. I’ve made friends with people that I have kept in touch with over a long period of time. There are online listings for people interested in getting together on www.tripadvisor.com, www.craigslist.org, www.fusac.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Use common sense and normal precautions when meeting strangers. Always meet in a public place and never give out personal information until you feel absolutely confident about whom you have met.

Organized events

I’ve also had success in attending organized functions like wine tastings or bike rides. For instance, last month I attended a wine and cheese lunch at O Chateau near the Louvre. About 20 people attended. The sommelier gave an excellent presentation on the wines of France. The lunch, while simple, was excellent. I enjoyed meeting people from Australia, Canada, and the U.S.

Fat Tire Bike tours are extremely social and include activities like lunch and wine tastings with the theme of a bike tour in Paris, Versailles, or Giverny – the home of Monet.

I find that attending performances like concerts or shows doesn’t offer the social opportunities I am looking for.

Taking a class

Many people are interested in taking a cooking class while in Paris. I have heard positive comments on L’Atelier des Chefs. Be sure to do it in the beginning of the trip so that if you do make friends, you will be able to enjoy each other’s company for the duration of your stay.

Finding other travelers

Another way to meet people is to go where other travelers congregate. For example, I have always been able to strike up a conversation at Starbucks. Some restaurants like Chartier have communal tables where I have met some interesting people. I have always felt welcome whenever I have attended religious services in Paris.

An American ex-pat, Jim Haynes hosts a dinner at his home for about 50-100 people on Sunday evenings. I attended one night and met quite a few English-speaking guests and made some new friends. Jim is very welcoming and makes guests feel right at home. For details, check his Web site.

Your ideas

Have you traveled alone in Paris? Do you have suggestions about interesting places where you can make new friends? Tell us about it in the comments section.

About the author: Professor Stephen Solosky is the author of “The Traveling Professor’s Guide to Paris”. He runs the Web site, http://www.travelingprofessor.com and organizes small group tours to Paris and Italy.

The post Paris: Where to meet fellow travelers and make friends appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

As of today, the US dollar is stronger against the euro than at any time since April 17, 2006. This morning the euro was trading at US $1.23, a remarkable drop from its high on December 3, 2009, when the euro hit $1.51.

The financial implications for Americans traveling in Europe now or heading to Europe soon are very real. Simply put, you’ll spend the same amount in euros, but spend a lot less in dollars.

Take, as a very basic example, a hotel room that costs €100 a night. In December, it would have cost $151. Today the same room costs $123. That’s a savings of $28 per night. Now, multiply that sort of savings by every night in a hotel, every meal in a restaurant, every trip on the Metro — and you’ll see how this can really add up.

There are winners and losers in every currency fluctuation. The high euro of the past several years has been great for Europeans visiting the United States, but not so great for the European travel industry, which has seen a sharp decline in American tourists visiting Europe. With a suddenly stronger dollar, Americans will regain spending power that we haven’t seen since 2006. Hopefully, this will inspire more Americans to travel abroad while also benefiting the local economies.

Taking advantage of the exchange rate

Will the dollar continue to get stronger against the euro? Of course we can only speculate. It’s been so many years since we saw it this strong, however, that our instinct is to try to take advantage of these rates now, lest they don’t last.

Americans traveling abroad right now are already taking advantage of the strong dollar with every purchase and ATM cash withdrawal. For those preparing to head over in the next couple of months, it would make sense to “lock in” the exchange rate by pre-paying for anything you can right now in euros. (Unless, of course, you think the dollar will continue to get stronger. If that’s the case, disregard the rest of this post and pay as you go!)

Many (if not most) parts of a trip are paid for during the trip. Hotels, for example, are usually paid for upon check-out. Food is paid for several times a day — and hardly ever in advance! The same goes for most incidental charges.

However, there are some ways you can take advantage of the exchange rate now by pre-paying in euros. These include:

1. If you’re going to buy euros from your bank, do it now.

This is a funny “tip,” as we usually tell readers not to spend much money at all on pre-buying euros. “Wait until you get to the airport, then hit the ATM!” we cry.

However, it is a good idea to have some euros in your pocket upon arrival — after all, the airport ATM could theoretically be out of order. Buying euros from American banks can be an awkward, time-intensive, maddening affair — and you could end up paying a fee or not getting the best exchange rate. However, if you already are planning on going to the bank for some euros before your trip, go now!

Side note: For visitors to almost any European destination, we recommend arriving with just enough euros to get your group into town and get something to eat, if necessary. Once there, head for an ATM.

2. Book any European-based flights between cities now.

You probably won’t see big savings on US to Europe flights anytime soon, as carriers have cut back on the number of flights in order to drive up ticket prices and recoup some recent losses. However, if you’re planning to take European-based low-cost airlines between cities in Europe (which is a budget-friendly, if not environmentally-friendly way to get around), you can pay for those flights in euros and should book them now.

These include flights on Ryanair, Air Berlin, Germanwings, WizzAir, and many others (which we cover in our budget flights guide). Given the dollar’s strength against the British pound ($1.42 yesterday, the lowest since March 2009), this also holds true for booking easyJet flights in British pounds.

3. Book any train journeys now.

Which brings us to another favorite point, book your train journeys directly with the European railways and not through a US-based agent. Companies in the US often charge expensive prices for passes (like the Eurail), which are designed only for Americans — and sold in dollars, which won’t be affected by the changes in exchange rates.

Instead, book point-to-point train tickets directly with the national rail Web sites, be it the SNCF (France), Trenitalia (Italy), Deutsche Bahn (Germany), etc. For much more on this subject, please see this post on booking directly and this for booking an SNCF ticket in French!

4. Ask if you can pre-pay for your hotel.

This request may be greeted with outright laughter, but it’s worth a try.

Most hotels, especially budget-friendly hotels, will only let you pay for your room upon check-out. This is done for a number of reasons — it’s how their reservation agencies work, they may not be able to make a charge for a service not yet performed, it’s too much of a hassle to refund if you cancel, etc. (Most hotels, however, will ask for a credit card number to guarantee your room and will charge it only if you cancel.)

However, you could always ask if the hotel can charge you in advance in euros for your stay. Hey, it’s worth asking!

5. Pre-book airport transportation.

We recommend taking local transportation from your arrival into town. This usually means a train, bus, or subway, most of which will not be able to be pre-booked. However, sometimes you need something more dedicated, like a private shuttle bus, car service, or taxi.

There are numerous companies that offer ground transportation from European airports to city centers or even hotels. One budget-friendly option is Terravision, which runs comfortable low-cost buses from the airports of major cities. Pre-booking these fares, in euros, could save you.

6. Pre-book tickets for tourist sights and museums.

Finally, think of the major attractions that you plan to visit during your trip. You may be surprised to find that many of these offer online pre-booking in euros. From tickets to the Uffizzi in Florence to tickets up the Eiffel Tower in Paris, you can buy them online in euros, and then skip the line.

Some words of caution: Make sure that you’re buying directly from the museum or attraction and not through a third-party company that will be tacking on a commission. (Double check the URL of the site. Also, check out the prices on the “official” Web site and make sure it’s the same price you’ll be paying.)

Also, don’t overdo this. Travel should be fun and spontaneous. Nothing crushes spontaneity as quickly as an overbooked trip, dictated by an overzealous to-do list. (For more on this, read this controversial essay on visiting “Paris without the Louvre.”)

Foreign transaction fees

It’s important to note that many American credit card companies now charge “foreign transaction fees” (up to 3%) for purchases made with foreign companies, even if made from the United States. For much more on this, see our post on fees for ATM withdrawals and credit card purchases in Europe.

Final note

Of course, if the dollar continues to grow stronger against the euro, you could find yourself in Europe with an even more advantageous exchange rate than today’s. In that case, you would have benefited from NOT pre-booking anything. Only time will tell.

Either way, one thing is for sure: Travel to Europe hasn’t been this budget-friendly for Americans in many years. If you’ve been putting off that trip, consider this your wake-up call! Happy travels.

Other ideas?

Do you have any other ideas for ways that Americans traveling abroad can benefit from the suddenly stronger dollar? Please tell us about it in the comments section below.

The post 6 Ways Americans heading to Europe can benefit now from a stronger dollar appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.