Here are four waterside locales, some replete with sand and wave—all easily accessible via public transport.

1. Strand West – 80

This expansive beach is the place to be if you love to mix-and-mingle. Strand West is open throughout the year and boasts a variety of social events including concerts and kids’ shows. Whether you like exciting dance parties or relaxed beach events, there’s always something fun to take advantage of here. Of course, for something truly idyllic, just drop by and enjoy a bit of the golden sun.

Tip: Keep in mind that because this is a city beach, swimming isn’t really in the cards here.

Location: Stavangerweg 900, 1013
Website: http://www.strand-west.nl/

2. Blijburg aan Zee – 96

More artistic souls will love the vibe of the Blijburg aan Zee. Located further east of the city, this sandy spot is bustling with snazzy music as well fun and games. It is a great place to relax and unwind, or to perhaps catch the sunset around one of the many campfires. The area also hosts activities like yoga and Capoeira performances, as well as quirky art events throughout summer.

Tip: This might be one of the last chances to check it out; rumor has it that it might close down by the end of the year.

Location: Bert Haanstrakade 2004
Website: http://www.blijburg.nl/

3. BovenNEMO – 71

This one’s for the geek in you. NEMO, the national science museum in the Netherlands, opens up its weird and wonderful roof area to the public every summer. For some blissful time under the sun, folks can chill out on any of the 48 giant steps along the upper deck. Travelers with kids will be delighted with the play area. Don’t forget, there’s also a charming café here in case you get the munchies.

Open from Jun 27 to September 6.
Location: Oosterdok 2
Website: http://www.e-nemo.nl/

4. Strand Zuid – 95

If you want a bit of variety and prefer a beach that’s closer to most of the urban action, the Strand Zuid is a good choice. Located in one of the southern neighborhoods of Amsterdam, this cozy patch offers alluring views from a terrace viewing platform. A number of food choices are available here too, most of which have a Mediterranean flair. There’s also a quiet café if you are looking for something more charming or feel like a romantic dinner for two.

The best part? The beach has a fancy parasol system which offers guests shelter on rainy days, and shade when it’s too sunny.

Location: Europaplein 22
Website: http://www.strand-zuid.nl

The post Amsterdam Tip: Where to find sun, sand and summer fun appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Yes, we did!

On Tuesday, January 20th, 2009, Barack Obama will be sworn is as the 44th U.S. President and the world will be watching!

We’ve put together a list of places – that we currently know of – hosting inaugural day events in Europe. Fortunately, for all Europeans, the inauguration should be available in high-def at many locations.

We’ll keep adding to the list as Tuesday approaches. And, let us know – Do you still need to find a place to watch the event? Do you have another idea for a city we haven’t covered or an additional location in an existing city listed here?

Signed, sealed, delivered!

In Paris: The American Church in Paris hosts a prayer service at 7:30 PM followed by a viewing of the inauguration (one hour behind the live events) and a wine and cheese reception. Stop by and you might just see our Ed-in-Chief Tom Meyers! More info is here. You can also email Arlene Gross, the coordinator of the event, at arlbru2004@yahoo.com

For more ideas on where to hang your hat on inauguration day, check out this great forum on the Fodor’s Paris site. Other ideas include the Havane Cafe, at 70 Bis, Boulevard Auguste Blanqui (near Place d’Italie).

According to the Paris Expat Meetup group, the American Library has inauguration events planned. More info here.

In Berlin: Our friends over at BootsnAll first broke the news that Berlin would be partying down on inauguration eve. As they so aptly reminded us, it was Mr. Obama himself who said, “People of Berlin, people of the world, this is our moment. This is our time.” Rock on! Head to Goya Nightclub for an evening of celebration or head to the Amerika Haus, where they’ve been celebrating Black History month for weeks already. Check out what they have planned here.

In London: A host of events are planned in Her Majesty’s great city. For a list of a bunch of them, visit Time Out London’s web site. Might we recommend the “Bye George” comedy celebration at the Southbank Centre on the evening before Obama takes office? By George, now that’s a pleasant thought!

For a real down-home feel, check out what the Chicago Rib Shack has planned. Just for the record, this is exactly where the other resident Cheapos would be if on the other side of the pond next week! They’re in Knightsbridge, near Harrods. For more info, email info@thechicagoribshack.co.uk

In Amsterdam: One of our favorite places to catch great entertainment and share laughs, Boom Chicago, has lots of fun stuff on the docket Tuesday night. Get in the mood earlier with a comedy show called, “Bye Bye Bush!”. For more information on the inaugural fest, go here.

In St. Petersburg: Fellow Cheapo “Liz” suggests trying the folks at the Grand Hotel Europe, where events are planned. Contact: desk.concierge@grandhoteleurope.com

Other suggestions: Check out sites like Democratic Underground, your city’s local Expat Meetup site, or Democrats Abroad for ideas.

Where will you be?

Tell us where you plan to watch the inauguration and – Help! Do you know of places in Rome, Madrid, Barcelona and other major European cities where inauguration events are planned? Please leave us a message in the comment section below. We’ll be updating our results as next Tuesday approaches.

The post Where to Watch Barack Obama’s Inauguration in Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.