If you stop by at noon on Sunday, you can join me, as I represent EuroCheapo in a panel discussion on the “10 Best Destinations for Traveling on a Budget.” The timely discourse will be moderated by Jen Leo, travel writer and blogger for the LA Times. I’ll be joined by travel writers Rolf Potts of Vagabonding, and Johnny Jet of JohnnyJet.com. The panel will be held at noon on Sunday, February 15, in Petree Hall C.

Some star-studded offerings

The travel show will also feature several presentations by well known travel personalities. Rick Steves will speak on both days about “Budget European Travel Skills,” father and daughter duo Arthur and Pauline Frommer will discuss “Traveling during These Troubled Times” on Saturday and Sunday, and the Travel Channel’s Samantha Brown is scheduled to speak on Saturday morning.

In addition, numerous panel discussions will be populated with travel writers and editors discussing topics such as “10 Hot Tips for Getting Travel Deals Online” and “When a Good Deal Isn’t: How to Avoid Getting Scammed.”

Join me! And give me suggestions!

I’ll be taking notes — and running from one discussion to the next. If you’re planning on coming, join me!

Also, please send me your suggestions (or leave them below). What do you think are the best budget European destinations? Do you have a favorite? Do you know of a destination that’s often overlooked and underrated? Please share below!

The post Join us at the LA Times Travel Show this weekend appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

In Milan’s “in” season, during the fashion weeks and the leather shows – and when it seems the Milanese host expos on everything from real estate to food – hotel rates go up, up, and away from a comfortable budget.

But, don’t worry, though Milan can get very pricey, it has its off-peak moments. With a little planning, you can snag great rates on some primo budget hotels and enjoy a fantastico trip to Italy’s “second” capital.

First, do some research.

Many of Milan’s trade shows are annual affairs, meaning they are organized and planned well in advance. Check out websites like that of the Fiere (“Fair”) commission of Milan for up-to-date listings of the events.  The most recent calendars can be found here, plus info on all the various shows.

For more of the exceptions (who knew that the hematologists like to get together in October?), visit the Fiera Congress’s site. The most up-to-date calendar can be found here. Plan your dates accordingly so you can bypass them completely.

July is a great month, so is December.

You’ll find, while doing your research, that many of the fairs, conventions, and shows occur during five to ten specific months each year. (February through June offer most of them, and there are less between August and November.) In this way, the Milano Turisimo board has made sure that regular ol’ Cheapo tourists like us can still have a chance to visit this expansive, historic city without losing too many euros.

Read up!

Once you’ve decided to head to Milan, take a look at our guide to the city. We’ve included budget tips and much more. (Did you know that you can see a horse sculpted by Leonardo da Vinci for free?)

Then, take a look at our picks for best budget hotels in Milan.

The post Milan: When to get the best hotel rates (hint: avoid trade shows!) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.