The City of Light might be Europe’s most visited destination, but it doesn’t need to be the most expensive. Below you’ll find tips for saving on every aspect of your trip, updated in April 2025.

From getting in from the airport to saving on hotels, shopping, and eating out, we’re ready to help you save. On y va!

EuroCheapo’s Paris budget travel guide

Saving on hotels

At EuroCheapo, we’re passionate about affordable accommodations in Europe. Our founding mission has been to help readers find great, inexpensive places to sleep that will also get them closer to the local culture.

Our Paris hotel guide includes more than 100 hotel recommendations (including our favorite cheap hotels in Paris). In the meantime, here’s some quick advice to get you started:

Super cheap hotels in Paris don’t have to equal a boring stay. Just take a look at these guestroom views from Hotel Rivoli as proof! Photo: EuroCheapo

1. Save on transit by sleeping in a central neighborhood

Considering that it’s a world capital, Paris is a fairly compact city. If you have a central starting point, you can get to most of the city’s main sights by foot or a quick Metro ride. The city is divided into 20 districts, called “Arrondissements.”

Numbering starts with the first arrondissement in the center of town, which includes the Louvre, and spirals clockwise out. Here’s a map, in case you need help visualizing it. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central arrondissement, perhaps sticking to 1-9 (possibly skipping the 8th, which is a bit more far-flung and can get pricey).

Choosing a hotel in these neighborhoods (especially near the Louvre, in the Marais, in the Latin Quarter, near the Eiffel Tower, and near the Opéra) will put you in the center of the city. You’ll save on transportation, especially at night, when you would be otherwise tempted to hop in a taxi or Uber to get home.

2. Don’t mind a commute? Save by staying outside the center

That said, if you don’t mind taking the Metro to and from your hotel, you certainly can find cheaper hotels if you’re willing to stay a bit outside of the center of town. The Metro snakes through the entire city, so you’re never really a long ride from one side of Paris to the other.

One of the most convenient lines, Line 1, slices through the center of Paris and comes every two minutes. It’s also fully automated, so it isn’t affected by strikes, which happen frequently in Paris and can shut down the other lines. So, you could stay in an arrondissement like the 11th between Bastille and Nation, which will be cheaper than a more central neighborhood, but you’ll still be able to commute quickly to the center.

3. Don’t be afraid of these super cheap hotels

Some great Paris hotels are really, really cheap (like the Rivoli, pictured above). Many of these are inexpensive because they’ve kept things simple — some haven’t even added TVs to the rooms.

But don’t let that scare you: the simplicity of these hotels doesn’t mean that they are unsafe or uncomfortable. Rather, they give you a great place to stay while saving for the rest of your trip.

• Read more ways to save on hotels in Paris and how to save on hotels in France.

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Getting around

Paris is a big city, with hot spots that aren’t always situated around the corner from your hotel. Here’s how to get to where you need to go, cheaply.

Boarding the RoissyBus at Place de l’Opera, heading for CDG. Photo: Alexandre

4. Take public transit in from Charles de Gaulle airport

If you’re taking a long-haul flight to Paris (especially from the U.S.), you’re probably landing in the Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG). To make the 23 km trek into Paris, you have several options.

If I’m alone or just with one traveling partner, I usually take the RER train or a bus to save on cash (although not everyone at EuroCheapo agrees with me on this point). Here’s some more info on both of these options:

• Take the RER B (regional train)

It can be a bit of a grim entry to the city, but the RER takes 25-50 minutes (depending on your destination and whether or not you get an express train) and costs €13. There’s no need to reserve in advance — you can buy your ticket from one of the many machines that line the walls at the RER station attached to the airport.

These trains stop in Paris at the Gare du Nord, Châtelet Les Halles and St-Michel Notre Dame, among other stops. From here you can transfer to the Metro or possibly just walk to your hotel. (Note: Hold onto your RER tickets! You’ll need them to exit the RER and not being able to fish it out of your pocket is a lousy way to start your vacation! Not that I’ve been there…)

• Take a bus to central Paris

The “RoissyBus” is operated by the city, costs €13 per person, and takes about an hour. It departs from most terminals at CDG and drops you off at its main stop at the Place de l’Opéra.

Buses leave from CDG to Place de l’Opéra every 15 minutes from 6 am to 8:45 pm and every 20 minutes from 8:45 pm to 12:30 am. To get back to the airport, buses leave Place de l’Opéra every 15 minutes from 5:15 am to 8 pm, every 20 minutes from 8 pm to 10 pm, and every 30 minutes from 10 pm to 12:30 am.

5. Be careful with taxis from the airport

Yes, many people do take taxis in from the airport. It will cost you dearly (around €50-70 for a basic car, plus tip and luggage surcharge) and take about an hour, depending on your destination. But wait, there’s more! Extra charges will be added for driving during morning rush hour and on Sundays and holidays.

If you have a small group of people, however, the fare can be worth it. They’re also regulated and trustworthy, so you can feel safe and won’t get scammed (beyond the already high price). Here’s how to save on cabs from the airport and our guide for using Uber in Paris.

6. In general, avoid taxis for short distances around Paris

The starting fare for a taxi in Paris is €7. Thus, if you’re just going a short distance, hoof it or hop on a bus or Vélib’.

7. Buy a multipack or travel pass for Metro and bus tickets

Metro and bus tickets cost €2-2.50 each. We recommend buying a 10-pack, or a “carnet” (pronounced “car-nay”), to save money. Paper tickets are being phased out, so purchase the 10-pack in paperless form and load them onto your Navigo Easy pass. The 10-pack costs €17.35 for adults and €8.65 for children. Alternatively, you can buy a 5-day visitor pass that offers unlimited access to metro, buses, trains, and more for €76.25 per adult and €38.10 per child.

Note: the Navigo Easy pass currently only works on the Metro lines, so if you need to take an RER to go farther outside of Paris (e.g. Versailles, Giverny, or Disney Paris), you’ll need to ask an agent at the ticket counter for the right ticket.

8. Use CityMapper or Bonjour RATP instead of Google Maps

Google Maps is useful for getting around, as it will calculate routes that include Metro and RER options. However, it does not update quickly when one of the Metro lines is stopped or slowed for strikes, mechanical problems, or other issues — which happens frequently.

Bonjour RATP is the official navigation app for the Paris public transit network, and CityMapper is an alternative that includes bike and scooter options. Both can be used in English and will provide more up-to-date information and alternatives when lines or stations are closed.

9. Relax — the Metro machines are in English

The ticket machines in the Paris Metro are available for use in English, and they take credit cards as a form of payment.

10. Buying tickets on the bus are more expensive

Yes, you can buy your bus ticket from the driver (and make everyone behind you wait), but you’ll pay €2.50 and it won’t cover a transfer. Here are more bus tips for saving on your transportation.

11. Take a Cheapo city bus tour

There’s no need to pay for a sightseeing bus. Here are seven public bus lines that offer great sightseeing for the cost of a bus ticket!

12. Consider a “Paris Visite” travel card

If you plan to spend a lot of time getting around in the Paris Metro, consider buying a “Paris Visite” travel card, which offers unlimited travel on the Metro and bus system and various discounts from partnering businesses. Adult tickets cost €29.90 (one day), €44.45 (two days), €62.30 (three days) and €76.25 (five days).

13. Make sure your credit card has a chip!

Thankfully, the majority of American credit cards now employ the “chip and PIN” technology that has been in use throughout Europe for years. If, however, your card is still chipless and uses only a magnetic swipe, you’ll likely have problems in automatic ticket machines in France.  This includes machines in the RER stations at Charles de Gaulle and in Metro stations.

(If your card isn’t working at the machine, head to the ticket window. Old-school American cards will work fine when handed to a cashier for swiping.)

Choosing a bike from a Velib’ kiosk. Photo: Rachel Ludwick

14. Save by biking around town on Vélib’

Paris’ Vélib’ bike share program was one of the first in the world when it launched in 2007 and remains enormously popular today. With 20,000 bikes in the program available from a whopping 1,400 stations around the city, it’s truly massive. Once you join, you simply head to any Vélib’ station, enter your access code, take out a bike and ride off! Park it at another Vélib’ station, and you’re done.

A one-day Vélib’ pass costs €5 and covers a 30-minute ride (you’ll pay a small charge for going over the 30-minute limit). We recommend buying a 3-day pass for €20, as it covers 60-minute rides AND includes electric bikes (45-minute rides).

Sights & Attractions

Paris is home to some of the world’s most famous cultural attractions, many of which have their own “cheapo tricks” for saving a few euros.

Visit the Musee d’Orsay on Thursday night to save time — and avoid crowds. Photo: Pierre Blache

15. Get into museums for free

If you are under the age of 26 and a resident of the European Union (this includes non-citizens with student visas, au pair visas, or any visa longer than 3 months), you get free admission to most museums and cultural sites, including the ones we’ve listed below.

If this doesn’t apply to you, most of these museums are also free on the first Sunday of every month. However, you’ll have to beat some serious crowds to get in.

16. Saving at the Louvre

• Normal admission: €22 when booked online with a timed entry. Closed Tuesday. Be sure to book through the official Louvre ticket site.
• Tickets are €2 cheaper when purchased at the museum, but entry is not guaranteed — and may be refused due to overcrowding. Take this seriously. When visiting in January 2024, I wasn’t able to get into the Louvre for an entire week due to crowds. I won’t make this mistake again!
• Admission is free on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m., except in July and August.

17. Saving at the Eiffel Tower

• Adult admission to the tip-top: €36.10, cheaper for lower level.
• Save time by buying your tickets online in advance, and avoiding the ticket line.
• During peak travel times, online tickets (especially to the top) will likely be sold out. However, they may still be available at the tower for immediate use. You’ll just have to wait in that ticket line…
• You can pay a cheaper price (€27.50) if you take the stairs up to the second level, then the lift to the top (if it’s available).
• If you’re not interested in reaching the top and just want a nice picture, get off at the Metro stop Trocadero on lines 9 or 6, which is directly across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. There you’ll find a large public plaza that faces the tower, and gobs of tourists posing for their fridge pick. Warning: There are also likely to be a gaggle of shady characters and shell-game con artists hanging about. (Walk on by…)

18. Saving at the Arc de Triomphe

• Regular admission to enter the Arc and see the view from the top is €16.
• It is completely free to walk under and around the Arc at the ground level, where you’ll also find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Go at night. It’s open until 11 pm (10:30 pm in fall and winter).
• Access the Arc by taking the underground walkway. You may see other tourists trying to dodge traffic and running across the busy roundabout to get to the center. This is incredibly dangerous — don’t do it.
• More tips on visiting the Arc de Triomphe

19. Saving at the Musée d’Orsay

• Regular admission: €16 when pre-booked online, which allows priority entry during your designated time slot, and allows you to avoid the ticket line. Tickets purchased at the museum are €2 cheaper — but you’ll have to wait for tickets and for entry.
• Closed Monday. The museum closes most days at 6 pm and is “cleared” at 5:30!
• On Thursdays, however, the Musée d’Orsay remains open until 9:45 pm. Buy a “Late Opening Ticket” to enter after 6 pm for €12.
• First Sundays of the month are free (but packed and require online reservation).

20. Saving at the Palace of Versailles

• Buy the Versailles Passport (€32) for access to all major parts of the palace grounds, or pay €21 for Palace only. Add another €11 for the musical fountains show.
• Pre-booking online is required for entry.
• Save by picnicking along the Grand Canal just outside the gates.
• More tips for visiting Versailles

21. Avoid crowds whenever possible

During the high season (May – September) the lines at the city’s top attractions can be overwhelming. But it is possible to plan your day so that you show up outside the peak visiting hours.

In general, go first thing or late to the biggest sight of the day, and stick to smaller sights from late morning to early afternoon. You can also use Google Maps, which updates in real time forecasting how busy a location will be. Check out our tips for beating the crowds at top attractions.

22. Culture fanatic? Buy a Paris Museum Card

Tourist cards aren’t always worth the money, but if you plan on spending lots of quality cultural time in Paris’ museums, consider picking up a Paris Museum Pass. The card offers free and discounted admission to over 50 museums and monuments around the city, and it lets you skip the ticket lines! Prices: €70 (2 days); €90 (4 days); €110 (6 days)

Spend a free day relaxing, sleeping or picnicking on the grounds of Jardin du Luxembourg. Photo: Phillip Capper

23. Don’t forget free sights!

The city boasts a long list of places that are free to visit. From museums operated by the city like the Musée d’Art Moderne, Maison de Balzac, and Maison de Victor Hugo (free to visit permanent collections) to most churches and parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg and even an ancient Roman amphitheater (Aréne de Lutéce), admission is always free.

24. Take a free walking tour

Free walking tours of Paris’ central sights are available from several tour companies (who do, however, expect a tip at the end). A less publicized option is the Paris Greeters program, in which local Parisians lead you on a free guided tour of their Paris.

25. Save on boat rides

Taking a boat ride along the Seine is an experience that manages to strike us as both romantic and overly touristy. However, these bateaux mouches offer a unique vantage point from which to see the city and can give your legs a break. We recommend the Vedettes de Pont Neuf, as they offer a live (not prerecorded) commentary and great discounts when booked in advance on their website.

Eating and drinking

Paris has some of the best food in the world, but it can get pricey quickly. Here are a few ways to enjoy authentic French cuisine without breaking the bank.

26. Think twice before tipping

Whether you’re dining in a restaurant or enjoying a coffee on a sidewalk cafe, a service charge has already been included in your bill. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t leave a little extra as a nice gesture, but you certainly shouldn’t leave 15-20% of your bill. A simple €1 or €2 is perfectly acceptable as an extra tip in Paris. Here are some more thoughts on tipping.

27. Save on breakfast

The breakfast that will be offered by your hotel will likely be an underwhelming and overpriced affair (think baguette, jam, and hot drink for €8-€10+). You can get the same thing (but fresher) at almost any bakery or patisserie in your neighborhood. Shop around for breakfast.

Oh, and when you’re in a café, the cost of your coffee depends on where you’re sitting. If you stand at the counter or bar, that coffee will frequently be one euro less than if you take a seat at a table. Strange, but true.

28. Water and bread are free in restaurants

No need to order bottled water. The local stuff is great and gets plunked down on your table in a cute carafe, free of charge. If not, just ask for it. “Une carafe d’eau, s’il vous plaît.” (“Oon car-aff doe, see voo play”) Ditto for the bread.

29. Splurge on a prix-fixe lunch

Go heavier at lunch and enjoy a two- or three-course meal with the locals. It’ll be cheaper than a big dinner.

Why? Restaurants throughout town offer “fixed price” deals — just look for the chalkboard out front or a sign in the window with the day’s menu (“menu du jour”). With prices that hover between €15-25 for two or three courses, you’ll even have some money left for a little vin (if it’s not already included in the deal!). Here are a few of our favorite Paris lunch menus.

Pick up everything you need for a great picnic lunch (or gourmet dinner) at any of Paris’ outdoor food markets. Photo: The LEAF Project

30. Pick up lunch at outdoor markets

Foodies will be in pure heaven in Paris, and not just for the mouth-watering restaurants and to-die-for patisseries.

Don’t neglect the outdoor food markets that overflow with fresh produce and local delicacies. Whether picking up for a Seine-side picnic or stocking up for a long train ride, Paris’ outdoor markets have you covered. Read more about our market shopping tips.

31. Go light at lunch with a baguette sandwich

The city’s bakeries (“boulangeries” and “patisseries)” do more than bake bread and pastries. They also do a brisk lunch business, selling hot-and-crusty baguette sandwiches and delicious homemade quiches, which can also be bundled up with a drink and dessert for an extra Cheapo-lunch deal. Here’s a list of our favorite sandwich shops.

32. Opt for a light dinner with a crepe or falafel

If you opt for a big lunch, you might want to go a little lighter (and cheaper) at night. Opt for a classic crepe, Paris’ ultimate street food, or grab a tasty sandwich at L’As du Fallafel in the Marais. Check out other ways to eat your way through Paris for less than €20 a day.

33. Head to the grocery store for basics

When you do need to buy a bottle of water, don’t touch that hotel minibar! Head to any of the local grocery stores. A 1.5-liter bottle of water at Monoprix or Franprix costs less than €1. The same rule applies to wine, candy, soda, etc.

And if you can’t find a single bottle, just break up the shrink wrapped plastic on a multi-pack to grab a bottle for yourself. This is common practice in France, so don’t worry about a store clerk chasing you down!

Better yet, bring a refillable water bottle and top it up from the tap. Tap water is perfectly drinkable in Paris, and there are public water fountains all over the city (more on that in tip #35 below).

34. Wine from the supermarket? Oui.

Don’t assume that the wine being sold at the grocery store isn’t up to snuff. Some of it is quite good, and yes, quite affordable. Here are some tips for buying wine in Paris.

35. Fill up your water bottle around town

Paris has more than 1,200 drinking water fountains located throughout the city where you can easily fill up your water bottle for free. And if you’re a fan of sparkling water, there’s no need to run into the store for a few bottles. The city has fountains that even dispense the bubbly stuff!

Every summer the banks of the Seine transform into a lively beach scene complete with real sand! Photo: sergio_leenen

Entertainment

There’s always something to do in Paris, and quite a bit of it won’t cost you a dime! (Or, rather, a centime!)

36. Get happy for cheap drinks

Wine might be cheap, but a cocktail in Paris can easily cost you €15. Don’t worry, be happy! Keep your eyes peeled for “Happy Hour” deals (pronounced “‘appy ‘ow!-ers”).

You’ll typically see it posted on a sign outside most bars, and they run much later than the Happy Hours you may be used to — sometimes as late as 10 or 11 p.m.!

37. Enjoy free summer festivals

When the temperatures start to climb, so do the number of free events around Paris. Free entertainment is easy to find on almost every night of the week, including music series like the Paris Jazz Festival (late June through September) to outdoor film screenings like Cinéma en Plein Air (July and August). Head to Parc de la Villette which is packed with culture come summertime.

38. Hit the “beaches” along the Seine

Every summer the Seine and the Canal St-Martin transform into “Paris Plages,” one of Europe’s coolest urban beaches. Yes, in a city hundreds of miles from the nearest stretch of coastline, you’ll find Parisians lounging about in their hottest swimwear soaking in the rays.

39. Get cheap (or free) seats to opera, dance, and classical concerts

Love world-class opera and classical music? Grab a cheap seat at the Opera Garnier and Opera Bastille, and find cheap and free concerts around town by checking out L’Officiel des Spectacles or a Wednesday edition of Le Figaro’s insert “Figaroscope” listings magazine at any newsstand: also available online!

Shopping

If you’re looking to return home with suitcases full of souvenirs, here are some methods to do that in a wallet-friendly way.

40. Serious shoppers, don’t forget your tax refund!

Do you plan on doing some serious shopping? Non-EU citizens who spend at least €100 at any one store, may qualify for up to a 12% cash refund! This is available, with different requirements, throughout Europe.

41. Hit the flea markets for cheapo souvenirs

Paris is home to several fabulous flea markets. Selling everything from new clothing to vintage cookware, these outdoor markets offer unique shopping and souvenir opportunities, often at low prices. Here are some tips for flea market success and a guide to the best flea markets in Paris.

42. “Friperies” offer cheap vintage shopping

“Friperies” are inexpensive secondhand clothing shops where you have to dig through piles of cast-offs to find a vintage pearl. Here are a handful of addresses where Parisians go for a wallet-friendly vintage fashion shopping spree.

Miscellaneous

Finally, a few extra points about Paris to keep in mind.

43. Avoid sketchy situations

With millions of tourists visiting every year, Paris also attracts more than its share of con artists and shady types. Fortunately, they’re usually pretty easy to spot. A stranger approaches you to sign something, hold something, pick something up that they’ve dropped… Just say no and walk away from these common Paris scams. No drama. Just move on. No story is better than endlessly kvetching about it later.

If a stranger approaches you speaking French, do not reply with “I don’t speak French” because they will start speaking English to you. It’s better to ignore them and keep it moving.

To avoid pickpockets, it’s good practice to keep all your valuables in pockets, pouches, or bags that zip, snap, or close! In crowded places, many pickpockets get away with your things before you even realize they were there.

44. Be smart with your phone

Plan on using your smartphone? Either get a sensible data and international calling package from your carrier back home or buy a SIM card in Paris for use in an unlocked phone. It’s simple and can potentially save you nightmarish data roaming charges.

45. Bring a guidebook!

Here’s some retro advice (ironically conveyed via the Web): bring along a Paris guidebook! Go deeper by studying up on Paris before you get there. Underline away!

46. Find free Wi-Fi

Even with a good international data plan or a SIM card, we still appreciate free Wi-Fi. Fortunately, it’s easy to find in cafes, fast food joints (all McDonald’s), parks and museums. When you’re in a Parisian café or restaurant, don’t be shy. Ask the waiter for the Wi-Fi password. If you’re a paying customer, they will happily give it to you!

47. Talk to your bank before you go

Call your bank before you leave to let them know that you’re heading on a trip to Paris. You don’t want them to block your card when they see international charges pop up.

While you have them on the phone, ask about foreign transaction and ATM cash withdrawal fees. They might have a partnership with a bank in Paris that avoids ATM fees. (Here are some questions for your bank.)

• Read more about practical ways to save in Paris

Your tips?

Have tips to add to our list? Please contribute your thoughts on ways to save when visiting Paris in the comments section below.

Note: This article was updated with additional information, research, and fact-checking by Julia Hamilton in Paris in March 2023 and by Paige Bennett in April 2025.

The post Paris Budget Travel Guide: 47 ways to save on your trip (2025 Update) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Whether you’re hopping on the metro, renting a bike, or getting a bus to the airport, here’s how you can save on transportation in Rome.

Related: 11 simple ways to save money on your trip to Italy

Public transportation options in Rome

Rome offers a variety of transportation methods to help you get around, but they come with varying costs and levels of convenience.

Rome’s metro system

Catch a train to the city center on the cheap. Photo: Mauricio Artieda

Rome’s metro system is on the smaller side, with only three lines. That’s because the city is filled with important archeological remains, making it challenging to excavate and expand the metro. Although small, the metro is mighty, and many visitors will find it is completely satisfactory to get you to all the city’s biggest attractions.

The three metro lines in Rome include:

• Line A (red/orange): This is one of the most popular lines, especially for tourists. You can get to the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon from this line.
• Line B (blue): For tourists looking to see the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with this metro line.
• Line C (green): Connecting the center of the city to its eastern side, Line C is less useful for tourists and best utilized by locals.

The metro is typically the fastest way to traverse the city, with convenient stops near major attractions.

Buses and trams

Trams are helpful for reaching less touristy areas. Photo: Hynek Janá?

Buses are crucial for reaching areas not covered by the metro. With over 350 bus lines, this budget-friendly transportation in Rome is essential to getting around the city. Travelers are most likely to use the Urban lines (U), although you may hop on a Night bus (N) for late-night trips or the Express (X) bus if you’re taking a day trip outside of Rome.

The city also has six tram lines, though these are less useful for tourists as they don’t typically reach the city center. If you do need to take a tram, you can find the tram map on Rome’s tourism website.

Ticket prices for public transportation in Rome

ATAC (Rome’s public transport company) offers several affordable ticket options:

• 100-minute ticket (BIT), valid on metro, buses, trams and Urban trains: €1.50
• 24-hour ticket: €7
• 48-hour ticket: €12.50
• 72-hour ticket: €18
• Weekly pass: €24
• Monthly pass: €35

Note to readers: Always double-check current prices and services before your trip, as transportation details can change.

Where to buy tickets

If you’re looking to use public transportation in Rome, you’ll need to know where to buy tickets. You can buy them right at the metro station or bus terminals via ticket vending machines, some of which offer English translations. The machines typically take cash (in exact amounts—no change here!) and/or card payments. You can also grab transportation tickets at several shops, such as tabacchi (tobacco shops) and newsstands, throughout the city.

How to pay for transportation tickets in Rome

No longer are you stuck paying cash for your tickets at the corner store. Today, there are many convenient options for buying tickets to the metro, buses, and trams in Rome.

New ways to purchase tickets include a Tap&Go system, where you can use contactless credit or debit cards (meaning no need to insert a chip or swipe!) or even the wallet on your smartphone directly at the metro turnstiles. You can also use mobile apps; ATAC recommends MooneyGo, Tabnet, TicketAppy, Dropticket, or Telepass Pay.

Practical tips for using public transport in Rome

Now you know what to expect when it comes to buying your transportation tickets and navigating the lines. But when it’s time to actually use your tickets and hop on the train, make sure to follow these tips to avoid fines or missing your train or bus.

1. Always validate your ticket when boarding buses or trams. To do so, insert your ticket into the yellow machines on the bus or the machines near the doors of the tram. If you fail to validate the ticket, you could face fines of €50 to €100 — completely defeating all the efforts you put into securing budget-friendly transportation in Rome.
2. Know the metro operating hours: Sunday-Thursday: 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 5:30 a.m.  to 1:30 a.m.
3. Check the bus operating hours: Between 5 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. to 12 a.m.; night buses run from 12 a.m. to between 5 a.m. and 6:30 a.m.
4. Prepare for transportation strikes:  Strikes are relatively common in Rome. When they happen, they are typically announced in advance, and travelers can find more information on the official Ministero delle infrastrutture e dei trasporti website or the Wanted In Rome website. Some trains are still guaranteed to run, and public transportation may still run during rush hours. Still, be prepared to walk or take other transportation; just keep in mind that wait times for taxis and ride-shares could be much longer during strikes.

Bonus tip: Purchasing a Roma Pass

The Roma Pass is a comprehensive timed card ideal for visitors to Rome. You pay one fixed rate for a 48- or 72-hour Roma Pass, and in exchange, you get one or two museums, archeological sites, or other experiences plus public transportation all included in the cost. After your first experience (on the 48-hour pass) or second experience (on the 72-hour pass), each additional experience is available at a discounted rate.

The 48-hour pass costs €36.50 and the 72-hour pass costs €58.50. Some of the experiences include Galleria Borghese, Museo di Roma, and The Colosseum. Check the Roma Pass website to confirm whether advanced reservations are required for the sites you want to explore.

Consider bike-shares as an alternative

Skilled cyclists can save big by biking around Rome. Photo: Gabriella Clare Marino

If you want another option for budget-friendly transportation in Rome, you may consider riding a bike via third-party bike-sharing programs. However, keep in mind that the limited amount of bike lanes and cobblestone roads may make for an unpleasant ride for less experienced cyclists.

But if you’re up to the challenge and you have a helmet, you can find bike-share stations throughout the city via companies like Dott, Lime and Uber. You’ll need to download the company app and create an account to access the bike-shares and see rates.

Airport connections

Flying into Rome? You’ll be landing at one of two main airports: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA).

Traveling to/from Fiumicino Airport

You can take private transportation, such as a taxi or a rental car, to/from FCO or use the Leonardo Express train. This train travels between Fiumicino Airport and Termini Station on about a 30-minute journey, with Leonardo Express trains departing every 15 minutes. The Leonardo Express train costs €14 each way. Taxi rates may vary, but expect to spend around €40 to €75, depending on luggage, number of riders, and distance traveled.

Learn more about getting to and from FCO at the Aeroporti di Roma website.

Traveling to/from Ciampino Airport

In addition to private transportation options, you can travel between Ciampino Airport and Rome by a combination of bus and train. To do so, you can take a bus from the airport to Ciampino city, then take the train in Ciampino to Termini Station (and reverse this process if you’re heading from your hotel in Rome to the airport). The bus ticket costs around €1.20, and the train ticket costs around €1.50, for a total of €2.70 per person each way. Taking a taxi between Ciampino Airport and Rome costs around €35 to €50 but is a faster, more direct option.

Learn more about getting to and from CIA at the Aeroporti di Roma website.

Understanding Roman street signs

Roman street signs can be a bit confusing. Photo: Ashley Frill

If you plan to pay for a bike-share or rent a car, you’ll need to make sure you understand the laws of the road to avoid fines, tickets, or accidents. Here are some commonly confusing things for tourists to look out for:

• When looking for street names, check buildings on the corners of intersections or the start of streets. The street name is typically engraved onto marble plaques on the sides of buildings.
• Brown signs with white text highlight nearby tourist attractions.
• Blue rectangular signs indicate one-way streets. Look for the arrows, which will point the direction of traffic.
• Stop signs look similar to stop signs in the U.S., but they may be treated more like yield signs by locals. Take care, and don’t assume other drivers or cyclists will stop at these signs.
• For vehicles, speed limits are shown on two different signs: a blue sign with a minimum speed limit and a red sign with a maximum speed limit.
• Look before you park! No-parking zones are marked by a circular blue sign with a red border and a slash through the blue space. Similarly, a sign with two slashes means it is a no-stopping area.
• Watch for Restricted Traffic Zones (ZTL), where only authorized vehicles are permitted. The sign may read “Zona Traffico Limitato” or it will show a white circle with a red border.

Your tips for budget-friendly transportation in Rome

While Rome’s public transportation isn’t perfect, it offers an affordable and extensive network for exploring the city. With these tips, you’ll be navigating like a local in no time! Have your own tips for saving in Rome? Be sure to share your experiences in the comments below.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Budget-Friendly Transportation in Rome appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

But the unwritten code of conduct isn’t something that comes instinctively to the more than 4 million people who hop on board every day. In fact, each year 1.5 billion riders use the Paris Metro — that’s almost on par with New York City!

Even if you’ve ridden the subway in Chicago or New York, it’s still worth brushing up on how Parisians commute and get around the city.

Related: Will a Navigo pass save you money on the Paris Metro?

10 Paris Metro tips for riding like a local

Ready to buy a ticket and jump on the Metro? Here are 10 tips to help you fit in like a local while you’re sitting (or standing) on the subway.

1. Buy tickets in bulk

I only use the Metro occasionally, opting for a bike, and thus use the money-saving Navigo Easy pass with t+, contactless bundles of 10 tickets sold at a reduced rate (€17.35, a nearly 20% savings on buying tickets individually). You can purchase the Navigo Easy pass at all stations or RATP-approved stores, then add more tickets either in person or on your smartphone.

Local tip: If you do have a monthly or weekly Navigo pass that you simply touch to the turnstile, be sure to keep it in the bottom of your bag and try to swipe your bag across the turnstile, ensuring that the people behind you will have to wait while you swipe four or five times before the magnetic reader catches your card. That’s the sign of a true local.

2. Know when to sit and when to stand

In general, if you’re sitting in one of the fold-up chairs and staring into a sea of crotches, it might be time to get up and make some room. During peak hours, those folding seats should be off-limits. Feel free to throw the stink eye at anyone who thinks otherwise.

Also, offering your seat to an older person or a child is always appreciated, but don’t get carried away with it. Sometimes, guys, offering your seat to a 30-year-old, fit-as-a-fiddle woman could seem insulting or just kind of awkward.

3. Show generosity to performers… in the station

Generosity is a virtue, but illegality is not. It is interdit (not allowed) to perform in Metro cars, and performers usually have a permit to perform uniquely in the stations themselves.

When a performer comes on board belting out an Edith Piaf song or pumping their accordion, giving them money is supporting an illegal activity, and that’s just not cool (even if they are phenomenal). Save your coins for the respectful players in the stations that sometimes produce some amazing music.

4. Take the stares

Make eye contact — often. This is the Paris Metro, where staring is a national sport. Be warned, however, that looking at someone a few too many times will be interpreted as a come-on of sorts, as it may be intended, so be sure to look for your description on a Craigslist “missed connections” later that evening.

5. Keep it down

Do us all a favor and keep the loud discussions down. Engaging in a loud conversation or telephone call is a surefire way to stand out from the crowd. During morning and evening commutes, you’ll be the only one with your phone glued to your ear or chit chatting away at full volume with your friend. Read a book, listen to some music, or play Angry Birds, but save the drawn-out conversations for the café.

6. Be pushy

While you may have to push your way onto the Metro at any hour during the day, it’s especially common during the morning and evening commute. When the doors open, the wall of people can seem daunting, but giving an angry “pardon!” and a little elbowing will help you get aboard.
Touching isn’t balked at, so don’t be afraid to use your hand and physically reposition someone if they won’t move. Locals know the drill. And once in the train, squashed in the crush of people, you’ll often notice quite a bit of vacant space that has gone neglected. Locals love standing near the door, apparently. Laws of diffusion rarely apply.

7. Eat, drink and be exiled

Parisians eat at tables, at food trucks, or begrudgingly in the streets. Those who eat in the Metro are shunned and eventually sent to Belgium, so don’t do it. Plus, with the bouquet of aromas wafting through the tunnels, it’s not really the most appetizing of eating environments.

Know where you’re going before you get off!

8. Transfer strategically

Changing train lines once is acceptable, but annoying. Switching trains twice is sometimes necessary and really annoying. Switching three times is excessive and never required.
Know where you’re switching and where you’re going before you get off, to avoid that moment of lost panic that will signal to the pickpockets that you are, in fact, not a local. And avoid switching at the labyrinthine Chatelet-Les Halles for the love of all that is good.

9. All lines are not created equal

Locals have favorite Metro lines, but mostly they just hate certain lines. The 13 and the 4, both north-south lines, are among the most hated. Some revile the seemingly useless line 11, though it’s my personal favorite, catering to my needs. And taking the 1 is always like a trip to the UN, since it’s the most tourist-laden of them all. The 14 is a favorite because of its speed, and the 8 is often preferred to the more-crowded 9, since they generally go to the same areas.
So learn the lines using this Metro map, and be prepared to exhale frustrated and roll your eyes when someone says, “We have to take line 4!”

10. Love it

While the Paris Metro is far from perfect, it beats counterparts in New York and London by a landslide — at least this is what locals think. So when anyone disses the Metro because they have to wait six minutes for a train or because it smells like three-day-old urine, be proud and stick up for it, because love it or hate it, it’s the fastest and cheapest way to get you where you need to go in this town.

Your Paris Metro tips

Have a tip to add about the Paris Metro? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

More information

For more on the Paris Metro, visit the website of the RATP, the government agency that runs the Metro. The website offers information in English for tourists. RATP also has a handy app that provides everything you need to get around. Additionally, you can now use contactless payment methods like credit cards or smartphone apps to pay for single journeys directly at the turnstiles. Finally, if you’re currently planning a trip to Paris, be sure to swing by our guide to Paris for more articles on ways to save, plus reviews of recommended budget accommodations.

The post Paris: 10 tips for riding the Metro like a local appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

A single trip on a vaporetto costs €7.50 (valid for 60 minutes), whether you take the boat for one stop or for a whole Grand Canal tour. Fortunately, there is a system designed for tourists that will help you save some serious money.

More Venice tips
• 10 Things to do in Venice on the cheap
• The most romantic hotels in Venice that won’t break the bank
• Roll With It: Venice is not going to ban rolling bags

Tourist Travel Cards

In recent years ACTV (Venice’s bus and boat system) realized that they had to come up with a tourist transportation card, so they created several different types of “time-limited travelcard,” each valid for a different period of time.

Travel cards are available for:

1 Day: €21
2 Days: €30
3 Days: €40
7 Days: €60

There is also a three-day youth card (for people between 18-29 years old) that costs €28. (Prices are accurate as of June 2022. Visit the ACTV website for current prices.)

With these travel cards you can hop on and off any vaporetto (including those to the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello) and on all buses traveling within the city of Venice (including to Mestre and Marco Polo Airport). These cards eliminate the need to queue every time to buy a ticket and to carry change with you.

The tickets are not exactly cheap, but considering you have unlimited use of the transport system, they are well worth it. Just think how much it would cost if you wanted to visit Murano-Burano and Torcello and you had to pay for every single trip!

To learn more about the tickets, including instructions on how to use them, check out this handy ACTV webpage in English.

Where to buy Tourist transportation tickets

You can buy these transport passes at any vaporetto stop (there are usually ticket offices at the stops, otherwise you can buy on board and they almost always speaks English), in Piazzale Roma (in the ACTV ticket office), or in any tobacco shop that displays the “ACTV” sign. Here’s a full list of ticket offices.

You can also buy them online.

Tip: Consider Venezia Unica City Pass

In 2009, the Comune di Venezia introduced a combined card, City Pass Venezia Unica, for transport, museums, parking, and even Wi-Fi connections and access to public toilets. The prices vary because you can create your custom combination, depending on your needs during your trip. However, you can save up to 30% on a variety of museum passes. The savings vary depending on the period (low season, high season, special events, etc.).

Unfortunately, the card can only be purchased online and must be purchased more than two days before your arrival date in Venice. So the earlier you book it, the greater the saving. Since there is an initial cost just to buy the card, this pass is ideal for frequent visitors or those coming for a longer stay. For more information and to buy a card, visit the official website.

The post Venice: Save on vaporetto tickets with a Tourist Travel Card appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

If you’re traveling on a budget, there’s no time like the present to hop a flight to Dublin (with cheap airfare, of course!) and discover this fun city.

Once you’re on the ground and you’ve booked your Dublin hotel, use these five tips to keep your money where it belongs: in your pocket.

Dublin budget tips

1. Don’t waste money on transportation

It can be tempting in Dublin just to hop in a cab, but this is one way to empty your pockets very quickly. Instead of cabs, check out the local bus schedule. Dublin Bus is very affordable, and routes connect all different areas of the city.

Alternatively, Dublin’s bike share program, called Dublin Bikes, is a cheap and easy way to get around the city. And remember, Dublin is very small and manageable on foot, too.

2. Eat your dinner early

With Dublin’s current boom, there are more and more gourmet restaurants opening in the city. These same restaurants do have deals if you know where or when to look. One strategy to fill seats is offering heavily discounted “early bird” or pre-theater specials.

Take one of my favorite restaurants in Dublin for example — The Winding Stair. A meal here is usually a splurge, but early birds can enjoy an incredible 2-course meal for just €29. You will leave stuffed and your wallet won’t be nearly empty.

Related:  Five ways to save on dining in Dublin.

3. Make friends with the half-pint — And keep your change!

There’s no such thing as a discount on alcohol in Dublin — you won’t find any “happy hours” in the city. If you’re trying to keep your costs down on beer, order a half pint instead of a full pint. This way you can spread your money a bit farther between different pubs.

Also remember, if you order from a bartender, there is no need to tip. Keep all your change!

4. Seek out free entertainment

While you’re sipping on that half-pint, how about some entertainment? Many Dublin pubs are known for their live music, so check out pubs that provide some entertainment beyond the Guinness and Jameson.

For traditional music, check out O’Donoghue’s on Merrion Row. Another great option for live music is Doyles, right across the street for Trinity College. If you happen to be in Dublin on “match day” (whether it’s rugby, soccer, or the Gaelic games) be sure to grab a seat in the pub — both the game and the locals will provide the entertainment.

5. Research your ride to the airport

If there’s one thing visitors complain about when it comes to Dublin — it’s the lack of airport transportation. You won’t find a train or a subway system that connects Dublin Airport to the city center. Some visitors resign themselves to taking a taxi (this costs at least €20) but Cheapos will want to check out the buses.

There are two options: the local bus that is very cheap (but stops frequently, seriously lengthening your journey into Dublin) or taking the Aircoach, a 24-hour express bus service into the city. Purchase a return fare to save a few euros instead of paying for a ticket each way. (Read more on Dublin’s airport transportation.)

A little airport research ahead of time could mean a lot of money saved during a trip to Dublin.

Your Dublin tips

Do you have any favorite ways to save? Share in the comments below!

The post Dublin Budget Tips: 5 simple ways to save appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

What should you expect to spend getting from Lisbon to Sintra, and Porto to Guimarães and back again? Will hopping a train or booking a rental car break your budget?

As it turns out, probably not. Throughout Portugal transportation costs are very reasonable and savvy travelers can save even more by following through with the tips below.

Related
• 10 Days in Portugal: A budget-friendly itinerary
• A Budget travel guide to Lisbon
• 10 Ways to save on your trip to Portugal

5 Tips for getting around Portugal on a budget

Taking the train to Porto means you get to travel through this stunning station. Photo: Jumilla

1. Hop on the train for views and low-key travel

On the train in Portugal, it’s easier to soak up views and relax. For about the same price as taking the bus — and half the travel time — it’s much more comfortable and the train routes are usually more picturesque than what the tollway buses travel. Plus, with no need to get behind the wheel, you won’t have to worry about swearing off Vinho Verde at lunch.

That said there are some limitations to train travel — the trains just don’t go to some places. If you want to explore Portugal’s tiny villages, you’re better off with a rental, a GPS and a detailed regional map.

Check rates and destinations on the official Portuguese train website (Comboios de Portugal).

Hailing a taxi in Lisbon might not be the cheapest option. Photo: McPig

2. Book a rideshare before an Uber or a taxi

Taxis in Portugal are cheaper than in destinations like France or Germany, but they’re still quite expensive when compared to public transit. But how do they compare to Uber and rideshares?

First off, at the time of writing, Uber isn’t widely available in Portugal, so for the best and most dependable Uber experience, you’re pretty much limited to the Porto and Lisbon metropolitan areas.

Secondly, even for short trips in those cities, Uber is only slightly cheaper than taking a cab (most of the time). But your savings are only likely to be a few euros at best, so if there are taxis waiting at a stop or transit station nearby, you may not find it worth your while to wait around for an Uber driver — although Uber has one major advantage — no cash necessary.

For longer trips, (20 minutes or more) Uber is about half the price of a taxi, but depending on the distance and route you may also be able to book a ride with a European ridesharing company called BlaBlaCar for a fraction of the cost. (Check out our guide to using BlaBlaCar in Europe, here.)

If getting to your destination as quickly as possible is your priority, you may want to spend a few more euros on an Uber or a taxi — rideshares often make multiple stops to drop off passengers along a route.

3. Skip the bus (most of the time)

Portugal is connected by multiple bus and coach lines run by public transit authorities, as well as private companies such as ALSA, Bus Rede Expressos, Bus RenEX, and Bus Groupo AVIC. While these buses are reasonably priced and comfortable, they can also be terribly slow with limited timetables and destinations.

To find the cheapest possible deal on bus travel (or any travel) between a route in Portugal, head to Rome2Rio.com and search for your route. Under your results, in the bus section, you’ll see an approximate price and the names of companies that operate on it.

For the most part, buses are cheap (if very slow way) to travel between off-the-beaten-path destinations that aren’t connected via national rail routes, although you’ll often have to make multiple connections to get to Portugal’s truly tiny villages.

All things considered, buses are rarely the cheapest option for longer trips. Between cities, driving, ride sharing, training it, or even hopping a budget flight is usually as cheap as (and sometimes cheaper) than taking a bus. If you’re traveling deep into Portugal’s gorgeous rural areas, a rental car is almost always a better and cheaper choice. And speaking of rental cars…

Driving along the Douro River in a rental car. Photo: pedrik

4. Go where you want (and when) in a rental car

If you’re traveling in a group of two or more, or are committed to seeing lots of small towns and villages, renting a car is the best bet for your money, personal comfort, and time. Having a vehicle will allow you to sleep in less expensive towns (make sure your accommodations include free or cheap parking) and will save you time spent waiting on trains and buses.

For the cheapest rentals, book as far in advance as you can manage. You can pick up your rental at a major airport (Porto, Faro, or Lisbon). Check rates for car rentals in Portugal and across Europe

For more tips on the cheapest and safest ways to drive in Portugal see our guide to driving in Portugal. Don’t forget to bring your international driver’s license!

Nice view! Flying Ryanair over the Azores. Photo: Adamina

5. Get there faster (and sometimes cheaper) on budget air carriers

If you want to get from the one end of this long and skinny country to the other in short order, your fastest (and sometimes cheapest) option may be to fly between big hubs on budget carriers. Ryanair has flights from Lisbon to Porto for as low as €20 round trip, and we found flights with TAP starting at €68.

In short, it’s worth at least checking budget flights before booking ground travel. We recently tested out a trip from Porto to Faro and found we could spend five hours on the train (from €35), a rideshare (from €36) or a rental car (from €85). Or you can get there in one hour and 10 minutes for €26 on a cheap flight (plus time getting to and from the airport, of course).

CheapoSearch: Check airfare for budget flights across Europe

The post Portugal Transportation: 5 tips for saving on trains, buses, rental cars and flights appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

According to news reports, this new law was intended to prevent sound pollution and damage to the city’s historic cobblestones. Rolling offenders would face fines of €500!

Why, oh why would they do this? Doesn’t the city rely upon tourists rolling forth from the train station, water taxis and vaporetti? What are you supposed to do—carry your suitcase for long distances? It’s a war on tourists!

But before you go online and cancel your big vacation plans for Venice, everybody just take a deep breath. It’s not happening. No law was ever passed. And furthermore, the story seems to hang on a detail that was either lost in translation or simply overlooked. And then everyone’s imagination sort of ran off with it.

But let’s rewind…

What was proposed?

The first we heard about this improbable story here in Venice was late last week, on November 20, when the local papers ran headlines declaring that Venice had started a war against rolling suitcases, or trolleys. Most newspapers, even if they mentioned that this was merely a proposal and not yet a law, went ahead and published the date when the law would be enforced, including details about how much people would be fined.

Unsurprisingly, the news shot around the Web and pretty soon Venice-bound travelers with more than a backpack went into a panic, writing to people like me (I live here and run a travel blog), asking for confirmation of the news.

I thought it was a joke and laughed the whole thing off, wondering why people were so worried: This is Italy, even if we pass a crazy law, we never enforce it, so why all the panic?

But immediately the international newspapers picked up the story. On Friday, November 21, stories appeared on the BBC, and on Yahoo! Travel (under the headline, “No Joke: Venice Is Banning All Wheeled Suitcases for Tourists”). CNN chimed in, under the headline, “Venice to Ban Wheeled Suitcases”:

City officials have become so tired with the cacophony of rumbling luggage they’re introducing fines of up to 500 euros ($620) for anyone caught using one. The move, due to come into effect in May 2015, is likely to create a headache for many of 22 million who annually visit the city and need to cart bags to hotels in car-free streets.

Oh boy, things were now officially out of control.

So Friday, that same day, Special Commissioner Vittorio Zappalorto (appointed to run the city after the local mayor was arrested for corruption a few months ago) issued another press release. In it, he denied that Venice was going to ban rolling suitcases and clarified that the proposed law would affect only push carts used by vendors.

This is Italy. It is totally normal here to have one official issue a statement one day that is immediately overturned the next.

The next day, Time Magazine published an article under the headline, “Venice Wants to Ban Your Noisy, Offending Suitcase Wheels” in which the magazine declares, “Leave your efficient, easy-to-transport wheelie suitcase at home, says the gondola-filled city.”

The story obviously has, um, wheels. How could it be stopped? Even if it’s wrong, it appears to be too tasty for journalists to correct.

The press releases

I took the time to translate the two official press releases. I think you can make up your own mind.

Here’s he first press release by a local sub-commissioner. (Read in Italian here.) I’ve highlighted the most important part of the story.

November 20, 2014

The measures for the protection of the city, the joint statements of the sub-commisioner Scagnamiglio and the manager Dorigo.

The Special Administration of the City of Venice, making theirs a will already manifested by the previous Administration, has taken over the review activities of its endowment regulation, among these the one already in an advanced stage of working on building code.

The definition of the new text is currently in phase (administratively optional) of consultation with the professional bodies and categories for the sole purpose of improving the normative content in order to achieve maximum sharing. Among the objectives of the new regulation there was the need to find space for the management of the critical issues related to urban decay and the intensive tourist use of the largest monument in the world today, attacked by at least 27 million tourists.

In this context, an article of the draft Regulation aims to manage the protection of public places (streets and bridges), and the increasing noise pollution that the mobility of a city which moves goods and things without cars, forces on pushing wheels. Therefore it has been proposed to the interlocutors of the table for consultation, the provision (art. 23, para 7) which prohibits, over the historic center of the Old City and the Islands the use of means of transport for materials, all objects or persons on wheels, which are not of rubber or tire inflated with air or liquid.

The standard also wants to respond to the needs of the many people who in recent years have turned to the Administration indicating the severe discomfort they suffer in their homes related to the movement of goods and property in times acoustically protected by the legislation (during the night or early morning ), where the major acoustic inconvenience, generated from the provision of commercial activities (pallets of goods) or tourism (transported bed linen), focuses, all combined with a historical paving, consisting of “masegni – paving stones”, like the Venetian one (which is covered by a national law). Numerous are also, especially in recent years, the disturbing signs of a progressive deterioration and wear of the pavements and bridges which survived at first, free of damage, for hundreds of years.

It is also, of easy resolution, the possibility of adaptation of all means to the new provisions, through adapters, that companies will offer to the market and that could be of great use to all the historical centers, developing opportunity that improves quality of life to the residents in town centers with high-quality roadways.

The sub-commissioner of the City of Venice, Dott. Michele Scognamiglio, and the director Sportello Unico Edilizia del Comune di Venezia, dott. Maurizio Dorigo

This is the second press release issued by the Special Commissioner Zappalorto on November 21, 2014. (Read in Italian.)

Trolley banned in Venice, the denial of the Commissioner Zappalorto

The commissioner of the City of Venice, Vittorio Zappalorto, with a note, wanted to deny the news, which appeared yesterday in a local newspaper reported and today in many newspapers and also by the international press, regarding the trolleys, which would be prohibited in the historic center unless with rubber tires inflated with air.

“I intend to deny with the utmost firmness that the City of Venice has ever thought to ban trolleys in the historic center. The draft of the building code that, I want to repeat, is a draft and which editorial work has already started with the last administration and had a further definition these days by the staff of the sub Commissioner Michele Scognamiglio, is currently undergoing a participatory process by sending it to the professional associations.

The document contains only a reference to the means of transport of goods by land, namely the carts and the pallets, that having hard wheels ruin the historical Venetian masegni, as well as causing noise pollution especially annoying if it takes place in the early hours of the morning, when many citizens still sleep. The solution to this problem must be clearly studied and shared together with the Superintendent, to the economic categories and, in general, the stakeholders.

As for the trolleys, certainly the hard wheels contribute to damaging the paving stones of the streets and squares, and especially the bridges, precisely because of the constant blows caused by the climbs and descents. This does not mean, however, that the City will ban the use of it from May. The draft is intended to regulate only, I repeat once again, with the consultation of all interested parties, the movements of goods by land in the historic city.

Any other interpretation on the subject is imaginative and not true. If then, thanks to the media brawl that followed this false scoop, some company in the industry will find appropriate solutions for the problems of Venice as in other ancient cities that share the same problems of the passage of the trolley and suitcases on wheels with our historical center, this will undoubtedly be a meritorious action that will contribute to the preservation of our architectural heritage and tranquility of residents and tourists themselves. ”

Venice, November 21, 2014 / po

Final thoughts

So then, if you are a very suspicious person like myself, you could also read into these two statements that perhaps someone in the committee must own a company that’s ready to sell some kind of rubber wheeley thingy? (Sorry, that is the Italian in me!)

All I can say is, don’t change your plans to come to Venice on account of your suitcase. Nobody is, or ever was going to, fine you for rolling along.

Now, if only we could get the international press to pay attention and correct the story. But of course, those headlines would be less alluring.

The post Roll with it, Folks: Venice is not going to ban your suitcase appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

The importance of booking in advance was underscored to us yesterday when we received an email from the SNCF, France’s national railway, announcing that Spring 2014 tickets for its low-cost iDTGV service will go on sale on December 10, 2013.

Enticingly low ticket prices were dangled before our Cheapo eyes… €19 for high-speed journeys from Paris to destinations in northwest and southern France. It’s like Ryanair prices, sans the misery (oh, and with two pieces of free luggage).

But wait, it gets cheaper! If you’re searching for trains from the Paris region to southern destinations, France’s super cheapo Ouigo train service might work for you (and get you there for as low as €10!).

So we thought it would be helpful to offer a round-up of advice for booking tickets on the country’s high-speed rail services.

The three month rule

But first, a quick reminder: You’ll have to wait until Tuesday, December 10 to search for spring travel (March 28 – June 12, 2014) on the TGV and iDTGV. Most French trains, as is the case throughout Europe, sell tickets up to three months in advance (what we call the “three month rule”).

However, Ouigo service is able to be reserved up to seven months in advance.

US visitors may see this window. Choose “continue on Voyages.sncf.com”.

Normal TGV

The normal TGV service covers many more destinations than its low-cost partners—more than 230 in France and other European countries. Tickets are more flexible (in terms of exchanges and modifications), and tickets can be purchased online, in train stations, and SNCF stores throughout the country.

As is the case with the other services, book in advance for the best deals. Also, US visitors may be asked whether they’d like to be redirected to Rail Europe or “continue on Voyages-sncf.com.” We’d recommend continuing on Voyages-sncf.com.

• To check rates for the normal TGV service, visit Voyages-sncf.com.

Routes served by the iDTGV service.

iDTGV

The iDTGV service, on the other hand, serves mostly northwest and southern French destinations (see map, above). Tickets for the iDTGV are often much cheaper than regular TGV trains, but can only be purchased online.

Furthermore, they’re often non-refundable and tricky to change. If you want to change a date or take a later train, you can’t head into a station and exchange your ticket. (Trust us, we’ve tried.) You can make changes, but take note: You’ll be charged €12 for the modification plus any difference in the price of the ticket. (Read all of the conditions here.)

Another key difference between the services is in the packaging and marketing. The iDTGV aims for a younger and tech-savvy crowd, and offers two “ambiances” onboard to choose from when buying your ticket. You can choose between “iDZAP” (train cars for gadget lovers and mobile yackers), and “iDZEN” (for those who desperately try to avoid the former). It’s a nice touch.

When purchasing your ticket, you’re also able to tack on food discounts (saving, for example, 50 cents on a meal), or rent headphones or gaming systems.

• To check rates for the low-cost iDTGV service, visit iDTGV.

Ouigo, the ultra-cheapo high-speed train, serves a limited number of destinations.

Ouigo

Finally, the Ouigo service offers an ultra low-cost option, with tickets starting at €10 for trips from Marne la Vallée (about 45 minutes from Paris-Chatelet by RER A) to a limited number of southern destinations, including Lyon, Avignon, Aix en Provence, Marseille and Montpellier (see the complete list of destinations).

Tickets on Ouigo are shockingly cheap, starting at €10 for adults and €5 for children. (Yes, you read that right.) Unsurprisingly, there are some important notes about Ouigo tickets:

• Trains don’t depart from Paris, but rather from nearby Marne la Vallée, home to Disneyland Paris.

• Unlike with the normal TGV and iDTGV, you cannot choose your seat in advance, although you are guaranteed a seat.

• You are allowed one piece of luggage and a carry-on bag. You can book an additional bag for €5 in advance (or pay €10 when you board).

• Tickets are nonrefundable, however you can make changes (and pay the difference, plus a surcharge if you call the customer service number for help).

• Unlike the other services, you can book your seats up to 7 months in advance. Read more terms and conditions on the Ouigo website (in French).

To check rates for the ultra-low cost Ouigo service, visit Ouigo.com.

Book early

Whichever service you end up riding, try to book as early as possible. Happy travels!

The post How to find cheap tickets on France’s high-speed trains appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Yes, Devon has a wonderful trawl of place names. Over the last year or two we’ve roamed from King’s Nympton to Eggbuckland, from Nymet Rowland to Weare Giffard.

Car-free Devon

If you really want to make the most of any stay in Devon, leave the car at home. The slow train on the Tarka Line to Barnstaple and the market day bus to Chagford tell more of the county than the nose-to-tail traffic on the Exeter bypass — which captured the public imagination in Britain in the 1950s and 1960s as a highway that each summer boasted fabulous traffic snarl-ups.

The bypass has been tamed, and these days the cars no longer splutter in a stop-and-go procession of exhaust fumes. But many of Devon’s roads are still crowded and, in a county that boasts a wonderful range of public transport options, it just makes sense to take the train… or the bus… or even a boat.

The 319 Hartland to Barnstaple bus. Photo © hidden europe

Devon by rail

For rail travel, the Devon Day Ranger ticket affords unlimited travel by train around Devon for a day. It costs just £10. On some routes there are restrictions on its use on weekdays prior to 9 a.m., but elsewhere you can set off at the crack of dawn — even on the first train of the day from Exeter to Barnstaple. Early birds who take the 5.50 a.m. train on the Tarka Line stand a better chance of seeing the famously elusive otters that frequent the banks of the River Taw.

The Devon Day Ranger rail ticket is superb value. Roam from Axminster (on the Dorset border) to Gunnislake in Cornwall — one of two stations in Cornwall to which the ticket may be used. The other is Calstock.

For travelers who fancy a summer evening roaming Devon by train, there is a half-price version of the Devon Ranger ticket generally valid from 6 p.m. It’s predictably called the “Devon Evening Ranger” ticket.

Devon by bus

Devon is blessed with an excellent network of local bus routes. The Cartogold website has a bang-up-to-date network map, where you can use a simple menu (in the left sidebar) to reveal route details and call up the latest timetable for any bus service in the county (and for services from Devon into the three neighboring counties of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall).

Two of our favorite year-round Devon bus routes are:

1. The 93 from Plymouth via Kingsbridge to Dartmouth, a 2hr 15min journey that takes in some of south Devon’s finest scenery.

2. The 319 from Barnstaple via Clovelly to Hartland, a 80-minute roller coaster of a ride that runs out to the bleak and beautiful coast of northwest Devon.

Bus maps and timetables

Check timetables carefully, as some routes run only in the summer season or on certain days of the week. Among the seasonal routes that are really worth making time for are the 82 Transmoor Link service from Exeter to the granite wilds of Dartmoor and Service 300 which plies the coastal route from Ilfracombe to Lynton and beyond — taking in some fine Exmoor landscapes along the way.

If you are planning to spend a few days exploring Devon by bus, it is worth getting hold of the excellent printed timetables prepared by Devon County Council’s public transport team. The timetables and the accompanying map are free.

Boats, too

Devon’s wonderfully indented south coast, where great inlets cut well into the heart of the county, is tailor-made for exploring by boat. The little ferry that shuttles across the mouth of the Exe (from Starcross to Exmouth — connecting conveniently with rail services at both ends) is a delightful ride.

But make time too for the network of routes from Dittisham, Totnes and Dartmouth operated by Greenway Ferry. Last month we used the company’s service from Totnes to Dartmouth. It’s a relaxing 95-minute trip down the River Dart (and half an hour longer if you opt to travel upstream from Dartmouth to Totnes), and the one-way fare of just £3.75 will appeal to budget-minded travelers. The same company also operates services from Torquay to Brixham.

Slow Devon

Many of Devon’s coastal communities have been shaped by their maritime links — and that’s especially true of both Dartmouth and Brixham. The best way to arrive in either town is by boat. Devon is, in short, perfect for devotees of slow travel. Public transport links of the kind mentioned here give an insight into local communities. Take time for Devon. And take Hilary Bradt’s excellent Slow Devon book with you on your travels.

Travel writers Susanne Kries and Nicky Gardner have penned warm words about Devon twice this month here on EuroCheapo. See their comments on Devon’s serenity (13 November) and their article on Exeter cathedral (20 November).

The post Explore Devon by bus, boat and train to get closer (and save) appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

U.S. carriers have already begun applying for safety dispensations, and the industry, along with electronics manufacturers, are pushing for action on the matter prior to the upcoming holiday travel season.

Checking Facebook on Norwegian. Photo: kkoukopoulos

What about European low-cost carriers?

These U.S. research findings are likely to influence carriers around the globe, including European airlines. While the continent lags behind its North American counterparts in offering in-flight Wi-Fi services for passengers, this change may provide just the boost needed for airlines to consider offering or upgrading on-board internet service. Currently the only European low-cost airline I am aware of offering broadband connections for mobile users in-flight is Norwegian – which it does for free!

The BBC reports that EU countries are in the process of legislating changes allowing for satellite access to faster internet service for airline passengers, which may improve on-board connectivity as soon as 2014.

The in-air use of cellular phones for calling, still largely an unpopular idea with air travelers, is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and will not be affected by the aforementioned change. EU fliers are already allowed to make mobile calls in-flight if their carrier has appropriately outfitted their planes for the service; one of the few airlines to have done so (and charging a premium for it) is Ryanair.

Yet if, as the BBC projects, internet streaming both increases in popularity and speeds up dramatically, the use of VoIP services such as Skype may circumvent current regulations and unleash across the friendly skies a new wave of anger over appropriate airborne telephone etiquette.

The post Will European budget airlines be affected by FAA changes on personal electronic devices? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.