To really get into la dolce vita, it’s better to limit yourself to a few cities or towns and take your time in each one. Delays and unforeseen events (along with these common tourists mistakes) can derail even the best-planned schedules and cause stress, which is the opposite of what your vacation should be about.

If you’re planning to be in Italy for 10 days and want to see the best cities the country has to offer, while also leaving time to enjoy spontaneous events and relax, follow this itinerary. This schedule takes you through the greatest hits of Rome, Florence, and Venice for an unforgettable and affordable vacation.

In another post, we offer tips for exploring Italy by car, including small villages and towns. However, for this trip, we’re hitting up the country’s big three cities, so we’ll travel by high-speed train.

Related: 11 Simple ways to save on your trip to Italy

Day 1: Arrive in Rome

Fly into Rome, take the train in from the airport and spend the afternoon and evening relaxing.

Take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood of your hotel (we recommend staying at one of these budget hotels with central locations), and indulge in your first Italian meal. Roman food is unique to the rest of Italy, so ask your concierge or host for their recommendations on the best amatriciana or cacio e pepe in the neighborhood. If you find yourself near the Spanish Steps, you can try one of these restaurants.

Affordable hotels in Rome:
• All budget hotels in Rome

The Duomo is the heart of Florence and must-see for your first day. Photo: Dennis Jarvis

Days 2 & 3: Explore Florence

You’ll see everything Rome has to offer soon, but today we’ll take a train to Florence, about two hours away from Rome’s Termini train station. Book these tickets well in advance for the lowest prices (from €17!) directly from Trenitalia, the national railway. (By the way, don’t be confused if you type “Florence” into the search and nothing comes up. You need to search for “Roma” to “Firenze.” Another note: If Trenitalia’s website shows up as unavailable for your region, you can book the same tickets at the same rates, plus a €3.50 fee, through the U.S.-based Italiarail.com.)

Florence, the heart of Tuscany, is also one of the most beautiful and culturally important cities in the country. Arrive in the early afternoon and, after checking into your hotel, spend the rest of the day wandering around the famed Basilica (the “Duomo”) and climbing to the top. You’ll be hungry after the walk, and when in Florence, make sure to eat a panini or the famous dish, Bistecca alla Fiorentina! (Read more posts about eating for cheap in Florence.)

The next day is for sightseeing (Read: 5 ways to save on sightseeing in Florence). After a tasty breakfast, spend the day exploring Florence, whether you want to visit Michelangelo’s David sculpture in the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, pore over art in the Uffizi Gallery, or shop for handmade leather goods and souvenirs.

Cheap hotels in Florence:
• All budget hotels in central Florence

It’s hard not to fall in love with the Grand Canal in Venice. Photo: Gerhard G.

Day 4 & 5: Strolling in Venice

Head to Venice by train from Florence, a ride that takes approximately two hours. Again, book those tickets in advance through Trenitalia (and search for “Venezia”).

Once in Venice, you can immerse yourself in the romance of the canals and beauty of handmade blown glass. Venice is known for its seafood, so take advantage and feast on octopus and calamari. Unfortunately, Venice is also known for overpriced, tourist trap restaurants, so ask a local for recommendations. (Read more of our posts about food in Venice.)

When choosing a hotel in Venice, we like to go close, but not too close, to St. Mark’s Square. The Castello neighborhood is a nice option, with several affordable options that are tucked away and quiet-ish, but still super-convenient. Want a canal view? Consider these budget hotel picks. Want more options? Here’s a list of our favorite hotels in Venice.

On your second day in Venice, start your day at a delicious Venetian bakery, and then get ready for an unforgettable walk. From the Piazza San Marco (where every building turns a lovely shade of pink during sunset), to Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s brilliant Basilica, there’s plenty to do.

From our Venice sightseeing guide: visit these 10 sights for under €15, check out these lesser-known museums, hit up these 5 free sights, or take a walk through the Jewish ghetto.

Of course, one of the best things to do in Venice is sip a glass of wine while watching the gondolas glide by. You can also hop on a ferry, if a gondola ride is too expensive for your tastes. (It is for ours!)

Hotel picks for Venice:
• All budget hotels in Venice

Days 6 – 8: A Roman Holiday

Today, you’ll head back to Rome by train, passing through hill country and several castles along the way. It’s only three hours on the high-speed train from Venice, but the trip takes much longer on a regional train. (If booked in advance, the fast train will probably be about the same price as the slow one!)

When choosing a hotel in Rome, check out this list of our favorite budget hotels. This includes several that are near the train station, as well as those in extremely convenient locations near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps. (See all recommended hotels in Rome.)

Once checked in, take a night stroll through the city. The piazzas are bustling until late in the evening, and the city sparkles at night. If you have time, visit the Trevi Fountain by moonlight.

Related:
• 25 Free things to see and do in Rome
• 10 Easy ways to save on your next trip to Rome

Plan what you want to see in Rome, and split it up over the next few days. A tour of the Vatican will take about half a day, as will a tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Related:
• 10 Tips for visiting St. Peter’s Basilica & the Vatican Museums
• Rome’s 4 commonly overlooked treasures

But give yourself at least one day to explore Rome away from the big sights. Explore outdoor markets, shop for Italian fashion, relax in one of Rome’s many gardens and parks, and just wander along the city’s cobblestone side streets!

Don’t forget to eat lots of gelato and drink house wine! Seriously, the house wine is much cheaper and just as good as most of the bottled stuff. It’s local! (Read more about eating and drinking in Rome.)

The beautiful waters of Anzio, Italy are just a quick and cheap train ride away from Rome. Photo: Helen Cook

Day 9 – Day trip

If you’re in love with Rome, go ahead and spend another day checking more attractions off of your wish list.

If you’re up for something new, there are several fun day trips easily accessible from Rome. Whether you want to enjoy some sun at nearby beaches, the hillside villages of Castelli Romani, or the ruins of Ostia Antica (one of the best-kept secrets in all of Italy), getting out of the city is worth it to see a different side of Italy before you leave. Most trains depart from Termini Station.

Day 10 – Arrivederci Italy

Have one last cappuccino and cornetto for breakfast and you’re off! Of course, your memories from 10 days in bella Italia will last a lifetime.

Your Italy tips

Have you been to Rome, Florence or Venice? Tell us how you like to save when you are sightseeing (and eating!) during your trip.

The post 10-day itinerary for Italy: An affordable trip to Rome, Florence and Venice appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

For starters — read through our guide!

Using data? Get a plan.

If you’re an AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile/Sprint iPhone customer and are planning, at any point during your trip, to use a data network to access the web or use emails, you are strongly advised to get some sort of plan (unless you plan to buy a SIM card in Europe for your phone). Otherwise, it will cost you. (AT&T, for example, charges a hefty $2.05 per MB without a plan. Sure, that sounds like pennies, but it gets ugly quickly!)

Click through to read more about international data and phone plans for AT&T customers and for Verizon customers.

T-Mobile (and former Sprint) customers who have signed up for one of the carrier’s “Go5G” plans are in much better shape, as the carrier offers free text messaging and data use throughout Europe and phone calls for $0.25 per minute. Note that T-Mobile does not have individual plans for international use. Instead, its usual “Go5G”, “Go5G Next”, or “Go5G Plus” plans are suitable for using abroad for data, texts, and calls and are already set for international roaming.

If you are a T-Mobile customer with a Go5G plan, congrats. You don’t really need to follow the rest of this article or change the way that your phone is set up. Just know that those phone calls will be billed at an additional $0.25 per minute.

How much data do you need?

Let’s imagine that you’ve signed up a plan that comes with 1 GB of data, unlimited texting, and phone calls at $0.35 per minute. What exactly does 1 GB represent?

As I mention in this post, here are some data use estimates:

• Sending or receiving an email (without attachment): Approx. 20 KB per email; (with attachment) Approx. 300 KB per email

• Loading 1 webpage: 1 MB per page

• Streaming music: 500 KB / minute (30 MB / hour)

• Streaming video (standard quality): 2 MB / minute

I’m going to assume that we’re all steering clear of streaming music and video while traveling (when not connected to Wi-Fi), and that your data use primarily consists of checking emails, using Google Maps and pulling up an occasional web page.

If you just stick to emails (and don’t open any large attachments), you could download or send thousands of normal-sized emails with the 1 GB plan! That’s, um, quite enough for me (especially while on vacation!).

But hey, everyone’s data needs are different. Check out AT&Ts handy data calculator to estimate how much data you require. This is especially handy if you plan to browse the web or (heaven forbid!) fire up your apps.

How to set up your iPhone for international travel

Okay, you’re ready to configure your phone. The following is how I set up an older iPhone for travel. Note that new phone models may have different locations for some of the settings listed below. We’ve included instructions for older and newer models.

Also, please note: Buying a European SIM card for your phone or an unlocked phone you purchase for travel is a relatively simple and cheaper alternative to all of this. Be sure to read our guide to this option, as well.

1. Turn off data roaming.

First things first. Turn off your data roaming to stop your phone from hooking up with a data network while traveling.

Chances are your carrier doesn’t operate cell towers in the country you’re visiting. Thus, if you need to access a data network, your phone will need to roam around and find a network with which it can work. By turning this off, you’re effectively blocking your phone from joining these partner networks.

Note: When you do want to use your data plan and access these data networks, you’ll flip this button back on. But remember, as a default, it’s best to keep this off.

Older iPhones

Go to: Settings > Cellular > Data Roaming. Turn off.

(To make it easy, the iPhone even says “Turn data roaming off when traveling to avoid charges when web browsing and using email and other data services.”)

Newer iPhones

For newer models, go to: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming. Turn off.

2. Turn off Cellular Data.

When I’m traveling in Europe, I usually turn off my cellular data, as well. Even if I’ve been assured many times by AT&T that I only need to turn off Data Roaming, I still turn off cellular data, just to make sure that my phone is blocked from using data until I want it to use data. (Apple also suggests turning both off when traveling abroad.)

By turning off your cellular data, you effectively block your phone from accessing all data networks, restricting its use to placing calls and sending SMS text messages, although you can use all of your other features (apps, email, Internet, iMessage) when you connect it to a Wi-Fi network.

Note that if you flip the order of #1 and #2 here, turning off your cellular data first, your data roaming will also turn off. You can’t roam for data if you’ve already turned off your phone’s access to data.

As with data roaming, if you want to use your data package, you’ll need to turn cellular data back on, then turn on data roaming.

For both old and new iPhone models, go to: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data. Turn off. (Note that “Enable LTE” will also disappear as soon as you turn off Cellular Data.)

3. Cut off your apps’ cellular data connection.

Your apps can’t work without a data connection or a Wi-Fi network. Even so, you should go in through your cellular settings and manually turn your apps off to prevent them from hogging your data plan.

But wait, if you’re planning to already turn off your cellular data (by following the two previous steps), isn’t this a bit redundant? Not necessarily.

Don’t forget that many of us allow our apps to send us push notifications and to run on their own in the background. If you keep all of them activated, the moment that you turn on your data roaming in Paris to check your emails, they could kick into gear, tearing through your data allotment.

To prevent this, take a moment to scroll through your list of apps and turn off their data connection, one by one. (Note that you’ll need to do this prior to turning off your cellular data, as turning off your cellular data makes these buttons inaccessible.)

Once these apps have had their cellular data access turned off, they will still be usable over a Wi-Fi network. If you wish to use cellular data for these apps (for example, using Google Maps over cellular data, which I do all the time from abroad), simply turn them back on when you need them!

Older iPhones

Go to: Settings > Cellular > Use Cellular Data For. Turn off apps, one by one.

Newer iPhones

Go to: Settings > Cellular. Scroll down past the “Add eSim” section to the apps. Turn off apps, one by one.

4. Reset your statistics and monitor your data usage.

This one is fun and essential. At the very bottom of the “Cellular” page is a simple little link that states, “Reset Statistics”. Once you’ve arrived abroad, click this link and start tracking your international data usage. You’ll see your total data usage and your telephone usage at the top of the “Cellular” page (under “Cellular Data Usage”).

Keep track of your usage here and you shouldn’t come home to any unpleasant billing surprises, especially if you’ve purchased the right data package for your trip.

The only hiccup with this, unfortunately, is that the stats aren’t always totally up-to-date. It turns out that AT&T can have delays in reporting international data usage (as international carriers are actually providing you with the network and then, later, reporting it back to AT&T). I’d suggest erring on the side of caution here.

For both older and newer iPhone models, go to: Settings > Cellular > Reset Statistics. Click it.

5. Turn “Fetch New Data” to “Manual” to stop automatic email downloads.

When I’m traveling, I also turn off my phone’s ability to automatically check and download emails. Even if my data roaming is almost always set to “off” (preventing me from accessing emails), I still don’t like my phone automatically fetching anything the moment I turn the data roaming to “on”.

Older iPhones

Go to: Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars > Fetch New Data. Switch “Push” to “Off” and click “Manually” at the bottom of the screen under “Fetch”.

Newer iPhones

Go to: Settings > Mail > Accounts > Fetch New Data. Switch “Push” to “Off” and click “Manually” at the bottom of the screen under “Fetch”.

Once switched to “Manually”, you’ll be able to check and send emails by turning on your data roaming and cellular data, then opening your mail program. Simple.

6. Turn off iMessage.

This one drives me crazy. iMessage has made it quick and easy to send messages to other iMessage users on Apple devices over a Wi-Fi network without being charged for sending a text. That’s great, but iMessage uses a Wi-Fi network to send and receive your messages, so if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, it won’t work. Your message will just sit out there, and not get delivered until you connect to Wi-Fi.

The solution? I choose to send old fashioned text messages (through SMS) when traveling. AT&T’s International Pass includes unlimited SMS texting, so these texts don’t cost me anything extra to send.

To force your phone (any model) to turn off iMessage, go to: Settings > Messages > iMessage. Turn off.

Note that you might still encounter iMessage problems, even with it turned off. Others might send you an iMessage, but it won’t be delivered until you connect to a Wi-Fi network. When I’m traveling and expecting a text from a friend and suspect that iMessage is to blame, I sometimes send them a text to say, “If you’re trying to text me, make sure your iMessage is turned off!”

Call home for pennies (or free) with the Skype iPhone app.

7. Paranoid? Put your phone in airplane mode.

If you’ve followed the steps above, you’ve now turned off your data roaming, cellular data, apps and email from running in the background. What’s still working?

Well, for starters, your phone! You will now still be able to make and receive telephone calls (provided that you’ve called your carrier and have activated your phone for international use). You will also be able to send and receive regular old SMS text messages (if you’ve turned off iMessage).

However, this might still make you uncomfortable. Perhaps you don’t want people to be able to get in touch with you. (Don’t forget that you’ll be charged for incoming calls and for listening to your voicemail.)

If this is you (and it was me for many years, so there’s no shame), you can place your phone in “airplane mode” and simply rely upon Wi-Fi networks to use the web, send emails, and use apps. This is a great solution if you want to place calls through your Skype app, for example, and never want to pay for a call.

Traveling through Europe on airplane mode does offer peace of mind, as it takes away any insecurity that your phone is secretly drinking up your data plan. However, it can also feel quite limiting, as you won’t be able to send and receive text messages in real time (except through iMessage or Facebook Messenger when you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network), or place standard phone calls.

If this is for you, go to: Settings > Airplane Mode. Turn on.

If using your phone in Airplane Mode, note that you’ll need to then switch “Wi-Fi” to “On” and choose a Wi-Fi network.

Also in our Guide to using an American iPhone in Europe

Using an American iPhone in Europe… without Going Broke

Tips for AT&T Customers

Tips for Windows and Android Customers

Tips for Verizon Customers

AT&T vs Verizon: A comparison of international plans

Note: This article was updated in December 2024 with extensive new information.

The post How to set up your American iPhone when traveling in Europe to avoid a billing “surprise” appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

From hotels to flights, rental cars, and train tickets, there are several things to keep in mind before you hit “book”. Regular readers might recognize a few of these tips from posts in previous years (including “10 Ways to Save Before Leaving for Europe”). They’ve been included below if they’re still important today, and if they represent a budget travel faux pas worth avoiding.

Related: The best budget hotels in Paris, Venice, Barcelona, and London.

Note: This post was updated in September 2024 with new information and current pricing.

1. Don’t over-pack your itinerary with too many destinations.

American travelers (myself included) tend to over-pack our itineraries when planning trips to Europe. It’s understandable — for many, vacation days are scarce and trips abroad infrequent. There’s a natural tendency to try to jam as many cities and countries as possible into our trips, as we don’t always know when we’ll be back!

However, this can be costly (not to mention exhausting), as over-packing trips with too many destinations in too few days leads to more time on the road, and more gas or train tickets. In extreme cases, it can sabotage a trip, turning it into a blur of hotel check-ins and check-outs (with constant packing and unpacking), while watching a never-visited landscape race past the car windows. If possible, slow down. You’ll save on transportation and gain more time to explore your destinations.

Looking for a helpful itinerary? Check out our 10-day itineraries for Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

On Kayak, click into “Multi-city” to search for flights into one city and home from another.

2. Don’t race back to fly home.

When searching for flights from North America to Europe, don’t forget about “multi-city” and “open jaw” tickets. These are flights into one destination and home from another. These tickets often cost about the same amount as simple round-trip flights, but, depending on your itinerary, can save you the hassle and expense of returning to your arrival city.

For example, imagine you’re flying from Atlanta to Paris and then spending 10 days visiting France and Italy, winding up in Rome. You might instinctively book round-trip tickets from Atlanta to Paris, and then try to figure out how to speed from Rome back up to Paris at the end of the trip to fly home. Instead, click into “multiple destinations” or “multi-city” when researching flights, and search for Atlanta to Paris, and then Rome to Atlanta. You can often find a flight for about the same price as the simple round-trip airfare.

Note: If you’re planning to rent a car, “open jaw” flight can make rentals a bit trickier and more expensive. It’s almost always cheaper to pick up and drop off the car in the same location, and dropping off in a different country can add a huge fee to your rental (we’re talking about hundreds of euros). However, you could still book an “open jaw,” rent a car for travel in one country and then switch to train tickets for reaching the last leg of your trip.

3. Don’t assume you need to rent a car from day one.

Many travelers renting a car for their trip instinctively start their rental on the day they arrive, picking it up at the airport. However, if you’re planning to spend at least one day visiting your arrival city, you shouldn’t rent that car until you’re leaving town. This will help you save on the rental and parking, and help preserve your fragile jet-lagged sanity.

For example, imagine that you’re flying into Rome, spending two days visiting the city, and then heading off to explore Italy by car for a week. Start the car rental on the third day of your trip (the day you’re leaving town, not arriving). You’re going to be visiting Roman ruins and the great sights of the central historic city and the Vatican—the last thing you’re going to want to think about (or pay for!) is parking. You’ll be getting around by foot, bus, and Metro, or taxi.

The same holds for Paris, Amsterdam, London, Barcelona… really any major city with a well-preserved historic center. Driving your way around the town’s big sights isn’t going to happen (or at least it’s not going to happen twice). That car will wind up in an expensive garage.

Get the car on your way out of town. This will also give you flexibility in terms of pickup location, as rental car agencies offer a wide variety of pickup spots in most major cities, often with many options around the major train stations.

Related: Search rental cars in Europe | How to calculate the “real cost” of renting a car

The Hotel de Nice in Paris won’t show up on page one, but it’s worth filtering for.

4. Look past page one for that hotel.

So you’re searching, and searching, and searching for that perfect hotel. Remember when researching on most major hotel reservation websites that the hotel results are often ranked by those that the website wants you to book. In most cases, these “page one” results are hotels that pay the site the highest commission. It’s in the website’s best interest to show you these hotels first.

For budget-minded travelers, this often means looking past these “page one” results, no matter how many bells, whistles, and “Only 1 room left!” freak-out messages they throw at you. Filter by guest rating, neighborhood, and price, and start digging around to find the good stuff.

On EuroCheapo, we’re a bit different as we’ve already done this filtering and ranking for you (and we don’t believe in freak-out messages). We list our hotels by “CheapoFactor,” which is a formula that presents the top-rated hotels (including those reviewed by our editors) that have the lowest rates in the most central neighborhood. If you do a hotel search (in the box above or from our homepage) you’ll see these hotels by default.

Related: Our favorite cheap hotels in Paris packed with old-world charm

5. Don’t sacrifice location for small hotel savings.

If you’re struggling to decide between hotels that are within your budget, I recommend giving preference to the hotel with the more central location. Budget travelers, in particular, have a tendency to choose a hotel in a far-flung location that’s €10 cheaper than one in a more central neighborhood. I’m a strong proponent of paying a bit more for something more central, as you’ll save time and money on transportation (especially if you wind up taking taxis).

Related: How to save on hotels in Europe

You can almost always save by not using a rail pass. Above, Munich’s main station. Photo: jseita

6. Don’t assume that you need to buy a rail pass.

As we’ve mentioned in several posts throughout the years on the blog, European rail passes sold to American travelers usually don’t save you any money. Unless you’re spending most of your travel days taking long-distance high-speed trains, buying a rail pass is probably going to be an unnecessary expense.

These days, the official websites of Europe’s main railways (SNCF in France, Trenitalia in Italy, Renfe in Spain, and Deutsche Bahn in Germany, among many others) are easily searched in English and offer great deals on high-speed and long-distance trains when booked a few months in advance. Buy these tickets like the locals: Book early and get great discounts.

For example, during a recent to Paris, Munich, and Venice, I took two trips by train, one high-speed (TGV and ICE) from Paris to Munich, and one Intercity train from Munich to Venice, on a romantic voyage straight through the Alps. Booked directly through the official rail websites about two weeks before the trip, the first ticket cost €74, while the second trip was only €69. These two trips covered several countries and cost only €143 for first-class travel. A rail pass would not have made these more affordable.

Having said that, there are still some reasons why you might want to book a rail pass. They do allow for greater flexibility in your schedule — you can determine your schedule at the last minute and not worry about paying more for the ticket (although you still risk sold-out trains). And yes, if you plan to take a great number of long-distance trains, it can pay for itself. They come with some other benefits, as well, like a family discount that allows two children to travel for free with a Eurail pass-carrying adult.

Related: Read previous posts about booking rail tickets, how to book slower trains in Europe, the three-month rule for high-speed tickets, how to save on French rail tickets, and booking German rail tickets.

7. Don’t pre-book the small stuff.

It’s now easier than ever to pre-book activities in each of the cities you’ll be visiting. You can book museum tickets and passes, walking tours, boat cruises… The list is endless and quite tempting. However, try to remain calm and limit the number of smaller activities that you pre-book, as you risk wasting cash and causing disappointment.

In the fun lead-up to your departure, there’s a tendency to forget about the unplanned realities that always creep into a trip. Things happen, people get tired, blisters form, the weather doesn’t cooperate. Making plans and compiling itineraries is a great idea — but pre-booking every small attraction puts you at the risk of burning out, skipping things, and wasting money. You’re not going to know what speed you’re able to travel at until you get on the ground.

Having said that, a couple of high-profile sights are worth pre-booking, especially during high season when their lines could lead to long waits, or worse, not being able to get in (I’m looking at you, Louvre…).

These include:

• tickets to the Eiffel Tower (book in advance through the tower’s website)
• tickets to the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay
• tickets to the Alhambra in Granada,
• the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam
• tickets to the Vatican museums
• tickets to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (again, skip the ticket line)

8. Don’t write off guidebooks.

Okay, I know that I’ll hear from detractors on this one, as it’s now fashionable to ditch heavy guidebooks in favor of apps and free information that you can pull up on your phone, tablet, and laptop. But I’m here to say that the best guidebooks out there can greatly enrich your trip and yes, can help you save time and cash by allowing you to put away your electronic devices.

When I was in Athens on a recent trip, I spent several days running around town with my Rick Steves‘ guidebook, following their informative (and often humorous) walking tours, getting restaurant advice, and gaining an understanding of how the city worked. That book was my companion, folded, dog-eared, and often tucked under my arm. Its value became doubly-obvious when I witnessed a couple in the ancient Agora trying to read information off of their iPad in the blazing hot sun. It wasn’t happening.

Relying on electronics is risky and can be unnecessarily costly. Batteries die. Sun makes it hard to read. And data charges are incredibly expensive. Don’t underestimate the value that a $20 guidebook provides.

9. Don’t forget to call your phone carrier.

As we have written in several previous posts, if you plan to use your phone abroad, call your carrier before leaving to discuss your international options. First, you should make sure that your phone works abroad and has been activated for international use. Secondly, you should discuss with your carrier the costs associated with using your phone to place calls, send texts, send emails, and access the internet.

AT&T, for example, has recently changed their international packages, and now offers an “International Day Pass”  that bundles together unlimited texting, data (to send emails and use the Web), and cheaper calling rates. These packages start at $12 per day and make good sense for anyone considering using their phone while traveling. (Verizon offers similar plans.)

“Winging it” without knowing how much you’ll be charged is not recommended. Call your carrier, get a plan if you plan to use your phone, and then make sure you set up your phone to avoid accidental data charges (in brief: turn off cellular data and restrict the number of apps that can use cellular data). And, as a plan, stick to free Wi-Fi networks for downloading and sending emails, checking the Web, and using apps.

Another option? Buy a SIM card for your phone when you get to Europe. Here’s our handy guide: Buying a SIM Card in Europe: The cheapest way to use a smartphone while traveling. We have also done the research to find the best SIM Cards to use in France, Spain, and Germany.

Withdrawing cash from ATM machines like this one in Berlin is almost always cheaper than converting dollars on your own. Photo: skohlmann

10. Don’t waste money getting euros before the trip.

Should you buy euros before your trip to Europe? Travelers waste a lot of money purchasing euros from their bank (or worse yet, from a currency exchange counter) before arriving in Europe. In most cases when exchanging money from home before a trip, you will pay dearly in fees, lousy exchange rates, or both. If exchanging a bit makes you more relaxed, go for it — just don’t overdo it.

I often arrive in Europe without a euro in my pocket. I head straight away to an ATM at the airport and withdraw cash using my American ATM card. It’s simple, and the exchange rate that I’m getting for the transaction is almost certainly better than any rate I’d get from my bank back home (especially once fees are factored in). Call your bank before you leave to ask about international ATM transaction fees, as they vary widely depending on the bank, the type of account you have (banks often wave transaction fees for premium accounts), and the type of ATM accessed abroad (your bank may have international locations or partnerships with local banks).

What if there isn’t an ATM at the airport? I’ve never experienced this. I have experienced long lines at the ATM, which has led me to use my credit card for purchases (rail or bus tickets into town, for example) until I found an ATM in the city without a line.

Related: Questions to ask your bank before you leave.

Your tips?

Have another mistake to avoid to add to our list? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Planning a trip to Europe? Avoid these 10 costly mistakes appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

One of the biggest obstacles can be the price. That cheap hotel room meant for two suddenly isn’t necessarily such a bargain. That rental car to explore the countryside is quite expensive when there’s only one credit card to cover it. And those fun dinners where you share five of the best dishes off the menu? That’s going to be financially trickier when you’re on your own.

However, traveling alone offers some benefits not available to those sharing their journey with others. And if all goes right, you’ll come back from a solo excursion with a few exciting stories, fun photos, and maybe even some new friends. Here are a few tips to help you master the art of solo travel and save along the way.

Related: Tips for traveling solo in Paris

12 tips for solo travel in Europe

Why even travel alone?

There are countless upsides to traveling by yourself. It’s fun to make your own schedule, change plans on a whim, and just go wherever the path leads you. You are free, and as I’ll point out below, this freedom extends to what you eat, where you go, and even with whom you socialize. You’re in charge.

Traveling alone can be beneficial for introverts and extroverts. I’m happily married, but as an only child, I learned to enjoy spending hours on end by myself. As a result, spending a few weeks traveling solo in Europe might seem less daunting for me than for people who are used to constant companionship. However, even super social personalities who like to be surrounded by companions can benefit from taking off alone — shaking up your routine (even your social routine), can be a very rewarding experience.

A note for solo female travelers

I should point out right off the bat that, yes, I am a man traveling by myself. Other than a few sketchy characters and close calls with bags being stolen, I have always felt safe when traveling in Europe. Female travelers, of course, should also feel quite safe traveling solo, but they do have to be mindful of other safety issues that I might take for granted.

However, most of these are common sense concerns that you already follow when you’re not traveling (and we’ve chronicled them before, for example in these articles about solo female travel in Barcelona and Dublin). Europe is, overall, a very safe place for women to travel by themselves (and, in terms of crime, safer than traveling in the US).

For much on this topic, check out Journeywoman.com for great tips for both group and solo female travelers.

1. Get outside of your head and meet people

Although some argue that it’s easier to meet new people in a group setting, I believe that when you travel on your own, it forces you to make a decision really fast. And I’m not just talking about, “Should I go to the Louvre or Versailles today?” I’m talking about something philosophically deeper: Do I spend my whole trip inside my head or do I jump at the chance to interact with those around me?

My advice: Get outside of your head. It’s great to be contemplative, of course, but when you’re ready for it, look around and open up.

Just read the situation in which you find yourself. In a smoky bar in Berlin in the middle of the day where everyone is sitting alone? Probably not a good time to start up a chat. But if you’re at the convivial pub at happy hour and the locals are just settling in for a drink, then you can probably trust that you will find a welcome patron with whom you can strike up a chat.

My best advice for socializing on your own? Push outside your comfort zone. Don’t be shy. Put down your phone. Crack a smile. Attempt a “bonjour” or “ciao”, and just go with it. (Seriously, put down your phone.)

A “superior single” room at Hotel Rivoli is about €20 cheaper per night than a double. Photo: Booking.com

2. Book a small single to save

Accommodation can be the hardest place to save money when you go to Europe on your own. While one way is to opt for a dorm bed in a hostel (see below), what if you want your own room at a place with a bit of character? I recommend going for a small, independent hotel that offers deals on smaller single rooms.

While most chain hotels charge almost the same (if not exactly the same) price whether you are two or one in a room, luckily, in Europe, many of the classic cheapo hotels that we love offer reduced rates for one person. And if you don’t mind sharing a bathroom, you’ll save even more. Check out these favorite hotels in Paris, Rome, or any of these cities in Europe.

If you’re staying in one of these small, family-run hotels, try to book something with an included (or at least moderately priced) breakfast. It can offer a great chance to meet fellow travelers and exchange tips. You might also (if you want it) wind up hanging out or dining together.

3. Mix and mingle at a hostel

By design, staying in a hostel is a very social experience that’s open to travelers of all ages. From the moment you check in, you are part of a community that loves the traveling way of life. Every hostel is different, but you can usually find people hanging out in the common areas or lobby, planning their day or chatting away.

You can also try to strike up a conversation with a dorm mate. Even if you book a private room, you still get the social aspect of a hostel by mingling or checking out a happy hour or special social event. Many hostel employees are great sources for local advice and can book cheap tours or local experiences that you might have missed staying at a traditional hotel.

We list hostels all over Europe (do a search for your city, then filter by “hostel”), but some favorites include the Stayokay Amsterdam, Circus in Berlin and Living Lounge in Lisbon.

4. Throw a picnic…

I don’t usually enjoy eating dinner at restaurants by myself when I’m on the road. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for it, but with my philosophy, I actually spend a lot less on food when traveling alone. Grabbing street food, visiting local markets, and picking something up at the supermarket is more than enough to get a taste of the local cuisine in the evenings. In fact, having a picnic on a park bench is one of the best ways to experience a city and enjoy tasty food for only a few euros.

5. Spring for a prix-fixe lunch…

However, when I do decide on a big meal for the day, I almost always choose lunch. Not only are the tabs cheaper, but the scene is usually more relaxed, and I’ve enjoyed many more pleasant interactions with locals and staff on a weekday afternoon than any Friday night. Plus, many lovely restaurants across Europe offer incredible lunch deals.

In fact, finding a meal for €10 or less (including a glass of wine!) is not uncommon. Check out some of our favorite spots in Barcelona, Stockholm, and Paris. Just be wary of very touristy areas: If you see a menu in 20 languages with photos, keep walking.

6. Or eat at the bar

When you do eat dinner by yourself, don’t be intimidated by what sometimes can be a single-unfriendly scene. Go in, ask for a table for one, and make yourself at home. I find that it’s helpful to bring along a newspaper or book. This can also be a good time to catch up on your travel journal.

If you can eat at the bar or counter, it can also be a great spot to chat with other single travelers or with the bartender (and maybe get a nice top off on that drink!).

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a pint all by yourself. Photo: Matthew Black

7. Grab a drink after dinner

Rather than spending too much money on an expensive meal after the sun goes down, I save my euros and pounds for a few drinks at a local bar, where your cash will go much farther than back home. A single beer in New York is now hovering around $8-9. That’s usually two rounds in Europe! You see where I’m going with this. Plus, a friendly pub is almost always a better spot to strike up a conversation than in a restaurant. And if you don’t drink, many bars serve a decent espresso.

If I’m feeling less social, I might just bring a pack of postcards, grab a table in the corner of a pub, and spend a few hours connecting with people back home the old-fashioned way. It’s much more fun than typing an email on your smartphone.

8. Trains: Head to the cafe car

Buses may often be cheaper than trains in Europe, but trains are the perfect transportation for the solo traveler. You almost always sit with at least one stranger, so you might have a chance to make a new friend or learn a few local tips.

When you need to stretch your legs, you can head for the dining car. One sure way to strike up a conversation is to buy a glass of wine or beer in the dining car and hang out for a while. At some point, you’ll find someone in the same situation looking for a chat. (Read more about trains in Europe.)

For public transportation, buses can be a fun way to see a city. In London, the double-decker buses are a great choice for the solo traveler, especially if you can snag the front seat. Break out your camera and enjoy the ride.

9. Learn the language (at least a few words)

Knowing even a few phrases can go a long way in Europe and certainly help the single traveler socialize a bit. Even though many Europeans speak at least a bit of English (especially in the most tourist-friendly destinations), when you get to smaller towns or explore more off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, you can’t expect your barista, shop owner, or bus driver to speak English. Why should they?

Spend some time learning a few basic words, to not only help you get around but to also show your respect for local customs. You’d be surprised how a little effort can go a long way. Plus, knowing the right words can save you a lot of money when placing orders at markets and restaurants. Here are a few phrases in French and Spanish to get you started!

10. Join a guided tour

A guided walking, bike, or bus tour can be an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of local culture and history and offer a chance to meet new people along the way. Just make sure you’re prepared to commit to the duration of the tour (they can sometimes eat up several hours of your schedule). You can also book super social tours that include meals and bar stops, as well. These can be great ways to bust out of your shell if you’ve been feeling a bit introverted.

I prefer to roam and wander on my own, but I have taken a few tours that have really opened my eyes to new places. Museum tours are highly recommended to get an overview of a collection, especially when your flying solo and want to get your nose out of a guidebook!

11. Find your scene

What’s your “scene” back home? You can probably find something related to it wherever you travel — but with a twist. Whether you love the theater, art, music, or tango dancing, most big cities in Europe will offer a community that you can tap into. These can offer wonderful opportunities for meeting people and experiencing what you love, but with a new twist, that’s specific to the place you’re visiting.

For example, I’m an independent cinema buff, and Europe is a paradise for this. While many small theaters have died off in the US, cities like Paris boast beautiful movie theaters where you can see everything from classic revivals to new indie films. Seeing Federico Fellini’s “Roma” in Rome on my first trip to Italy is still one of the highlights of all of my travel experiences.

12. Get out of your comfort zone

Traveling with a friend or a significant other is, of course, wonderful — and it’s how many of us spend most of our time traveling. However, when traveling with others it’s easy to get into a routine, similar to that of your normal non-traveling life, that might also shelter you from new experiences.

When you’re traveling solo, however, you have the chance to do something different. Push yourself outside your comfort zone to try new experiences. If you usually sleep in, try getting up early on your trip. You’ll see a totally different city at 7 a.m. than 10 a.m. when the city is buzzing with people rushing to work. You’re normally a bit introverted? Push yourself to start up a conversation with the guy at the table next to you.

You’re traveling on your own. Take advantage of the fact that right now, this very second, you’re free to break your own rules. Go for it.

Your tips for traveling solo?

Do you have any tricks for traveling on your own in Europe or any stories from your adventures? Let us know!

The post 12 tips for traveling solo in Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

So should you buy euros before leaving? And if so, where?

It’s a great question — and it depends upon on a few factors. But first, my general rule of thumb:

Generally speaking… no need.

In most cases for Americans heading off to major European destinations, my answer is to just say “no” to buying euros in advance in the States. Unless you have a great bank that doesn’t charge for the service — and gives real exchange rates, not lousy inflated rates — those euros will be overpriced.

And, furthermore, for the most part, they’re unnecessary.

Since I first published this article several years ago, credit and debit card usage throughout Europe (even for small purchases!) has become much more widely accepted. I moved last year to Switzerland, where even the smallest charges can be made using a debit card — I honestly go weeks without getting Swiss Francs. There’s simply no need.

Thus, as a tourist arriving in Europe, I recommend that you first ensure that your card will work abroad (by contacting your bank back home before your trip, see below) and, once you’ve arrived, withdraw the local currency from an ATM at the airport.

Or even simpler, just use your credit card to buy train or bus tickets into town (or splurge on a taxi), and then withdraw euros (or Swiss Francs or Pounds, etc.) from an ATM once you’ve checked into your hotel.

And for the most part, that’s that. Easy-peasy.

Photo by Eduardo Soares on Unsplash

But, what happens if…

I know, this doesn’t really do much to calm the nerves, right? What happens if you wind up in a vulnerable position? What happens if the airport doesn’t have an ATM and you can’t, for some reason, buy a ticket into town or pay for a taxi with your credit card?

Well, chances are very strong that they’ll still have a currency exchange counter. If you find yourself in this unlikely situation, you can head over to the counter and cash in some US dollars. (It’s always a good idea to bring some along for emergencies.)

However, it’s worth noting that this string of circumstances will probably not apply to airports into which you’d initially be touching down in Europe.

If you’re flying from the States to Europe, you’re most likely landing in a major European destination (including all capital cities). These airports will have bank machines. Some examples:

• Amsterdam Schiphol: There are three currency exchange stations, complete with bank machines, after security checkpoint and one before.
• Barcelona-El Prat Airport: Many ATMs for different Spanish banks in both terminals.
• London Heathrow: Many ATM options to pick up some GBP.
• Paris Charles De Gaulle: 25 HSBC ATMs throughout the terminals.
• Rome Fiumicino: Multiple ATMs in the terminals.
• Venice Marco Polo: YEX for currency exchange is available in the arrivals hall.
• Zurich Airport: The Swiss love their banks, and their Swiss Francs. ATMs are not hard to find.

If you’re arriving into another airport, visit the official website of the airport and you’ll be able to check on ATM and bank services, along with public transit options.

Photo by Ibrahim Boran on Unsplash

Who should buy euros in advance?

If you’ve made it this far in the article and you’re still nervous about traveling without any euros (or GBP or Swiss Francs, etc.) in your pocket, by all means, pick some up ahead of time — it’s not worth worrying about, especially if it’ll prevent you from relaxing and enjoying your flight.

However, do your best to not get taken for a ride by your bank (and avoid these other costly mistakes before your trip to Europe). Understand from your bank what exchange rate you’ll be given and whether or not they’ll be taking a commission or adding a service charge.

Also, be very wary of buying them at your departure airport back in the States. Ask for a printout of exactly what you’ll be paying before handing over any cash — and be sure to know the current exchange rate. (Warning: It’s not going to be pretty.)

If buying euros in advance, whatever you do, don’t overdo it! In almost every case, euros you can get abroad from an ATM will be cheaper than those you can get back in the States. When buying in advance, get just enough to give you a comfortable cushion and get you through a day’s worth of emergency expenses.

An ATM machine in Europe. Photo: Marco

A few notes about using ATMs abroad

1. Ask your bank about ATM fees before leaving

First, be sure to call your bank before your trip to tell them that you’ll be in traveling in Europe (to ensure that your card will work), and, while on the phone, ask how much you’ll be charged for each withdrawal.

Each bank is different, so know what you’re dealing with. Do they charge a percentage or a per-withdrawal fee? If it’s the latter, you’ll want to make as few trips as possible to the ATM. Here’s a list of questions to ask them.

2. Stick to official bank ATMs

When using ATMs abroad, stick to cash machines that are associated with major banks (look for those located inside bank lobbies or on the side of bank building). Make sure you see a bank logo somewhere on the cash machine or signage.

Steer clear of “stand-alone” cash machines that aren’t a part of a bank, especially in tourist centers. These might actually be associated with overpriced currency exchange services. (Chances are you’ll end up paying a service charge AND get a lousy exchange rate.)

3. When paying with a credit card — pay in the local currency.

It’s likely that at some point during your trip when paying with a credit card, the payment screen will ask you if you’d like to pay in the local currency (euros, Swiss Francs, etc.) or pay in US dollars. While this might strike you as helpful (how nice of them to convert for me!), just say no. The bank is simply adding one more currency conversion for them to skim a little extra cash from. Pay in the local currency.

Stash away some euros for next time!

One last note: If possible, at the end of your trip, try to set some euros aside for your next European adventure. There’s no need to splurge at the airport on the way home (although a Duty Free binge can usually help cast aside the end-of-the-trip doldrums).

Instead, keep your unused euro bills and coins in a special place, like your dresser. Sometimes, a few euro bills in your sock drawer can be all the encouragement you need!

Your tips for buying euros

Do you buy euros before you get on the plane? Tell us what you do when you’re heading across the pond.

Read more of our best European tips:
• Planning a trip to Europe? Avoid these 10 mistakes!
• A guide to buying a SIM Card in Europe
• How long can you stay in Europe with an American passport

This article was edited and updated on April 30, 2024.

The post Should you buy euros before your trip to Europe? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

With an expansive Egyptian collection, some enormous French canvases, and one curious little Italian who gets a whole wall to herself, the Louvre can take days to appreciate fully. But who has the time or stamina to see it all?

Related: Cheap hotels near the Louvre

6 Louvre tips to save time and energy

If you’re heading to the Louvre for the first time, here are some tips to help you survive the experience and to come out still smiling, just like the museum’s most famous resident…

1. Book your tickets in advance

Here’s the thing: Even though tickets are €2 cheaper when purchased at the museum, entry is not guaranteed — and you may not be able to enter, due to overcrowding. So these days, we actually recommend booking your tickets in advance, with a timed entry, in order to guarantee admission.

Adult tickets are €17 when booked online with a timed entry. Closed Tuesday.

2.  Pack accordingly

While you aren’t exactly trekking the Andes, going through the Louvre is physically taxing. Bringing a small snack or bottle of water in a bag can help subdue any irritation that may occur while struggling to find an exit, bathroom, or place to sit for a rest. It can also get warm in the Louvre at some points, so have a layer or two ready to remove.

Related: 10 Ways to prepare for your trip to Paris

There’s always a crowd around the famous Venus de Milo. Photo: Ming

3. Make a game plan

Take a map and take a moment to sit (emphasis on sit) and plan. The Louvre is big. Very big. Wandering it aimlessly can be enjoyable if you have no agenda, but if you want to see the major sights or any specific wings, make sure you plan a rough route first.

There are maps of the Louvre online that you can use to plan out your route before you enter the museum. Or, you can get a map upon entry and take a minute to devise a plan of action so that you don’t get lost.

Otherwise, you’ll be knee-deep in the Egyptian wing before you realize you want to see the kings’ crowns, the Venus de Milo, and the statue garden with no logical way to tie them all together.

4. See the “big three” while you have energy

See the highlights first while you still have the energy to fight the crowds, especially if traveling with children. The big three are the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory statue perched atop one of the majestic staircases. With signs pointing the way, it’s not hard to find them but plan on hitting them right away and then escaping to lesser-traveled galleries already feeling accomplished.

Keep in mind that the Mona Lisa is a tiny painting that is secured behind a bulletproof case and is separated by a physical barrier. If you’re dreaming of analyzing the brush strokes up close, you’re probably better off looking at high-resolution pictures of the painting online at home.

Enter through the Carrousel du Louvre to avoid lines. Photo: Guilhem

5. Enter through a different entrance

Know your entrance options. Most people enter at the glass pyramid in the courtyard of the Louvre, which is fine if there’s no line. But the safer bet is to enter into the Carrousel du Louvre, the underground shopping mall, toward an inverted glass pyramid (think Da Vinci Code) by the Apple store. At this entrance, the security line is often nonexistent.

Moreover, you can also enter through Rue Rivoli. This entrance links into the Carrousel du Louvre, and if you exit from Metro line 1 (Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre), you’ll only have to walk about a minute to enter the Louvre from Rue Rivoli.

But wait there’s more: If you already have a ticket (see tip #1), you can also enter along the Quai Francois Mitterrand. Check out this cool interactive map of the Louvre’s entrances for the latest information.

Related: 10 Tips for riding the Paris Metro like a local

6.  Consider the audio guide

While it sounds lame, be warned: Most of the signs in the Louvre are in French. So unless your French is up to snuff, you might not know exactly what you’re looking at. And with 35,000 pieces of art and no stories to go with them, this could amount to some quick frustration for you and your travel mates. The Louvre audio guide might be a good bet. This audio guide costs €5 to rent.

7.  Save it for later

No one said you have to go to the Louvre immediately. If it’s a once in a lifetime trip that brings you to Paris, by all means, get in there. But if you’re already planning your next trip, then there’s no reason to rush inside. There’s no shortage of things to do in Paris, so either wait until you’ve experienced what you really want to get out of Paris or else wait for a drizzly day to appreciate all of the wonders this former palace contains.

Louvre Museum
Rue de Rivoli, 75001 in the 1st arrondissement
Hours: 9 am to 6 pm; closed on Tuesday
First Saturday of each month: the museum is open until 9:45 pm and admission is free starting at 6 pm
Admission: €17 (online), €15 (at the museum)

Also in our guide: Planning a trip to Paris right now? Head over to our Paris guide to read our hotel reviews. Our editors have visited, inspected and reviewed affordable hotels all over town, and recommended those we think are the best value. See advice on neighborhoods and discover our favorite cheap hotels in the City of Light.

Your Louvre survival tips?

Do you have another piece of advice for visiting the Louvre without losing your sanity? Tell us about it in our comments section below.

The post Paris: 7 tips for surviving the Louvre appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Manhattan Basics

The long, slender island of Manhattan is broken into neighborhoods in an organized, sensible way. Uptown is north, downtown is south, the west side hugs the Hudson River (next stop: New Jersey), and the east side flanks the East River with landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge.

Each neighborhood has its own character and attracts different kinds of people. Are you right for the Lower East Side, Hell’s Kitchen, TriBeCa, or somewhere in between? Decide after consulting these neighborhood descriptions.

Staying in the blocks near Central Park South gives you easy access to the park and to Midtown. Photo: Nouhailler

Central Park South

This micro-neighborhood—squeezed between the southern edge of Central Park and the much more bustling Theater District—is just about the dead center of Manhattan. Some people will choose this locale from 55th to 59th Street for close proximity to Central Park’s bike trails or sunbathing meadows, while others want to be near landmarks like Carnegie Hall and a variety of subway lines.

For nightlife, boutique shopping, and intimate restaurants—go elsewhere.

The High Line, an elevated outdoor park, draws throngs of tourists and locals to the west side of Chelsea. Photo: Michaeltk

Chelsea

Once you’ve seen the major midtown landmarks, you might want to get a feel for local neighborhoods instead. Chelsea, on the west side just north of the West Village, is home to blocks of historic brownstones, a thriving gallery scene, and a variety of businesses that cater to the local gay community.

One Chelsea highlight is the High Line, an old elevated train track that has been converted into a park with Hudson River views. This sophisticated neighborhood appeals to creative types seeking the latest in art and style.

Hotel suggestions: Try the Chelsea Inn or the Inn on 23rd.

East Village

The East Village may have shed some of its edgy reputation in recent decades, but it’s still one of Manhattan’s best hubs for cheap eats, rowdy bars, and affordable stores. These days you are just as likely to find a proper cocktail (with a proper price tag to match) as a cheap beer, but that’s part of today’s East Village appeal.

If late night pizza by the slice, noodle bars full of local NYU students, and streets with quirky characters sounds right up your alley—go with the East Village. Some streets may have been somewhat dodgy in the past, but are now safe.

Hotel suggestions: Try St. Marks Hotel or East Village Bed and Coffee.

Greenwich Village and West Village

There is a distinct energy in Greenwich Village, from the musicians playing in Washington Square Park to the cafés, used book stores, and cheap ethnic restaurants that cater to local NYU students. Late night the volume gets turned up a bit too loud around Bleecker and MacDougal streets, so visit during the day.

Or simply cross 7th Avenue into the West Village, home to some of Manhattan’s most charming (and confusing) streets, local bars, literary history, and every type of restaurant imaginable. Affordable hotel choices are slim, but worth investigating, as most New Yorkers dream of one day moving in to that perfect West Village apartment.

Hotel suggestions: Try the Jane Hotel or the Larchmont Hotel.

Hell’s Kitchen

The story of the westernmost area of Midtown is the story of ever-changing New York City: one of the least desirable neighborhoods is now red hot. The turf wars and crime scenes are gone from Hell’s Kitchen, with trendy wine bars and restaurants serving small plates taking over. If you want your New York with a bit of grit, it still exists in Hell’s Kitchen. Locals have followed the shiny new condos and promising young chefs into the neighborhood. For some of the best cheapo shopping in the city, check out the Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market.

Hotel suggestions: Try Hotel 414 or Yotel.

Lower East Side

A former tenement neighborhood full of immigrants, the Lower East Side is in a state of flux. Here, boutique hotels are located across the street from penny candy stores. Stylish young people share the streets with a new wave of immigrants and young families.

This is a neighborhood for the hungry: Eat your way through the Essex Street Market, tackle a huge pastrami sandwich at Katz’s Deli, or sample a classic New York sandwich of lox on a bagel at historic Russ and Daughters. Nightlife and live music thrive all week long here, with plenty of during-the-day things to do like exploring the Tenement Museum.

Hotel suggestions: Try Hotel East Houston or SoHotel.

Midtown East / Murray Hill

Stretching from Fifth Avenue east to the river, Midtown East is a neighborhood of skyscrapers filled with businesses. Visitors are drawn here by the iconic sights—Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library, the United Nations—but local character is just about absent. Sure, bars and restaurants are packed at Happy Hour with people just off work, but later the streets can feel a bit deserted. Stay here for a convenient, quiet base between downtown and midtown attractions, just don’t expect charming cafés and pretty brownstones.

Hotel suggestions: Try the Pod Hotel.

SoHo and TriBeCa

Short for “South of Houston,” SoHo has morphed from an artist’s enclave to upscale shopper’s paradise, but it is still home to some of the prettiest cobbled streets in the city. Scamper down Crosby Street to browse at the Housing Works Bookstore, stop into the Balthazar Bakery for the perfect croissant, or venture into west SoHo and check out the ‘hood’s Italian background at small shops like Alidoro for sandwiches or Joe’s Dairy for mozzarella made daily.

Short for Triangle Below Canal, TriBeCa is also home to cobbled, non-numbered streets that feel like a neighborhood. Expect to see mothers pushing strollers towards the farmer’s market as well as financial types stopping into the excellent local restaurants on their lunch break. An artistic background and a sophisticated edge combine in TriBeCa, where wine bars and new restaurants are opening at a quick pace. Nearby Chinatown is great for cheap eats. Both neighborhoods offer nightlife, but aren’t as rowdy (or young) as neighboring Lower East Side or East Village.

Hotel suggestions: Try Hotel Azure.

Staying near Times Square gives you easy access to theaters, Central Park, and lots of subways. Photo: Gane

Times Square / Theater District

Congestion is the best single word to describe Times Square and the Theater District. Many visitors think they want to stay here—especially with sights like the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, and Broadway theaters nearby—but clogged streets might make you think twice.

A better option might be to plan a visit to see the neon lights and electronic billboards, but choose a more local neighborhood instead. That being said, depending on the time of year, there are great deals to be found in the Times Square area, and the escape of Central Park is close by.

Hotel suggestions: Try the Ameritania or the Milford.

Union Square / Gramercy

If you want upscale, local, and somewhat quiet, set your sights on Union Square or Gramercy. Union Square is home to one of New York’s most beloved greenmarkets, a source of both delicious picnic supplies and entertaining people watching. Victorian townhouses line the leafy streets of Gramercy, along with a few historic pubs and dependable, small restaurants. With the East Village on its fringe, nightlife isn’t too far away from this quiet area.

Hotel suggestions: Try Ye Olde Carlton Arms Hotel.

Upper East Side

The Upper East Side is truly its own world, one where wealth is pretty normal and every block is home to a Chanel, Armani, or similar caliber store. However, beyond this façade is a local neighborhood, with small coffee shops, excellent bakeries, and some of the city’s best museums along Museum Mile. If you want to spend your days between the sunny paths of Central Park and the galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Upper East Side is a decent choice, but nightlife is pretty nonexistent and restaurants can be pricey. Keep in mind, the UES is a few short express subway stops away from a downtown neighborhood.

Upper West Side to Harlem

On the opposite side of the park, the Upper West Side is the down-to-earth sibling of its eastern neighbor. This residential area has historic bagel shops and classic food stores like Zabar’s, along with landmarks such as Lincoln Center and the Natural History Museum. Central Park is never too far away, and unlike the Upper East Side, affordable restaurant choices like Shake Shack are firmly rooted in the neighborhood.

At the northern stretches of Central Park is Harlem, a changing neighborhood that is attracting ever-more attention for its restaurants. These brownstone-lined streets often offer good bang for your buck.

Hotel suggestions: Try Harlem Flophouse.

The post New York City: Which neighborhood is right for your trip? appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Welcome, budget traveler!

If you’re looking for ways to make your upcoming trip to Europe more affordable, you’ve come to the right place. Since 2001, EuroCheapo has been helping travelers save in Europe. It’s what we do.

On the following pages we’ve compiled our top budget travel advice. It’s organized into 10 quick chapters about ways to save on the big items in your travel budget: the flights, hotels, train tickets, rental cars, sightseeing, using your smartphone and more.

But let’s be clear: These travel tips aren’t only about spending less on your trip. They’re also about having a better experience when traveling in Europe.

We believe that the best budget travel is also about slowing down and traveling in step with the locals. If you can do that, and if you’ve learned a couple tricks of the cheapo trade, the savings will follow. And, in the end, you’ll have a richer experience. We’ll get into all of that below.

A quick note about us — and why we can help you save in Europe

My name is Tom Meyers and I started EuroCheapo back in 2001. I quit my job in New York and moved to Berlin and hand-coded the first version of this site that launched that June. Honestly, I had a blast — I spent the year hunting down the best small, budget hotels in the center of Europe’s most expensive cities. I felt like every day was a treasure hunt.

Since then, I’ve been joined by a team of writers and editors who have kept up our hotel picks (like these in Paris and Rome), but who’ve also written nearly 3,000 articles about simple ways to save on every aspect of your trip, from booking flights and train tickets to cheap eats and saving on sightseeing.

In the following pages, I’ll be sharing these tips with you in the first person, although many of these tips have been plucked from the thousands of posts published on our blog. I’m thankful to the dozens of fabulous writers who have shared their expertise with us on the site over the years and continue to write for us. You can read more about them if you click their names on any of the blog posts we link to.

I hope that you’ll find these budget travel tips helpful and that together, we can help you spend less while improving your travels in Europe. If you have questions or feedback on these tips, send me an email or leave a comment below. And please join us on Facebook.

Thanks — and bon voyage, Cheapos!

Our guide to saving in Europe

Chapter 1:  When to go to Europe (for the best bang for your buck)

If you have the flexibility to choose the timing of your next trip, you’re in a good spot. Which season makes the most sense for your schedule and for your budget? Is there a better time to go?

Cheapo Tip: If possible, travel during low season or “shoulder season” for the best deals.

Chapter 2:  Building an affordable itinerary

Travelers, especially those from North America, tend to overbook their trips to Europe. We can’t help it. Resist the urge to “see it all”, and you’ll save time and money — and probably have a much better travel experience.

Cheapo Tip: We like to spend at least two nights in each spot. It helps our budget… and our sanity.

Chapter 3:  Finding cheap airfare to Europe

Flying to Europe is expensive — in fact, it’s probably the largest expense facing many American travelers. How can you actually find great deals on airfare to Europe? Here are some tips to help you fly the cheapo skies.

Cheapo Tip: Airfare alerts are your friend. So are “open jaw” flights.

Chapter 4:  Saving on hotels in Europe

Whether you’re planning to travel for two days or 20 days, where you stay can have a major impact on both your budget and your trip experience. Here are some tips for booking the right hotels for your trip — and at the best possible price.

Cheapo Tip: Small, family-run hotels can make all the difference on your trip. But you have to find them.

Chapters 5-8: Coming soon!

Stay tuned — we’ll be publishing our guides to saving on train tickets, rental cars, sightseeing and more in the coming week!

Now… where are you going?

Once you’ve read through these quick chapters, you’ll have a great grasp on many of the top budget travel strategies that work today. But wait — there’s more!

Now comes the fun part: It’s time to start researching ways to save in the countries and cities that you’ll be visiting. It’ll probably come as no surprise that we have a lot to say about that, too.

See our top budget travel advice for:

Top Cities:

Amsterdam | Barcelona | Florence | London | New York | Paris | Rome | Venice

Top Countries:

France | Germany | Italy | Netherlands | Portugal | Spain | Switzerland | UK

The post How to Save on Your Trip to Europe appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

When putting your travel itinerary together, try to remain calm and realistic. If possible, give yourself a minimum of two nights at every stop in order to minimize travel expenses and keep everyone happy.

Note: This is Chapter Two in our Ultimate Budget Travel Guide to Europe.

The trip planning experience can be exhilarating. You know that you have a set number of days (or weeks!) to travel, and you look at a map with all the lip-smacking excitement of a kid in a candy store. Where do you want to visit? Where don’t you want to visit?

Imagine that you’re putting together an itinerary for a 10-day European trip. You could start in Paris, head to Amsterdam, then take a train to Salzburg, Venice and Rome? Wait, maybe start in Madrid instead, then drive up to Barcelona, Nice, Milan, Munich and then Amsterdam? But hold on. What about Prague?!?!

If you’re only traveling for 10 days, either of those options is certain to cost you dearly (in transportation costs alone) and, without question, lead to grumpy and exhausted travelers.

My epic misadventure

I know, because I’ve been there. In a state of unabashed enthusiasm, I once rented a car for about 10 days and drove with friends from Berlin to Paris, then to Madrid, Lisbon, Seville, Barcelona, Aix-en-Provence, Nice, Locarno, Tubingen and back to Berlin.

Sounds great, right? It certainly started out with a blast–and ended with silence, as nobody talked in the car for the last day.

I had made a classic mistake: I’d overbooked us. When I had mapped it all out beforehand at my kitchen table it all seemed like so much fun. It worked, technically. But in practice, it meant that we spent far too much time sitting in a car (or, in my case, driving the car), and not nearly enough time exploring the cities we slept in or the tiny towns we raced by.

We ended up resenting that we had to keep on driving past places we wanted to visit. And if we did stop to check out the scene, we’d end up arriving late at whatever hotel I’d booked (months beforehand). We’d have time for a late dinner, then wake up and start over. There was never any time that wasn’t in motion–we could never actually relax.

A note to first-time American travelers to Europe

I grew up in the great state of Ohio and spent many wonderful summer breaks cruising from state to state in the family van. We took in a lot of territory during our one- and two-week family jaunts, often spending much of day taking in the scene from the air conditioned comfort of the big old Ford. Sure, we’d stop for meals, photo ops and major tourist sights (Grand Canyon, Old Faithful, a day at Disneyland), but much of the adventure was the drive itself.

Many travelers from the US approach their European travel planning with a similar mindset. Why not jump from town to town every day, taking in the landscape, driving through cities and finding fun spots for dinner along the way?

Add to our inherent “road trip” instinct the fact that we get the fewest days of vacation each year of any industrialized country, and the high cost of flights to Europe in the first place, and you’ve got a situation where American travelers understandably want to pack in as many experiences as possible during their European trips.

Nobody’s going to stop you from doing this, of course, and you might have a grand time. However, you’d be missing out on a lot. Many of the cities that you’ll be passing through have histories that go back more than a millennium. A region that you could speed through in an hour probably has its own cuisine worth sampling, wine worth tasting, and dessert worth gobbling. It’s worth slowing down to experience it.

Step one: Slow down!

I’ll get off my soapbox now, but you get my point: When pulling together your perfect itinerary for your upcoming trip to Europe, my first piece of advice is to slow down.

There’s a budget upside to slowing down, too. Aside from your sanity and the happiness of your travel companions, slowing down can also lead to real savings. Read on…

Gas is expensive.

Slowing down means less gas. Gasoline in Europe is far more expensive than in North America. If you’re planning to rent a car and drive like crazy, you’re in for a real shock at the pump.

Don’t believe me? As I write this, the average cost of gas in the US is just over $3. As you can see on this European gas tracker, it’s currently $6.59 in France — and higher in Italy.

Slowing down means fewer train tickets.

Zipping from city to city on Europe’s high-speed rail network is an experience in itself and is highly recommended. You can speed from Florence to Rome in 90 minutes on the high-speed train (and for as little as €20 off-peak if you book directly in advance!).

However, those seats (and those on France’s TGV, Germany’s ICE, and Spain’s Renfe) can be expensive in high season. Save on transportation costs by scaling back your itinerary. Not to mention that if you speed from one city to the next day after day, most of your trip memories will be of train stations and cafe cars.

Tips for creating the perfect Europe itinerary

Now, let’s start putting the trip itinerary together. How many stops? How many nights in each stop? Here are some thoughts:

Where are you starting?

You probably already have an idea of where your trip is starting, and, in some ways, the scope of the trip. Is this a trip to France? Italy? Ireland? For most travelers (especially those flying to Europe from North America, Asia or Australia), you’ll be flying into the capital city or a major airport. And thus, many itineraries will start here.

Check out these suggested itineraries:

• 10-day itinerary for Italy (Rome, Florence, Venice)
• 10-day itinerary for Portugal
• 10-day itinerary for Spain
• 5-day itinerary for Switzerland
• Weekend in Bruges

Rest up before taking off

Of course, some adventurous travelers might feel compelled to immediately hop in a car or train upon their arrival, and head off on the road.

One word of warning: If you’re taking a long, international flight to get to Europe, you will arrive tired. Boarding a train (or connecting flight!) and heading off for another part of the country is certainly doable, but I’d caution against hopping immediately behind the wheel of a rental car.

Again, I speak from experience, in this case that of a close friend (who shall remain anonymous). Ever the optimist, he picked up a car immediately after arriving on a red-eye flight into London Heathrow, and then headed south for Brighton, only 2 hours south by car.

Perhaps it was the “left side of the road” driving. Or maybe it was the fog. But let’s just say that his rental car had suffered significant scrapes before the day was done, the result of a silly parking lot mishap. I’ll speculate that this would never have happened had he rested for at least a day before heading off on the road.

Minimize the one-night stands.

Try this: When building out your itinerary, don’t allow yourself any one-night stops. Unless you’re really on a mission to get somewhere, give yourself at least two nights in every hotel you book.

This little tip will force you to slow down and take in your surroundings a bit. But on a more practical note, it will relieve the hassle of schlepping your bags from hotel to hotel, packing and unpacking, checking in and checking out. All of that busy work can be a time-waster and add stress to your trip.

I recently helped a friend plan a trip to Normandy from Paris. His instinct was to drive up from Paris to a small B&B near the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, spend the night, and then head back to Paris the next day.

What was the problem with this plan? It didn’t leave any time to actually visit the beaches, cemetery, or surrounding towns. He might have been able to see a few things, but not take the time to really take it in. Fortunately, he booked two nights, and he greatly enjoyed exploring not only the beaches and cemetery, but the surrounding villages. He later told me about an unforgettable experience he had going to mass in a small village church–something that certainly would have fallen off an over-packed itinerary.

Use your two-day stops as bases for exploration.

If you do take my advice and give yourself at least two-day stops along your trip, use those stops as bases for exploration. This way you can wake up, not have to pack things up, head off to explore, and feel relaxed that you can come back to your “home base” whenever you please.

You also have the added bonus of exploring a territory that your hotel owner will be very familiar with. He or she will be able to offer all kinds of inside advice for activities not to miss, restaurants to try out, and views to take in.

A few years ago my partner and I were married in France. For our honeymoon we headed to the Greek island of Crete. During the planning stages, we were both so excited about experiencing the island that, in typical fashion, we planned to move from town to town each day, making our way around the island over the course of the week. There were so many things to see on the east coast, and amazing villages in the west, and great beaches along the south… and the ancient Minoan ruins in the north!

And then something happened. We remembered that this wasn’t a race: It was our honeymoon. At the last moment, we booked one amazing mountainside hotel in the southeastern part of the island, and used this as our home base. We checked in and unpacked for the week. Although we had brought along a travel guidebook, some of the best advice we received was from the friendly hotel manager.

From here, each morning, we took off to explore the beaches, the ruins, the villages, and the amazing restaurants. And every night, we came home, relaxed, and happy that we didn’t have to pack up in the morning.

This is an extreme example (it’s a honeymoon, after all), but I bring it up as it’s one trip where I forced myself to overcome my instinctive “go, go, go” trip mentality. And, in the end, the trip was more relaxed and full of surprises.

Prefer one night stops? Cut back on travel time.

I know that the (minimum) two-day stop isn’t going to work for everyone and for every trip. Sometimes you’re on a mission — you’re just trying to get from Venice to Paris by car, an 11-hour drive. Some will be tempted to just do the whole thing in one epic day on the road.

Do a search on Google maps for the route and you’ll see several halfway marks that would be perfect for an overnight. (I would recommend either Lyon or Geneva.) If you’re on a mission, I probably won’t be able to convince you to spend two nights in either city. (Even though either would be amazing. You could explore the vineyards of the Cotes-du-Rhone during your day off in Lyon, or search for the perfect cheesy raclette in the mountain villages surrounding Geneva!)

However, I would at least recommend an overnight in one of these towns, or at countless smaller villages along the way. The point is to break that 11-hour trip up into smaller, manageable trips. For this example, I think at least two overnights would be better. Three or four hours of driving every day will still give you time to explore the territory.

You don’t always need to drive in circles.

When you’re checking around for flights to Europe for your trip, remember to check “open jaw” flights that allow you to fly into one city and home from another. (For example, a flight from Boston to London, and then a return flight from Amsterdam to Boston.)

Increasingly, these flights cost about the same amount as flights into and out of the same city. “Open jaw” flights can have a big impact on your itinerary, as they can free you to plot your trip in a straight line, avoiding that end-of-trip requirement to circle back to your city of arrival.

For example, say that you’re flying from Chicago to London, then heading by train to Paris, and then down to Nice before heading home. Check flights from Chicago to London, but with a return from Nice to Chicago. There’s no need to make the mad dash from Nice all the way back up to London. So many travelers do this, and it can add unnecessary stress and expense to the final days of your trip. (Wouldn’t you rather be hanging out on the beach for another day than hustling back to London?)

One caveat: These “open jaw” flights might not work for you if you’re renting a car. (You’re in luck if you’re moving around Europe by train or by one-way flights inside Europe.) Renting a car in one European country and dropping it off in another can be quite expensive, as the company usually tacks on a fee to go fetch the car and bring it back home.

Your trip itinerary

Now, back to your drawing board (or kitchen table). Try plotting out your destinations, giving consideration to all the stops along the way. Play around with your itinerary and see what it looks like if you trim a couple of stops, and double up the nights on others.

And remember, by building more time into each step of your trip, you’re giving yourself more time for surprises and serendipity. You don’t need to know what you’re going to do on your day off in southern Spain. You’ll find something tasty, we promise you!

The post Europe Itinerary: Creating the best trip for your budget appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.

Furthermore, I’m conveying this information to you — on a website.

Ironies aside, I believe that when it comes to trip guidance, there’s room for everything. Websites, like the one you’re reading right now, are a fabulous platform for trip planning. You can “get educated” about the logistics, find the best deals (especially for hotels!), and plan it all out.

Furthermore, once you’re traveling, the online research doesn’t stop. I whip out my phone constantly in Paris, for example, researching how to use the bus to get to the Louvre, or the location of the nearest wine store.

(In fact, I use my phone for on-the-ground research even more now, thanks to the use of my French phone, with a locally purchased SIM card. It’s practically free to use! Don’t know what I’m talking about? Read this guide to using SIM Cards.)

However, when I’m actually walking through the Louvre, or looking to take a self-guided neighborhood walking tour, I still pull out an actual guidebook.

Related: Our favorite guidebooks to Paris

EuroCheapo is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you!

10 reasons I still use guidebooks in Europe

Some might consider this preference old fashioned, anachronistic, archaic… and possibly it is! But let me explain. Here are 10 reasons why I still pack a guidebook when traveling to Europe.

1. They’re a tiny investment in an expensive trip.

Once you add it all up, your big trip to Europe is most likely going to be a major expense. Two people flying to Italy for a two-week trip from the United States can easily spend $7,500 once you add up flights, hotels, meals, transportation and basic sightseeing. (We’ve got lots of tips to help you lower that number, but still. This isn’t an uncommon trip budget.)

Most guidebooks will cost about $20-25 (and will be highly discounted on Amazon). In the grand scheme of things, this is a very small expense for guidance that stays by your side and that can drastically improve the quality of your trip.

Even if you only get one memorable meal recommendation out of it or it helps keep you from getting lost and wasting time — it’s worth it.

Do your homework before leaving. It’s fun! (Photo: pingles

2. They’re nice to read before you leave home.

Most people have months to plan a vacation in Europe. They decide which country to visit, book the flights, and then enter a period of delicious anticipation. This is, of course, when we hope you’ll find us and let us help with logistics, hotel recommendations and cost-saving advice!

But it’s also a great time to dive into a guidebook and get a feel for your destinations. Many of these books contain a good deal of history about the countries and cities you’ll be visiting. Start learning now and it will all make more sense once you’re on the ground. The best guidebooks provide context for your trip, whether you’re reading a specific guidebook, like Lonely Planet’s Paris Guide, or something for a more general location, such as Rick Steves’ Best of Europe.

3. It’s something to do on the plane.

If you think a guidebook is fun to read while you’re still home in Atlanta, they’re really fun to pull out of the seat-back pocket in front of you on your flight over. It’s a special kind of anticipation. You know you’re not really going to sleep on the plane, they’ve started serving drinks, you don’t have an internet connection… It’s the perfect time to open your guidebook.

4. They might not be cool, but they’re practical.

If you buy a reputable and up-to-date guidebook, at the very least, you’ll learn how to get into town from the airport and have a good basic understanding of how the city works.

A few years ago I was working on our hotel reviews in Rome, when I ran into a younger travel blogger who wouldn’t ever be caught carrying around a paper guidebook. We started talking and he told me that he had just Tweeted to his followers asking for advice on the best way to get from where we staying to the Trastevere neighborhood.

And guess what? Nobody had Tweeted back yet. Guidebooks might not be cool — but they’re very practical.

Pack a book like Frommer’s recently revamped EasyGuide to Rome, Florence and Venice, and you’ve got plenty of advice for navigating transit, finding cool places to eat and things to do, and more.

Find a really good cup of coffee in Rome. Photo: fotologic

5. They give dining recommendations.

Let’s go back to our “two weeks in Italy” example. That’s a lot of logistics to plan… but it’s also a lot of meal slots to fill. Now I love wandering the backstreets of a European city letting my nose guide me to dinner. But let’s face it, this can be very time consuming, and you can wind up dining in some real clunkers.

Of course, EuroCheapo has affordable dining recommendations (like these for Paris and Rome), and TripAdvisor has an endless list of recommendations… ditto Yelp. But I still find it helpful to check out restaurants recommended by guidebooks. Again, even if you get one or two good dinner suggestions, it’s helpful.

6. They’re good for walking tours.

Aside from recommendations, I find the self-guided walking tours in many of the books to be very helpful. A shout-out to the Rick Steves’ series here, which I’ve found to have great neighborhood and museum walking tours.

At their best, these walking tours will help put the neighborhoods in historical context — and they allow you to start and stop whenever you please. There’s no need to join a group. The same goes for guidance in museums. If you’re short on time and don’t feel like springing for an audioguide, a guidebook can lead you to the most important works.

You can even find guidebooks to take you through the hidden gems of a city. Take, for instance, this beautifully illustrated guide to lesser known museums and important sites throughout Paris called The Little(r) Museums of Paris, which can give you directions and more info on unique destinations that you might not find otherwise.

7. No roaming charges.

Imagine… you can just open a book in the streets of Berlin and get advice about what to see in the Pergamon Museum. This sure beats firing up your phone, finding a phone network, and coming home to $380 in foreign roaming charges.

(Of course, this isn’t a concern if you purchased the aforementioned SIM Card.)

It’s waterproof! Photo: jaybergesen

8. You can’t break a book.

Guidebooks are flexible. You can dog-ear important pages. You can highlight favorites. Rip things out! Make origami out of maps if you’re bored on a train. They don’t complain.

Phones, laptops and tablets are not nearly as forgiving. They don’t like beaches. They really don’t like hotel toilets. And they really crack up when dropped on a sidewalk in Lisbon. Just sayin’.

9. It’s easy to read in direct sunlight.

Let me take you to an experience I had in Athens one bright summer day when I was exploring the Ancient Agora. I was having fun running around with my guidebook, reliving the high jinks of the days of Antiquity, when I ran into a honeymooning American couple who were also visiting the Agora guided by their iPad.

The information must have been compelling, because they were working very hard to keep reading it — in the harshest, hottest, direct sunlight. They were struggling because the screen just wasn’t bright enough and they had to keep searching for shade. (Now, truth be told — it didn’t ruin their trip, or their new marriage, but still! This stress could have been averted with a paper version.)

10. They can be left behind.

And finally, let us not overlook the fact that these inexpensive guidebooks can be left behind if necessary. You’re probably going to be flying home heavier than you arrived (in terms of luggage… well, most likely in terms of everything…). Space will be needed in your luggage.

That trusted guidebook weighs about a pound and is about the size of a brick. And it only cost $20. It can be left in London.

Do you travel with a guidebook?

What do you think? Do you still travel with a guidebook? Have a favorite? Share with us in the comments section below!

The post Should You Still Buy a Guidebook for Europe? Yes. appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.