New York Times travel: 100 hotels in Europe under 150 dollars ...
This article in New York Times' travel pages has terrific info on finding budget hotels in the main European cities.
Showing posts with label budget travel europe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label budget travel europe. Show all posts
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
European travel
travel Deals: European Cruises from $494 -
Discounts on fall sailings from Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Celebrity Cruises.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Resale Timeshares for Travel at Bargain Prices
Timeshares can be one of the most valuable resources for the budget traveler, but they are also one of the most frequently regretted purchases. Many people get roped into buying overpriced timeshare units through high pressure sales tactics, or they are lured into expensive properties by the promise of a “free” vacation.
No matter what the reason, there are a great many unwanted timeshares on the market at any given time. What that means for the budget travel is the opportunity to pick up some great timeshare properties at prices that are a fraction of the original price.
There are a number of places to look for resale timeshares, including real estate agents, bulletin boards, newspaper classified and even online auctions. Any of these places can be a great place to pick up a quality timeshare at a budget price, but it is important to shop around, and to understand exactly what you are getting before making your purchase.
One of the keys to buying a quality time share at a good price is to buy only in high demand areas, or in areas that are growing in popularity. Remember that a timeshare is primarily a piece of real estate, and we all know that the three most important factors for real estate are location, location and location.
Examples of areas in high demand include places like Hawaii, the California coastline, the coast of Florida, Orlando, Cancun, Myrtle Beach, and the Caribbean.
It is also important to know the maintenance fees of the properties you are considering. The maintenance fees are a large part of any timeshare ownership, and one of the primary reasons that current owners decide to dump their properties. It is important to avoid properties that have very high maintenance fees unless you can buy it at an unbeatable price.
It is always important to get the best price on any timeshare property you buy. It is also important to read any timeshare resale contracts carefully, and perhaps even have a qualified lawyer review the paperwork, before you buy. Remember that a timeshare is a real estate transaction, whether you are buying a brand new unit or a resale.
Of course, it is also vital to make sure that buying a timeshare is the right move for you. A timeshare can be an excellent deal for the budget minded traveler, but it is not right for every traveler. Timeshares are generally suited to those who wish to travel to the same location every year. Even though many people emphasize the exchangeability of timeshare resorts, the fact is that most timeshare owners spend the majority of their time at their home resort.
Of course, the exchangeability of the timeshare property will be enhanced if you take the advice of buying a unit in a high demand area. For instance, a time share unit in a property next door to Disneyland will obviously be easier to exchange than one a hundred miles away.
No matter what the reason, there are a great many unwanted timeshares on the market at any given time. What that means for the budget travel is the opportunity to pick up some great timeshare properties at prices that are a fraction of the original price.
There are a number of places to look for resale timeshares, including real estate agents, bulletin boards, newspaper classified and even online auctions. Any of these places can be a great place to pick up a quality timeshare at a budget price, but it is important to shop around, and to understand exactly what you are getting before making your purchase.
One of the keys to buying a quality time share at a good price is to buy only in high demand areas, or in areas that are growing in popularity. Remember that a timeshare is primarily a piece of real estate, and we all know that the three most important factors for real estate are location, location and location.
Examples of areas in high demand include places like Hawaii, the California coastline, the coast of Florida, Orlando, Cancun, Myrtle Beach, and the Caribbean.
It is also important to know the maintenance fees of the properties you are considering. The maintenance fees are a large part of any timeshare ownership, and one of the primary reasons that current owners decide to dump their properties. It is important to avoid properties that have very high maintenance fees unless you can buy it at an unbeatable price.
It is always important to get the best price on any timeshare property you buy. It is also important to read any timeshare resale contracts carefully, and perhaps even have a qualified lawyer review the paperwork, before you buy. Remember that a timeshare is a real estate transaction, whether you are buying a brand new unit or a resale.
Of course, it is also vital to make sure that buying a timeshare is the right move for you. A timeshare can be an excellent deal for the budget minded traveler, but it is not right for every traveler. Timeshares are generally suited to those who wish to travel to the same location every year. Even though many people emphasize the exchangeability of timeshare resorts, the fact is that most timeshare owners spend the majority of their time at their home resort.
Of course, the exchangeability of the timeshare property will be enhanced if you take the advice of buying a unit in a high demand area. For instance, a time share unit in a property next door to Disneyland will obviously be easier to exchange than one a hundred miles away.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
European River travel: The Basics Explained
by Samson Mandez
If you are thinking about river travel, you should spend a moment to consider a European cruise. These kinds of waterborne trips are great to explore the interior of a country, and especially so on the European continent, with its tightly packed and diverse cultures and nationalities.
There are probably few ways to visit a country which are as cool and pleasant as river travel, and whether you will be traveling alone, with friends, or together with your spouse and kids, it will probably be a trip to remember.
On a river trip you have access to inland areas of countries that big ships just can’t get to, and you get to sail along serene waterways, rather than drive along congested highways. Your comfortable hotel travels with you and you usually moor very centrally in most towns that you will visit.
Also, don’t think that riverboats are devoid of comfort just because they are smaller than seagoing vessels. You will find that the rooms are functional but spacious, and that your cruise boat will also feature comfortable common areas such as eating and lounging spaces, as well as viewing spaces to soak in the scenery, of course.
For the preparation, before looking at the specific trip, you should determine the length of the voyage, the area you want to see and also the general level of comfort that you would expect.
Concerning the length, one or two weeks is standard but there are also short break offers for a weekend, and on the other end of the scale, six week Rhine-to-Danube extravaganzas for people with a lot of leisure time.
There are several great locations that you can choose from. Major countries for European river travel are Austria-Hungary-Romania (Danube river), Germany (Rhine, Elbe, and their tributaries), Holland (Rhine delta), France (Seine and Rhone), Spain-Portugal (Douro), Italy (Po and the Venice laguna) and Russia (Volga and the lakes around Petrograd)
Another crucial thing to consider is the season of the trip. The south of France or the flower-growing areas of Holland are great for a late spring or summer trip, for instance.
Trips in Germany are great in the winter months, especially if you like a traditional Christmas atmosphere and home cooking and baking.
Concerning the level of comfort, you will find that there are a great number of alternatives, from Spartan drive-your-own houseboat hires to luxury cruse ships that have a lot in common with high-end hotels, but that retain an individual character.
About the Author:
Check out EuroRiverTravel.com for comprehensive resources on how to organize European cruise. You will find all the information that you may want about European river travel at your fingertips.
There are probably few ways to visit a country which are as cool and pleasant as river travel, and whether you will be traveling alone, with friends, or together with your spouse and kids, it will probably be a trip to remember.
On a river trip you have access to inland areas of countries that big ships just can’t get to, and you get to sail along serene waterways, rather than drive along congested highways. Your comfortable hotel travels with you and you usually moor very centrally in most towns that you will visit.
Also, don’t think that riverboats are devoid of comfort just because they are smaller than seagoing vessels. You will find that the rooms are functional but spacious, and that your cruise boat will also feature comfortable common areas such as eating and lounging spaces, as well as viewing spaces to soak in the scenery, of course.
For the preparation, before looking at the specific trip, you should determine the length of the voyage, the area you want to see and also the general level of comfort that you would expect.
Concerning the length, one or two weeks is standard but there are also short break offers for a weekend, and on the other end of the scale, six week Rhine-to-Danube extravaganzas for people with a lot of leisure time.
There are several great locations that you can choose from. Major countries for European river travel are Austria-Hungary-Romania (Danube river), Germany (Rhine, Elbe, and their tributaries), Holland (Rhine delta), France (Seine and Rhone), Spain-Portugal (Douro), Italy (Po and the Venice laguna) and Russia (Volga and the lakes around Petrograd)
Another crucial thing to consider is the season of the trip. The south of France or the flower-growing areas of Holland are great for a late spring or summer trip, for instance.
Trips in Germany are great in the winter months, especially if you like a traditional Christmas atmosphere and home cooking and baking.
Concerning the level of comfort, you will find that there are a great number of alternatives, from Spartan drive-your-own houseboat hires to luxury cruse ships that have a lot in common with high-end hotels, but that retain an individual character.
About the Author:
Check out EuroRiverTravel.com for comprehensive resources on how to organize European cruise. You will find all the information that you may want about European river travel at your fingertips.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Top 2009 camper vans to travel Europe
Article from Articlebliss and entitled Top 2009 camper vans to travel Europe - By Simon Macsis.
If so then you are in the right place, here is some advice on how to go about choosing the best camper van to tour in, whether you are touring through Europe or anywhere else on the planet. These campers will stand you in good stead for comfort as well that little bit of luxury. If you do buy a camper van then talk to your car insurance provider to check whether all of your camper’s contents, etc will be covered under their policy (including your breakdown cover), if not you need to find out what to do so that you are fully covered, inside and out!
Westfalia Camper Vans
So truth be told, Westfalia don’t actually manufacture camper vans, they do however specialise in converting panel vans and other camper vans into, now legendary camper vans. Their official name is Westfalia-Werke and they are based in Rheda-Wiedenbruck in the Westphalia region of Germany. The company made a name for itself in 1951 when it started converting VW camper vans and their work has inspired countless other camper van imitators, but Westfalia are still in a class of their own!
Converting a van into a camper van is one of the most popular ways to go about it, because you can choose which ever van you want to convert and, this is quite possibly the clincher, you have an input on what you want in your new mobile holiday home. Customisation is a key element of owning a camper van and whether you choose to modify a Mercedes Benz Sprinter or the legendary Ford Transit you will be able to decide exactly what you want in your camper van.
Remember to talk to your van insurance provider to establish whether all of your possessions (in and outside) of your brand new camper van will be covered. Also remember to take all of your vital documents with you when you go on holiday and they include breakdown cover (as well as a European breakdown
Westfalia Camper Vans
So truth be told, Westfalia don’t actually manufacture camper vans, they do however specialise in converting panel vans and other camper vans into, now legendary camper vans. Their official name is Westfalia-Werke and they are based in Rheda-Wiedenbruck in the Westphalia region of Germany. The company made a name for itself in 1951 when it started converting VW camper vans and their work has inspired countless other camper van imitators, but Westfalia are still in a class of their own!
Converting a van into a camper van is one of the most popular ways to go about it, because you can choose which ever van you want to convert and, this is quite possibly the clincher, you have an input on what you want in your new mobile holiday home. Customisation is a key element of owning a camper van and whether you choose to modify a Mercedes Benz Sprinter or the legendary Ford Transit you will be able to decide exactly what you want in your camper van.
Remember to talk to your van insurance provider to establish whether all of your possessions (in and outside) of your brand new camper van will be covered. Also remember to take all of your vital documents with you when you go on holiday and they include breakdown cover (as well as a European breakdown
Sunday, August 2, 2009
European River Travel, Just Like Royalty
by Samson Mandez
Even while the boats that you will be on during European river travel are much smaller than their ocean going cousins, they are no less lavish and the service that you can expect whilst traveling is no less breathtaking. ...
River travel has been growing in popularity for the past few years with more and more families taking that option for their first family cruise or their annual retreat, and more than ever so when going to Europe.
One reason is that the cost of many of the cruises is very reasonable for what you obtain and there is still a large proportion of families who find the cost of a two week luxury ocean cruise too expensive for what they can afford and what they would frequently spend. So what option does a family have who wants to experience all of the fun and magnificence of a cruise but do not have the money to spend on a two week luxury cruise?
A good compromise for a family who cannot afford to take a two week ocean luxury cruise holiday is to instead book a week long European river cruise, this kind of travel offers all of the benefits and luxury of a major sea cruise but on a smaller ship and at a fraction of the cost, making them more affordable to most families.
Leaving for European river travels usually entails flying out to a city, either a medium-sized one or a capital, to the departure point to meet the ship that will take you down the chosen waterway on the main leg of your trip.
As many of the rivers that you will travel down go through some of the most major cities in Europe, a European river cruise is a great way to visit many main cities on one holiday without the annoyance of having to negotiate foreign roads, just sit back and wait for the next town to come to you.
Even while the boats that you will be on during European river travel are much smaller than their ocean going cousins, they are no less lavish and the service that you can expect whilst traveling is no less breathtaking.
For instance, the cuisine that you will experience on a premium quality wholly catered European river cruise will be just as good as the one in the continent’s most renowned hotels. You can also expect a room service that will be just as good, with luxurious rooms that will be cleaned every day.
European river travel is a very reasonably priced way to take a cruise holiday and suits many people more so than a full blown ocean going cruise. European river travel is generally an easier going vacation with more emphasis on sight seeing and repose rather than organized amusement. If you want organized amusement you can find it but it is lower key than a family orientated sea cruise.
If you are already a regular fan of cruises, or even if you are a first-timer to ship-bound holidays, you should definitely check out European river travel, which will be an experience to remember.
About the Author:
Whether you want to find the right European cruise for each season or learn how to save on your booking, here is the place to start: EuroRiverTravel.com covers all your European river travel needs, with tips and information.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Travel Coupons
TripFit.com Combines travel Search with Coupons - Search Marketing ...
A new budget travel search site has launched. The name is TripFit.com and their unique selling proposition is that they feature travel coupons. The coupons are provided through a partnership with CouponCabin.com.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
European Travel on a Budget
When it comes to traveling across Europe, many people assume that such an adventure is beyond their modest means. However, the legions of college students and others on shoestring budgets that descend on Europe every summer undermine this assumption. If these budget travelers can make Europe affordable, there is no reason you cannot get budget travel to Europe as well.
Europe is actually quite a travel bargain in many ways, and if you choose your lodging, meals and transportation carefully a vacation in Europe can actually cost much less than a week in some of the most expensive cities in the United States.
One of the primary considerations of enjoying Europe on a budget is how to get around. When it comes to getting around, there are basically three choices – the bus, the train and air travel. Renting a car is often impractical in Europe, with the different types of roads, different laws and road signs in a myriad of unfamiliar languages.
Europe’s intercity bus lines offer passes, similar to rail passes, that can be purchased for various lengths of time and which provide for unlimited travel during those times. Single city to city bus tickets are often quite reasonable as well.
The main disadvantage of the bus system in Europe is that it is slow compared to rail travel and air travel. In addition, there is limited legroom on most buses, few opportunities to stand up and stretch, and some buses lack on board toilet facilities.
For many people, the extra convenience of the train more than justifies the difference in price, and train passes are still quite affordable for students and others on a budget. In addition to being faster, trains provide such amenities as toilets, and also sleeping quarters on overnight trains. Be aware, however, that there is often an extra charge for sleeping cars and other first class accommodations, even for rail pass holders.
One option that is overlooked by many budget travelers is that of city to city air travel. In Europe, however, air travel is actually quite a cost effective alternative to train and even bus travel. There are a number of excellent low cost air carriers all around Europe, and the fares they charge are often comparable to, and in some cases even lower than, train tickets between the same cities.
No matter how you get around, you will need a clean and safe place to stay once you reach your destination. There are a number of excellent low cost lodging options in Europe, ranging from hostels to hotels to bed and breakfasts. In most cases, hostels will be the least expensive option, but for groups of two, three or more it may be just as cheap, or even cheaper, to rent a small room at a budget hotel instead.
For those who arrive at their destination without reservations, there are hotel booking services available at most major train stations and airports. These booking services can usually find you a place to stay, even if the city is very crowded. For this service, they usually charge a small fee, either a set fee or a percentage of the room charge.
Europe is actually quite a travel bargain in many ways, and if you choose your lodging, meals and transportation carefully a vacation in Europe can actually cost much less than a week in some of the most expensive cities in the United States.
One of the primary considerations of enjoying Europe on a budget is how to get around. When it comes to getting around, there are basically three choices – the bus, the train and air travel. Renting a car is often impractical in Europe, with the different types of roads, different laws and road signs in a myriad of unfamiliar languages.
Europe’s intercity bus lines offer passes, similar to rail passes, that can be purchased for various lengths of time and which provide for unlimited travel during those times. Single city to city bus tickets are often quite reasonable as well.
The main disadvantage of the bus system in Europe is that it is slow compared to rail travel and air travel. In addition, there is limited legroom on most buses, few opportunities to stand up and stretch, and some buses lack on board toilet facilities.
For many people, the extra convenience of the train more than justifies the difference in price, and train passes are still quite affordable for students and others on a budget. In addition to being faster, trains provide such amenities as toilets, and also sleeping quarters on overnight trains. Be aware, however, that there is often an extra charge for sleeping cars and other first class accommodations, even for rail pass holders.
One option that is overlooked by many budget travelers is that of city to city air travel. In Europe, however, air travel is actually quite a cost effective alternative to train and even bus travel. There are a number of excellent low cost air carriers all around Europe, and the fares they charge are often comparable to, and in some cases even lower than, train tickets between the same cities.
No matter how you get around, you will need a clean and safe place to stay once you reach your destination. There are a number of excellent low cost lodging options in Europe, ranging from hostels to hotels to bed and breakfasts. In most cases, hostels will be the least expensive option, but for groups of two, three or more it may be just as cheap, or even cheaper, to rent a small room at a budget hotel instead.
For those who arrive at their destination without reservations, there are hotel booking services available at most major train stations and airports. These booking services can usually find you a place to stay, even if the city is very crowded. For this service, they usually charge a small fee, either a set fee or a percentage of the room charge.
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