Articles - 03

Cheap Places to Stay in Reykjavik

There is no shortage of swanky, expensive places to stay in Reykjavik. Luckily there are plenty of options for budget accommodation as well. Hostels, bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses in the city cater to travelers on a budget and offer convenient locations and comfortable beds. Many offer the added perks of onsite laundry and self-catering kitchens, helping you further cut down on expenses. Here are some of the top choices for cheap places to stay in Reykjavik and the surrounding areas of Iceland. The... [Read the full story]

Cheap Dining in Reykjavik

Dining in Reykjavik is expensive. Entrees at most upmarket restaurants cost between 2700 and 4800 kronur (between $25 and $45 US at the current exchange rate). Wine in a restaurant can cost up to three times as much as at the store (bottles start at 4500 kronur and go up) and a pint of beer will run at least 600 kronur in most places. But for every few posh and pricey restaurants, there is a less expensive, but still delicious option. Here are a few of the best. Icelandic Fish and Chips This “organic... [Read the full story]

Book Now for Cheap Travel Later

The exchange rate between dollars and Euros, and the recession is combining to make travel in Europe cheaper than it has been in years. The exchange rate is still quite good and fewer people are traveling, so European countries are all vying for your attention. Hotel rates are down, every cruise line is having a sale and even airfare is down.  To make the most of this climate, we recommend that you book early for your summer or fall trip. As the economy gets better, the pent-up demand for travel... [Read the full story]

Provence Markets: Shop Like the French

When in France, and especially in Provence, we try to visit as many markets as possible. At least once a week, you’ll find residents of French towns going to market. It is at the markets that we see ordinary people interacting with their neighbors while enjoying the carnival atmosphere. Some markets have musical entertainment, or even kiddie rides. The French are fussy about the food they eat and markets are where you will find the freshest food around. From huge assortments of olives,... [Read the full story]

Spanish Tapas Guide

Hopping from bar to bar on a tapas crawl is a nightly ritual for the Spanish and is a great way to experience authentic culture. It’s also a great way to save money. The little bites are just a few euros each and a couple of plates will fill you up.  Tapas bars have their own set of rules, so here’s a guide to tapas etiquette and handy translations to help decipher tapas menus. There are generally two kinds of tapas bars, the kind that are more like restaurants where you sit and order... [Read the full story]

Cheap Places to Stay in London

London offers plenty of choice in lodging, from ultra-chic to ultra-cheap. The following offer modern and stylish accommodations, superior service, convenient locations, and moderate prices. Hotel Elysee The Hotel Elysee is a well-equipped 3-star hotel in central London near Hyde Park, Notting Hill and Kensington Gardens. Rooms are on the small side but offer safes, wireless internet and flat screen TVs, with doubles starting at around £100 per night. Hotel Meridiana The family-owned Hotel Meridiana... [Read the full story]

Best London Happy Hours

Taking advantage of Happy Hour specials is a great way to stretch your dining and drinking budget in London. Play your cards right and you can score a delicious and low-cost early dinner while saving some money. Here are some of the best spots for Happy Hour in London. Winchester Bar Grab an early dinner at the Winchester Bar, a coxy little pub where entrees are buy one, get one free from 11am-4pm.  There are no discounts on drinks, but entree choices range from burgers to grilled swordfish and... [Read the full story]

Cheap Places to Stay in Rome

Rome is one of the most-visited cities in Europe so of course, it’s also one of the more expensive places to stay. But there are still some great options for accommodations even on a small budget. Bed and breakfasts in Rome provide a great value. Not only are they often inexpensive, but taking advantage of the provided breakfast will help you save even more money. Rooms at the Nicolas Inn Bed and Breakfast start at 100 euros for a double in high season. The Inn is less than a five-minute walk from... [Read the full story]