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Catch a train instead of a plane! Europe travel
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Europe train travel
The train to Hamburg rolled in early in the morning as the sun was peeking its warm head over the horizon. We had travelled from Copenhagen after spending an amazing week wandering around the tourist capital of Scandanavia. The train journey was wonderful, we had almost the entire train to ourselves as we were travelling in the off season at a non-peak time of day. I read a book, had a snooze and stepped off the train in the beautiful city of Hamburg refreshed.
This is just one example of the benefits of travelling by train through Europe. Although it is not the cheapest option (though we saved a bit of money buying inter-rail passes) it is the most rewarding. No body likes spending a few hours waiting in airports, going through the tedious lines and trudging through security. I have even heard they are using X-ray machines that can see you naked through your clothes!. No such delays or worries with the train lines of Europe
No only do you avoid the annoyance of airports, but you’re not crammed into your seat as you are when you catch a plane or in particular a coach to a new location. There are bathrooms, amazing views and an atmosphere that is unrivalled by any other means of transport. Need to get some work done? Perfect. What better time and place than to plug in your laptop and get ahead (or catch up!) on some work than in the comfort of a train seat, a plug for your laptop and the beauty of the landscape slowly melting into a new town, city or country?
Next time you want to get somewhere - consider catching a train. You’ll most likely arrive in the centre of the city and feel like a million dollars.
Travel europe cheap: European tipping guide
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Tipping in europe guide
If you are looking to travel Europe cheap, then having a good idea of how tipping works will keep money in your pockets. In most European countries the food bill at a restaurant will already contain a tip gratuity of about 5-10% so there is no expected need to tip. However, tipping the food bill to an extra 5-10% is not uncommon and will be warmly accepted as a thanks for good service.
In different European countries there are different tipping customs. Take Germany for example, a tip must be directly handed to the seller rather than left on the counter. If you tip and leave money on the counter it is most likely just to be picked up by the next customer! You’re trying to tip your bill not theirs!
But how do we know where to tip and where not to? Well, as a general rule of thumb service industries are usually expected of a tip. For example, a good taxi ride or a quality haircut would be deserving of a tip. Bars and clubs are an exception, and they are expensive enough as it is without tipping! In Europe, tips in pubs are not left on the bar and will go unnoticed by the bar tenders.
Save money, tip properly in Europe!
Cnn’s Secret Hotels in Loire Valley, France
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Castles of Loire Valley, France
CNN has posted a really good article about some beautiful hotels in france - Loire Valley ( a tranquil place known for its wine and beautiful castles).
Here is an excerpt from the article
“Just a two-hour detour from Paris, the Loire was once a playground to Renaissance royals. Now its vaunted châteaux are attracting enterprising young couples and artists who have remade them into captivating — and surprisingly affordable — inns.”
They list and review 9 hotels in the paticular region including a place i stayed once called THÉSÉE . It is described by them as “A tunnel of towering fir trees leads to the entrance of this converted 19th-century mill in Thésée, on the banks of the Cher River. Guests are greeted by an enormous Bernese mountain dog named Alpha and his equally friendly owners, Véronique and Christophe Villanfin.”.
An apt description of this beautiful place!
Free places to visit in Germany, Berlin
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Strandbar, Berlin
Germany is a wonderful place to travel whether it be a snowy winter or a summery day. Travel germany on a budget, there are plenty of cheap germany attractions that are both low cost or even free! Have a cheap european experience and take some advice from this guide on how to travel germany on a budget!
Free things to do in germany
Forget an over-priced holiday, this article will guide you to some of the best free places in Germany, from free German tours to relaxing on the Inner city beach.
The Berlin wall
Berliner Mauer in German, the Berlin wall was a physical wall that circled West Berlin - cutting it off from East Germany, East Berlin, and the German Democratic Public. The historic wall fell in Novermber of 1989, when the government allowed citizens to go to and from each side of the wall. It was destroyed by both an excited public (the wall was not popular at all) - and later by heavy machinery. Parts of the wall remain intact and can be viewed on your travels for free! Why not visit the free Berlin wall documentation centre? it is also a gateway to cheap Germany education on this historic wall.
Free Tours of Berlin
There are many free Berlin tours run by Sandermans at newberlintours.com . Did the Berlin wall above spark your interest? well see it for free on a free guided tour! It is just one of the many stops on the britlliant free guided tour of berlin - now that is seeing europe cheap!. Other stops include the Holocaust memorial, Pariser Platz and the famous Gendarmenmarkt.
Watch the video below to get an idea of what the tour is like before you decide to go. They run everyday and guided by an expert guide for free.
Inner City Beach
My favourite place in Germany is Berlin’s Inner City Beach, or locally known as the Strandbar. I went there last year and it was amazing. The people are so friendly and it is very relaxing, to sit back in a deck chair and enjoy what Germany has to offer for free. If you are planning a trip to Germany, definitely make some time to take a break at the Strandbar! It is free and allows you the relax in europe cheap. If you feel like spending a bit of money, the bar is relatively cheap and is good to sit down and have a drink with friends, locals and other travellers alike!
I hope this guide has inspired you to visit some of these places in Germany, remember there is no better day than a free day while you are on holidays. A Cheap Germany is a good Germany!
Enjoy 
Consider Denmark Tourism Video
Posted by: | CommentsThis is a youtube video by considerdenmark.com to promote Denmark. It is a high quality and informative watch!
I reccomend viewing if your interested in Denmark!
Cheap Paris to …..
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Cheap travel out of paris!
So - after reading my previous blog, and setting aside the time to plan your trip, you are wondering what the best and cheapest way to travel out of Paris is. I know that is exactly what you are thinking because it is what i have been asked hundreds of times at my job in the travel agency.
Where can i find cheap paris to [country] tickets?
Well - it all depends on the method of travel you prefer.
By train:
There is a website called parisbytrain.com which details many methods of saving money travelling in and out of paris, cheap paris to london tickets on the eurostar etc.
By plane:
If you prefer to fly, there are many cheap airlines that will accomodate you - As long as you book early to avoid last minute premiums! Paris alone has three airports, so getting to one close by should not be any trouble at all. Remember to always ask..
HOW do i want to travel cheap paris to …. ?
Cheap Europe Activities : Tips for Paris Cheap
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The Eiffel Tower
Paris swims in cool days and basks in the romantic glow of the night - if you have ever been you would agree that it is beautiful. To get the most out of paris on your trip however - make sure you follow this one very important tip..
Cheap paris tip: Plan ahead, and allow yourself more than one day
From my time working in travel agents, the biggest feedback we heard was “we didn’t have enough time to see this” or “I wish we allowed enough time to do that”. Don’t rush yourself - despite it’s small size there are so many things to do in Paris that even the locals haven’t taken the time to see it all.
Planning also allows you to make the most of the cheap europe accomodation packages available - and the best way to extend your stay is by having enough money to do so. Tourism thrives off of people not planning their holidays.
Another cheap europe tip: PLAN!
Planning is especially important if you ARE stretched for time (say you only have time for a day due to an airport stop-over). Also, if you are travelling on borrowed time - make sure you don’t overcrowd your itenrary, enjoy yourself because there is no possible way to see everything in a day. Relax, there will always be another chance to return to the romantic city of Paris!
Cheap Europe Accomodation : London Cheap Hostel Guide
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London cheap accomodation
Staying in London can be a costly adventure if you are travelling from abroad - but we are here to save you money and have compiled some suggestions on how to avoid the costly holiday pricetag and explore london and europe cheap.
Europe Cheap. London Cheap Accomodation:
After a long day exploring long day, or a long afternoon hitting the british pubs you will be yearning for a comfortable bed to crash in - but uh-oh! you have spent all your money on beer. With only 20 in your wallet - you panic, surely there is no where in London that you can stay for that cheap? wrong!
Let me introduce you to the cheap hostels of london - an essential for doing europe cheap.
From as little as £5 , but usually in the range of £10-£20 a night you can score yourself a bed in a room with up to 8 others with a similar goal (to get some rest!). Below is a list of hostels and their websites you can check out - prices vary from seasons and hostel so make sure you take a look and see what cheap accomodation you can score!
Generator London - Backpackers Hostel (centeral London!)
Piccadilly Backpackers Hostel (centeral London!)
Meininger City Hostels & Hotels London
Astor Museum Inn Hostel
Acacia Hostel
There are more, but that should give you a good grasp on how to handle this lovely section of europe cheap!