Articles - 02

Touring Tuscany on a Budget

The charming towns of the Tuscan hillside offer medieval delights, beautiful vistas, and hearty traditional cuisine. Touring this romantic and idyllic region can be quite expensive. Car rentals, villa stays, and sampling Tuscany’s culinary wonders can put a serious dent in any frugal traveler’s budget. But with a few modifications, you can still plan a dream trip to Tuscany on a small budget. Take the Train You’ll lose a bit of freedom but save big bucks when you rely on the train rather than... [Read the full story]

What to see in Parma, Italy

 Parma is a city that is split from west to east by the Via Emilia. It is located between Piacenza and Reggio Emilia and the river Parma runs from the south to the north.  Parma’s title of ducal city or petite capitale comes from its two centuries of Farnesian domination and especially from the influence that Maria Luigia and her reign had on general traditions and customs. Locals from Parma like to remember their roots and like to be seen as descendents of the sensitive Duchess. It is probably... [Read the full story]

Wine Tasting on a Budget in Rioja, Spain

The Rioja region of Spain is a relatively undiscovered area to go on a wine tasting adventure. Not as popular as Tuscany or Bordeaux, Rioja offers great value to those willing to venture off the beaten path and do some advance preparation. Here are some tips to enjoy a wine tasting vacation in Rioja on a small budget. Rely on Public Transportation The biggest expense on a European wine-tasting trip is often a car rental, especially if you can’t drive a manual shift (automatics can cost 2-3 times... [Read the full story]

England Music Festivals

If you’re a music fan (or just a fan of rich culture), going to a music festival in England is one of the best ways to spend your time.  England is well known for brag-worthy music festivals that feature big name acts.  Not sure where to start? This list of music festivals in England should help you along. Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts This festival is one of the largest music and performing arts festivals in the world.  The festival is best known for its contemporary... [Read the full story]

Cheap Eats in Eastern Europe

Everyone’s got to eat, right? If you are traveling on a budget, food expenses can eat away (no pun intended) at the money you have available. But there is no reason to go hungry in Eastern Europe. Sure you can splash out on a meal here and there, but there are plenty of options to choose from if you are a budget minded traveler. Markets Markets can be a great place for bargains if you are staying in a self-catering accommodation. And if you are not there is always plenty of stuff to find and munch... [Read the full story]

Eating Cheaply in Turin

Turin, the capital of northern Italy’s Piedmont region, offers one of the best dining deals for budget travelers. Like many cities in Italy, the citizens in Turin take part in the nightly ritual of the aperitivo, a drink and a snack before dinner. But many of the bars and cafés here put a unique spin on the tradition that makes it even more appealing for those watching their pennies: a multitude of assorted snacks are served completely free when you purchase one drink. Bars range from traditional,... [Read the full story]

Guide to Cheap Drinking in Europe

As in the US, adding alcoholic beverages to your meal in Europe can really inflate your budget. But there are a few tips and tricks for shaving some Euros off the cost of enjoying a few drinks. Drink Local This should be a no-brainer, but the best way to save money on drinks and enjoy a little local flavor is to drink whatever that country or region’s specialty is. Drinks like Guinness in Dublin, Basque cider in San Sebastian, cava in Barcelona, vodka in Scandinavian countries and Heineken in... [Read the full story]

Cheap Things to Do in Rome

It’s a city with 3000 years of history. At one time, the empire spanned nearly the whole continent. It is home to the Vatican and the head of the Roman Catholic Church and is one of the most popular cities in Europe for tourists. There is so much to see and do in Rome that the costs can really add up. But stick to the highlights and check out some free attractions and you can stretch your budget just a little farther. The Colosseum is the most emblematic monument in Rome. It’s the largest amphitheatre... [Read the full story]

Sightseeing on a Budget in Florence

The Renaissance city of Florence is known for its priceless art, but you don’t have to be member of the Medici family to enjoy this stunning city. Many of Florence’s attractions are low-cost, or even free. The most recognizable sight in Florence is Il Duomo, the large dome on top of the 15th century church, Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore.  The Duomo is the largest brick and mortar dome in the world, and offers breathtaking views of the city to those who make the long climb up its 463 stairs.... [Read the full story]

Italy’s Cinque Terre – Low-Cost Beauty on the Ligurian Sea

The Cinque Terre, or “Five Lands”, in the north of Italy has become a more popular tourist destination in recent years, but they still offer plenty of activities, dining and lodging options for travelers on a small budget. Where to Stay Nestled on cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea, the villages once relied on fishing as their main industry. While they now see more tourists each year, most of the towns don’t have many true hotels, but rather welcome guests at bed and breakfasts and small... [Read the full story]