Marc Paping owns a small, solar-powered boat and lives on a house boat in Amsterdam. He shows us some of the hidden waterside gems that the big tour-boats avoid, from 18th-century almshouses offering peace and quiet in the middle of the tourist hubbub to a disused shipyard-turned-arts centre — and explains why Amsterdam is not the Venice of the north.
Latest Tourist Scam: Ridiculously Expensive Gelato in Rome
May 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment
If you’re traveling in Rome, there’s a new rip-off to worry about – ridiculously expensive Gelato.
From the Daily Telegraph:
Roger Bannister, his brother Steven and their wives Wendy and Joyce were astounded to be charged 16 euros (£13.50) each on Sunday after ordering four ice creams at the Antica Roma bar and gelateria close to the Spanish Steps.
“And when we paid up, they didn’t even say thank you,” Mr Bannister, of Birmingham, told Corriere della Sera newspaper on Monday, holding up the receipt to prove the amount he had been charged.
Cafes and bars in Italy double or triple their prices for customers who choose to sit down at a table, but the British group did not even do that – they bought the ice creams to take away.
Read more of the horror story here.
Always ask about the price of something before you pay for it and don’t give your hard earned money to these rip-off artists.
Article: Europe in 9 Walks
May 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The New York Times recently published an article highlighting several great walks in Europe.
Here’s an excerpt:
1. Berlin Canal Walk
Berlin may not be defined by its waterways — like, say, Amsterdam or Venice — but they are among the city’s most endearing characteristics. On a spring day, there are few better walking routes than the stretch of the Landwehrkanal that runs through the Kreuzberg quarter and the rapidly gentrifying immigrant district of Neukölln. Built in 1850, the Landwehrkanal was once used as a drainage system and to transport goods. Today, it’s used mainly by tourist boats and other watercraft, many bearing anti-capitalist flags or rigged with bass-heavy sound systems.
Picture: Berlin at Night from the International Space Station
May 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Commander Chris Hatfield on board the International Space Station recent posted this amazing picture of Berlin at night.
Check it out – click the image for a larger version:
Euro Alert: Win a Wine Themed Trip to Puglia Italy!
April 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment
We’ve gotten word on a new opportunity for people to win a trip to Puglia, Italy and experience Italy’s wine country.
Here are the prize details:
A trip for two with a total value of around $ 11,000.00. Details of the trip, which may vary slightly, are available in “The Prize” section at www.mtvpuglia.it/wannawin. The trip includes: Round trip flights NYC – Bari Accommodation Lunches and dinners with special menus Wine-tasting and guided tours of wineries The prize does not include travel expenses at the destination (car hire, bus fares, trains etc.) and in general all previously unspecified expenses are the responsibility of winner(s). Prize is non-transferable. No substitutions or cash redemptions. In the case of unavailability of prize, Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value. All unspecified expenses are the responsibility of winner(s).
Sounds like a wonderful prize!
The sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the fifty United States or the District of Columbia who are 21 or older as of date of entry.
You have until May 18th, 2013 to enter.
Guest Post: Strictly Mediterranean – A Guide to Med Travel
March 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment
We’ve got nothing against worldwide holiday destinations, but we can’t help being passionate about the Mediterranean and all it has to offer.
Where shall we start?
There are so many fabulous countries to choose from that deciding between a cheap or an all inclusive holiday is the least of your worries. Especially as both options are budget-friendly and with an all inclusive package you know exactly what you’ve spent before you go. That means you’ll have some spare Euros for those extra treats whilst you are away on a cheap all inclusive break
Who’s going?
You and the family, you and a bunch of mates or just the two of you? Well the great thing about holidays in the Med is that they are suitable for everyone with lots to do and see. Everyone likes the beach right? And some of us are brave enough to make a spectacle of ourselves with water sports! But if the idea of spending every day of your holiday on the beach is not what you had in mind, there are also great attractions, ancient ruins and exciting cities to discover.
What to expect from a holiday in Spain
Sun, sea and Sangria, but also a big ex-pat community, theme parks, glorious beaches and cosmopolitan cities. Popular destinations include all the Costas: Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Costa Dorada and the Costa del Sol. Also Salou and Benedorm. Spain is great for families, couples and mates holidaying together as it’s only two hours from the UK by plane.
What to expect from a holiday in Greece
Plenty of sunshine, temperatures in the mid 20s, Greek dancing, ancient ruins and over 45 beautiful Greek Islands to choose from. Popular destinations include Zante, Crete, Malia, Rhodes, Faliraki, Kos and Mykonos. You can party, get romantic or make it a family affair here. And the Greek Islands are only a few flying hours away from the UK.
What to expect from a holiday in Portugal
Definitely sunshine, well it is the Mediterranean after all. Wonderful beaches, immaculate golf courses, friendly ex-pats and plenty of fantastic scenery. Head to the Algarve and Costa Verde or great cities such as Lisbon and Oporto. Portugal is just a three hour flight away from the UK.
Rick Steves: What’s new in Italy for 2013
March 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
USA Today has a great article from Rick Steves on what to look forward to in Italy in 2013.
Here’s an excerpt:
Italy has more of Europe’s cultural heritage than any other country — and the Italians are doing a fine job of sharing it with their visitors. Here is the latest, gleaned from my guidebook research for 2013:
Rome has made visiting the Vatican Museum easier. You can often buy same-day, skip-the-line tickets from the tourist-information office in St. Peter’s Square; it’ll cost the same price you’d pay if you had reserved online (15-euro ticket plus 4-euro reservation fee).
Massive crowds line up to see Florence’s cathedral — the Duomo — which is free to enter. Here’s how to skip the line: If you’re already planning to visit the cathedral-related sights — the Duomo Museum, Baptistery, and Campanile — that require a combo-ticket to see, buy your ticket first at the less-crowded museum. You can use it to enter through the cathedral’s exit, bypassing the lines at the front door.
Article: Worst American restaurants in Europe
March 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
CNN Explores the worst American style restaurants in Europe.
Here’s an excerpt:
Americans have been ruining foreign cuisine for years. One need look no further than the local Mexican stand to find a soggy taco or the corner delivery joint to find a disk of bread that only mildly resembles pizza. But we’re not the only ones. Whether for pure kitsch value, mockery or a lazy plan to attract expats, Europe is littered with American-themed restaurants.
Why travel all the way to Europe to have the same food you’d have at home? Explore a little!
Article: 13 Easy Ways To Save On Trips To Europe
March 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Here’s a useful article for those looking to save on a trip to Europe.
Lately I’ve received quite a few emails from friends seeking advice as they prepare to head from the US to Europe for the first time in several years. They could be part of a trend. According to several industry surveys, more Americans are planning to visit Europe in 2013 than in previous years.
So it seems like a good time for a travel tune-up… a refresher course on keeping it cheap in Europe.
I put together this list of the easiest ways to save on the most expensive aspects of European travel: the flights, hotels and transportation. Some of these tips will be “old hat” for seasoned travelers, of course. However, if even one of these tips comes in handy you could save a bundle.
Euro Alert: Win a Dream Trip to Europe from the Travel Channel
March 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The Travel Channel is offering up the chance to win your own dream trip to Europe.
Here are the prize details:
The one (1) Grand Prize Winner (the “Grand Prize Winner”) will win a vacation trip package for the Grand Prize Winner and three (3) guests to Venice, Italy and Croatia (the “Grand Prize”). The details of the Grand Prize will be as chosen by the Grand Prize Winner during the Custom Selection at the time of entry into the Promotion. In addition to the options chosen by Grand Prize Winner during the Custom Selection, the Grand Prize will include (i) round-trip business class airfare for Grand Prize Winner and three (3) guests from the major U.S. commercial airport nearest Grand Prize Winner’s home; (ii) airport and ground transfers; and (iii) lodging for twelve (12) nights.
Sounds like the perfect way to get a dream trip to Europe!
The sweepstakes is open to only to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C. who are 21 years of age or older at time of entry.
You have to enter soon – entries are due by March 24th, 2013.