Posts by author Craig Nelson
We could get used to this view. All photos by Craig Nelson.
We love staying in charming medieval hill towns and bustling European cities, but we also need a sunny waterfront break every once in awhile. And the Italian coast has several amazing places to throw down your towel and catch some rays. But how can you make this dream happen without staying at a fancy beach » Read more
Climbing aboard my flight on Primera Air. Photo: Craig Nelson
Editor’s note: Primera Air ceased operations in October 2018 The budget options for flying between Europe and the US just keep getting better and better. Primera is the latest airline to join the swell of low-cost carriers (like Norwegian, XL, and Wow) charging fares as low as $99 for a one-way ticket. But is flying » Read more
The action on the clay courts of Roland Garros. Photo: Craig Nelson
The French Open takes place every spring, from late May to early June, at the Roland Garros tennis venue in Paris. The best players in the world set foot on the famous red clay courts as stylish Parisians and tennis fans cheer them on. It’s a dramatic two-week tournament that features sensational tennis and a » Read more
Take off on Wow Air with $69 flights. Photo: BriYYZ
Editor’s Note: WOW Air ceased operations in March of 2019. Do you have plans to take off to Europe this year? You might after learning about Wow Air’s latest deal. Known for super cheap flights with frequent sales (like the $55 flights to Europe last year and $69 flights from California), Wow Air is at » Read more
Arriving by ferry to Portovenere. All photos: Craig Nelson
Tiny but beautiful, Portovenere makes for a memorable waterfront escape in Italy. Popular with Italian tourists who want a little sun and sand, this enchanting village is much more affordable than other popular oceanside jewels like the Amalfi Coast and nearby Cinque Terra. And speaking of Cinque Terra, you can use Portovenere as your launch or » Read more
Primera Air is launching cheap flights to Europe. Photo: Alan
Editor’s note: Primera Air ceased operations in October 2018 We always get a little giddy here at EuroCheapo every time a new budget airline enters the transatlantic market. Along with booking an affordable place to stay, securing a low-cost flight to Europe is key to keeping your vacation expenses in check. So we’re excited to » Read more
Eurostar is making the trip between London and Amsterdam a lot easier. Photo: TrainPhotos
Getting from London to Amsterdam is about to get a lot easier. Eurostar is kicking off a brand-new route connecting these two European hubs with direct service starting on April 4th. Traveling at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour, this high-speed train journey under the English Channel will make traveling between the UK » Read more
Looking over the Old Port of Marseille to Notre-Dame de la Garde. Photo: Craig Nelson
While most travelers might pop into Marseille for a quick stop on their way to Nice or Aix-en-Provence, Cheapos should really make a point to spend some time in this bustling port city. If you don’t mind a little grit with your beauty, you’ll instantly fall for Marseille. Nestled right in the heart of the famous French » Read more
Wow is offering ultra-cheap flights. Photo: Eric Salard
Today is a good day for Cheapos, especially for budget travelers who live in the New York region! WOW air has just announced that they’ll be launching new flights out of JFK Airport starting in the spring of 2018. Scheduled to launch on April 26, 2018, WOW new flights from JFK will take off for » Read more
Early morning is the time to be alone with the birds in Venice's Piazza San Marco. Photo: Ajay Goel
You’ve dreamed of this moment: the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, Buckingham Palace… The excitement builds—until you turn the corner and see the gigantic line and the fed up faces. Welcome to European travel at its most popular—and most frustrating. And these most popular attractions only seem to get busier with each passing year, filling up » Read more
Entering Hotel Charly in Milan.
As Italy’s biggest city, Milan is a great destination for budget travelers with hundreds of affordable hotel options. But not all budget hotels are created equal. If you need a place to stay near the main train station (Milano Centrale), we have an easy answer for you: Reserve a room at Hotel Charly Milan. Our Hotel Charly » Read more
The Red Light District in Amsterdam. Photo: Mike
There’s perplexing news for budget travelers heading to Amsterdam. In an effort to cut down on stag parties and budget travelers, Amsterdam is planning a higher tourist tax that would take effect in 2018 on travelers that stay at hotels and hostels in the city center. By targeting accommodations in central neighborhoods, Amsterdam hopes to » Read more
Wow is offering ultra-cheap flights. Photo: Eric Salard
Editor’s Note: Wow Air ceased operations in March of 2019. Wow! Literally. WOW Air announced today that they are offering $69 one-way flights from California to Europe for a limited time. These mega-cheap flights are from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Stockholm, Copenhagen, Bristol, and Edinburgh (with more European destinations available at slightly higher » Read more
Vienna City Hall. Photo: Martin F
Take note, Cheapos: Vienna is getting ready to kick off another big year, and the 2017 calendar is packed with exciting events. From their famous music scene (think: Vienna Boys Choir and the Vienna State Opera) to several free festivals in the summer, Vienna should be on your must-see list for coming year. Music fans » Read more
Experience Amsterdam for less. Photo: Craig Nelson
Boasting world-class museums, a lively and liberal spirit, and scenic canals around every corner, Amsterdam is a must for any European travel itinerary. But as such a popular destination, finding a really good deal on your hotel can be tricky. Sure, you can find rooms for around $100 with no problem. But what if you » Read more
Old Town Plovdiv. Photo: Craig Nelson
If you plan on visiting Bulgaria, don’t overlook the country’s second-largest city — Plovdiv. Packed with old-world architecture, an impressive ancient Roman theater, and one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, Plovdiv is an excellent choice for budget travelers with a taste for culture. And speaking of culture, Plovdiv is scheduled to be the » Read more
A room with a view (and private terrace!) at Generator Paris. Photo: Craig Nelson
There are so many things to love about Paris. Near the top of my list? The many affordable hotels in the center of the city. During a trip in 2014, I booked a room at Hotel Tiquetonne, a cheap and charming treasure in the 2nd arrondissement that I absolutely adore. However, for my most recent visit in October, » Read more
A Norwegian 787 Dreamliner landing at Gatwick Airport. Photo awilson
We love a cheap airline ticket, and Norwegian Air has quickly become a leader in low-cost airfare to Europe since it launched its long-haul flights in 2013. With aggressive budget pricing, it’s getting easier to find affordable direct flights to London, Paris, Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen. If you keep an eye out for sales (hint: sign » Read more
Rooms at Pod 51 Hotel are tiny. But so are the prices for its Midtown location! Photos: Booking.com
Other than maybe a slice of pizza (around $3) or a walk in Central Park (free), New York is not known for its budget finds — especially when it comes to hotels! However, you’d be surprised at how many cheap hotels in Manhattan you can find… if you know where to look. Searching for availability on » Read more
Gullfoss Waterfall in Iceland. Photo: Frank Wittig
Iceland has never been more popular as a tourist destination. In fact, over 1.5 million tourists are expected to visit in 2016, and a recent visit to the Keflavik Airport revealed just how much the tourism sector is booming. While it may be popular, is it affordable? It can be, if you spend a little » Read more
The view from the top of Hallgrímskirkja church. Photo: Craig Nelson
Reykjavik is small and easy to explore in just a few days. While the city is famously pricey, it doesn’t need to be! Keep reading for our best Reykjavik budget travel tips. Note: This article is part of our budget travel guide to Iceland. Reykjavik budget travel tips There’s nothing quite like Iceland’s capital. You » Read more
The Northern Lights along the western coast of Iceland. Photo: Diana R.
For true Cheapos, the best option might be to base yourself in Reykjavik and take bus tours out to the popular tourist destinations. Reykjavik Excursions, the same company that operates the airport buses, offers several tours to explore the beautiful scenery. Note: This article is part of our budget travel guide to Iceland. Golden Circle » Read more
Strokkur geyser is a very popular stop along the Golden Circle. Photo: Craig Nelson
Getting out into the open country of Iceland is a breathtaking experience, but the expenses can also add up fast, especially as gas costs about $7 a gallon. The good news is that rental car prices are not as pricey as you might think. We found car rental prices for under $300 for a week-long » Read more
The view from a budget room at Guesthouse Sunna. Photo: Booking.com
There are a surprising number of types of accommodations in Iceland for such a small country. From super cheap options like camping and hostels to family-run guesthouses and luxury apartments, you can find something for every kind of traveler. When we hit the road, we favor budget hotels in the central city, but finding a room » Read more
Driving on a lava road in Iceland during summertime. Photo: Craig Nelson
Contrary to its name, Iceland never gets too cold to visit. In fact, even winters are fairly mild. The biggest difference between summer and winter is the amount of light (or lack of) that you’ll enjoy. From June through August, the tourist season is in full swing, and the Midnight Sun means there’s daylight 24/7. » Read more
