Posts by author Meredith Franco Meyers
London's Olympic Countdown Clock at Trafalgar Square. Photo: Daniel Richardson
Sports-minded procrastinators take heart! It’s still not too late to attend the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. However, you’d better get moving! This weekend’s New York Times features an excellent round-up of last-minute advice for would-be Olympic attendees, including some thoughts on hotels provided by EuroCheapo! The piece, part of the Practical Traveler series » Read more
Have pacifier. Will travel.
Baby Cheapos grow up so fast. Before you know it, they’ve gone from diapers to economy seating and they’re flashing you a passport. When this recently happened to me, I had to hop into action fast (especially since I had already booked a plane ticket for me and my mini shadow). So, in the spirit » Read more
All aboard the Governors Island ferry. Photo by Salim Virji.
It’s balmy here in New York City and we’re dreaming of breezy bike rides and picnics in idyllic settings. Time for a trip to historic Governors Island, the small island located 800 yards from Manhattan in New York Harbor. Read on to find out how to get there (for free!) and what fun awaits. A » Read more
New York never sleeps. OK, sometimes we take the occassional midsummer nap. But, for the most part, the city sparkles and goes into high kicks even when it’s sweltering and balmy in July and August. The Big Apple also likes to kick up a whole lotta free offerings throughout the summer, and this includes hundreds of » Read more
Make the most of the Tube. Photo: Jim Bahn
London, a sprawling city offering no shortage of things to see and do, can be a bit daunting when it comes to public transportation. But one huge advantage to getting from place to place in Her Majesty’s city is that many sights and attractions are in the most central neighborhoods. Cheapos on-the-go can save quite » Read more
Cheapo Reinhardt Suarez braces a wall in Rome, after being lost in the hills for four hours.
There are lots of creative ways to get to Europe and save money in the process. We checked in with Cheapo Reinhardt Suarez after he spent two months living and working on a farm in Grossetto, Italy, a small community in Tuscany. Read on for his take on this alternative to agriturisimo. Choosing the farm » Read more
The Museum of the Occupation of Latvia. Photo: William Whyte
Riga, the capital of Latvia, has no shortage of interesting sights and activities to offer budget travelers. For example, the city’s fine State Art Museum will only set you back a couple of lats, while the lift to the top of St. Peter’s Church, towering over Old Town, will cost about the same. The following two museums, however, are completely free » Read more
If you’ve been following the career of Arthur Frommer—guidebook pioneer, magazine founder, and budget travel personality—you’ve probably noted his daily travel musings on his blog, “Arthur Frommer Online.” Since launching it last year, Frommer has penned more than 1,000 posts that cover a vast array of subjects, from new travel sites to censorship in Dubai. “Ask Arthur Frommer: And Travel Better, Cheaper, Smarter,” » Read more
We love street performers just as much as the next Cheapo. Have any idea where this quintet is making noise? Clue: You might call them renaissance men. The first correct guess wins a free copy of the book, “Ask Arthur Frommer & Travel Better, Cheaper, Smarter.” Leave your answer in the comment section below. We’ll » Read more
The vibrant city of Florence, chock full of some of the most world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, is always surprising us. This week, we were happy to learn that the Bardini Museum, which kept its doors shut for renovations for nearly a decade, has finally reopened. A little bit of history The museum is named » Read more
Ah, London‘s famous Portobello Road… It’s been immortalized in songs (our fave is this one located in Notting Hill—plays host to a number of cutesy shops, cafés, and antique sellers. It’s also the location of the famous Electric cinema, which has its own signature restaurant next door. The street’s characteristic slope, beginning at the intersection at Westbourne Grove, » Read more
The author, Reinhardt Suarez, wandering through Speyer, Germany, birthplace of the pretzel.
How have I made the most of my limited budget abroad? It goes without saying, “Prepare, prepare, prepare!” Research and development Although down-to-the-minute planning can be limiting, doing some research on the best hotels and hostels, and the best modes of transportation, is the key to saving your money later. If you can do research » Read more
Cheapos do love a nice ride. That’s why we first brought you news of Vienna‘s awesome Citybike program two years ago. At the time, our correspondent Ellen Farkas said, “When it comes to bicycles, the Viennese fully support two-wheeled transport without any fuss. They take their bikes as far as they can, come rain or » Read more
Impressive smørrebrød in Copenhagen. Photo: Maria Eklind
Copenhagen has for years been a top-notch gourmet capital in Northern Europe with high priced, multi-Michelin starred restaurants rising up as fast as you can say, “The Little Mermaid.” But, the bills at these places can be staggering, often more than €150-200 for a meal. Cheapo-gourmets have no fear. Here are a few local secrets – and budget eats – to » Read more
We’re rubbing the sleep from our eyes a little later than usual today, dear Cheapos. Thanks to all who attended our “Farewell Winter” party at the home office in New York City last night. The place was packed and the night roused on until late. Folks chattered of finding cheap airline tickets, what cool budget » Read more
Glass-making is hard work! Photo: Jack Seeds
In Venice, land of gondolas and Guggenheims (Peggy, that is), glass artisans have always thrived. In fact, the island directly north of the city center, Murano, is known as “Glass Island.” Since the 1200s, Venice’s major talents in the glass industry have set up shop here, first making one-of-a-kind pieces for royalty and today, offering » Read more
A blue plaque celebrates Dickens in London. Photo by WallyG
Blue plate specials Since 1867, London has placed blue plaques on many of its most historic homes and buildings. Today, there are hundreds of little blue signs all over London. You can make full day trips just touring one neighborhood, like Bloomsbury, trying to locate all the plaques. According to English Heritage, which sustains the signs and decides which buildings » Read more
Milan's Duomo by night; photo by Panorama
Milan, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and the unique Sforza Castle, loves to put on a good show! Er, trade show, that is. In Milan’s “in” season, during the fashion weeks and the leather shows – and when it seems the Milanese host expos on everything from real estate to food – hotel rates » Read more
The scene at Porta Portese’s market in Trastevere; photo by Tara Bulba Today we bring you another neighborhood spotlight, this time we’re focusing the lens on Trastevere in Rome, Italy. Ciao down! Across the river… Trastevere, which literally means “Beyond the Tiber,” is an area directly west of the Tiber River in Rome. Not only » Read more
The intricate facade of Florence's Duomo is worth a visit. Photo: Ray in Manila
One of our favorite must-sees in Florence is the Duomo, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (sometimes known as Florence Cathedral). And, lucky for us Cheapos, it’s free to enter the main sanctuary daily. Duomo do! But, get this. Did you know that every 40 minutes Florence’s Center for Art and Culture also » Read more
A plaque marks the site of the former Berlin Wall.
Sure, to save more money in Berlin you could just eat pretzels until you’re blue in the face. Hey, we’ve done it. They’re cheap and filling. Or, you could snag a city pass and take advantage of discounts on transport and museums, and freebies all around town. Two passes in particular, the Schaulust Museen Berlin pass » Read more
Edinburgh by night, a gorgeous scene from Calton Hill. Photo by Andy Hayes
With the pound dropping significantly against world currencies, it’s a great time to check out the British Isles! More specifically? It’s about time you got your kilt to Edinburgh! Sure, accommodations can still be a bit of a budget-buster, especially in those year-round tourist hot spots like Scotland’s capital city, but with a few local » Read more
Of course you know about Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District or perhaps its fabulous Old Center. But, what about Plantagebuurt? A neighborhood with flair We the Cheapos do love us some far-flung city character. So, when last in the city of Rembrandt and pancake houses, we opted to stay in Plantagebuurt, where today university buildings and historic » Read more
Fired up! Ready to go! Photo courtesy of an agent Yes, we did! On Tuesday, January 20th, 2009, Barack Obama will be sworn is as the 44th U.S. President and the world will be watching! We’ve put together a list of places hosting inaugural day events in Europe. As we said on Friday, the inauguration should be available » Read more
It’s our time! Photo courtesy of an agent Yes, we did! On Tuesday, January 20th, 2009, Barack Obama will be sworn is as the 44th U.S. President and the world will be watching! We’ve put together a list of places – that we currently know of – hosting inaugural day events in Europe. Fortunately, for all » Read more
