20 ways to stretch your dollars in Europe

[Trek]

With the weak dollar and crappy exchange rates, I thought this article might be appropriate and helpful for anyone planning to come visit Europe. For those used to LBYM, it shouldn't be a problem. Enjoy!

20 ways to stretch your dollars in Europe - CNN.com

[playaman]

Great article. Thanks.

[deserat]

I love Rick Steves and used all of his advice while living in Europe - Ibis is another budget chain hotel that can save you $$$. Trains and buses are cheap - we belonged to a ski club and they bussed us everywhere. He's right about cars in any metropolitan city in Italy - SCARY - don't drive if you don't have to - they are crazy over there. Also, the farther east you go, the cheaper it is. Croatia is a beautiful country with lots of history and cheap - how about Slovenia? Gorgeous! Shopping in grocery stores is cheaper and part of the cultural experience - in Germany Pennymarkt and Aldis are great for price conscious shoppers. Plus you get to see what they buy, eat, and use - it's different in Germany, in France, in Poland in Italy. In France, Cora markets are like Costcos. As for knick knacks - he's right, don't buy them on the street - try the department stores or grocery stores! If you like to hike, Europe has trails all over and huts to stay in night to night - frankly, I miss it there - you can rought it with a shower - my kind of roughing!

[pedorrero]

I too am an old Rick Steves fan. I heard him speak at a function in 1994, and have a book autographed by him (crowd goes "Whoa!" Not.) Anyway... I like his philosophy. I've watched his PBS shows and I think he's gone a bit soft in his middle age, married life, and wealth. I wish he'd do a travelogue of his teen years, when he was closer to the true vagabond. But even I'm a bit above that level now. I need at least a $10 hotel room (Mexico prices)...

[Zoocat]

Has anyone been on a Rick Steves tour? I've read that most of the people are over 50 on the longer tours. How about the percentage of singles?

[mountaintosea]

I took several travel books with me when I took off for a year. I had one of his. I went to some of the off beat places he recommended. I also took along Let's Go and Lonely Planet books. His advice hasn't changed.