Smart Travel Tips - Yes, Yes Indeed!
1. Travellers Cheques Not the Best Option: You will get your cash cheaper and faster using an ATM. Just keep in mind that while ATMs give the best possible rates, they do come with transaction fees. Minimize fees by making fewer and larger withdrawals. Store the cash safely in your money belt.
2. Purchase Gifts in Lesser Expensive Countries Do most of your shopping and gift buying in the cheaper countries where gifts are more interesting and your shopping dollar stretches the farthest . The difference is huge: for the cost of a pewter Viking ship in Oslo, you can buy an actual boat in Turkey.
3. While in Rome.... : Cultural chameleons drink tea in England, beer in Prague, red wine in France, and white wine on the Rhine. They eat fish in Portugal and reindeer in Norway. Going with the local specialties gets you the best quality and service for the best price.
4. Pay with local cash: While credit cards get you a good exchange rate, many places offering Europe's best deals - from craft shops to bed & breakfasts - accept only cash.
5. Go business: During summer and weekends year-round, you can get a fancy business hotel room at a cheap one-star hotel price . It's not unusual to score a $300 double room for $100.
6. Don't over-tip: Only Americans tip 15 to 20 percent in Europe, even tipping when it is already included or not expected. Ask locals (who are customers rather than employees of a restaurant) for advice.
7. Buy museum passes: Passes save time and money. The Paris Museum pass, for example, pays for itself in three visits and saves you hours by letting you skip long lines. With a pass you can also pop painlessly into sights that might otherwise not be worth the expense.
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