Search Results for: blog visiting paris on a budget

Popular Paris Landmark Preps for Major Makeover

More than a century after it was introduced to the world and nearly 30 years after it received its last round of renovations Paris’ Eiffel Tower is preparing to undergo another facelift. The French landmark, which was originally designed by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair Fair, was meant to welcome only about 500,000 visitors, but these days the towering tourist attraction hosts about 7 million visitors a year. Eiffel Tower managers say even with the addition of new elevators that were installed in the early 1980s, lines can last up to an hour or two during the high … Continue reading →

Visiting Paris on a Budget

If you love Paris in the springtime… or anytime, but don’t want to mortgage your house to pay for the trip you are in luck. Hotels across the City of Lights are offering unbelievable bargains right now. However, there are a few catches: Rates are available on a first-come, first-serve basis; the offers is only good through February and space is limited. Still, the deals exist if you are willing to make the trip across the pond. Hotel du Louvre This four-star property is not only dripping with history; its amenities and location cannot be beat. I’m not exaggerating about … Continue reading →

Rare European Travel Deals

With the weak state of the dollar and skyrocketing fuel prices, finding a deal to Europe is practically impossible these days. That’s why the following bargains to popular European capitals are so unbelievable. The only catch: You must travel between September and December. Take a look: IRELAND Save some green on a trip to the Emerald Isle by taking advantage of this deal from Virgin Vacations. The package includes roundtrip airfare from New York and a four-night stay at the three-star Mont Clare on Merrion Square, once frequented by James Joyce. The price for the package is $951 for travel … Continue reading →

Take a Summer Tour on Two Wheels

France is famous for the Eiffel Tower, its pastries, and scores of fabulous museums, but if you are looking to gain a unique perspective of the City of Lights then this next trip might be exactly what you are looking for. The Backroads of Burgundy package allows you to tour France’s quaint villages on two wheels. You’ll bike through some of the country’s most picturesque countryside, and with all the exercise you’ll be getting you’ll likely feel better after your trip than you have in a while. For just $1,099 per person (taxes included) you will receive seven nights’ accommodations, … Continue reading →

Summer Travel Tidbits: Roadkill, Reckless Driving and Record High Gas Prices

ROADKILL If you are planning to drive along Illinois highways this summer don’t expect the views to be very pleasant. Unless you enjoy staring at miles and miles of roadkill, you will likely find the drive somewhat… well… gross. According to the state’s transportation department, it simply doesn’t have enough money to pick up as much roadkill as it normally does this time of year because it spent too much of its budget during the winter months. Representatives from IDOT say they spent more than twice the allotted $40 million to clear ice and snow during last winter’s severe storms … Continue reading →

Summer Travel Surprises in Europe

Cash strapped travelers who have been dreaming of taking a summer holiday to Europe have reason to celebrate today. Never mind that it’s not your birthday or anniversary you’re still eligible to receive the gift that Best Western is passing out to its guests. The hotel chain is commemorating its 30th year in Great Britain by offering rates of 30 pounds a room (that’s about $60 at today’s exchange rates). More than 90 Best Western locations in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands are offering the reduced rates. To be eligible for the discount you must stay for two … Continue reading →

International Hotels that Treat Your Kids Like Royalty

And you thought getting a free pair of mouse ears and some chocolates on your pillow was exciting. Wait until you see the types of goodies some luxurious family friendly resorts around the world are doling out to young guests to impress the entire clan. If you have always treated your child like a prince or princess then you’ll want to check out these ultra-luxe properties that go the extra mile to give kids the royal treatment: FRANCE The Hôtel Plaza Athénée on chic Avenue Montaigne in the heart of Paris has the market covered when it comes to upscale … Continue reading →

Travel Tidbits: One More Faux European Hot Spot and Swinging Golf Savings

In a previous blog I provided tips on how you could save on your summer jaunt abroad (F.Y.I.–one British pound currently costs $2) by getting your Euro-fix in the States. From Wisconsin to Texas, New York to Michigan the good ol’ US of A is chock full of destinations that are overflowing with European flair. One city that I failed to mention in my previous blog is Tarpon Springs, Florida. The sunny locale is oozing with Mediterranean charm. More than a century ago Greek immigrants traveled to Tarpon Springs and turned it into one of the leading areas for sponge … Continue reading →

Travel Tips: Instead of Europe Consider… Part 2

It’s no secret that traveling to Europe right now can cause a serious dent in your family’s budget. Which is why most Americans are staying close to home instead of crossing the pond to get their Euro fix. However, as I mentioned in my previous blog vacationing in the United States doesn’t mean you are limited to a trip filled with hot dogs, apple pie and baseball stadiums. If you know where to go you can experience European luxury without having to flash your passport or go bankrupt in the process. Take a look: TEXAS Why fly to Germany when … Continue reading →

Travel Tips: Instead of Europe Consider…

With the current state of the economy weighing heavily on the minds of just about every family that operates on a budget, plans for extravagant vacations have been all but eliminated. Unless you are a lottery winner or generate an Oprah-like salary you are not likely to be taking a costly transatlantic flight to Europe anytime soon. With the dollar plunging to record lows against the euro, the British pound and other European currencies, the good ol’ US of A is looking more and more like a viable summer vacation destination. However, if you have your heart set on experiencing … Continue reading →