How to Visit Paris Without Breaking the Bank
I don’t know about you, but France’s win over Croatia in the World Cup over the weekend had me thinking about planning my own French getaway! My Instagram feed was full of wild photos of celebrations in Paris, and while it’s too late to join the party, this still got me thinking of ways I could travel to Paris without breaking the bank. Read below for our best money-saving tips for Paris visitors. like things to do for free and where to stay.
1. Enjoy the views near the Eiffel Tower
I have been to Paris three times, and each time I have to go back to the Eiffel Tower! I just love the area and it is impossible not to feel like you are in Paris when you’re near it. The best part? Enjoying the view is completely free! Our advice would be to grab a delicious crepe in the area, and bring a blanket to sit on the grass and admire the famous landmark. Alternately, you’ll be able to see “the Iron Lady” light up every night from sunset to 1 AM. During summer, the lights stay on until 2 AM.
2. Hang out near Montmartre
Montmartre is easily my second favorite spot in Paris. Here you will find Sacre-Coeur, an impossibly gorgeous basilica. The views at night are stunning but it’s also a very cool spot to hang out during the day or before grabbing dinner. Save money by enjoying a day of people watching in this fun area full of young Parisians.
3. Rent an apartment in a less-pricey area
One neighborhood that will give you access to many of the city’s landmarks with the best value is La Motte-Picquet, in the 15th arrondissement. Here you are near many metro lines while also in walking distance to a number of landmarks.
4. Avoid traveling in July or August
Europeans flock to Paris during these two months, driving up hotel prices and making all of the attractions and restaurants way more packed. Aim for September or October for the best deals, and the added bonus of gorgeous fall colors everywhere. In addition, most kids are back to school at this time so you won’t have to deal with a lot of family tourists.
5. Spend a day along the revitalized riverbank
Like many international cities, Paris is becoming more pedestrian-friendly, particularly along the riverbank. Enjoy a day by the river walking, riding bikes, and having a drink at one of the cafes. This is also a great place to take children, with free board games and play areas along the water.
6. Take advantage of free entry to many of Paris’s national museums
Some museums in Paris are free to enter year-round, including Musée d’Art de la Ville de Paris and the Petit Palais. Other exhibits like Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month. You can even visit the Musée du Louvre for free on the first Sunday of the month from October through March! Click here for a full list of free entry dates and costs for all Parisian Museums.
Call us today to book your own Parisian getaway with one of our Europe travel specialists! 402-281-3022.
What’s going on in the travel world? To find this out, take a look at some of the top travel news stories from around the web, below.
See the latest Washington Post Travel Photo Contest entries
Submissions for the contest are open for the 19th annual Travel Photo Contest! For complete rules for submitting your own traveler photograph, plus highlights from the entries received so far, click here!
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/see-the-latest-washington-post-travel-photo-contest-entries/2018/08/03/4ef58a64-9764-11e8-a679-b09212fb69c2_gallery.html?utm_term=.1d07ded0e57b
How and why to find a good travel agent
Read here for reasons why you should use a travel agent, plus tips for finding a good one. Erika Richter, communications director for the American Society of Travel Agents, breaks down some helpful tips and finally, explains more about how travel agents, or “travel advisors” as they are more widely known these days, work and how they can help you.
Source: https://durangoherald.com/articles/235215-how-and-why-to-find-a-good-travel-agent
The frugal traveler’s essential list of budget travel hacks
Lastly, a list of budget travel hacks. Looking for some strategies to save money on your next vacation in addition to making extra cash? Look no further than this helpful list. From airfare, in addition to lodging, cruises, package tours, and more, this list will ensure you don’t spend your life savings on a weekend getaway. Read the full list of hacks here.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/the-frugal-travelers-essential-list-of-budget-travel-hacks/2018/08/01/7f43e210-9048-11e8-8322-b5482bf5e0f5_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.f39525a583e9
Call us today at 402-281-3022 in order to book your next getaway!
Just for you travelers! We gathered the top travel news stories from around the web. Read them all below!
The 5 best travel destinations to visit between seasons
Technically we are currently “between seasons”, or in the “shoulder season” in regards to peak travel times. Summer is the go-to time for travelers to take a big trip, but this article lays out some really great perks that come to those who wait until after summer to travel. Read the full list of destinations you should visit during the off season here.
Source: https://www.gq.com/story/best-shoulder-season-travel-destinations
15 travel books that will change the way you see the world
This article stands behind the idea that reading a travel book can be as transformative as a literal journey. Experienced globetrotters give us there top reading choices that claim to change the way you travel. Read the list here.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jonisweet/2018/08/28/15-travel-books-that-will-change-the-way-you-see-the-world/#7b7cf3c83db7
How to travel to the Maldives on a budget
The Maldives has become a very trendy vacation destination, and rightfully so! Unfortunately, a trip here is not cheap. The flight alone can cost you upwards of $2,500 round-trip. You’ll also have to pay for additional transportation from the airport to this tiny island. Despite these warnings, we still suggest you book a flight here ASAP! This article gives you tips to do that without breaking the bank.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Travel/travel-maldives-budget/story?id=57933961
Prince Harry always travels with this item – as does the Queen, Prince William and Kate
This travel bag is loved by Harry, William, Kate, and even the Queen! In fact, Queen Elizabeth was the first of the royal family to use the bag by British brand Globe-Trotter. She first brought it along on her honeymoon with Prince Philip in 1947. Read more about this trendy bag here.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/1020869/prince-harry-travel-luggage-globe-trotter-suitcase
Call us today to book your next getaway at 402-281-3022.
If Europe is on your bucket list for 2019, you’re in luck! Check out our list of the 7 best budget-friendly European destinations, below.
1. Rome, Italy
It may surprise you that Rome is so affordable because of it’s popularity. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranked Rome as the #1 best affordable vacation spot in Europe for 2017. What makes this destination so budget-friendly is the fact that many famous attractions such as the Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum have free entry! To maximize affordability, skip the busy summer season. This will save you a lot of money on flights and hotel.
2. Prague, Czech Republic
Despite rising prices due to Prague’s growing popularity, it is still top on our list for budget-friendly European destinations. If the often-brutal winter weather in Prague doesn’t scare you, you can expect to save even more by staying in the colder months. Most popular attractions can be accessed for a cheap entrance fee, plus cheap local eats and drinks can be found in abundance.
3. Istanbul, Turkey
Thanks to the Turkish Lira coming way down, Istanbul has become a bargain European destination. Here you won’t want to miss the ornate temples, breathtaking cathedrals, and bustling markets. Istanbul is unique as a face-paced and rapidly-changing metropolis, differing from many other areas of Europe in part to the country’s proximity to Asia.
Although somewhat difficult to get reach, sticking to a budget is quite doable once you get there! Stick to street food like sandwiches and kabobs, which are as delicious as they are affordable. Accommodations can be expensive, so check out Price of Travel’s Istanbul recommended hotels list bargain hotels in ideal locations.
4. London, England
London is new to the budget-friendly travel destination club. The reason we now include it in this list is due to the fact that the currency has dropped after the Brexit vote. This means it is now far cheaper than it has been in several decades (though still can be very pricey if you are not careful!) and as one of the greatest cities in the world, now is the time to see it!
With the help of a travel agent, you can find fairly nice hotels in centrally-located areas in the US$200 per night range. Cheap eats are also easy to come by and you can expect to find meals around US$8 in less busy tourist zones such as Westminster or the West End. London won’t stay this cheap for long, so don’t wait to visit!
In addition, many of London’s greatest museums (including the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Modern) don’t charge admission! Another money-saving tip is to invest in an Oyster Card, much like a debit card for public transportation that comes with a much lesser per-ride price on London buses and subways (approximately $3 per ride versus $6 without).
5. Lisbon, Portugal
A bit cheaper than Madrid and Barcelona, according to Price of Travel, Lisbon is an historic city which sits atop 7 hills overlooking the port. The main contributing factor that lands Lisbon in the budget-travel category is the fierce competition between hotels. Not only are the hostels competitive with price, but also competitive when it comes to service. The majority of these hostels rank very high on various Best Hotels in the World lists.
Hotels and foods here are also reasonably priced compared to other European destinations, and even in the lower price range the food and beverages are delicious and the meals are elegant.
6. Bruges, Belgium
Although situated in an area of Europe known to be traditionally expensive, Bruges is actually quite affordable. Much like in Lisbon, there are enough hostels to house thousands of budget travelers and backpackers. Be sure to avoid the busy summer months to keep your travel costs down. Many count on Bruges as a chill-out stop on a European tour due to its relative affordability and relaxed atmosphere.
7. Florence, Italy
This classically beautiful Italian city cannot be missed! It is touted by many (myself included) as their favorite city in Italy, and for good reason. Florence is tucked amid the breathtaking Tuscan hills and is known as the launching point and capital of the Renaissance era. The history-rich city also boasts gorgeous sunsets, amazing food, and almost unimaginable romantic charm. The hotel rates hover around $125 per night, making lodging quite affordable. Save even more by booking a room on the outskirts of town.
Dreaming of planning your own Europe vacation but no clue where to get started? At Enchanted Honeymoons Travel, we plan hundreds of bucket list getaways every year. With travel agents who specialize in exactly where you’re looking to go, the planning process is seamless and carefree. Call us today at 402-281-3022 to learn more!