20 ways to stretch your dollars in Europe

[Nasika]

I found a very good article and hope it will be usefull not only to US residents who would like to visit Europe (like somecoolcat for example ) but to us Europeans also

20 ways to stretch your dollars in Europe

Where to stay in order to save some money?

1. B&B offers double the warmth and cultural intimacy for half the price of a hotel. You'll find them in most countries.
2. Europe's 2,000 hostels have countless cheap dorm beds for half the price of beds in low-end hotels.
3. Throughout Europe, budget-chain hotels are driving small hotels and guesthouses out of business by renting efficient, if forgettable, rooms at near B&B prices. The cookie-cutter rooms -- which cost the same for singles, couples, or even a family of four -- offer the greatest savings for traveling families.
4. Save by choosing simpler hotels. A three-star place (with room service and a 24-hour reception desk) is a bad value for a budget traveler who's satisfied with a one-star place (e.g., no elevator, no restaurant and no shoeshine machines in the hallway).
5. Pack the room. Funky European hotels have rooms of all sizes, and hoteliers are often happy to pack in extra beds. The more people you put in a hotel room, the cheaper it gets per person.

Where and what to eat in order to save some money?

6. Skip the hotel breakfast. Hotel breakfasts, while convenient, are rarely a good value. If breakfast is not included in the cost of your room, you can save money and gain character by joining the local crowd at the corner cafe.
7. Avoid touristy restaurants with "We speak English" signs and multilingual menus. Eateries that are filled with locals aren't always cheaper, but they serve better food at a better value.
8. Picnics save you money: $20 buys a hearty picnic lunch for two anywhere in Europe. Stock your hotel room with drinks and munchies upon arrival.
9. Throughout southern Europe, drinks are cheaper at the bar rather than at a table.
10. 7-Eleven-style convenience stores are the rage in northern Europe, but bigger grocery stores will save you 30 percent on snacks, drinks, picnic fare and take-away food.
11. Some of the best cheap eateries are in or near open-air markets.
12. To save money in restaurants, couples can order two side salads and split an entree. To save more, request tap water instead of mineral water, drink the house wine and share a dessert.
13. Don't over-tip. Only Americans tip 20 percent in Europe -- even when it's already included or not expected.

Way of transportation and how to get to...

14. Fly "open jaw" -- into one city and out of another - to avoid a needless, costly, and time-consuming return to your starting point.
15. Cars are worthless and expensive headaches in big cities. Pick up your rental car after the first big city you visit, and drop it off before the final big city of your trip.
16. Buses, while generally slower, are about half the cost of trains.
17. Use public transit for airport transfers.

Where to go shopping?

18. Do most of your shopping in the cheaper countries where gifts are more interesting and your dollar stretches the farthest.
19. Anywhere in Europe, big department stores sell folk art, souvenirs and postcards for 20 percent less than shops and stands on the streets and at the sights.

Money matter...

20. Use ATMs rather than travelers checks. Use your debit card exclusively for ATM withdrawals and your credit card for purchases - not the opposite.

I would love to know some more tricks and advice.

[eejonesaux]

Hey,
I really enjoyed reading those, thank you for posting that.. Some of them i will keep in mind for sure.

Actually the only thing i can add is, i take in the breakfasts at the hotels and eat a bunch, then skip the lunch and have money for a decent supper...but thats just my way of doing it....

Take care,
Special Ed

[Nasika]

That's my way also (you can grab some sandwiches from the breakfast too and eat them after it).

[mikewonaus]

Aloha from Down Unda!

Tanx Nasika! Good general information!

It's customary for the bride & I to hit the 3 closest supermarkets [where EVER we land] to go grocery shoppin to discover what's available, at what prices, which are always different from store to store, as well as from location to location. Our grocery budget is usually 125% of our home budget to allow for those extra condiments, disposable plates & cutlery & also to loosen the purse strings to 'splurge' since we are away from home. Also, we usually find things we really like which are not available at home! Sure it's great to eat out for special occasions but it's SO so much much smarter & cost effective to limit restaurants to times when it is simply too impractical to pack meals! No one anywhere can offer any meal better than we can cook & serve ourselves in the room or prepare & pack to enjoy at our own selected locations!

While your caption referes to Europe, the same holds true anywhere! A little common sense & extra effort will always enable the best use of any amount of funds to bankroll the endeavor to the most optimum results.

Best wishes ~

[Dan in Japan]

In case you are in the "Land of the Rising Sun", here are a few things to consider:

Lodging- Capsule Hotels are a stack of three bunks similar to what you would find on a ship. Bunks sleep one person and have a small LCD that can pick-up local TV channels. Cost per night was about US$40. Showers are Japanese style where you wash down with soap then bath in a community area.

Dining- Ramen shops are a dime a dozen near train stations. The fast food chain, Yoshinoya sells beef bowls and I recommend it. The sushi chain, Kappa Sushi sells plates that are brought to you on a conveyor for about US$1. Japan is know as convienence store heaven and a wide variety of food is available at an affordable price.

Transportation- Trains and subways are abundant in the metropolis areas. Check JR East's website. They serve the Greater Tokyo area. Taxis are good too especially if traveling in small groups.

[melissa_vol]

These are very good points. Follow it in Germany for sure and you will manage to stress your dollar.

[experience196]

We usually find the thing which we really like that can't be offered at home! It is really very good that certainly go out to have a meal for the special chance, restrain from restaurant so very clever and cost profitable determination can pack when time spent it will be meal while being impracticable either really.

[Crish]

great information....

[waitressvn]

good ways! Thanks for your information.