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10 Saving Tips in Europe
Charles Leocha · January 3, 2005

You've probably read all the stories about how Europe is getting outrageously expensive.

With the dollar taking a beating from the euro, a fast-food lunch in London costs $40, and a hotel room in Paris will set you back $500 a night. Maybe you should just stay home?

Well, don't believe everything you read.

The European Travel Commission reports that 12.7 million Americans visited the Old World in 2004 -- the second-most on record -- and this year could be even busier. Maybe it's because on balance, traveling to major cities in Europe costs about the same as visiting a big city in the United States.

Here's how you can save money and keep from being surprised at the costs of a continental vacation.

1. Plan ahead. Buying packages, tours, hotels and car rentals always costs more when purchased piecemeal rather than when you plan ahead.

2. Travel during off-season. The winter, autumn and spring are the bargain times to travel in Europe. These are also the best times to enjoy European cities when the residents are there as well. This is the time that the symphonies play, opera is performed and major attractions are not packed.

3. Use good guidebooks to research hotels. Rick Steves' guidebooks have some of the best-researched bargain lodging and Michelin Red Guides have the most accurate upscale ratings. I normally look for the least expensive hotel listed in Michelin, to know I am getting a well-kept, well-run establishment.

4. Go online or to travel agents for packages. Use the Internet to purchase "dynamic packages." When using Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, CheapTickets and many others, purchasing air and hotels together can save a bundle of money. The Internet sites allow travelers to select the types of rooms, the location and have detailed maps of the hotel areas. It is hard to go wrong. Or, check with a travel agent. They often can match online package prices, provide added personalized services and a point of contact if things go wrong.

5. Check into transportation passes for the city bus and subway systems. Tourist passes are almost always a bargain. Take the train from the airport into the city if possible to save even more -- these transfers are often included in the transportation pass. Some online travel sites sell these as an add-on to your package.

6. Buy a museum pass. If you are planning on visiting more than three museums, these passes save you money. You also will avoid any lines at the ticket window when arriving at popular museums. Some online travel sites also sell these as an add-on to your package.

7. Get cash overseas using your credit card for the best exchange rates. Be aware of the added credit-card fees. Credit Union credit cards normally are the best deal. Avoid credit cards that have overseas charge fees, extra exchange rate fees, cash machine fees and cash advance fees. If you use the right credit card, you will only be charged a $1 transaction fee and the 1 percent minimum exchange fee.

8. If you insist on bringing cash or traveler's cheques, don't change money at the airports either before you depart the USA or when you arrive. Those banks have the worst exchange rates. The difference can be as much as 10 percent between those banks and others downtown. All airports have cash machines. Use your credit card.

9. If you want to rent a car, always call back to the USA and make your reservations a day in advance. I suggest calling AutoEurope 1-800-223-5555 (check their website, autoeurope.com, or call in advance for their toll-free numbers from Europe). Their minimum three-day rental is often less expensive than a one-day local rental.

10. Buy a telephone card for local and international calls. There are many types -- all require that you dial a toll-free number and then follow the prompts (in English) to make your call. Cards that cost as little as 5 euros will give you around 150 minutes of talk time with the USA, or more.

Charles Leocha is a commentator based in Boston.