How Much to Bring

I recently traveled to The Netherlands with my school's study abroad program. The first thing they told us? Save. We would be abroad for four months and although room and board were provided to us by our school during the week, on weekends we'd be on our own. When I arrived in The Netherlands in fall 2007, the exchange rate was about $1.50 American dollars to one Euro and $2.00 American dollars to the British pound. This means you should expect to lose at least a third of your money just in exchange rates.

They suggested to us to use credit cards, as this will give you the best exchange rate. I found that doing this often led to high fees for overseas use. It's a good resource if you're buying in bulk, but for small purchases keep cash on hand. Get foreign money at your bank beforehand, they will give you the best exchange rate. Use ATM's when you need cash abroad, and avoid cash exchange booths that can rip you off.

I found that $5,000 was sufficient for me for four months, but even if you're just going for a week I would suggest having at least $1,000. You never know what expenses will come up, and with the exchange rate constantly fluctuating, it's a good idea to have extra cash on hand.

Getting Around

My program encouraged us to travel on the weekends and gave us each a Eurail pass that would enable us to travel most of Europe. You can obtain these passes via the Eurail website for anywhere from 10 days to three months. Though they're a bit pricy, it's a good investment if you'll be traveling to three or more countries. Otherwise you'll have to pick up tickets as you go, which can lead to complications and a general hassle. Also, a two hour train ride can cost as much as $50.

If you need to use an airline, Ryanair is Europe's leading bargain flight. The airports are a bit out of the way, but with the price of a ticket starting at $30 American dollars, it's definitely worth the extra bus ride. It's a flight devoid of luxury, but it gets you to your destination for cheap.

Where to Stay

Forget the horror movies, Hostels are the backpacker's best friend. Websites like Hostelworld list hostels in particular cities that cost as little as $10 per night. Some even include breakfast and discounts on tours. You'll probably have to share a room with other guests, but for the most part hostels are safe and reliable. Just make sure to book in advance, because of their cheap price they fill up quickly.

Eating

I found that in each city I visited, there were certain foods that were necessary to sample. However, most foods that are popular to a particular place (think: Belgian waffles in Brussels, Gyros in Athens) have multiple restaurants that serve the dish. Don't just go to the first place you see, shop around to get the best price. A four star restaurant may serve a Welsh Rabbit (grilled ham and cheese) that is just as delicious as the pub down the street.

Also, limit yourself to one special dinner per place you visit, or even just per week. It will save you money and there's no shame in eating fast food every now and then. Also, grocery stores can be a cheap way to get a good meal. What's more romantic than wine, bread, and cheese in a French park? The atmosphere is free, and the food is a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere!

Following these tips you'll be able to have a fun and exciting European vacation on a budget. Make sure to take as many pictures as possible and keep your valuables and passport on you at all times. Happy travels!

Shopping

For the shoppers amongst you, be warned this is a shopper's paradise and you will spend much more than what you want too. The main area, Oxford Street with over 300 shops, is sure to keep you entertained for days never mind hours. There is a good selection of shops specializing in many products including ladies, men and children's fashion, sports, accessories, electronic, toys, jewelery, music, and home ware. Some of these shops are more expensive than others but there are many bargains available, it is just a case of finding them. Be sure to check out massive stores such as Selfridges, House of Frazer and John Lewis. For a little more exquisite shopping jump on the tube and go to Knightsbridge where you will find the famous Harrods, and you never know what celebrity you may bump into while browsing. Covent garden is another great shopping area and you will find many brand shops each such as Diesel, Miss Sixty, Guess and Replay.

Sights to Behold

It is hard to know where to start under sights, I have still to see many of these myself but I will consider some of the main highlights. Madame Tussauds is the place to go if you like celebrities and here you can see clones of Kate Moss, Drew Barrymore, Jim Carey, Justin Timberlake and many others. Why not take a trip on the London Eye and see views of most of London including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and River Thames. London Zoo is another great highlight where they now have a tropical bird exhibit. You should also check out the Tower of London and the British Museum.

Theater

I would never consider myself an arts person but no visit to London is complete without a trip to the theatre. There are many shows at all times of the year, and you can purchase tickets online or at one of the many ticket offices in central London. Shows are on in the afternoon and at night and the majority of theatres can be found in the Leicester Square area. Recently I went to see Dirty Dancing and I would definitely recommend it. I have also seen Mamma Mia previously and enjoyed it also.

Transport

It is unbelievably easy to get around London at anytime of the day or night. They have an excellent tube service and you can buy a day ticket for relatively cheap and stop off wherever you want. Tubes run for at least 18 hours of the day, and go daily so they are always available. There is also an excellent bus service which runs around the majority of London. From the airports you can either get a train, taxi or an express train service which takes you into the central of London in around 30 minutes.

If you are thinking about going to London I would suggest you plan your trip early and order some of your tickets online to save money. An important point is that you may not get to see everything first time around but this gives you a fantastic excuse to visit again in the future.

GuGong, China

• Airfare from New York (JFK) - $1,497; from Los Angeles (LAX) - $1,356; from London (LHR) - $1,071
• Nearest Hotel: Shangri-la China World Hotel; Cost per night (avg.) - $314
  

Imperial Palace or GuGong (Forbidden City, Zijincheng) in China was a Royal Administrative site for royal use and public access during the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Chinese history. It was recorded that the third emperor of dynasty Ming built this palace before he successfully took over the politic and crowned himself emperor. There have been a total of 24 emperors of Ming and Qing who dwelt in this palace. The palace has 9,000 rooms to accommodate imperial families, administrators, eunuchs, maids and soldiers. It has also served as a major location for discussing internal administrative affairs. Now, this palace has been turned into a national museum for tourists to visit and preserves many classical Chinese architectural structures of imperial splendor.

Located in the heart of Beijing, it has easy access to Tiananmen Square while the city of Wangfujing is located to the east. In 1961, this ancient palace was approved by the State Council as the National Palace Museum displaying protected heritages. By 1987, the palace was listed by UNESCO as a “World Heritage”, reflecting the cultural dimension of historical value which has gained international recognition.

The White House, United States of America

• Airfare from New York (JFK) - $136; from Los Angeles (LAX) - $226; from London (LHR) - $684
• Nearest Hotel: The Captial Hilton; Cost per night (avg.) - $399

The White House is one of the more well known symbols of America and is obviously home to the president of the United States and his family. This "palace" is a two-story building and is located in Washington, DC. It was initially established in 1792 and officially became the US President’s official residence in 1800. President Roosevelt first used the phrase “White House” in 1902, referring the to white color of the Presidential residence.

Buckingham Palace, England

• Airfare from New York (JFK) - ; from Los Angeles (LAX) - $614
• Nearest Hotel: Crown Plaza London St. James; Cost per night (avg.) - $296

Buckingham Palace was a palace originally established for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. In 1761, George III used this palace as his private residence and it was then known as “The Queen’s House”. It became the royal palace of Queen Victoria in 1837 and includes 19 state rooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, 78 bathrooms and 52 principal bedrooms as reported in a 1999 book published by the Royal Collection Department. There is a well known statue of Queen Victoria created by the sculptor Sir Thomas Brock in 1911 in front of the main gate.

Grand Kremlin Palace, Russia

• Airfare from New York (JFK) - $972; from Los Angeles (LAX) - $1207; from London (LHR) - $520
• Nearest Hotel: Swissotel Krasnye Holmy; Cost per night (avg.) - $438

Grand Kremlin Palace or Great Kremlin Palace was built between 1837 to 1851 on Borovitsky Hill in Moscow, Russia. The exterior building portrays medieval Russian and Byzantine architecture and includes nine churches from the 14th, 16th and 17th centuries, and more than 700 rooms. It was reported that the former U.S. President Ronald Reagan and the former Soviet General Secretary Mikhael Gorbachev signed the INF Treaty at the Grand Kremlin Palace during the Moscow Summit on June 1, 1988.

Palace of Versailles, France

• Airfare from New York (JFK) - $629; from Los Angeles (LAX) - $759; from London (LHR) - $214
• Nearest Hotel: Pullman Versailles Château; Cost per night (avg.) - $237

Palace of Versailles or Versailles was built in the 16th century under Louis XVI. It is located in the city of Versailles, 16 km west-southwest of Paris, France. It includes a 70 meter long hall of mirrors, luxurious apartments built for the king and the queen and the famous Le Norte French park. Before the 1789 revolution, it served as the center of the French monarchy which housed 20,000 nobles and was finally turned into a museum by Louis-Philippe in 1837.

The Potala Palace, Tibet

Due to the present unrest in Tibet, travel anywhere near the palace is currently highly restricted.

The Potala Palace was established at an altitude of 3,700 meters on the side of the Marpo Ri in the center of Lhasa Valley in China. The palace was built by King Songtsen Gambo to greet his bride, Princess Wen Cheng of the Tang Dynasty of China. This palace has been recently named one of the “New Seven Wonders” by the American television show “Good Morning America” and the newspaper “USA Today”. The palace occupies an area of 41 hectares, is 115 meters in height and has a 13-storey main residence. It is divided into the “red palace” for religious affairs and the "white palace" for political affairs. The palace is richly decorated with paintings, jewels and ornaments.

The Topkapi Palace, Turkey

• Airfare from New York (JFK) - $1,262; from Los Angeles (LAX) - $1,239; from London (LHR) - $375
• Nearest Hotel: 7 Hills Hotel; Cost per night (avg.) - $322

The Topkapi Palace is a glorious building located on the Seraglio Point overlooking the Sea of Marmara and Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey. Its initial construction commenced in 1459 and it was built under the orders of Sultan Mehmed II who was a conqueror of Byzantine Constantinople. From the 15th to the 19th centuries, this palace was the official and primary residence of Ottoman Sultans until the reign of Abdulmecid I (1839-1860). The palace portrays classic Ottoman architecture and also contains huge collections of Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals, robes, porcelain, shields, armor, and a large display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry as well.

Blenheim Palace, England

• Airfare from New York (JFK) - ; from Los Angeles (LAX) - $614
• Nearest Hotel: Macdonald Bear Hotel; Lowest per night (avg.) - $183

Blenheim Palace is one of England’s largest houses and was constructed between 1705 and 1722 in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England. This palace was originally a gift to John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, in the military triumph against the Bavarians and French. The palace is surrounded by a magnificent lake, sweeping lawns and formal gardens. Inside the palace, the highlights of particular interest are the beautiful carvings and paintings, as well as the monumental Great Hall with its painted ceiling depicting the battle of Blenheim. The state rooms are decorated with numerous hanging tapestries and includes a room commemorating Sir Winston Churchill with elegant pieces of furniture and large collections of portraits by Van Dyck, Laguerre, Reynolds and Kneller. In 1987, this palace claimed its place on a list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Note: All prices are in US Dollars and are approximate/average prices from a general search. Airfares given are round-trip fares and do not necessarily include all taxes.

The tiny leaded glass panes in one of the windows of G2 have come away in places from the lead, and wait patiently to crash and tinkle to the ground below. The single light comes from a bulkhead fitting in the centre of the ceiling of the type that used to be fitted to minesweepers, circa 1944. An electrical conduit pipe runs from it down one wall. You can rest your head on it as you lie on the bed, for there is no headboard.

The room reminds me of Fletcher's cell in "Porridge", but the walls are painted cream, rather than green. The plug chain in the sink in the corner is attached to no part of the sink. Some idler has made off with the caps for the taps, so you don't know which is hot and which is cold. You soon discover however, when you are scalded when you run your hand under the hot tap. Paradoxically, however, the showers in the grotty shower room along the passage, where you can catch fifteen distinct diseases just touching the shower-head, run permanently cold, so if you want to wash your hair or your extremities, you do so in the sink.

The carpet on the floor is of the cheapest needlecord and is dark brown in hue to attempt to disguise the stains in the same way as teenage girls disguise acne by trowelling on makeup. Just as certainly as it does with the teenage girls, so the carpet fails on all counts. The furniture is of the gimcrack variety, and would be rejected by a boot sale. The wardrobe door is secured by a hasp and staple, though the padlock is missing. One of the runners on the top desk drawer has collapsed and the drawer is jammed in place.

The towels smell as if they had been washed in vinegar. The bedsheets are the cheapest possible cotton/rayon mix, and the duvet seems to be constructed of some unidentifiable material akin to tarpaulin. The single green blanket has the texture of carborundum paste. The painted walls are gouged and chipped in many places, and the room looks like a hospital waiting room that has been designed by Albert Steptoe.

I have a view out of the leaded window - I can see the fire escape, littered with empty cigarette cartons, juice bottles, old newspapers and older rags, and plastic bags blown hither and thither. There are no tea-making facilities, no iron, no trouser-press, no mini-bar, no tiny shampoos, no bath gels, no headed stationery, nothing to make your stay in a hotel even moderately tenable. I'm surprised there isn't a chamber-pot so that you can slop out of a morning.

The cost of this extravaganza, including a continental breakfast comprising a couple of slices of spam on wholemeal bread that could only appear on a continental menu in somewhere like Albania, was £95.

I got my revenge - I left several chewed pieces of gum on the undersides of the furniture where they will lie undetected until the furniture collapses in piles of dust.

On a humid, drab day in England's capital, the Wellington Boot hotel precisely mirrors my mood of seedy despair and grim isolation.

The town was founded in the late 11th century when the castle was begun, one of many along the border between the Normans' new English territory and the rebellious Welsh. The name Ludlow, first appearing as "Ludelaue", is derived from the Anglo-Saxon meaning "hill beside the rapids" - the hill being that on which stands the castle, and the rapids being those of the adjacent river.

Ludlow became prosperous as a wool market town in the 13th century. Several water-powered wool mills were built along the river. The town grew with its increasing wealth; the church was begun in 1199 and the town walls, a mile in circumference, were built between 1233 and 1304. One of seven gateways survives, the Broadgate at the lower end of Broad Street - regarded by some as the most beautiful street in England, despite the perpetual infestation of parked cars.

The town's main quality lies in the sheer diversity of its buildings. Mediaeval timber-framed edifices are found throughout, and Tudor hotels stand near Georgian masterpieces. Strangely, perhaps, nowhere does this apparently random mixture of architectural styles look odd. Indeed, several different periods may be represented in one building, as in Brand House. Ludlow is truly a town where every prospect pleases.

Even a short walk will provide a visitor with some memorable sights. The ascent of Corve Street brings the famous Feathers Hotel into view, with its wealth of leaded glass and carved timbers. Turn right into King Street and The Corner Shop appears. The blandness of the name belies the impressiveness of the building; it is both massive and graceful with its twin gables, dragon beams and bull-nosed joists.

A few paces further on is the Butter Cross, built in 1743 to a design by William Baker. The graceful symmetry of its appearance from Broad Street is exquisite, and the cupola-surmounted clock tower lends an additional touch of elegance. Something of a contrast is provided by Harp Lane, leading off to Market Square. The central gutter and overhanging upper storeys give a vivid impression of mediaeval Ludlow, yet the relatively stark appearance of this narrowest of thoroughfares is not without charm.

Despite the ubiquitous motor vehicles (happily reduced since the opening of the desperately-needed bypass) it is easy indeed to wander the streets and lose oneself in the past. The wool merchants hurrying around Quality Square; the hustle and bustle of the "beast market" in the Bull Ring; the unspeakable smell from the tannery near the river; the noisy rhythms of the cobblers' hammers; and the various cries of the street hawkers and market traders - all are so easily liberated from the mind's time capsule.

The town's most visited attractions must be the castle and the parish church of St Laurence. The former, though in ruins, is still imposing, with its superb views from the keep. The latter fittingly dominates all photographs taken of Ludlow from a distance, with its tower soaring majestically 135 feet above the streets. The church conveys an impression of dignified grandeur, in keeping with the town's prosperity in the fifteenth century when the chancel and nave were rebuilt in the perpendicular style.

One of St Laurence's best-known features is the set of misericords which adorn the stalls. These figures, mostly carved in the mid-15th century, include heraldic emblems, royal images and a variety of whimsical scenes such as two boys mocking a lady wearing an ornate head-dress.

Visitors who can eventually bring themselves to leave Ludlow will soon discover that it makes an ideal base for exploring south Shropshire and the Welsh borderlands. Fifteen miles north is Church Stretton, a gateway to some of the most beautiful hill country in England, while ten miles west is Knighton, roughly the mid-point of Offa's Dyke Path and a fascinating little town. Near Craven Arms can be found Acton Scott Working Farm Museum and Stokesay Castle, one of the most impressive fortified manor houses in the country.

For the culture lover, Ludlow hosts the annual Arts Festival from late June to mid-July. Concerts, ranging from folk to jazz, take place at several venues and there are lectures and exhibitions. The highlight is provided by a Shakespeare play performed alfresco in the castle grounds - an unforgettable experience for any visitor.

There is something special about Painswick. The scenery and views are typical of this part of Gloucestershire, yes, but there is definitely something different about that particular village. Well, I say village but actually it is a town. Yes, it is definitely a town, just a very small one. There aren't many shops in Painswick. Just a few essential places, like a convenience store, a post office, a tea shop, a chemist, and some antique shops. However, Painswick's close proximity to the somewhat larger town of Stroud somehow makes this unimportant.

Why Painswick?

Years ago, when I was a teenager, I had a college friend who lived in Painswick, in a lovely big old terraced house built from Cotswold Stone; and also my ex-girlfriend lived nearby in another nearby village; to me, this made it romantic somehow, and ever since then I've always loved the area.

Old Buildings

Painswick has a very old feel to it. It lays spread up a hillside, with its church spire pointing upwards; you can see it for many miles away, and it has a great character. I've often thought that the houses there must cost a lot, as the buildings are made of Cotswold stone. There has been some more building work going on lately, in keeping with the style of the other buildings. After a while, when they are more weather-beaten they will certainly look good and fit in very well with the overall Cotswold stone appearance of Painswick. However, apart from this latest development, Painswick hasn't grown much over the years.

The Scenery

The scenery surrounding Painswick is very beautiful, and is part of what I consider Gloucestershire scenery at its best. Famous author Laurie Lee lived nearby in the village of Slad, which is down another nearby valley. By the way: the town of Stroud is surrounded by five valleys; these are: Painswick Valley, Slad Valley, Toadsmoor Valley, Nailsworth Valley and last but definitely not least, the Golden Valley.

From various hilltops around the nearby (and much larger) town of Stroud, Painswick stands out due to its tall church spire.

Painswick Beacon

If you walk out of Painswick in a northerly direction, you come to Painswick Hill, upon which there is a golf course. Once you reach Painswick Beacon on the top, which contains a triangulation point and a very clear view of the City of Gloucester. This is quite a high point, and you can see for miles around. On a windy day it really does get quite windy up there, and I once stood right up on top of the triangulation point on a very windy day.

There is something very atmospheric up on Painswick Beacon, whether it is on a sunny day or on a cloudy, windy day. Whatever the weather, Painswick Beacon is a very nice place to go. I have been on several walks up there with my walking groups, and also with friends and family, and by myself. It is a very peaceful place to be. Well, it would be if it wasn't for all the golfers, but live and let live is what I say. After all, who am I to go starting arguments with people who carry metal bars around as part of their leisure time?!

And the famous Concrete Cows, the thing most people think of when you mention Milton Keynes, are grazing at the foot of that tree. It's an awe inspiring sight, especially with the twinkling Christmas lights that surround this small area of calm in the otherwise hectic run up to Christmas.

The best way to approach your trip is to start by picking out the things that interest you most and then fitting in as many of the other attractions as possible around that.

A ride on The London Eye is probably the best way to achieve an over view of the city and get a feel for the layout. As it takes its tranquil journey in an arc over the land you can sit back, relax and pick out the buildings and landmarks you hope to visit. The other way to do this is by taking a cruise down The River Thames. This has the added bonus of being accompanied by a guide who will point out anything of interest and answer any questions you might have.

Staying in London can be expensive, not only for the accommodation itself, but for the sightseeing and attractions you'll want to experience while there. To keep the costs down it's perfectly possible to book a cheaper hotel, leaving you more of your hard earned money to spend on enjoying yourself. Choose carefully. Check the standards of the hotel by reading up on what previous guests have to say about it. You can do this by visiting the hotel's website itself or by browsing various travel websites that list customer reviews.

Probably at the top of most people's list of must dos while in the city is The Tower of London and Buckingham Palace. You can't visit London without seeing these most famous attractions, but there are plenty of other, less popular things you might want to experience to give you more of a balance. Some of these are also inexpensive and even free to attend.

Speakers Corner, for example, is a fascinating place to visit. Even if you have nothing to say for yourself once there, it can be riveting to simply stand and listen to the other speakers. Camden Markets attract 500,000 visitors per week and specialise in vintage clothing as well as up and coming young designers, thus offering an insight into the possible trends and fashions of tomorrow. You don't have to buy anything if you don't want to, but it's certainly worth a look.

Something else you can view for free that you should make sure you visit while in London is The Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park. There's much emotion attached to this $6.5 million memorial, and nobody goes away unmoved.

Whatever you decide to do while in London, from the many museums and art galleries and taking afternoon tea at the Ritz, to browsing the shops and soaking up the atmosphere, you don't have to spend a fortune. Strike the right balance between the must do attractions and the less popular free sights and experiences, and you'll have a trip you'll never forget.

Most hotels offer the chance to take a look at the rooms, dining room etc on their website so you'll feel more comfortable about what you are booking. It's important, also, to be familiar with the location of your accommodation. If you are visiting London to see the sights, then you'll probably want a hotel in the centre of London, rather than on the outskirts or in the suburbs.

If you just want somewhere to lay your head that's comfortable and functional then you'll find a wide choice at reasonable prices, but it's always possible to book something a little nicer for almost the same price if you are prepared to shop around.

The best way to get a good deal on a hotel in London is to go for one with a good reputation that is offering either a discount at that time or a booking which combines itself with show tickets. Most visitors will want to take a trip to the theatre while in London anyway, so this can be an ideal way to keep the costs down.

Theatre in London has everything from musicals like Cats and Joseph and his Technicolor Dream Coat, to Shakespeare and contemporary plays. It's not unusual to see famous British actors, as well as some from abroad, on the stage in London, so these shows do get booked up quite quickly.

Make sure you have your tickets for any shows you want to see before you travel to avoid disappointment, and check the location of the theatre and the distance from your hotel. Taxis are always easy to come by in London, but it's worth having an idea of your bearings before you get there.

Public transport in London is very good and the use of it is to be advised when attempting to get from one place to another. Make sure you have your taxis planned, and sometimes even booked, before your evening out and be aware that driving yourself in the centre of London is both discouraged and notoriously difficult.

For the perfect evening out, combine the theatre with an evening meal. London has every type of Restaurant and bar you could think of, including an impressive selection of world foods, as well as traditional English pub food. The surroundings are usually interesting, the décor beautiful and tasteful and you never know, you may even have the chance to do a bit of star spotting while you dine!