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More on Budget Travel

When should you travel?
In Europe, try out of season March to June and Sept to beginning Nov.
The weather is still ok and there are no crowds! Prices are also lower.

How else could you save money?
Do some volunteer work. In Britain, the National Trust runs around 450
working holidays every year throughout England, Wales and Northern
Ireland, so whether you fancy anything from carrying out a conservation
survey and herding goats to painting a lighthouse or planting trees they
will have something to suit you.
Working Holidays range from two to seven days and from £60 a week
including food and hostel-type accommodation. No previous experience
is necessary, as you will be led by trained volunteer leaders and staff.
You just need to be team-spirited, enjoy being outdoors in beautiful
locations and not mind getting your hands dirty! Singles and couples
from all walks of life and from all over the world go on National Trust
Working Holidays. Groups are usually made up of a dozen volunteers,
whose ages may vary depending on the type of holiday. What you can be
sure of is that they are all very sociable and interested in having a
relaxing and enjoyable holiday. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more details.

How can you get to and travel around Europe?
There are many ways. We will list them here but then suggest you go to
each individual page and do further reading there.

Well there is 'Rail' . Click on www.ukandeuropetravel.com/rail.shtml
Always popular. Eurail has now increased list of countries covered by
the pass and added more individual country passes. Good savings when
2 or more persons travel together.

Consider getting your 'air tickets' paid for: See www.courierflights.com

If you want to travel around in a 'Coach' - see www.eurolines.com

What about flying between point A and point B and even inbetween? - Read this article:
Getting to the best value starting point
www.ukandeuropetravel.com/jan_05.shtml#airline - The European Budget Airlines

Then there is 'Car Leasing': Great and very economical especially if 2 or more
people travel. Twice a year they have specials. Earlybirds which
generally have to be booked by 31March and often they have mid year
specials. Car leasing is fully inclusive, has no excess and also allows
you to travel to Eastern Europe. The other great thing is that when you
are under 25, rental car companies charge you a 'young driver surcharge'.
With leasing, you just have to have a full drivers licence - there is no
penalty for being young! The big plus with having a car, is that you are free from
timetables, you can set your own pace and itinerary and you can carry
a lot more gear with you. Perhaps a tent, picnic stuff, plug in coffe maker etc.
Click on www.ukandeuropetravel.com/carlease.shtml to read more on car leasing.

Want a Cruising Bargain?
Up to 75% off
We have been able to access very specials rates for cruise lines who within 90 days of sailing have not sold all their rooms. Rather than offer "sale" prices to the public and thus undercut their full-fare business with traditional travel agents, top cruise lines prefer to discount unsold cabins to certain exclusive agencies with whom we will be working.

So if you are flexible and want a bargain - find the cruise you want from well known companies like: Carnival , Celebrity, Clipper, Crystal, Cunard, Delta Queen, Disney, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Norwegian, Oceania Cruises, Orient, Peter Deilmann, Princess, Radisson, Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea etc. and ask us for a quote. You will be surprised!!

Where should you stay?
Do you want a hotel or a hostel? Let's first talk hotels. Now consider that you're going be out sightseeing most of the day...a hotel should really just be a place to rest your weary body...so consider if you really need something flashy or something clean and basic. We do have access to some really great hotel rates around Europe, USA, UK and Canada. In London , we have double rooms from just Australian $58 per person including VAT, service fees and breakfast!!   In Paris, from just Australian $64 per person in a 2* plus hotel again including service fees, tax and breakfast.   In the USA & Canada, we have hotel vouchers for just USD$79 per room per night which sleeps up to 4 persons.  Great for families who are travelling around.  You will stay at good chain hotels like  Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Ramada, Travelodge, Amerihost Inn,  Super 8, Villager etc.   In the US, we also have apartments and villas in many resort areas and cities throughout North America, Mexico and the Caribbean.  Prices start from USD$699 plus tax for one weeks rental. 

Hostels are great. Safety in numbers, cheap and now a days - quite
modern and clean. Hostels are not just for singles...couples and
families are now also catered for. They are generally centrally
located. See the following websites:

www.europefamoushostels.com
www.totalhostels.com
www.hostels.com
www.1bighostel.com
www.hostelworld.com
www.hostelz.com
www.europeanhostelguide.com
www.backpackers.co.uk
www.youtrek.com

Variations on a theme.
... www.hotelsmax.com for hotels or
www.stayrentals.com for self catering

Or if your budget is really tight or you've had so much fun you've run out of dosh... Check out www.sleepinginairports.ent/airports !!

So now you need to earn some money....
How about getting a work permit and doing some casual work?
See these websites:
www.anyworkanywhere.com
www.workgateways.com
www.medicaljobs.eu.com (medical jobs only)
www.teachingjobs.eu.com (teaching jobs only)

Not out of reach...much cheaper than you think
Have you considered a campervan or motorhome? This is much cheaper
than you think. Especially when you consider it is your accommodation,
transport and kitchen in one. Again, it frees you from timetables and
allows instant change of itinerary to suit YOU. No lugging of backpacks,
out of the way places, off the rail or bus track are now easily accessible.
Even cheaper when you divide the costs between you. Starting from
Germany, the price starts from a low Euro46 per day ... even cheaper
for longer rentals. That price is for a small two berth WITH a shower
and toilet. (This saves you even more as it means you dont have
to go to a campsite as you have onboard facilities). Click here for details
on our German company McRent Motorhomes
and we do suggest you read more on motorhomes if you are interested
in this option. See http://www.ukandeuropetravel.com/motorhomes.shtml

The other option if you are travelling between 01October and 15April is to
consider the fantastic Winter Special out of Amsterdam. Any two or three month
period between these dates - is virtually HALF the normal price.
This works out to be as low as Euro 7 PER PERSON per day based on
a 6 berth for 3 months. You can see details on this special at
Braitman Motorhome Hire


TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Don't even THINK of leaving home without it. We can only sell travel insurance to Australians
however, we will offer you 20% discount on insurance provided you purchase any other product
from us. We do this because we feel it is highly essential.

Free stuff? Sure - some things in life are FREE !

PARIS
Renault Show Rooms
located at 49 Champs-Elysees.  See cars, vans and motorcycles through the ages
Pavillion de l'Arsenal
located at 21 Blv Morland, The Marais.   Architectural projects from the past through to forthcoming projects.  Includes model of the city plus various other images, plans and models.
Notre Dame:  
Visiting the church is free.  There is a charge to climb the towers.  There is also a free organ recital every Sunday at 5pm
Sacre Coeur
Great church with great views
Musee de Sculpture en Plein Air
located at Pont de Sully, Latin Quarter.   Beautiful garden with modern sculpture
Parc Georges-Brassens
located at rue des Morillons, Montparnasse.  Garden of herbs and shrubs, puppets, carousels, beehives and vineyard.
Jardin des Poetes
located at ave du General Sarrail, Auteuil.  Garden where famous French poets are remembered by having verses engraved on stones in flowerbeds. 
National Assemblee
located at 126 rue de L' Universite - guided tours of the French Parliament unless the National assembly is in session.
George Pompidou Centre
located at 4 rue Beaubourg.  Great example of modern architecture.  Also the home of the Musee National de 'art Moderne
Memorial de la Deportation: 
Symbolic tomb for the 2 million French men and women who died in Nazi Concentration camps.
Stravinksy Fountain
located at Place Igor Stravinsky, Beauborg.  Moving statues and water jets that are dedicated to the musical composer Stravinsky.
Hotel de Sens located at 1 rue du Figuier.   This building was once home to Henri IV.  Currently an arts library.
Musees de la Parfumerie Fragonard
located 9 rue Scribe, 39 Blvd des Capucines.  The history of perfume.  Very interesting.
Musee de la Prefecture de Police
located at 1 bis rue des Carmes in the Latin Quarter.  History of the Paris police force with uniform and arms collection as well as exhibits of legendary criminals.
Paris. 
Visit the store Samaritaine or Galleries Lafayette (where they have all those great free fashion shows)  and take the lift to the top floor and steps to the roof terrace.  Fantastic views over Paris.

OTHER PARTS OF FRANCE
In the southwest of france - in Hendaye at the Bar Socoa, you can listen to free jazz every  Friday night after 1030pm.
St Jean de Luz:  Maison Louis XIV.  This house was built is 1643 and King Louis XIV lived here before he was married. 
Menton, France:  Musee de Prehistoire Regionale.  This museum features exhibits pertaining to early life.
Tours:  Flea Market every Wed and Saturday.  Located at Place de la Victoire.  Great Bargains.
Marseille:  Notre-Dame de la Garen.  See the huge landmark to the gold virgin that can be seen for miles around
Monaco, France.    Visit the Le Jardin Exotique and see the magnificent cactus garden and the underground caverns with spectacular stalagtites and stalagmites.
Nice, France:  Musee d' Art Moderne et Contemporain. See work by Warhol, Lichtenstein and  Gilbert and George.Fee entry on the first and third Sunday of every month. 
Marseille, Preau des Accoules.  Free on Wednesdays only.  Great museum especially for kids
Caves de Chartreuse:  St Pierre en Chartreuse.  Free tasting of liquers.  Need we say more?
Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgongne, Dijon. Ths palace was the residences of the Dukes of Burgundy.  Now the Museum of Fine Arts.
Thuir in the Pyrenees.  South East of Millas, the lower Tet. Visit this winery which is the main producer of the red aperetif wine called Byrhh.  Free tastings and a tour.
Source Cachat, Evian.  The source of the Evian Water company.  Help yourself to free spring water.

GERMANY
Cologne Dom.  Opposite the train station.  Germanys masterpiece of a cathedral which took over 600 years to complete. 
Cologne - St Maria in Kapitol.  Marienplatz.  A church which has magnificent carved panels depicting the life of Christ.
Berlin - Wannsee Villa.  Gestapo Intelligence Centre Museum.  Exhibits on the Holocaust.  Beautiful villa, grounds and gardens.
Hamburg.  Planten un Blomen located at St Petersburg Strasse.  Park with immaculate flower displays, lakes and cafes.
Daily performances of various kinds. 
Hamburg.  St Peterikirche, Monkebergstrasse.  Oldest church in Hamburg.  Free concerts every Wed at 17.15hrs.
Bayern :  Stephansdom, Passau - Stunning Cathedral which has the world's largest church organ.  It has 17 774 pipes and five organists can paly at the same time.
Munich:  Englischer Garten, Prinzregenten Street.  One of the oldest landscaped parks with a river flowing through it.  Very popular  with lots of activities.
Bayern, Oberammergau.  Schloss Linderhof Park.  Palace with magnificent park with water features and powerful fountain that shoots up into the air, higher than the palace itself.  Happens once an hour. 
Freiburg, Baden-Wurttenberg.  Brewery Ganer.  Guided tours of brewery.  Free tastings and food sampling
Neckarstadion, Stuttgart.  Mercedes Benz Museum.  Where Daimler built the first Mercedes Benz
Stuttgart-Zuffauhausen.  Museum for Porsche fans.  Porchemuseum, Porsche Str 42

SPAIN:
Madrid:  Basilica San Francisco el Grande.  Located south of the city.  See one of Goya's earlier fresco's.
Barcelona:  For 360 degree views, have lunch or a hot chocolate  & churro at the El Corte Ingles department store in the city centre when you come off  Las Ramblos strip..
Museo de Bellas Artes, Iturriza Park, Bilbao. Tue-Sun.  This museum contains the most important collection of paintings in Northern Spain.
Both classical and modern are on display.
Malaga:  Casa Natal de Picasso.  Home of the Picasso Foundation.  Where Picasso did live at one stage
Valencia:  The Fallas Festival takes place on the 19th of March - the Feast of St Joseph. Figurines that are made of paper mache get accumulated and displayed throughout the year are burnt on this day.
San Sebastian:  International Fireworks Competition held  11-18August.  Every night a display.
Haro:  Batalla de Vino.  On the 29th June you can drink as much wine as you like.  You can even throw it at one another...well this is a festival promoting this  as one of Spain's top wine producing areas.

ITALY:
Italy:  Sagra del Pesce - Harbour Camogli.  Fancy a free lunch?  On the 2nd Sunday of May this town offers a free bbq'd fish lunch down at the harbour.
Milan, Italy:  Civica Galleria - Modern Art Museum.  Napoleon once lived here.  Now  a modern art museum Porta Saragozza, Bologna, Italy:    Visit the longest portico in the world.  With its  666 arches it winds its way into the foothilss of the Apennines. At the top is the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca.  Fantastic views.   Walkable or there is a bus from Meloncello to the city centre. .  Closed on Mondays.
Milan:  Bar Brera - where all the students eat..  Fresh sandwiches made to your specs -  for 5 Euros or go between 1700 and 2100hrs and have their buffet antipasti which is free when you buy a drink!! 
Rome:   On the last Sunday of the month the Vatican Museum is free (normally Euro 10 pp)...

OTHER COUNTRIES / CITIES
Dublin, Ireland:  Visit the Guinness Hop Store.  Free entry, nice pint of Guinness and a great view of the City.
Copenhagen, Denmark :  Visit the Carlsberg Brewery and the exhibition.  You get vouchers for free drinks in the bar.  Incidentally, bikes can be used free of charge.  Just a deposit is required and returned when you return the bike
Volunteer work in Britain:  A range of conservation jobs on offer.  Work with rare birds and wildlife, repair ancient buildings, cut grass or pull out weeds. Accommodation is generally free.  Meals are usually self catering. Some offer a low rate and include food.  see: www.nationaltrust.org.uk or www.rspb.org.uk or
www.wildlifetrusts.org

USA
USA -  The Staten Island Ferry: is free for foot passengers..  Departs every half hour from Battery Park.   Great viewsof the Statue of Liberty.  See http://www.si-web.com/SI-Ferry.html for timetable.
USA:  Los Angeles:  The Getty Museum is free.  Nice views from a nice garden. 
USA:  Denver - Visit Hammonds Candies.  Take a factory tour...free candy.  www.hammondscandies.com
Denver - Coors Golden Brewery Tour in Golden, just outside Denver.    Walking tour with taste tests and sampling...(kids get cordial!).  You must be over 21 years of age.  www.coors.com
USA:  California, San Francisco:  The Intel Museum located  2200 Mission College Blvd, Palo Alto, San Francisco.  Birth and development of the computer industry.
Los Angeles:  Los Angeles Times Builder,  202 West 1st Street, Downtown LA.
See the workings of the the largest daily newspaper in Western North America.
Chicago, USA:  Visit the John Hancock Tower,  take the lift to the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor and have a snack or a drink.  This way you dont pay the $8 entry to the observation deck and you've had a drink or lunch.
More to be added....watch this space... OR let us know about the places you have found. Your fellow travellers will Thank you...

What should you not miss when in Europe?

Montreux Jazz Festival - www.montreuxjazz.com
Oktoberfest - www.oktoberfest.de
Cannes Film Festival - if you're into that sort of thing -
www.festival-cannes.fr
Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain
La Tomatina - tomato throwing festival in Spain


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