Ah Paris. So graceful - with a unique style to both its architecture and people. But visiting on the 14th - 16th November I couldn’t help but notice that in a few cafes I went to it was more expensive to buy a cappuccino than a glass of vino – and it wasn’t just the dire exchange rate from pounds to euros that did it… Well when in Rome and all that – let us all drink wine.
Updates from November, 2008
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"Let them drink Wine!"
Kat
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Cheap and Family Friendly?
Kat
Yeah, hostels have always been the accommodation of choice for bargain basement travellers, but with mod cons like free internet access, advice with travel arrangements, DVD libraries and TV rooms and free or inexpensive breakfasts that I found when looking at the posh-tels, they’re also a perfect solution for getting your family traveling on the cheap. Hostels are also known for being basic and friendly – which is just what traveling families need – but now the standard of ‘basic’ is rising to a level of cleanliness my Mum would be happy with - and frankly how much did you love sleeping in a bunk bed as a kid! So families looking for a deal and some socialising thrown in should check out our list of Family Friendly Hostels.
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Hostels for the discerning Traveller?
Kat
What happens when backpackers grow up? Once you’ve explored the world at your wandering own free will you might balk at the idea of joining a tour group where you’re expected to follow round someone holding up a random article on a stick to keep your group together… But you don’t have to join the bus tour just yet – hostels have grown up as well. Now instead of queuing for the pleasure of a cold shower you can backpack with all the mod cons, including free internet access, your very own power outlet, free breakfasts and coffee, free language lessons, a pool – with a DJ bar next to it - and a business centre, as well as a 24 hour hot water guarantee. So have a look at our list of posh-tels for flash-backers and experience all the freedom and social life of being on the road but with those added creature comforts we’ve come to appreciate as we’ve gotten a little older and more discerning.
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Is all of Europe out?
Kat
Just in case you though the credit crunch has totally rained on your European travel parade, I’ve found some pockets of Europe where you won’t be held to ransom by the euro.
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Beat the Credit Crunch
Kat
We’re all looking for a break from the evils of the credit crunch - and a break to an exotic destination sounds fair… You may even be surprised to hear that there are some pretty good deals around at the moment. First check out some tips on how to travel for less, then an article about which countries have got favourable exchange rates at the moment, and finish off by weighing up the pros and cons of long haul versus short haul in the current climate… I can’t believe it either - but apparently the credit crunch does have a silver lining.
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Ski Kids
Kat
It’s so much easier to learn things when you’re a kid. It’s also less embarrassing. Especially if it’s learning something that can involve a lot of falling over. Which is why World Reviewer has put together the list of Top Ski Resorts for Families and the North American equivalent, Top Ski Resorts for Families Too (USA).
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Make a difference and volunteer
Kat
It’s been a real pleasure for me to put together the new category on Volunteering. I’ve been lucky enough to speak to a group of people who have had some really interesting experiences doing something for themselves while doing something for someone else. From Letitia Mckie’s story of he time spend with HIV orphans in South Africa to the vastly different stories about teaching English in Peru, Namibia and Micronesia, I think we have the beginnings of one of our most inspirational of categories, and I invite you to have a wander though it.