Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Get to London in June for under $1000 Round Trip!

As always the prices mentioned are what you will pay all taxes and fees are included! Use the Kayak search bar to the right to find these flights!

These are the prices available for round trip flights to London in June... Book now, before they are gone!

From Atlanta: $992

From New York: $833

From Chicago: $884

From Los Angeles: $1166

Ryan Air Coming To America

European based discount airline, Ryan Air, recently announced that it would begin flying transatlantic flights within the next 24 months. It is rumored that introductory flights will start as low as $30.00 round trip from New York to London! This is great news for those looking to travel on a budget!

As more discounters fly into America look for major shakeups in the US airline market. When Ryan Air begins these transatlantic flights median airfare from the US to Europe may easily fall 30% in 6 months.

More to come on this later...

Monday, June 25, 2007

Low Cost Flights to London

Over the past ten years discount airlines have made a major impact on air prices in Europe. It seems that the trend for cheaper airfares has now "crossed the pond." Discounter "Zoom Airlines" (Canadian based) has launched fares as low as $199 each way between New York and London all summer long. Most other airlines are offering flights between $350 and $600 each way! $199 sounds pretty good, right?! These seats are sure to sell quickly, so check them out soon!

http://www.flyzoom.com

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Buy Airline Tickets Early!

The #23 "Rule to Grow Rich By" in a recent CNNMoney article says to bu airline tickets as early as possible!

What it says:

23. Buy airline tickets early because the cheapest fares are snapped up first. Most seats go on sale 11 months in advance.
Airlines would love it if every passenger would reserve their seat as far in advance as possible. That way, they'd always know how many flights they actually need for each route. So they make it as attractive as possible for people to book early. To punish procrastinators, ticket prices get higher as take-off gets closer. Up to a point, at least. In the end, the airline just wants to fill every seat. So, if there are a few seats left open at the last minute, you can sometimes find a bargain deal. If you really have to fly, though, don't count on that. Airline bean counters have gotten pretty good at knowing just how many seats they need.

Here is the article" http://money.cnn.com/popups/2006/moneymag/25_rules/23.html

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Hot Deals!

This is a post I will constantly be deleting and updating. As I come across great deals on airfare to Europe I will post them here. As those fares expire and new ones come up, I will delete the old post and replace it with the current deals!

Just to note... The airfare mentioned is inclusive of all taxes and fees, but the price may only be good on a limited number of seats on the plane or for a limited time, so book EARLY! All of these airfares can be found using the Kayak bar on the right.

July/August Travel

Atlanta-Frankfurt $962!
You can find this airfare by searching the dates: depart July 17, return anytime from August 10-30. The airfare will not show up in the main results, but if you look directly to the left from the first few results you will see a list of checked dates for leave and return days. The price will be listed under one of those days. Just click on it and you can have it!

Atlanta-London $979!
This is not as good of a deal as the Frankfurt flight (London is usually the cheapest place to fly to from the US), but it is a good deal for this time of year. It can be found the same way as the Atlanta-Frankfurt flight.

Chicago-Frankfurt $877!
Another great deal to Frankfurt!

Sometimes an entire city will go on sale, this seems to be the case currently for flights to Frankfurt! If you are wanting to see Europe this summer, Frankfurt is the place to fly into. It is very central to the rest of Europe, so even if you are not staying in Frankfurt, you can easily save money by flying into Frankfurt from the US and branching out from there (use discount European airlines, trains, ect.). I explain this in a previous post.

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Planning your Trip to Europe

So you've decided you want to visit Europe? Great! Whether this will be your first trip, second, or "just another," you are bound for an incredible vacation! Even if you've traveled abroad before, planning an international trip can be overwhelming if you don't have a good plan. To help make your vacation as rewarding and enjoyable as possible, I've put together time table to help you organize everything you need to do!

8 to 6 Months Before Departure:

- Decide where you want to go
- Book your flight
- Make sure you have all the necessary documents to apply for a Passport
(click here for info on Passports)
- If you have a Passport make sure it does not expire within 6 months of when you will be abroad
(some European countries will not allow you entry if your Passport expires in less then 6 months from your date of arrival).
- Apply for your Passport
(renew if needed)
- Begin learning words and phases in the language of the country or countries you are visiting

6-4 Months Before Departure:

- Buy travel books for where you are visiting
(the "Top 10" books are good)
- Book your Hotel(s)
- Start thinking about cloths and shoes
(You will be doing a lot of walking in Europe so make sure you have great walking shoes. If you plan on eating at a lot of or just a few nice places, make sure you have cloths and shoes that are appropriate, but that you can also walk around in as you will not want to always return to the hotel to change)
- Keep learning the language of the country or countries you are visiting

4-2 Months Before Departure:

- Make sure you have your Passport
- Car, Train or Plane?
(If you are traveling to multiple cities, decide how you are going to do it)
Traveling by Plane
- Book any European flights if you did not already do so
(Doing this at an earlier time is fine)
Traveling by Car
- Book or know where you are renting a car or RV
Traveling by Train
- If traveling by train decide you you want to purchase a rail pass or purchase point-to-point tickets at the train station
- Book you rail pass if needed
- If you will be in once place for about a week or more, look into day trips
- Keep learning the language of the country or countries you are visiting

2-0 Months Before Departure:

- Arrange a folder or booklet for your trip
(Include ALL hotel, flight, train, car and anything else confirmation letters/emails. Have a list of all you hotels and their phone numbers. Have addresses and phones numbers of family and friends you may want to call or send postcards to. Include a copy of your passport. Have local emergency contact numbers i.e. embassies, directions for dialing police in your vacation country. Have some words and phrases you can keep studying and use in the places you are visiting. Include anything else you feel is important)
- Buy a power adaptor for shavers, cell phones, battery chargers
(these adapters can only handle small appliances like shavers, cell phones, camera battery chargers, ect. Make sure whatever you are plugging in can handle the higher volts that are used in Europe. It will say the volts the cord is made for on the plus- it needs to go above 200V.)
- If you want to use your cell phone, make sure it is GMS capable.
(You will need to contact you wireless provider is some case for them to turn this on. Roaming charges may apply, however, and can be expensive)
- Get travel insurance
- If you have a digital camera make sure you have enough storage for all your pictures
(you can upload pictures at Internet cafes and email them to yourself to free up more space on your camera)
- Make sure you have the right luggage
- Decide on how and arrange for how you are going to spend money in Europe
(Know what fees and exchange rate your credit cards will charge you for using them in Europe. Get any travelers checks and cash you want to exchange in Europe)
- Set some budgeting guidelines
- Have an idea of what you want to see in each place you visit, but leave some free time to just wander the streets
- Get any needed medications
- Call and notify your credit card companies if you will be using your credit card in Europe
- Give a close friend or relative your contact and hotel info
- Form a list of all the things you need to pack
(Pack light! You will be coming back with more then you left with--souvenirs! The airlines WILL make you throw things out if your luggage is over the weight limit)
- Pack
- GO!

Monday, March 5, 2007

Having Trouble Deciding Where to Visit?

If you are having trouble deciding where you want to visit in Europe, or if you don't care, you just want to "get over there," go to which ever place is on sale! Europe has so many cities that are consently recieving flights from the US, a few of them are always on sale! If you don't care exactly where you go in Europe, search these cities as they have very high air traffic and frequent sales (they are also great places to see!):

London, LON*
Paris, PAR
Amsterdam, AMS
Madrid, MAD
Barcelona, BCN
Frankfurt, FRA
Rome, ROM
Lisbon, LIS
Athens, ATH
Prague, PRG
Florence, FLR
Berlin, BER
Bern, BRN
Warsaw, WAW
Vienna, VIE
Kiev, KBP
Munich, MUC
Dublin, DUB
St. Petersburg, LED
Moscow, MOW
Milan, MIL
Bucharest, BUH
Brussels, BRU

*Airport or city code is in CAPS

There are many more cities that one can fly into, but this is a decent list to check on. Please, let me know what kind of deals you find and for what time of year! I will post them so others can see what deals people are getting!

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Planning a Trip to Rome?

Going to the Eternal City? Lucky you! Rome is an incredible place. It is easy to lose yourself in Rome's amazing history, suddenly imagining yourself walking the same path as Caesar or Saint Paul. After walking through the footsteps of Caesar one can stroll through Rome's streets stopping to throw a coin into the countless fountains, drink some of the worlds finest coffee or shop until you drop! There really are hundreds of ways to experience Rome. And if you want to go back, don't forget to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain!

Getting to Rome^

As of Mar. 14 these are the cheapest available flights to Paris leaving Jun. 5th and returning Jun. 14th. The price in perentheses was the previously posted price i.e. what the ticket cost 2 weeks ago.*

From:

New York City- $898 ($925)
Atlanta- $1287 ($1287)
Chicago- $1102 ($1157)
Los Angeles- $1238 ($1239)

As of Mar. 14 these are the cheapest available flights to Paris leaving Jul. 5th and returning Jul. 14th:*

From:
New York City- $1022 ($1023)
Atlanta- $1386 ($1287)
Chicago- $1211 ($1211)
Los Angeles- $1262 ($1275)

As of Mar. 14 these are the cheapest available flights to Paris leaving Aug. 5th and returning Aug. 14th:*

From:
New York City- $1050 ($985)
Atlanta- $1273 ($1335)
Chicago- $ 1100($1102)
Los Angeles- $1238 ($1262)

As of Mar. 14 these are the cheapest available flights to Paris leaving Sept. 5th and returning Sept. 14th:*

From:

New York City- $704 ($705)
Atlanta- $1070 ($1018)
Chicago- $850 ($851)
Los Angeles- $926 ($927)

^Airfare prices are updated every weeks/two weeks.
*Prices include all taxes and fees.

Intro
First let me give you a brief overview of Paris from the Weather Channel's Destination Guide. You can view current weather in Paris as well as average weather for any time of year.
Click here for weather info and more on Rome


Rome's beauty comes from an enchanting mix of impressive Roman ruins and glorious medieval piazzas. An older Goethe said that he had been happy only four weeks in his entire life and that those were the weeks he spent in Rome. Any visitor will quickly see why.
The city was founded by Romulus near the banks of the River Tiber over 2,700 years ago. Between Ancient Roman rulers like Ceasar, Renaissance personalities like the Borgias and Michelangelo, and more modern tyrants like Napoleon and Mussolini, Rome has the stamp of many legacies. Rome is a city with a cultural fabric so rich and complex that it has attracted and bred artists for the past two centuries. Exiled from Florence, Dante came here. As did the German poet Goethe; the Romantic poets Byron, Keats, Shelley; and novelist Charles Dickens.
In this ancient, magnificent city, you can lose yourself in blissful reveries in the ruins of villas, temples, baths, theaters, and arenas. Today priests in flowing robes saunter through medieval piazzas chatting on cell phones and locals dine in little restaurants near the grand palazza Campo dei Fiori. Nearby is the Palazzo Farnese, Michelangelo's monumental Renaissance palace. Dog-walkers stroll to a neighboring park that was once the mausoleum of the family of the Emperor Augustus, and upscale apartments are housed in restored medieval palazzi.
The best way to get to know this city is explore the different neighborhoods, all of which are full of character and historic interest. The area from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venezia and from the Spanish Steps to the Tiber is the medieval center of Rome, the Centro Storico. The Centro Storico is a bustling, teeming downtown with lively streams of natives and tourists. The Piazzo del Popolo, the entrance to Rome for medieval pilgrims, and the splendid Piazza di Spagna, dominated from above by the sumptuous 16th-century Trinita dei Monti, are in this area. Piazza della Rotonda, home to the magnificent Pantheon and Piazza Navona, considered the true soul of the Eternal City, are also worth exploring.
Rome is not only about historical sites. There is also the thrill of eating gelato, pizza, and superb pasta.
What is most vividly and deliciously felt in the Eternal City is its persistent exuberance, daring, and the beauty that shines through the stately ruins. There is always the sense here of life fully lived. Every narrow street and passageway is full of expectancy and graced with the majesty of the past.


Copyright © 2004 Atevo, Inc.

Getting Around

In most European cities, subway is usually the undisputed king of easy trasnportation. Rome may be the exception to this rule. Why? Well, when they were trying to put a subway system in, the Italians kept coming across buried ancient ruin after buried ancient ruin. The result? A very limited subways system. Do not fear, though! Buses readily available and taxis are good option. Rome is also not spread out over too wide an area, so walking from point to point is an option.

One thing to note about the bus system: Make sure you board from the back doors, not the middle doors (exit from the middle). As soon as you enter the bus go to the back stamp your ticket in the orange machine. Your ticket is then good for 1 hour and 15 minutes (even if you switch bus). Your ticket is only checked by transportation authorities who check tickets randomly. Just make sure your ticket is stamped when they check you :). Since tickets are stamped upon boarding the bus and are then good for a little over an hour, it is a good idea to buy a few tickets at a time and just use them as you need them. This way you can just jump on a bus when you want and will alreay have your ticket.

Where to Stay

The following hotels are all centerally located and are good options. They are not ranked in any specific order. Some cost below $100/night and some are over $300/night! I have provided links to each hotel that will give you useful information.



-m10556-r78268-Rome_Lazio-Hotel-Deals.html">Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in Rome

Check out Booking.com for getting great deals on Rome hotels!

Ariston

Welcome Residences

58 Le Real De Luxe B&B

Hotel Osimar

Hotel Tempio di Apollo

38 Viminale Street De Luxe

69 Manin Street B&B

Enjoy your visit!

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Planning a Trip to Paris?

Paris really is the city of Love. When visiting with one's "significant other," it is truely impossible not to get lost in the beauty and romance of the city. However, with the city's arcitectual wonders and incredible atmposphere, one can fall in love with Paris on a solo vacation, with friends or with family. It is a city were words can do no justice. It must be seen to be believed.

Here are some tips to help you believe!

Getting to Paris^

As of Mar. 14 these are the cheapest available flights to Paris leaving Jun. 5th and returning Jun. 14th. The price in perentheses was the previously posted price i.e. what the ticket cost 2 weeks ago.

*From:

New York City- $731 ($700) NON STOP
Atlanta- $991 ($941)
Chicago- $908 ($803)
Los Angeles- $1061 ($1038)

As of Mar. 14 these are the cheapest available flights to Paris leaving Jul. 5th and returning Jul. 14th:

*From:

New York City- $ ($994)
Atlanta- $ ($1255)
Chicago- $1108 ($961)
Los Angeles- $1213 ($1219)

As of Feb. 25 these are the cheapest available flights to Paris leaving Aug. 5th and returning Aug. 14th:

*From:

New York City- $857
Atlanta- $1098
Chicago- $1015
Los Angeles- $1198

As of Feb. 25 these are the cheapest available flights to Paris leaving Sept. 5th and returning Sept. 14th:

*From:

New York City- $547
Atlanta- $788
Chicago- $677
Los Angeles- $962

^Airfare prices are updated every weeks/two weeks.
*Prices include all taxes and fees.

Intro
First let me give you a brief overview of Paris from the Weather Channel's Destination Guide. You can view current weather in Paris as well as average weather for any time of year.
Click here for weather info and more on Paris


When the Romans took the area that is now Paris in 52 B.C., it was simply a riverbank fishing village. This might be hard to imagine now, especially since many consider Paris to be among the most beautiful cities in the world. Its wide boulevards, incomparable art collections, Gothic cathedrals, and the magical Seine have been depicted and canonized by countless artists, directors, and writers--becoming the romantic ideal by which other cities are judged. A bastion of culture, history, and intellectual pursuit, the rich tradition of this European capital pervades each of its arrondisements, or districts.
Paris has managed to retain its illustrious architecture and monuments. The French Revolution caused significant damage, but the city was spared during World War II when the German commander of Paris disobeyed Hitler's orders to destroy the capital. Consequently, today's visitors have the rare opportunity to observe historical sites restored to their original splendor. Despite the fact that Paris' foremost industry is tourism, the city is much more than a living document of European history. Paris continues to evolve and thrive as a world center: the principle city of a nation that remains an influential economic, social, and cultural leader.
The royal palace serves as the city's center, and the surrounding eight arrondisements contain most of the popular attractions. These attractions are within easy walking distance of one another, which is an ideal way to experience Paris. If walking is not feasible, public transportation is superb and visitors should not hesitate to travel by Metro, bus, or taxi.
The Seine River bisects the city into two distinct areas dubbed the Right Bank and Left Bank. The Right Bank (northern side) is an enclave of the elite, harboring fashionable, upscale districts. The area is also home to the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and numerous palaces. The Left Bank (southern side) houses government offices and districts, such as the Latin Quarter, which has historically been the playground of important French intellectuals. The Left Bank offers popular attractions as well, including the Eiffel Tower and the Pantheon.
Some attractions do lie outside the primary districts. One of the more notable haunts is Montmartre, frequented for its cafes, charming alleys, street artists, and for the Sacre Coeur--a cathdral nestled atop the highest point in the city. However, The Eiffel Tower remains Paris' most visited attraction, followed by the Louvre (adjacent glass pyramid designed by architect I.M. Pei), the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe.
Most visitors balance their stay between site seeing, touring, and plenty of shopping in the posh boutiques and various flea markets. And, of course, what trip to the incandescent city of lights would be complete without indulging in the rich gustatory pleasures of the markets, patisserie, bistros, or romantic restaurants. From its art, to its history, to its cuisine, Paris is truly one of the most enticing and visually stunning destinations in the world.

Copyright © 2004 Atevo, Inc.

Getting Around

Like most major European cities, the subway (Metro as it is called in Paris) is the easiest way to get around. The Metro is one of the best a safest subways in the world. Taxis are also abundent and safe. One should also set aside a day, or atleast half of one, to explore the city by foot. Venture into some neighborhoods and eat lunch with the locals.

Click here for a map of the Paris Metro

Where to Stay

The following hotels are all centerally located and are good options. They are not ranked in any specific order. Some cost below $100/night and some are over $300/night! I have provided links to each hotel that will give you useful information.

Paris Hotels

Also, take a look at what Tripadvisor has to say!
-m10556-r78268-Paris_Ile_de_France-Hotel-Deals.html">Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in Paris

Hôtel Des Mines

Royal Magda Etoile

Idéal Hôtel

Villa Mazarin

France Albion

Hôtel Balladins Paris VIII Confort

Enjoy your visit to Paris!

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Planning a Trip to London?

London is a fantastic city that should be on every one's "must see list!" As most European cities are, London is a vibrant mix of traditional and contemporary. With everything London has to offer, every traveler will find London truly memorable.

Here is a brief guide and some helpful links to easy you in your travel and planning!

^Getting to London

As of Mar. 6 these are the cheapest available flights to London leaving Jun. 5th and returning Jun. 14th. The price in perentheses was the previously posted price i.e. what the ticket cost 2 weeks ago.

*From:
New York City- $695 NON STOP! ($721)
Atlanta- $1053 ($682)
Chicago- $810 ($678)
Los Angeles- $1082 ($728)

As of Feb. 20 these are the cheapest available flights to London leaving Jul. 5th and returning Jul. 14th:

*From:
New York City- $790 NON STOP! ($789)
Atlanta- $1107 ($939)
Chicago- $1004 ($925)
Los Angeles- $1120 ($1086)

As of Feb. 20 these are the cheapest available flights to London leaving Aug. 5th and returning Aug. 14th:

*From:
New York City- $790 NON STOP ($789)
Atlanta- $1107 ($939)
Chicago- $947 NON STOP ($668)
Los Angeles- $1112 ($712)

As of Feb. 20 these are the cheapest available flights to London leaving Sep. 5th and returning Sep. 14th:

*From:
New York City- $548 NON STOP ($547)
Atlanta- $751 ($652)
Chicago- $764 NON STOP ($638)
Los Angeles- $786 NON STOP ($698)

^Airfare prices are updated every two weeks-month.
*Prices include all taxes and fees.

Intro
First let me give you a brief overview of London from the Weather Channel's Destination Guide. You can view London's current weather as well as average weather for any time of year.
Click Here for London's weather info

London manages to retain its charming English traditions within the world of a modern cosmopolitan city. Enjoy afternoon tea with cucumber sandwiches, or relish a ploughman's lunch at one of the friendly neighborhood pubs where Londoners gather with friends to watch soccer and drink ale. Savor the pungent flavors of cuisine from India, Malaysia, China, the Caribbean, Africa, or the Mediterranean. Over a third of London's population are immigrants; the benefits of this diversity are evident in the distinctive, exuberant neighborhoods of Soho, Mayfair, Marylebone, Piccadilly Circus, Bloomsbury, Knightsbridge, Kensington, Chelsea, Notting Hill, and Bayswater.
The Romans founded Londinium in A.D. 43 on the marshy banks of the Thames. London's growth began in the 11th century, when it became the seat of the last successful invader of Britain, the Norman duke who became William I of England. The first king of England to be crowned in Westminster Abbey, William built the White Tower, the heart of the Tower of London.
London is Europe's biggest city--spreading over an area of more than 620 square miles from its core on the River Thames. Its size, vast crowds, and hectic pace add to the exhilarating energy of the city. Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, The National Gallery, Kensington Gardens, Harrods department store, the Royal Opera House: these are all enchanting sites worth a visit. The dazzling civic landmarks, Roman ruins, baroque churches, quiet squares, narrow alleyways, and perfectly manicured parks make London the walker's paradise. However, London's greatest treasure is perhaps its unparalleled theater scene. From the Royal Shakespeare Company to recent Broadway hits and avant-garde pieces, the fine productions offered continue the most distinguished and innovative thespian tradition in the world. In addition to the high quality of the shows, discount tickets are almost always available at one of the many entertainment outlets around town.
Take a plunge into London's magisterial past. Visit the London of Shakespeare, Dickens, or Virginia Woolf's day--for they are all alive and well in this city of culture and history.


Getting Around

Travel through London is best done by subway (tube), bus or foot. It is a beautiful city and traveling by foot is the best way to see everything that London has to offer.

The Tube's official website

Map of The Tube

Where to Stay

The following hotels are all centerally located and are good options. They are not ranked in any specific order. Some cost below $100/night and some are over $300/night! I have provided links to each hotel that will give you useful information.

London Hotels at Kayak

London Hotels at Booking.com

Also, check out what Tripadvisor has to say about hotels in London:
-m10556-r78268-London_England-Hotel-Deals.html">Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in London

The New Inn

Saint Gregory Hotel

Hotel 55

Forest View Hotel


Enjoy your stay in London!

Monday, February 19, 2007

Getting Around Europe

There are many different ways to travel through Europe and each one has it's own benefits. Here are a few different ways to get around Europe

Air

Traveling through Europe can be done quickly and at a reasonable rate by plane. There are, of course the major airlines (Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Alitalia, ect.), but there are also some discount airlines that will save you money (in some cases, a lot). Discount airlines include: Easy Jet, Ryan Air, German Wings and Air Berlin. These airlines are very common across Europe and are beginning to put a dent in rail business. The discount liners are very safe, but the are able to operate at a lower cost by cutting out a few things that traditional airlines offer. This can include, but may not always include; reserved seating and complementary food and drink.

One major downside of traveling Europe by air is that you must stick to a schedule. You will have exact times and days that you must come and go from cities. This can be a major turnoff to some.

One thing to note: While it may seem that traveling by plane is always faster then by train, if the distance is not that far, the time from when you arrive at your departing airport until you leave your arrival airport may be longer then the time from then you arrive at your train station til you leave your destination train station. In other words.... because of security and check-in times, flying may take long then a train is the distance is not too great to begin with.

Search the Kayak bar on the top right of this blog. You'll get the lowest airfares across Europe on traditional airlines there!


Train

Trains are always coming and going from every major city in Europe. This way of travel will take much longer then traveling by air, but you will have much greater flexibility in you travel dates (you can walk up to a train station and buy a ticket to leave on any day you want, no advance purchase needed). While riding the train you will be able to see some of Europe's beautiful countryside. If you are able to sleep while traveling taking overnight trains may be a good idea as you will save on hotel costs and will be able to spend more of your time site seeing.

If you plan on traveling Europe for a few weeks or even a few months a rail pass can be very useful. You can get a pass here: http://www.eurail.com/

Seeing Europe by train is ideal for the leisure traveler who doesn't mind spending the extra time going from place to place.

EuroStar is also a place to get train tickets between London and Paris (plus a few other spots).

Bus
Traveling by bus is similar to traveling by train, but slower and less frequent. However, it is usually cheaper.

Car
If you feel comfortable traveling through Europe by car can be an incredible experience. There is no better way to really "get a feel for Europe." When traveling by car you have the option to see virtually anything you want and change your route anytime you want. You will also meet "the locals" very easily this way. Seeing Europe's small towns is a must. This is the best way to do it.

Beware, however! Driving laws (right of way, passing, ect.) may be different then what you are used to. Be aware of the laws for where you are driving!

Find Great Hotels

Finding a good hotel at a good price can be tricky. Here are a few websites that should make the search much less stressful!

www.tripadvisor.com
You aren't going to book your hotel here, but you can read a lot of hotel reviews, view pictures of the hotel from people who have stayed there, and read up on things to do and helpful tips for where you are going. Oh, and it is all user submitted, so you're getting opinions from a broad range of people.

www.booking.com
I have never found a better website for finding hotels. Booking.com operates in 15 languages! This means you are getting tons of users from all around the world who have traveled all around the world. At Booking.com you are going to be able to find a good price on a good hotel virtually anywhere you want to go. There is no better website for hotels out there!

Oh, the map feature is really nice too. Search your destination then on the left side click the map. You will be able to zoom in and out and see exactly where every hotel listed is located.

www.kayak.com
Again, the most conclusive search engine for travel on the internet. You will get a lot of results that you can search through. You can find very good deals here, and you may find more then what booking.com has to offer, but it isn't as user friendly.

destinationcountry.com

Lastly, it can be helpful to go to a website that is focused on the specific location you are going to. If you are going to Japan, find a website that is totally focused on information for tourists to Japan. From there you can search for Tokyo specific sites and so on. These sites can be very informative and help create a wonderful vacation!