Travel Ressources

Over the years I have accumulated a fair collection of travel info/ressources. While I am no Rick Steves, I consider myself somewhat of an expert on budget travelling, especially in Europe. Here I share this wisdom with you. This page will be updated often, so check back.

Some general advice, tried and perfected throughout my life as a world traveller:

  1. Try and find out as much about the place you are going to before you plan anything, use the internet that’s what it’s for.
  2. Don’t rely on tourist guides telling you what to do, start looking for places to see, things to do, based on your own personal preferences. No travel guide writer knows you better than you know yourself.
  3. Don’t jump at the plane+hotel+car package. Look for the flight first, then for a hotel that suits you, and then evaluate whether you’ll be needing a car at all. There is a 90% chance that you won’t if you are travelling outside of the US. Then add it all up and see where you are.
  4. In Europe, don’t go for the three star hotels. Choose a three star Pension or B&B instead with spotless, fewer rooms, perfect service and delicious breakfast. There will be none of that spa/champagne luxury, but you might get an indoor pool, and you’ll use the money you save on lodging to do extra shopping or treat yourself to a really nice dinner.
  5. Take time in your busy traveller schedule to get off the beaten path, to sit down by a market place fountain and watch daily life go by. Take time for a cup of coffee or tea in a local cafe. Put your city map away and loose yourself, for a little while, in the maze of narrow streets. It is often these little things that we remember vividly, even after many years.
  6. Never plan more than 2 hours for a museum.
  7. No need to buy first class rail tickets in Europe, 2nd class are just as comfy and you can even plug in your laptop in most InterCity trains.
  8. Stay away from touristy restaurants, chances are you will get anything but the local fare, at a price that will give you indigestion. A good rule of thumb is to get off from the tourist tracks again and see where your luck takes you. Sometimes hosts can be very helpful, if you manage to communicate to them that you are looking for authentic cuisine. That is true particularly for the small B&B managers.
  9. Many tourist offices usually offer combo cards that include all necessary transportation, sightseeing tours, concerts, and all main local attractions. It’s usually quite a good deal, especially if you’re staying a day or two.
  10. Always call up or email a hotel directly. You will get a much better deal than making your reservation over a 3rd party site.
  11. If a hotel web site does not have clear room pictures and such there is a very good reason why. Stay away from those!

Austrian Travel Links: