Monday, May 3, 2010

Paris, Anyone?

Passport? Check. Comfy shoes? Check. Camera ready? Check. Paris, anyone?

I’ve been hopping “across the pond” for many years now - the first trip when I was just seventeen years old. As I return from each trip, I love sharing my various experiences, but I always come across the same comment from so many lovely ladies. Most of the time, it goes something like this, “Oh, I would love to go to Europe someday, but I could never afford a trip like that”. And to that, I say, 'start packing your bags, sister!'.

If you have a desire to tour Europe, then you’re in the right place. This is part one of my travel tip series in getting "across the pond". In part one, we’re keeping things short and sweet. If you’re still interested in all the details, then stay tuned next week for all of my specific how-to’s.

First let’s do a quick cost comparison. Let’s compare a stateside trip to the Coast versus a trip to Europe – this way you can see the cost difference on paper…



Wanna be frugal? Then do your homework! Book your own flights…I go both to individual airlines sites, as well as the big dogs like Expedia and Travelocity…it takes time, but you need to be your own travel agent.


Forget hotels – stay in an Apartment! Our family finally caught on to the blessing of renting apartments all over Europe. It's much cheaper and you get to live like a local!



Eat with ease via bakeries and local grocery markets – that crusty bread and cheese is dreamier than you could imagine!



Forget the rental car…while in Europe, travel like a local via Trains!


Get your Europe fund rolling now. A yard sale is a great place to start!


Don’t touch your Europe fund – no matter what!



You will have memories to last a lifetime…and hopefully some over-stuffed shopping bags to take home with you as well!



So...are you intrigued? If a trip across the pond seems appealing to you, stay tuned for next week’s detailed version of The Frugal Mama Takes On Europe!

Here's who we're linking up to this week...follow these fabulous blog mamas!
The Girl Creative

12 comments:

Natasha in Oz said...

Great post! I am going to look into the apartment option for my next trip-great idea.

Even though it would cost a little more for us to fly from Australia you have inspired me to start saving!

Best wishes and happy travels,
Natasha.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh Yes, I'm intrigued! I am going to follow this series closely. I haven't been to Europe in 35 years! I'm ready to go back. I hope you're going to tell us how to go about finding a good apartment rental. Please don't be concerned about shipping my order late. I am not in any hurry, and I'm so sorry you stressed about it. laurie

Morgan//Nuts and Bows said...

Oh man I am so jealous! Thanks for all the great tips!!

~Morgan

Meet Virginia!
Meet Virginia!
Meet Virginia!

Beth @ The Quilt Ladies said...

I love this post, I'm doing this too, a sabbatical for a month, I did the same things, thanks for sharing and when I get the questions, "How can you do that?" I'm sending them to this post. Well done.

angela said...

ha! i love this article! I was cracking up at the picture of Kara!!! soooooo fun!
this is an excellent post!

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

I wanna go! The closest I ever came to Paris was sitting in de Gaul airport for 4 hours on a layover! Thanks for great inspiration - looks like so much fun!

daniii♥ said...

I went to France when I was in HS (summer before my senior year) and I had a blast. I LOVED it. We toured Northern France and I can't wait to go back one day.

(visiting from nff)

Unknown said...

This is really a good post!
Link it next month to French Obsession on the 1st.
XOXO
frenchy

Java said...

Happy Follow Friday! Newest follower here!
Great blog you have here!
Would love it if you could follow me back!

Never Growing Old

Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

my europe fund is just beginning, but i have big travel dreams!

Nishant said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Yes! I love this!
Visiting a Foreign Country can be so intimating...Love your excitement and price comparator. THANK you for linking to French Obsession!
XOXO
Frenchy

Related Posts with Thumbnails