Ways to save during summer trip to Europe
Europe is most expensive in summer, but you can shave hundreds of dollars off your trip.
Consider an alternate arrival airport, where fares are lower, then complete travel to your destination using rail or discount European airlines. For rail prices, try www.raileurope.com. For discount airlines, see www.flitesite.co.uk/mapf.php?cid1 or www.etn.nl/lcostair.htm.
Be careful with low-fare airlines. Read the fine print (your ticket could be worthless if you miss a flight); note the airports (they can be an hourlong drive from the city); and expect basic service. If you are flying more than one airline or connecting from a mainline flight, you’ll have to claim and recheck your luggage.
Consider less-expensive destinations where you can more than compensate for a higher-priced airline ticket with lower prices for lodging and meals. Ten new countries just joined the European Union; most are great bargains.
Look into packages that bundle airfare with lodging. Prices are based on U.S. dollar rates, and packagers purchase in volume.
When shopping for accommodations, identify yourself as a U.S. traveler and request a rate reduction. Radisson Edwardian Hotels has a separate Web site for U.S. travelers ( www.letlooseinlondon.com) with discounted rates.
Almost every European destination offers lodging deals on their official tourism sites, as well as special passes that may include local transportation and admission to museums and other attractions.
Price and common language make London a logical starting point. Airfares are comparatively low and economical lodging can be found. Check www.baholidays.com for “kids stay free” apartments and hotels.
Most London museums have free days, and there are other free things to do to fill a week’s vacation. Attend a free BBC taping (apply in advance at www.bbc.co.uk/whatson/tickets /apply.shtml); watch a free midday rehearsal at the Royal Opera House ( www.royalopera.org); or see a free film at the British Museum ( www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk).
Get VIP treatment in France with a $25 Club France annual membership ( www.franceguide.com/us). It provides discounts of up to 30 percent with more than 1,000 hotel, car rental, restaurant and cultural partners. Logis de France, an association of more than 3,500 privately owned hotel-restaurants, has rates from $54 to $101. Contact: www.logis-de-france.fr.
Ireland is rich in lodging options. Irish Cottages and Holiday Homes ( www.irishcottageholidays.com) has thatched cottages and city apartments. Weekly cottage rentals can cost under $500.
The new www.bookitalyhotels.com offers more than 300, nonchain hotels throughout Italy. Jolly Hotels offers discounts up to 50 percent at its three and four-star properties. Wait and See rates discount weekend prices for stays booked within seven days of arrival. Sample prices: $86 a night in Bologna, Milan and Rome; $97 in Palermo; and $123 in Naples. Contact: (800( 221-2626; www.jollyhotels.com.