Hi Frugalistas! Most people who visit western Switzerland tend to stick to Geneva then head to the mountains. But Geneva to Montreux is a mere 60 km around Lake Geneva (Lac Leman in French), so I’m surprised more people don’t visit Montreux. On my trip to Switzerland in 2019 I travelled from Interlaken to Montreux […]
Afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason: Fortnum and Mason afternoon tea review
Hi Frugalistas! I first reviewed the afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Room in an early frugal first class travel blog post, not long after the Diamond Jubilee Tea Room opened. It was very special, and so very English. In fact it was so good, I forgot to take photos. […]
The Charlie Chaplin Museum: a visit to the Musée Chaplin in Vevey Switzerland
Hi Frugalistas! I must admit I have never been a great fan of Charlie Chaplin, but when I was looking for day trips from Montreux on my trip to Switzerland last year I came across the Charlie Chaplin Museum (Chaplin World) in nearby Vevey. The Musée Chaplin is located in the Charlie Chaplin house just […]
VAT Refunds In Europe: What You Need To Know
Hi Frugalistas! Even though I don’t like to waste my money when traveling, once I get to Europe, like many of us I love to shop. Even though I don’t necessarily buy a lot (I only ever take one carry on bag) I have been known to drop some serious cash (or plastic as the […]
10 Christmas Specialities on a Loire Valley Christmas Table
Hi France Travel Planners If you are keeping up with activities in our Facebook group (you can sign up here if you aren’t a member) you will know that Loire Valley resident and group member Susan Walter has been sharing some of her experiences of living in a Loire Valley village. Recently Susan posted about […]
Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals 2020
Hi Frugalistas! Happy Thanksgiving for those who celebrate this holiday. Thanksgiving in the US means one thing for savvy travel planners – Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. With the travel industry still in disarray, opportunities for big savings are a bit thin on the ground this year, but I’ve left it till the last […]
Europe itinerary 101: How to plan a trip to Europe
Hi Frugalistas! While most of us can’t travel to Europe at the moment, the optimists among us know that means one thing – more time to save the money and plan that perfect Europe itinerary. This post is a reworking of some (very) old blog posts on how to plan a trip to Europe, that […]
What not to do in Paris: how to avoid mistakes in Paris made by Emily in Paris
Hi Frugalistas! Did you enjoy Emily in Paris on Netflix? It was very popular with members of my France Travel Planning Facebook group (you can join here for free if you aren’t a member). It generated much discussion, especially about what not to do in Paris. Poor Emily makes so many Paris mistakes – mistakes […]
A budget guide to Paris
Hi Frugalistas! With most of us still not able to travel to France, or many other places for that matter, my thoughts have moved to planning a trip to France. Because I don’t consider myself to be a true budget traveler I’m always on the look out for people who are. Therefore I’m delighted to […]
13 virtual tours of Paris you can take now
Hi France Travel Planners! Are you getting itchy feet? Wishing you could travel to Paris? I know I am. Whether you are getting a bit stir crazy staying home, or wanting to do some Paris travel planning for your future Paris trip, virtual tours of Paris might be just the thing. As tour companies continue […]