Hi Frugalistas! I’m changing pace a bit this week. I’m ashamed to admit that despite living in Sydney for over 20 years I’ve never been further south than Mollymook. So when I was approached by the team at The Esplanade in Batemans Bay it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. Apart from being just so […]
The Eccleston Square Hotel, London – why you need to plan your visit now
Hi Frugalistas! I’m always on the lookout for the perfect frugal, but still first class hotel. You know the sort of hotel I mean – in an unbeatable central location, with local charm, a little luxury, and I definitely want it at a good price. In expensive cities like London, it’s not so hard to […]
What to wear on a river cruise in Europe
Hi Frugalistas! Yet again I’m inspired to write a post based on reader questions. When it comes to a river cruise Europe is certainly a popular destination. Over the last few years I’ve had a number of questions from readers about a packing guide for a river cruise in Europe. It’s a question I […]
A Few Days In Romania
Romania can be one of the best destinations in Europe for travellers who would rather not spend too much money. It’s relatively easy to get to from many other places in Europe, the cost of living (or visiting) can be less extravagant, and much of what you’ll enjoy is simple sightseeing. So, let’s talk about […]
The best Paris guidebooks you’ve never heard of
Hi Frugalistas! How do you plan a trip to France? While I do read blogs I must admit I do still like a hard copy guidebook. When it comes to Paris, I love just buying books about Paris as well as more traditional guidebooks. Because Paris is one of the most visited cities in […]
12th arrondissement: a friendly Paris neighbourhood
Hi Frugalistas! I love it when readers tell me what they want read more about on frugal first class travel. When I wrote my earlier post on my spring travel plans, a number of readers expressed interest in learning about the 12th arrondissement of Paris. I was visiting and staying in the 12th for […]
Kensington Palace: Diana fashion exhibition and more
Hi Frugalistas! Princess Diana was only a few years older than me. Like many young women I “oohed” and “aahed” over her fairytale wedding to Prince Charles. I enjoyed watching her go from “Shy Di” to the confident, fashion forward woman she became. Like many of you I’m sure, I remember exactly where I […]
Afternoon tea at the Ritz London
Hi Frugalistas! Did you read my recent post about afternoon tea at the Ritz Hotel in Paris? Well, that wasn’t my only afternoon tea indulgence on my recent trip to Europe. As soon as I knew I was going, I knew exactly the one thing I wanted to do in London – afternoon tea […]
Ritz Paris Afternoon Tea: the sweetest high tea in Paris?
Hi Frugalistas! My most recent trip to Paris was very brief. Just an overnight stay, before the train down to Nice to the wonderful Liguria townhouse I featured in an earlier post. That meant just one proper meal in Paris. So, of course, I wanted to make it special. When my Paris friend U […]
Ventimiglia market: Italian delicacies and more
Hi Frugalistas! I have an English friend who had been telling me about the Ventimiglia market just over the Italy border from France for as long as I’ve known her. Stories of Louis Vuitton handbags, Gucci wallets and other designer gear – all genuine, and for a fraction of the price. The Ventimiglia market […]