Hi Frugalistas! While my generic packing list is easily adapted for Europe (or anywhere else cold for that matter) if you are struggling with that winter packing list for Europe and keeping it to one carry on bag, help is at hand! Here is my detailed packing list for a Europe winter: Winter Packing List […]
What to expect in a three star hotel in Europe
Hi Frugalistas! You’ve decided to take your first trip to Europe – how exciting! Now you need to make decisions. What airline to book, what to do, and most importantly where to stay! It’s very tempting to stick with the familiar and stay at a chain hotel. You know what to expect, what the room […]
How to make a day trip to Reims
Hi Frugalistas! Reims (pronouned “rance” as in France) is an easy and convenient day trip from Paris, being only 45minutes away by TGV. What most visitors will find surprising is that a day trip to Reims is about more than champagne. Here’s my take on things to do in Reims on a day trip from […]
How to choose a hotel frugal first class travel style
Hi Frugalistas! An important part of my travel philosophy is choosing the right hotel. I know that for some people a hotel is just somewhere to sleep and leave their bags. But not me. I like to make my hotel an integral part of my experience anywhere I visit. I also want the best quality […]
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. […]
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 […]
Interlaken: things to do for the unadventurous
Hi Frugalistas! I’m definitely not an adventure traveller. This can be a problem when you visit a place like Interlaken, Switzerland, where so many Switzerland things to do seem to involve heights or adventure. So what to do in Interlaken? I found Interlaken things to do that keep you on the ground and that are […]
Best Cooking Classes in Paris
Hi France Travel Planners! If you’re planning a trip to Paris, you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to take cooking lessons in Paris. Cooking classes Paris, France, come in a huge range of options that are suitable whatever your tastes or whoever you’re travelling with – from taking a specialist macaron making […]
Etihad Business Class review: Etihad Business Class 2020
Hi Frugalistas! Towards the end of last year I had the opportunity to fly Etihad Airways Business Class Sydney to Europe on two separate occasions: initially on a solo trip Sydney to Zurich, and then later on a family trip Sydney to Madrid, and London to Sydney. I’ve reviewed Etihad Business Class a number of […]