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 […]
France Travel Planning French lessons – lesson 1: Greetings in French
Hi France Travel Planners! Welcome to your series of basic French for travellers. In addition to the video, each lesson will be accompanied by a downloadable vocabulary list that will build over time into a handy reference. We will also include some regular vocabulary in the Facebook group via Facebook Live so you can ask […]
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 […]
Europe itinerary 101: How to plan a trip to Europe
Hi Frugalistas! While some 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Big Island Hawaii: hotels, Kona and Hilo things to do and daytrips
Hi Frugalistas! The second island we visited on our Hawaii trip was the Big Island, Hawaii. Arriving in Kona and departing from Hilo we experienced some of the best Kona and Hilo things to do and day trips. Kona Activities We elected to stay at the Sheraton Kona resort (now an Outrigger) on the recommendation […]