DIY European Travel on the Cheap

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DIY European Travel on the Cheap!

Episode 270 with Meredith Curtis and Felice Gerwitz

Did you know that DIY European travel on the cheap is possible? Is traveling to Europe a far-off dream due to finances, time, or both? In this podcast, Meredith shares how her entire family went to Italy and how they did it on a shoestring budget! If you’ve ever wanted to take a European vacation, this podcast provides helpful and money-saving tips!

Thanks to our sponsors, Media Angels Membership and Power Line Productions.

Show Notes: DIY European Travel on the Cheap

1.Research: Where do you begin? With research of course. Sometimes group travel companies can provide deals but many times DIY deals are better. Compare and contrast.

Do I want to be with a group or just my family? This is where DIY travel on the cheap comes in, do your research and you may find amazing deals.
Do I want to explore “off the beaten track places,” or tried and true?
What is the must-see list?
What is the secondary list, would be nice but only if we have the time or the funds.
Talk to other people, what do they say about traveling?
Use guides such as those recommended by Meredith: DK Travel Guides
Watch travel videos
Keep a Pinterest travel board

Tours:

What are the benefits to your family?
Cost vs. convenience?
Benefits of both.
Find cheap tours on Groupon, Travelzoo, Gate One Travel, Tour Radar
Tours provide guide who speaks the language

Foreign Country Concerns:

Know the rules and regulations. Here is a great podcast on Travel and First Aid Tips
Churches: must have arms covered for women and no short-shorts
Currency
Transportation
Speaking the language

Travel and Transportations

Planes:
- Keep hydrated
- Wear comfortable clothing/ shoes
- Bring headphones
- Earplugs for altitude changes
- Chew gum, or let little ones drink when taking off or landing
Trains
- Foreign currency or buy a ticket for all trains (metro cards)
- Schedules and timelines
- Rush (don’t get caught separated – it happens!) Stay together.
Rental Cars:
- Only if you have experience driving in foreign country!
- Rules are different (suggestions in some!)
- European cars tend to be small
Buses:
- Foreign currency or buy a ticket to ride all
- Schedules
- Less expensive
- Some drive very fast!