Great Money Savings Tips from Rick Steves

Any serious traveler knows about Rick Steves' great PBS series, and unparalleled travel guides. Read this article from CNN.COM about stretching your weak US dollar in Europe. Don't let the weakness keep you home! http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/traveltips/01/25/dollar.europe/index.html

Super Cheap Travel TIP #2

Love the Yellow Pages!
Anyone who has traveled with me knows of my deep love of the phone book. Love it. Did you know it's a valuable source of free maps (go ahead and rip them out!), phone numbers and addresses for all the sites in your host city. You will usually also find a listing of all the local museums, parks, and attractions, along with an events calendar.
Another awesome thing about the yellow pages: COUPONS! In the back of just about every phone book is a section full of coupons for everything from 2-for-1 pizzas to discounts on theme park admissions, bicycle rentals and airport shuttles! Just double check the expiration dates...you don't know how long that book has been hanging around!
You'd be amazed at how much more acquainted you'll be with your new surroundings after 10 minutes flipping through the pages of the phone book. You might even save a buck or two!

Super Cheap Travel Tip

Need a mini vacation, but have NO CASH??? Do what I do: Visit your own town like a Tourist!
I must admit, I have it easy. I live in Boston which is a prime tourist destination, but, though I've lived here for a total of 10 years, I'm constantly reminded of the things I haven't seen or done in this city. I hadn't even been to the beach, in spite of the fact that I only live 30 minutes away by train!

During the week, open your local phone book: most have a section in the front dedicated to local parks, museums and other attractions. Pick two or three that you've never visited, or haven't visited in a long while. Get up early Saturday morning and hit the ground running. Treat yourself to a lunch featuring a local specialty, and don't forget to bring your camera!!!

Optional: if you have a few extra bucks, get a hotel room in a touristy part of town to further the illusion of travel!

It is sooooo easy to get caught up in your day to day routine and miss the cultural richness that is right outside your door...so the next time you're wishing you had the time or money for a mini-vacation, just look no further than you're own hometown!