Souvenir Suggestions

There is no shortage of cheesy, overpriced souvenirs in Europe.  But don’t feel like you have to buy these.  I rarely come home from my travels with any kind of souvenirs.  I usually just get some postcards to send, and maybe some photo prints of the city.

When I travel, I take LOTS of pictures, and then when I get home I will blow up and frame my favorites.  This is much more personal than a shot glass or keychain, and makes  me smile when I see the pictures.

Another place to look is one of my favorite sites, Etsy.  If you aren’t familiar with this site, it is “Your place to buy & sell all things handmade”.  There are incredible, creative things on this site.  One of my favorite items are the amazing photographs from all over the world.  One example is this shop, with beautiful Paris pictures.  A framed picture like the one above would make a great gift for an avid traveler, or even an aspiring traveler.

image/Etsy

U Sudu in Prague

Great bar in Prague

Before I visited Prague last summer, I asked a good friend of mine for suggestions about the city.  She has just returned from living there for 3 years, so I knew she would have some great tips for me.  And she did!

My favorite suggestion of hers was U Sudu.  This bar is so unique, and we met some really fun new friends!  When you first walk in, it looks really small.  But then you follow paths and go down different stairways that lead you to a number of different small rooms.  I kept wanting to explore and find other areas!

If you or anyone you know if heading to Prague, definitely send them to U Sudu!  A great night will be had!

Euro Trip 09!

It’s official- I’m going to Europe in October!  I booked our flights this morning from San Francisco to Dublin, Ireland for $385 roundtrip!!!  The flight was booked with Delta.  I saw the deal and knew we needed to book it right away.  I was right- just a few hours after I booked it the same flight was already $515!

Tip:  Figure out days that you think you can go on a trip, and then go to Yapta to track the flight.  Once you register the flight, you will get emails telling you when the flight goes up or down.  When you find a cheap flight, buy it right away!  Deals go quick- often within a few hours- so don’t wait!

Our itinerary isn’t set yet.  Still trying to figure out the exact destinations.  I’ll keep you posted!

Hotel Deals!

Paris Hotel

There are some INCREDIBLE deals on hotels for all over the world right now!  A lot of hotels are also giving additional discounts for guests staying more than a couple of nights.  Hotel deals combined with the amazing airfares make right now an amazing time to take a trip!

As a travel agent, I can get lower rates than listed on websites.  Contact me about planning your next trip!

Incredible flight deals!!!

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There are some amazing deals on flights to Europe right now!  I have seen a lot of great fares lately, but none as low as these!  Go to Airfare Watchdog and enter your departure city name to see the best deals out of your airport.  Most are for this fall, which happens to be the best time to visit Europe.  Here are some of the best deals:

-Los Angeles to Barcelona, Spain- $299 Roundtrip including taxes

-Los Angeles to Milan, Italy- $367 Roundtrip including taxes

And so many more!  Hurry and get these fares while you can!

Utterly Engaged!

utterly-engaged-logo

I am so pleased and excited to announce the launch of Utterly Engaged, an online magazine “inspiring budget savvy brides with style”.  It was created by the lovely ladies from D*LSH Design and Red Velvet Occasions.

I was so honored when they asked me to be their featured honeymoon planner!  Check out their amazing site, and be sure to pass it on to any of your engaged friends!

My Travel Planning Websites

I finally have my new Easy Euro Trip website up!  Please check it out and let me know what you think!

I also have created another site called Easy Trip Online.  This site explains that I can book travel for all destinations, not just Europe.  I also have specific Honeymoon and Bachelor/Bachelorette party pages.  So tell all of your friends- I would love to plan their next trip!

Tip for saving money on your flight to Europe

airplane graphicIt is no secret that flying to Europe can be expensive, but here is a tip that can make the flight a lot less expensive.  Flights are usually cheaper to Dublin or London than other cities in Europe.  So regardless of your destinations in Europe, check the prices for flights to London and Dublin.  If it is significantly cheaper to fly to one of these cities, then look into a budget flight to your final destination.  Ryanair and easyJet offer great deals on flights all over Europe.  If these airlines don’t go to your destination, check www.skyscanner.net.

I have saved a lot of money on flights to Europe by doing this.  Although it is definitely less convenient.  Make sure to allow a few hours between your arriving flight and departing flight because you will need to go through customs and check in to your next flight.

Let me know if you have any questions on this!

5 reasons to go to Europe this summer…

Absolute Ice Bar in London
Absolute Ice Bar in London

Now is a great time to go to Europe.  Why?  Well here are 5 reasons:

1. Flights to Europe are cheap.  Really cheap!  There are flights to Europe for under $500 roundtrip!

2. Hotels in Europe are cheap.  A lot of hotels have dropped their prices, and are throwing in extras like 3rd night free!

3. The Euro and the Pound are less expensive.  The exchange rate is better than it has been in years.  Currently 1 Euro= $1.37 and 1 British Pound= $1.52.

4. Fewer people than usual are going to Europe this summer.  This means shorter lines at gelato shops, less crowded beaches, and fewer people crowding in front of the Mona Lisa.

5. You will have an incredible time!!!!!

Skype for iPhones

Skype iPhoneHere is a great money saving tip for when you are on the road.  iPhones now have a Skype application, which allows you to make free Skype to Skype calls from your phone!  This means you can make free international calls regardless of where you are.

So why did I just buy a blackberry????