The Best Things in Life are . . .
Travel is expensive---there is no way around that. But, all around the world there are some fantastic freebies. The essence of budget travel is getting the most for your money. Careful planning can help you schedule a trip that includes some free fun. Since I haven't been everywhere in the world, [yet] I would really love it if you would leave me a message about your favorite free find!
USA
Most beaches have a free public access area-along the South Carolina coast there is a large white sand public beach smack in the center of Myrtle Beach. While national parks do have an admission charge, you can drive through the Smokies, the Rockies, the Appalachians, or the Ozarks for the price of your gas. While you have to pay to actually go up in the Washington Moment, you can look at it and many other national monuments in DC free.
Paris
Admission to the Louvre, Mona Lisa and all, is free the first Sunday of every month. Admission prices are reduced after four in the afternoon. Under 18's receive free admission to Versailles. A walk along the Seine or through the Tuillares gardens costs not one franc.
While the logic is linking these two museum rich European cities may not be immediately evident, I assure you that despite the excellent Van Gogh collection in one and the overwhelming Renaissance art in the other the paid attractions run a poor second to the thrill of walking the canal laced streets.
Go to Venice and max out your credit card on expensive glass if you desire. Load up on vice and Indonesian food in Amsterdam if you must. However, the most memorable moments you spend in either local will cost you nothing---walk through the winding canals of Venice and lose yourself in the splendor of pastel places. Stroll canalside in Amsterdam and pay attention to the narrow canal houses standing sentinel over trade and travel.
No museum can compare to the medieval streets of these treasure towns. In Prague, the city is the sight. Walk across the Charles Bridge at sunset, amble through the Old town at dawn, pause outside the Hebrew clock near the Old/New Synagogue and then walk back across the river to study the arcane inscriptions of a vanished order of knights festooning building facades.
Bruges is a time warp town---while Belgium seems pricey to travelers from the USA, a walk down cobble streets doesn't require cash or traveler's checks.
Go To Page: 1 2
Articles in this Topic Discussions in this Topic
Latest Articles