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Cheap Stays: London

hotel window
Image: Kazze.

In big cities, hotel rooms come at a price - both in space and price. London's hotel rooms are notoriously small, so why waste your money on a hole in the wall? We've dug up some ideas for alternative accommodations.

Cheap Moves: London

London transit
Image: Dimitry B.
While everything in London is notoriously expensive, getting from place to place can eat up a particularly large chunk of your budget. After all, London is a large city, with lots to do, and a week's worth of cab rides, tube trips, and jaunts on the bus will leave you with little more than pocket change by the end. Check out our tips below that will help you keep your transportation budget in check.

Cheap Eats: London

fish and chips
Image: Daveybot.
Fish and chips, bangers and mash...that's what most travelers think of when they're heading to the UK. But, when you're in London, those "inexpensive" pub meals can quickly add up, not to mention test your affinity for greasy food. Here are some ideas for the best ways to eat cheaply in London.

Inspiration: An Autumn Roadtrip

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countryside in italy in the fall
Image: FaP;-).

A scooter, fall leaves, and the countryside. Whether you're contemplating your weekend escape or planning your next great adventure, fall is the perfect time to travel. A fall palette can make a familiar place seem new, or help you fall in love with a place you've never seen before.

Off The Beaten Path: Irish Road Bowling

Irish Road Bowling

Faugh a Ballach! Half soft-pitch softball, half golf, Irish Road Bowling gives us all another great reason to visit the Emerald Isle. The whole point of the sport is to hurl a bowl (a small, metal ball) down a country road; going the furthest distance in the fewest number of throws.
A match can take a while, so if your attention span is limited, you may need the aid of a few Irish beverages. Even if you have patience, you may still want a few. After all, when in Rome...

Offbeat Accommodations: Elkep Evi Cave Hotel

cave hotel in turkey
Image: elkep evi.

The Elkep Evi Cave Hotel in Cappadocia, Turkey allows you to step back in time without having to leave behind any modern luxuries. The hotel, like much of Cappadocia, is literally carved into rock and makes for a truly unique overnight experience. One thing is for sure, these hotel walls will save you a phone call to the front desk to complain about your neighbors.

Art Outside the Box: Sir John Soane's Museum

Museums aren't the only place where you can check out the masterpieces. Here's our series guide to seeing the arts...for free.
Sir John Soane Museum facade
Image: OZinOH.

One of my favorite ways to view art is in a house museum, a collection of art that is in the home of it's original owner instead of a museum. The home itself can often be a treat with original furnishings and period decor. More importantly, you get the privilege of seeing art on a real scale, as it was meant to be displayed. Instead of seeing art in a sterile white box, you get a unique and highly personal display of a collector's treasures. The next time you're heading to a new city, don't overlook a house museum.

This week's freebie...the Sir John Soane's Museum in London.

Photo Friday: Fall in Durham, England

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Durham Bridge
Image: travellious.

On a hot August day like today, I need a little escape. So, I've let my mind wander back to a trip a few years ago where we had the opportunity to visit the small town of Durham in northern England. Green and lush with a scenic river surrounding the town, it provided the perfect spot for long walks and quiet reflection.

Ask an Italian: What Do Italians Eat for Dinner?

Every week, Francesco Serra, our good friend and expert on all things Italian, gives us perspective on Italian culture. Residing in the northern city of Padova, but being a fiercely proud native Calabrian, he brings a unique perspective on all things Italian.
spaghetti and tomatoes
Image: FotoRita.

Our question today for Francesco....I am always curious what Italians actually eat for dinner. Is it the big spreads of food that we always see on TV or is that just for special occasions? What did you eat for dinner last night?

Have a question about Italy? Send Francesco an e-mail and we'll have him answer your question here.

Photo Friday: New Years in Cortina

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Snow in Cortina
Image: kag2u.

A few winters ago we spent New Years in Italy with some Italian friends. They invited us to tag along on their trip to the chic ski town of Cortina in the Italian Alps. While we didn't ski, we spent our days playing in the snow, wandering downtown, and eating lots of great Italian food. The town is quaint resort town full of skiers, relaxed food joints, and scenic vistas like the one above. This trip was really memorable for us, as we stayed with a friendly Italian family and a bunch of fun Italians (Francesco included) and got a peek into Italian mountain living that we would have never have gained access to as a "tourist."

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