Post currency collapse: Iceland

According to the Lonely Planet, Iceland is one of the top ten places to visit in 2010. Why? The kronur collapsed last year when the market crashed. Iceland was once one of the most expensive countries in the world to visit. (The cost of a beer was equivalent to around $10 US) When I traveled to Amsterdam, I had a short layover in Iceland. I was flying standby and was crossing my fingers that I didn't get stuck in the country. A hotel for the night (without a reservation) would break the bank.

Icelandair is currently having a winter sale. Of course, most people would want to wait a few months for the weather to warm up in Iceland. If you buy a roundtrip ticket right now (JFK to Reykjavík, Iceland's capital city) and leave in March, it will cost about $399. http://www.icelandair.com/

One must see attraction is the blue lagoon. It lies on the the middle of a large lava field and is created by geothermal water. While it is a natural spa, part of it is used to power and nearby natural energy station. It is filled with rich minerals that good for your skin.


Geysers in Iceland are another popular attraction. The most widely known one is Strokkur, which erupts up to 20 meters high every eight minutes.

So what will it cost to stay in Reykjavik? I found The Adam Hotel, which is located in the city center of Reykjavik for around $77 a night. It is truly shocking, since two years ago a hotel in the city center would have been at least a couple hundred dollars. http://www.reykjavikadamhotel.com/

Iceland is a beautiful place with much to see along the coast and the countryside. At this time it is more affordable than ever imagined.

Discount Dominica

With ecotourism on the rise there are many options to see the wonders of a tropical paradise at a lower cost.

The Hibiscus Valley Inn consists of nature bungalows in the Dominica countryside. The bungalows are located near the Pagua river and rainforest. http://www.hibiscusvalley.com/

The Inn provides a number of adventure tours including two-day rainforest hikes, fishing, diving, whale watching, snorkeling, sulfur springs and waterfall tours and a rowboat ride. The inn also has a weekly dance and drums performances from the local Carib Indians.

Every paradise comes with a price? Not exactly, bungalows start at $47 for the low season and $59 during the high season. Prices of tours vary on half day and whole day packages, along with overnight hiking tours. However, because it is the Caribbean, visiting one of the beautiful West Indies beaches is a must. The beach closest the inn is located about five minutes away.

Savvy South American vacation: Buenos Aires

When most people hear Buenos Aires, they think Tango dancing, beef and culinary masterpieces. Surprisingly, it doesn't always come with a masterpiece price to match.

Giorgio's House Buenos Aires Bed and Breakfast has excellent rates. A double private room runs $22 with a minimum three night stay. Each night after the fifth night will cost $19.50. There are also other perks to staying with Giorgio House. When you stay three nights, you get a free Tango (the most popular nightlife activity in Argentina) lesson. When you stay five nights, you get a free Spanish lesson.

http://buenosaires.giorgioshouse.com/

The San Telmo neighborhood is a popular area to visit. On the weekend Defensa Street closes and pedestrians take over. On Sunday there is the popular Denfensa Street fair and market. It is full of antiques, arts and crafts, salsa and tango performers. The old cobblestone roads also make it interesting.

For cheap eats at the market try Pizzeria Parillo's, a slice of cheese filled pizza will cost around $1. A choripan is one of the local favorites. It is chorizo sausage on a baguette bread. Try it at Carlos Calvo and the cost there is about $1.

Choripan: A favorite Argentina street food.

Tango dancing is one thing to experience in Buenos Aires. You don't have go to expensive tango halls to experience the dance. Hang around the Denfensa Street market on Sunday for a free milonga (tango dance). Local outstanding tango dancers come out to wrap up their weekend with a dance. Cochabamba 444 is a popular club that offers Tango lessons for about $3.


Many of the things that tourists find attractive about Buenos Aires does not have to be expensive. For more information refer to the Lonely Planet. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/argentina/buenos-aires

Thrifty tips for Amsterdam

Although Amsterdam may be a huge touristy city, it is possible for penny-pinching tourists to get around some of the traps.

After my Amsterdam experience, the first thing I recommend is purchasing the "Iamsterdam" card. The card gives you free admission to several museums, a free ticket on public transportation, a free canal cruise, and discounts at selected restaurants and shopping boutiques. http://www.amsterdam.info/pass/ This card comes in handy, because Amsterdam is full of many wonderful museums. When I was there, I visited the Van Gogh Museum, Riksmuseum and the Anne Frank House.
Me in front of the Riksmuseum. FYI: The little book in my hand is the money saving reference guide from my Iamsterdam card.

Hotels in the heart of the city can be expensive. A better option is to chose one that is about 10-20 minutes away from downtown. You can get more for your money and the the train runs 24 hours a day. I stayed at the Artemis Amsterdam Hotel. It is a modern four star Dutch hotel and is located about 20 minutes from downtown. Although you may be using public transport everyday, if you have the Iamsterdam card it will be free. My total bill was significantly lower than what it would have been at some of the older downtown hotels. http://www.artemisamsterdam.com/

A popular cheap snack that can be found all over Amsterdam is Vlaamse Frites-fries with spicy mayonnaise. The cost is generally around two euros. One of the most popular fries stand is Vleminckx Sausmeesters. It is located close to the Kalverstraat shopping street.




Amsterdam offers many free activities. During the summer Vondelpark has free concerts. Dam Square also has free concerts and it is located five minutes from the central train station. The Oude Kerk (old church) is another cheap attraction to see. It is a Gothic basilica that is believed to have been consecrated in 1306. Admission is free to Iamsterdam cardholders.

Interior of the Oude Kerk

Before you leave Amsterdam make sure you take a canal cruise. It is one of the best ways to see all of Amsterdam. Take the cruise on your first day to scope out neighborhoods and attractions that spark your interest.

Francophonie vacation via Montreal.

I have spent many summers in Montreal and it is definitely my favorite North American city. It is a city full of French culture with a European vibe. The exchange rate is around one-to-one and a half, which makes it even more appealing to Americans.

For shopping, walk down Saint-Catherine's Street. It is similar to Chicago's Michigan Mile and New York's Fifth Ave. Saint-Laurent Street has eclectic boutiques full of jewelery designed by local artisans. Looking for thrifty vintage shopping? You want to look for any store with the name "Friperie."




For good cheap eats in Montreal, check out Schwartz World Famous Smoked Meat, located on Saint Catherine's Street. It was ranked the number one restaurant with entres under $10 in Montreal on urbanspoon.com. A smoked meat sandwich will set you back $5.50. Eat it like the locals, and pile on the mustard. To download a menu: http://www.schwartzsdeli.com/index2.html. I have been there a couple of times and it is always satisfying after a long day of shopping. For another cheap alternative, go to the Atwater Market for supplies and have a pic-nic at Parc Mont Royal.



If you are interested in history visit Old Montreal. Some famous attractions include, the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port of Montreal. Many museums are located in Old Montreal including,the Marguerite-Bourgeoys Museum, Montreal Science Center and the Montreal Museum of Archeology and History.



I checked hotelscheap.org to find a good rate on a hotel that is close to the action in Montreal. The Best Western Europa Downtown is walking distance to Old Montreal, nightlife and Saint-Catherine's Street. Rates start at just $100 a night.

Bali on a Budget

Many may view Bali as an exotic vacation spot for only the privileged. After my roommate backpacked through Bali a few years ago, I realized just how affordable it could be. You don't have to stay in a private honeymoon villa on the beach to experience Bali. If carefully planned, a Bali vacation doesn't have to cost a fortune and can be a pleasant experience at the same time. While my fiancé and I were planning our honeymoon, I came across a website called Budget Bali-http://www.budgetbali.com/index.php. It lists budget hotels,hostels and guest houses.

The Sarinade Beach Inn (Kuta) is about a five minute walk to the beach. Its amenities include: a swimming pool, restaurant, safety box, massage, drug store, laundry, mini bar and room service. It features a spa with massages starting at $6.

During the high season (December, July and August) a standard double room starts at $37. http://www.sarinandehotel.com/

Hotels near Sanur Beach are even cheaper. Prima Cottages is a four minute walk to the beach. Rates for 2009-2010 start at $27. http://www.primacottage.com/


How can you eat cheap in Bali? For breakfast go to the nearest Circle K. You can find pot noodles for about 30 cents! Sate (barbecued meat on bamboo sticks) is a popular street food in Bali. Depending on the type of meat (chicken, beef, rabbit or goat) sate costs anywhere from 40 to 60 cents for ten pieces.

For more Bali travel tips check The Lonely Planet. I have found it to the best guide while planning my Bali vacation.

Spring Breakers Forget Mexico: Visit Ireland.

During the current economic situation, students want to get the most from their money and may be reconsidering their spring break plans. Here's an idea: instead of the normal Mexico trip, take spring break early and visit Ireland during the off-season.

Aer Lingus recently announced their winter off season vacation package special to promote Irish tourism. The package includes airfare, six nights in a fully equipped two bedroom villa at The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort and a rental car. Prices start at $499 and dates are during the winter break: Dec. 1, 2009-Feb. 11, 2010 (Dec. 18-31 are blackout dates).

The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort is a five star hotel located in the village of Killenard, just thirty minutes from Dublin. Its location is beneficial to guests that wish to explore Dublin and the Irish countryside.

Ireland's capital city, Dublin, is an active vibrant city with many attractions for young adults such as shopping, music, pubs and art.

Kilkenny Town is a nearby village located one hour and forty-five minutes from the resort. It is a popular medieval town known for the Kilkenny Castle.For more information: http://www.aerlingusvacationstore.com/vacations/ire-res-heri/

Trip must be booked by October 31.