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.