Euro v. US Dollar - how to economize

Old Jul 24th, 2007, 06:36 AM
  #21  
 
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I agree with Michael above - we got a room in the 17th, Monceau Wagram for $75 a night...its a 3* and breakfast was included. Yeah, I need my coffee before my body gets in the mood to go out and about...
This was during our honeymoon and my dear husband thought I would enjoy a "Paris Fix" since we were in France anyway but we didn't want to blow the budget.
We werent' first time visitors so going in another area was a treat indeed. So much so, that next time, I think I want try another area,new to me, Montparness perhaps...
I like a bit of grittiness...more people of other types. Can't get my brain around the 7th for some reason...
people make it sound "so veddy veddy sedate"... not having been there I probably should shut up.
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Old Jul 24th, 2007, 07:26 AM
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tod
 
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Mooshi, I can only be envious that you are having to buy Euros at $1.38 - when you have to buy them at $9.45 start complaining! Our current exchange rate is R9.45(South African Rands) gets you one leeetle old Euro.
Now you feel better eh?
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Old Jul 24th, 2007, 11:22 PM
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I prefer to book my accomodations directly with the establishment. However on our first hotel after a late flight in which the hotel did not have their own site, I choose to book through a site that listed the cost through American Dollars as oppose to Euros. The dollar is constanly changing (and going down) and I booked my accomodations in advance. I prefer to know exactly the cost and lock in the price. Booking through Venere gave me the equivalent Euro price at the time, but you never know what that would eventually equal to our dollar.
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Old Jul 25th, 2007, 10:21 AM
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We just returned from a cruise in the Mediterrean. We found that the price we paid in euros was similar to what we would pay if we visited NYC, so it didn't see so outrageous. Hint on tipping in Europe. They don't tip like we do in the states. Just whatever you think you might like to add to the bill.
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Old Jul 25th, 2007, 01:58 PM
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When we went to Germany, I didn't think about the exchange rate either - but we also paid attention to our spending. I don't really do math in my head very quickly anyway, so not making the conversion wasn't difficult - LOL.

My general advice is to just work out a daily budget that you can live with and work with that. We find that on vacation, taking out cash helps us stay within our budget rather than paying for things with the credit card. We take out several day's worth at a time and go from there. And if we splurged one day, we make it up the next.

Picnics in the park are a great way to save money. Public transportation versus cabs is also good. Refilling the same bottle of water is also a great idea, otherwise you can break the bank on water alone - LOL.
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Old Jul 25th, 2007, 02:17 PM
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Talk about what is really important to you.
My husband and I don't care about eating in restaurants, sometimes it doesn't occur to us to eat until everything is closed.

I would never skimp on going to art and entertainment though. But if 4 star rest. are on your must do lists and art museums aren't- find the free stuff.

Pay for as much as you can in advance.
Bid on Priceline or stay at a large chain hotel and get the advance computer rate- non refundable. But again, if the room matters to you- don't skimp.

Stay in the one hotel for the entire stay. You'll often get a good deal the longer you stay.


Think about if your going to get a souvenir ahead of time.
Instead of buying cheap Made in China stuff- buy something you’ll always treasure. Have room on your wall for a nice picture?
Do you sketch? Good at photography? Your photos might well be the only souvenirs you need.

Remember that a Euro here and a Euro there can really add up if your on a budget.
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Old Jul 25th, 2007, 05:29 PM
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I lived briefly in Paris - here's my favorite money saving tips - yes, I love Monoprix

http://www.parisescapes.com/paris_money.html

Also, the link below has 6 souvenirs ideas for under 20 euros. These are the things I bring home for family/friends on my return trips to Paris.

http://www.parisescapes.com/paris_money.html

Have a great trip and don't let the exchange rate get you down. - C
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Old Jul 25th, 2007, 06:52 PM
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Economize now while you are at home and enjoy yourself (and the extra cash you now have to spend) when you go!!

We go to Italy in two months and I've been brownbagging it for lunch, drinking crappy coffee out of the kitchen machine at work instead of my beloved starbucks, restraining myself from buying a new wardrobe and shoes for the trip when I already have everything I need, trying not to be tempted into buying a lot of travel gadgets, new bag, more clothes for the baby that she'll outgrow after 2 wearings, actually returning videos on time.....
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