Just back from 2 weeks in Italy & WON'T be going to Europe again until the $ strengthens
 

We knew all about the dollar's weakness, and when the exchange rate reached 1E = $1.40 had said we wouldn't be traveling to Europe until things improved. But, then, we found cheap tickets to Rome. And, we found really good deals on apartments in Venice & Rome (average cost $105 a night for 2 people for nice apartments in good locations), so we decided to do it anyway. But, this will probably be the last trip for us until the dollar strengthens.

We've always used all the budget travel tips and have used apartments rather than hotels for quite some time, so are very aware of how to pinch a penny. But, nearly every time we pulled out our wallets the impact of prices really hit us. We are lucky in that we've probably taken 15 European trips in the past 10 years, so we can make comparisons and also know when it is time for us to temporarily stop traveling in Europe.

Having an apartment saved us a TON of money on food costs. We hardly ever ate out because it was so expensive. For example, in Rome we ate in a small, hole-in-the-wall, guidebook & personally recommended tratoria type place. The place and meal were nothing at all special (2 primis of crummy rigatoni, one stewed rabbit dish, one stewed beef with arugula dish, and one plain winter salad) and cost us $50 including a half liter of house wine for E3.50. And, this place was the cheapest of all the cheap recommended places. Another example: our 1st night in Venice it was late and we were jet-lagged and didn't want to stray too far away from our out-of-the-main-tourist area apartment. Rather than grabbing a sandwich we had Chinese. $50 for 2 of us in an out of the way Chinese restaurant. There was the ubiquitous 2E cover charge, we had one appetizer of 2 egg rolls, rice wasn't included and was an additonal E3.50, we had 2 rather standard main dishes & a bottle of the cheap house wine. I live in a large city--Minneapolis--and Chinese here doesn't cost nearly this much. We also have lots of small ethnic places to eat, and I can find a lot better values for $50. Plus, at home we don't eat ery meal out. this is why I bring this up. I had done lots of research on good, inexpensive places to eat in both Rome and Venice, and we walked by a lot of these places and looked at their menus. Everywhere was pricy.

Admission costs also really started to add up. Many museums and other sights are now E10. That is $30 for 2 people for several hours. Want a headset? That will cost you about another $15-$20 for 2 people. Guided tours cost even more. We did a marvelous guided tour of the Forum and Colosseum at a special discounted winter rate. This was about $100 for 3 hours for 2 of us. When you start adding up numerous places to visit, the costs really start escalating.

I am just posting this so that others can calculate the reality of what a trip will really cost. We knew ahead of time what our lodging would cost and our airfare was paid for. We also knew what the price of train tickets Rome to Venice would be. It was the everyday reality of how much all the other things cost that hit us.

We know and use all the thrifty travel tips, and it still boils down to the fact that Europe is now a very expensive place for an American to visit. We were constantly amazed when we saw families traveling together and staying at hotels and thus eating all of their meals out. I can't imagine what the costs might have been for some of them.

Thanks for the post. Although nothing will keep me from Europe (well, except health) it is interesting to read your observations.

What I find as a Canadian (and this is not a slight towards you! :) ) is that up until just recently we have had a very weak dollar for years and have always managed our European trips. I guess we had it so bad for so long that it was just how it was and we were used to it! :) We have gone to the UK when 1 pound = $2.5 which admittedly did hurt.

I definitely do agree with you that Europe can be a gouge-fest at times. It is unbelievable what can be charged while we have it free. Seems like wherever you turn people are asking for money (toilets, parking, etc.).

Other than the financial aspect, what did you think of your trip?

julies,

I hope you still had a great time. I understand where you are coming from.

travel,

Wow $2.50! You made me feel better. I am going to stop complaining about the 1 pound = $2.00.

No worries, cafegoddess. I did not bring it up to make anyone feel bad - just a teeny tiny perspective check! :)

I eat at the local chinese mongolian place buffet for 6.99€ incl. taxes here in Munich.
Even the small towns in the US are still very expensive. Did you know that admission to the empire state building is $19. (basic rate)...
I paid $30 for a pizza and a beer in New Jersey.

Nowhere in continental Europe it is as expensive as New York, and the smaller places in Europe are far less expensive than the same kind of towns in north America.

Have you thought about going to Central and Eastern Europe rather than giving up European travel all together.

For example last year a friend and i went to Krakow in Poland and always ate in the centre of town. For a meal for 2, with drinks i believe our most expensive meal was £20. I have found Germany and Czech Republic to be similar.

I think if you go to the main cities. London, Paris, Rome etc. costs are going to be more and its in these places where with a poor exchange rate you are going to notice the difference most.

I haven't been to Venice, but have heard that is a very expensive city, which is usually what you get in places like that (cities that exist mainly for tourists today). Maybe Rome is different, but I was just in Europe last summer when the exchange rate was what you are quoting, and didn't spend what you were on food -- and I wasn't trying to pinch pennies in any way. Although that isn't a big deal to me as I don't eat a lot, anyway, I know, so I don't look for expensive restaurants or name places or recommended places from guidebooks. I don't think $50 for a dinner with wine is that unusual in Europe and probably did spend that a lot (as that is only around 32 euro now), and I will also agree that I eat better than what you describe in the US for $50. But I ate better than what you described in France and Switzerland last summer, also, for that price. I don't think I went to any place that had a 10 euro admission charge, either.

I have no quarrel with your opinions and conclusions that it is too expensive for you and you won't go any more, but sometimes people who haven't been there read some posts like yours and get the wrong idea.

Of course, I guess it's what you expect from a vacation and what you spend on other things. I don't spend money on entertainment and dining out a lot at home, so don't have a problem with spending $50 for dinner on my summer vacation in Europe. You did get real cheap accommodations, though, and that's a major item. Spending only $100 for a room in Venice or Rome is doing pretty darn good and for a vacation, I don't think you can dismiss the fact that yours doesn't seem that expensive. Budget motel rooms in small towns in the US (like at chains like Quality Inn, Super 8, etc) can cost around $75, for example.

Venice is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, and Rome is hardly one of the cheapest, so judging the whole of Europe by those two places is a bit skewed. Staying in cheaper countries - Portugal, Greece, Austria - or smaller towns will get your costs down. Eastern Europe can be expensive for accommodation but cheaper for food.

We are going to Italy in March, and are staying in B&Bs this time. The B&B outside of Rome will cost 75 euros a night, while the one in Sorrento is running 65 euros. We have already seen the major sights in Rome, so we will be focusin on free experiences.

Hope you had a wonderful time in spite of the high costs. Did you fly NWA on the 330. We are looking at traveling to Europe this May out of Minneapolis and wondering how comfortable or uncomfortable the 330 is? Thanks.

Well, gee whiz! Venice and Rome are more expensive than Minneapolis!
Whoda thunk it?!?

Personally, I didn't find the restaurant and museum costs you mentioned particularly astonishing. You picked two of the most expensive cities in Europe.

We spend $50 at an Italian restaurant near our house in the U.S. Granted, I think the meal would be better than what you described, but you were in Rome, not the 'burbs. I can't comment on the Chinese meal; it wouldn't enter my mind to eat Chinese while in Italy.

Your average lodging cost was only $105 a night in Venice and Rome? For world-class cities anywhere in the world, that's amazing! It seems to me that rate would allow for a few museum entry fees. As someone else mentioned, rising museum entry fees are not unique to Europe.

Here are my suggestions for cheaper eating in Venice and Rome:
Venice
Museo Ebraico cafe - it was quite possible to get lunch for 6 Euros three years ago. I think young students who require kosher food also eat here.
Billa and Co-op grocery stores - I think it's Billa that has a pretty good deli, but perhaps Co-op does as well.
Rome
AutoGrill on via del Corso - good food, reasonable price, but not much or any seating

The museum admissions and the audiophones are expensive, but even so, I doubt that the Italian government recoups the cost of maintaining these extremely valuable treasures which are basically the patrimony of all humanity.

Still, I know that it is disappointing to get an expensive, awful meal in Venice, and at certain times that is almost unavoidable (this happened to me after the opera when most places were closed, and I didn't have any information at hand about better late-night places).

My husband and I are going on an Italy trip in May. I have never been but, based on my research (and the fact my husband loves wine!), I am budgeting $200 total per day for lunch and dinner. Every hotel we are staying in provides breakfast so we don't have to worry about that. I think one thing I will do is just eat fruits and veggies from a local market for lunches and snacks and save the majority of my food budget for dinner and wine. Even with the poor exchange rate I am looking forward to this wonderful trip and skimping on other things now (like we have given up eating out at home for the six months prior to the trip which is saving us at least $400 per month!) to ensure I don't have to skimp while visiting Italy!

Everyone spends money differently and you just have to work out what is best for you. If you are renting such inexpensive lodging maybe you shouldn't give up traveling to Europe but instead cook more meals at your rented apartment? Then you can still travel and see some fabulous places!

ah_

We find Eastern Europe to be very inexpensive - our cheapest trips. So far we have not paid any more than 60 euros for accommodation. You can find incredibly cheap and lovely pensions, villas or apartments for about 30 euros. Our goal is under 50 euros. Food and transportation can also be cheap.

Thanks for the reality check, julies. I find that food is a big expense on vacations - anywhere. However, as you point out, there are ways to save money on meals. I'm trying to plan an October trip, and the cost is a consideration for me also - and whether I can even go. On top of higher airfare and the low dollar, yikes!

benitakaren - I also fly out of MSP and the A330 is a great ride. I love the personal video system. I still feel crammed in - it IS coach so that's what I expect. But I enjoy being able to watch the movie I want or play games if I can't rest. Have a fun trip!

True the Easter Europe is less expensive and there are some lovely places to see.
Still, I would rather visit Spain ( we found it very reasonable) than
Bulgaria.
One way to save a few bucks could be to avoid taking expensive tours.
It may be a very long time before the exchange rate changes!
BDW, New York hotels are more expensive than in any place in Europe ( well, maybe at par with London for what you get for your money)

Just for the record - the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in NYC is $20 per person. The NY Guggenheim is $18 while the Bilbao Guggenheim is 10.50E - the one in Venice is 10E. (The Musee d"Art Contemporain de Montreal is only $8 - a real bargain - but I wonder if the collection is as extensive, and of course, the cost for a museum to operate in NYC is far higher than in Montreal).

You will find expensive entries and expensive restaurants everywhere. We rarely eat at the upscale expensive places in NYC, but even our favorite little hole in the wall in the theatre district costs close to $50, and that is without wine and with sharing a salad and not having appetizers. (Of course, they don't charge for the bread and water. ) :-) By the way, I'm sure we would all like to know the name of the place with the "crummy rigatoni".

I hope that despite the unplanned for expense, you enjoyed other parts of your trip - I watched online as you planned it.

Sorry, but I don't think you can judge all of Europe by Rome, or even Italy.

We vacationed for 3 weeks in Germany and Austria in September and found the trip to be quite reasonable, even when compared to past trips. More expensive, yes, but not outrageously so. It wasn't hard to find good filling meals for under 10E per person and all of our hotels except one was $100 or less per night. Some attractions were kind of pricey, but there were many other things we could have chosen to do that would have cost less or nothing at all. Our rental car for the entire 3 weeks was under $600 thru autoeurope and that included a one class upgrade.

If you wait to travel again in Europe until the dollar strengthens, you may have a long wait.

<i>If you wait to travel again in Europe until the dollar strengthens, you may have a long wait.</i>

Amen.

As a Canadian traveler, I would like to echo travel2's sentiments at the varying value of our dollar. I believe the highest exchange rate we've paid is $1.62CAD for 1 Euro!!! Ouch! :(

How do we manage trips to Europe? Well, we factor the exchange into the cost of our trip. Then we save, save, save! In the past 11 years, we have traveled to France 4 times and this year, we are going to Italy. (No doubt Italy will be more expensive than France.) So, while an annual trip is not in our budget, we are content to be able to plan for a trip every 2 or 3 years! :)

2010

Benitakaren - We also fly NWA from MSP and LOVE the 330s. As mentioned, the individual TVs are very nice. I also like the headrest deal built into the seat, as it supports my neck when sleeping. Enjoy!

Thanks for giving us your point of view. It's always interesting to hear what others think of the hit our dollar has taken.

It seems that while thinking about how much money you've spent on dinner and museums, you forgot to enjoy your time in Rome and Venice.

What did you enjoy in Rome and Venice? It would be a shame if all you remembered was how badly the US$ is versus the &euro;.

I would compare the value of the &euro; vs the value of the $ from your last trip before this disappointing trip, and see what the real difference was.

For me, I will take my recent Paris trip, and compare it with my previous Berlin trip. Today's rate is $1.48 to the &euro;.

When I was in Paris this June, it was $1.34 per &euro;, an increase of 14 cents on the dollar. For every &euro;100 I spent then, today, I would have to shell out an extra $14.

When I was in Berlin in June 2006, the exchange rate was $1.26 per &euro;, an increase of 21 cents on the dollar. For every &euro;100 I spent then, today, I would have to shell out an extra $21.

I normally spend about &euro;500 when I'm with my mom in Europe, which would mean an extra $105 from my savings at the 2006 rate (or $69 at the 2007 rate). These are amounts I think I can swing easily. And if I can't, then I feel I personally have no business going on vacation.

But I wouldn't give up Europe. Go East, young laddies.

Oops. For Berlin, that should have been &quot;for every &euro;100, it would now cost me an extra $22.&quot; Which means that for my average expenditure, it would now mean an extra $110 from the 2006 Euro, and an extra $70 from the 2007 Euro.

If you have any interest in learning a language, enrolling in a class in Europe is about as cheap a way to travel as there is around. You stay with local families and can get meals with them also. Classes are normally half-day. There is some sort of school in virtually any medium or large city.

Pick a city, find a school, and when you arrive you have not only the family you are stayinhg with as friends but also usually 20-40 students [ages 18-70 usually]at the school as well. They will all share the little &quot;good&quot; places they have found, great day trips, etc.

I've done this 6-8 times in both Europe and Central America and it really is a great way to get a better feel for life in the place you visit.

Try being an international flight attendent and going to Europe everyweek without getting paid extra(left during the cost cutting era)-its getting ridiculous! That is why some F/A's are bringing food from home or only shopping for food at the grocery store for dinner. Sad!

Dutyfree...you're not on vacation. You're working. Totally different set of circumstances. And it's horrible what they put you through. I know. I have a friend who works in your line of business.

:(

One solution: be &quot;old&quot; , like my husband and I, and realize you don't have the time to wait until the dollar gets better! (:&gt;)

None of us are getting any younger!
We are planning a trip for spring,,,not sure of details just yet. Planning is at least half the fun of the trip.....(the cheapest part).
We almost always have a car and often seek out where the locals are eating...order one main dish and one soup or appetizer,we don't drink wine,and still often eat 2 () meals a day in addition to breakfast. (sometimes the largest meal at lunchtime). We buy snacks in the suermarkets, which is a fun experience in itself.
julies: the prices you quoted don't seem too far out of line for Europe.
Of course I don't like what the dollar is doing.....and sometimes take issue with the prices of hotels etc....but we've decided not to forfit a European trip at this stage. (or else we might get &quot;out of the habit&quot;.)

I started this thread &amp; have a little feedback to the reponses I got. Unfortunately for me, I remember the day not all that many years ago (8 or 9 maybe) when it cost me .80 to buy 1 euro. When we planned this trip 1 euro cost $1.47 at a good bank rate. This means that when we calculated our costs we always multiplied everything by 1.5. The reality is it adds up, and I think people should be aware of this because when planning all too many people think about the costs of hotels and airfare and don't really think about total costs.

Yes, we can afford the costs of paying more dollars for the euro (we wouldn't have gone if we weren't able to), but we don't know if it is worth it to us to travel to places where the dollar buys so little. We had a really good time and did everything we wanted to, and there was only one thing we didn't do that we had thought about, and that was more a cancellation because of logistics than cost, although they were a factor. So, no, we didn't spend every minute worrying about every nickle, and we probably spent money where some people wouldn't have. But, we were very aware of how the depressed dollar affected costs.

As far as meals, it was not worth it to us to spend $75 -$100 a night for dinner every night for 2 weeks. Maybe some of you wouldn't bat an eye, but to us it wasn't worth it. We did spend quite a bit of money though at the nearby bakery (supposed to be the best in Rome) that had fantastic pizzas and sandwiches.

Perhaps I should have said Western Europe in my title. I know Europe is a big place, but everywhere in the euro zone the exchange rate is the same, and a dollar doesn't buy very many euros. I also know Rome and Venice (in particular) are more expensive than other more out of the way locales. But, for a dead of winter trip, cities are the place to visit. the countryside, which we normally prefer, looked pretty bleak from the train windows.

In fact, we have visited most of the more out of the way locales mentioned above, and many more than those. In addition to the usuals on the tourist route, we've been to Romania, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland, Lithuania, rural France where we've rented gites, rural Germany, rural Spain, and Turkey.

As I said in my original post, I just want people to be aware of costs up front. And, you all know as well as I do, that probably 70-80% of the people who use this forum are planning trips to the usual big tourist attractions and cities. There they will face similar expenses.

The best meal I had in Venice was a delish tuna sandwich with olives from a cafe window. It was 1.30 Euro. I wish I could have found any eatery for 50 dollars a meal, that is a bargain. We researched decent eateries in Venice, and our hotel owner led us to some that were &quot;up and coming&quot;, just like the guide books said also - these places were packed early. The food was just ok, and sometimes not very good. So if I went back, I would cut costs with dining out in Venice. We spent 15 full days in Rome, Venice, and Florence, had accomodations that went from 80-150 Euros, with the later only being 3 nites. We spent about what we budgeted-$8,000 dollars including airfare. We shelled out lots for the food-even all the cheap pizza on the run, museums, and so forth. I thought we kept a tight budget, but the money went quick. My son just got back from Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, and Peru. In some of the countries he dined on fab food, with a large group, and with drinks, for 20-40 dollars. I will choose my next destination based somewhat on the exchange rate also. There are many great places to go, some can just wait for me. And they will.

I just returned from a trip to Hungary. Budapest was great. Most of the museums were free or not at all expensive. There were many expensive, touristy things, though, like embroidery, ceramics, famous cafes (Gerbeud) etc. Instead of shopping in Budapest, I shopped in smaller villages. I loved Szentendre, Eger, Estergom, Visigrad, and especially Pecs. You can save a lot by visiting smaller towns and villages that aren't big tourist hubs. The Fodor's guidebook notes that prices along the Danube Bend are 20% less than they are in Budapest, and frankly, I loved the quiet, charming towns and villages.
A few years back, while traveling in France, I would go to supermarkets and buy beautiful cheese and bread and fresh fruit, and then treat myself once in a while to a fancy restaurant.
I've not traveled at all to South/Central America, but I hear that it is beautiful and not at all expensive. And some cities (I think Buenos Aires, etc) are even supposed to have the European charm.

Julies, I understand that most people would agree with the following statement, but I'm not so sure that I agree with it completely.
&quot;for a dead of winter trip, cities are the place to visit. the countryside, which we normally prefer, looked pretty bleak from the train windows.&quot;
As I said, I was in Hungary from the end of December and returned recently. Budapest was great, but the little towns and the countryside was fabulous, even with the cold. In fact, my boyfriend and I stopped by some vineyards and it looked quite magical with icicles. We also had wine in the taverns and enjoyed the haven of warmth in the cold. I'll post pics soon.
You are right, Europe is expensive, and if you don't want to return for some time, that is your choice. I just want to point out that it is possible to go to Europe and not spend an excessive amount (I don't have such a huge budget), and it is possible to go to places off-season, save some money, and still enjoy the charm.

julies:

I'm sure you've been told that the prognosis for dollar strength is rather bleak. One currency analyst whom I've known and respected for ten years firmly states that she doesn't see a healthier dollar for at least a decade. It would be a shame to decide to ignore Europe for such a long period of time.

You might want to investigate S.A....we loved Chile, Argentina and Brazil on several visits and admittedly the dollar more than holds its own there.

But, on the other hand, following many of the sensible tips offered on these forums could make for a more comfortable visit to Europe without mortgaging the farm. I recently spent a week in NYC..ouch..makes Europe look like a bargain if you meticulously plan for it.

Whatever you decide, Julie, I wish you many happy travels to wherever..it's a big world.

Stu T.

Another cheap dining option in Rome (relatively speaking):
http://www.the-beehive.com/cafe/?page_id=35

I think that even without the Euro/$ exchange issue, Rome hotel prices have really skyrocketed, at least based on the reported prices people are paying here. 200 Euros per night for a standard room seems quite common (although I think you can often do better, but like I said this seems like a commonplace price). A 1972 book I read mentioned a pension in Travestere where you could get room and full board for $4USD per day. But with the whole world wanting to go to Rome, and with Rome being just a small city, it's inevitable that supply and demand will be at work.

It's rough with the exchange but I am also Canadian so I've had to contend with a weak dollar for many years. The Canadian dollar is up a bit this year over last so I may notice an improvement on value for money next June in France.

Nothing will keep me from traveling to Europe but I've had to really search for bargins on air flights, hotel and car rental to try and make my budget work. I've also reduced the amount of days overseas from 14+ to an average of 11 days. Better that than not to go at all since travel is my passion in life.

I will usually forgo the expensive hotel breakfast for a cafe down the street. Picnic lunches are wonderful and I make a point of keeping my dinner splurges to a select few opting for Trattoria or family style restaurants. A moderate meal at home can easily cost in excess of 100.00 per couple.

I almost always go over budget but never regret taking the trip. Mind you my house might fall down around me yet if I don't start sinking some money into it. I just can't help thinking that a new deck could buy me two weeks in Tuscany...

Two first courses of pasta, two main dishes with meat, one salad and wine for two would cost more than $50 at Denny's and that is a crummy place indeed. At least you dined in Rome.

And, a Motel 6 around So Cal would cost more than $105/night and would not be in a better part of town, that is for sure. So, California travel would not work for you either.

I am sorry--I am not trying to be mean spirited here, but I really do not see the point of your upset. You did well.

Anna Roz

To my dear Canadian friends,
Don't forget that in most provinces you have that pesky 15% tax on everything. Plus you are often taxed on the tax. It is called the harmonized tax I believe. For instance, at a restaurant they first charge you the federal tax on your meal and then you are taxed on that sum for the provincial tax. Plus don't forget the 15% tip. It really adds up. I was in the Azores last summer where they use the euro and I remember thinking that Canada was way more expensive. Quebec City has become very expensive for eating out and I would dare to say that in Europe that you could eat for the same amount if not for probably less than you do Au Canada!
In Europe the price is what it is. No tipping and no tax to worry about. In Montreal you look at a menu and you see an entree for $25. Well you have to add another 30% for tax and tip.
I am going to Spain next month and I managed to buy some euro a few months ago. I am glad that I did. I am not worrying(well yes I am a little) about the exchange rate. I am just going to spend about $100 per day on meals. Im going for a week and I really want to enjoy my time there.

Italy is expensive. Period. The Euro could be worth $0.01 and the prices would still be expensive. I remember when I was in Italy in 2005 hearing people from Deep Southern Italy (south of Naples) complaining about how when Italy converted to the Euro, prices eseentially doubled due to the &quot;strict&quot; fiscal discipline imposed by the EU, at least compared to when Italy only had to (mis-)manage the lira.

As I recall, an espresso standing up at a bar other than in Rome or Florence was around &euro;1-&euro;1.25. Cappuccino was around &euro;2.00. Contrast that with when I was in Lisbon last month: the most expensive espresso I had was &euro;0.65. In fact, the most expensive meal the 3 of us who went to Lisbon had was around &euro;35 for 3 main courses, 3 salads, house wine, and water. &euro;35 = $52.

Keep in mind that although an &quot;official&quot; Italian meal is an appetizer, primo, secondo, and vegetable, you are under no obligation whatsoever to eat all of that. I've found that I am frequently plenty full just eating the bread/breadsticks brought out as part of the cover charge, plus a primo OR secondo, plus a vegetable. So that cuts out two servings per person, at what can easily add up to &euro;15-&euro;20. In fairness, though, Southern Italy is comparatively cheaper than central and northern Italy, mostly because the economy there is worse and it's not generally on the tourist rote.

&lt;&lt;One solution: be &quot;old&quot; , like my husband and I, and realize you don't have the time to wait until the dollar gets better! &gt;&gt;

Hear, hear!! We love Italy and always want to go back.
This year we go in mid-May for 3 weeks.

But over time I don't know what the story is going to be -- after our retirement 10 years ago we have had to manage our money carefully, and the stock market, etc. are making it harder now.

&quot;but we don't know if it is worth it to us to travel to places where the dollar buys so little&quot;

I KNOW THAT I'M SHOUTING BUT MY HEART IS IN ITALY.... and Mari I don't know if 60 is young or old but I'm willing to pay extra on some things.

The plane, we live in the rusal western US and if can get any ANY flight that is more direct we are willing to spend a little extra.

Room, we only want something clean and okay (we're usually in an agro by Radda) so rooms are not a huge priority.

Food, we usually have a large lunch and no dinner.

Wine, well there goes our budget.

Friends we've met along the way, absolutly irreplaceable (I'm a horrible speller)

Is'nt it interesting how we all value our time and travel. Is'nt it great that we EVEN have the ability to get out of our small worlds and experience life.