Travelling to Europe

Thanks to budget airlines operating within Europe, travel within and between countries is very cheap.  For example, a one way fare between London and Nice can cost as little as £19.99 (around $40). 

That means that once you arrive in Europe, you've the opportunity to stay and travel around to see the sites, relax and enjoy yourself.

Out of season (i.e. October - March) it's possible to find cheap rental villas and apartments in southern France or Spain where the weather is still mild. 

Hence you could stay for several weeks for less than one week in the height of summer would cost you.

There are an increasing number of people opting to escape the winter at home and spend the winter months abroad.  Not only does this alleviate the winter doldrums but it can also be a financially sound decision - saving on the heating and lighting bills, and probably your car running costs.

Popular winter destinations include Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

Staying in Europe

A good way of staying in Europe and sampling the local culture is to stay in a cottage, gite, apartment or villa.  There are options available for every budget, from the young couple on a budget, to the big family Christmas reunion in a large French chateau.  Popular choices are with Chez Nous and ???

Travel Guides to Take with You

My own experience with the Rough Guides and the Lonely Planet guides have made them well worth every penny.

They've saved me from getting ripped off the taxi drivers at Paris airport and ensured that I've found a good restaurant with friendly service in a small town on the French coast. 

Planning the kinds of places you'd like to visit can help once you arrive so that you don't feel overwhelmed and just sit in the bakery all day eating delectable cakes and forget about all the wonderful attractions and scenery you came to see!

Recommended Resources

Toujours Provence - villa and apartment rental on the Riviera in  southern France