This week: The best zero-cost travel experiences
When I’m on vacation, I spend money like I come from generational wealth. Vintage designer labels, but in Europe? Take my money. A fabulous five-course meal? I can’t possibly experience this at home! (Actually, you can. You live in New York.) While I am a firm believer in treating myself, I habitually get to a point in my travels when I realize I really need to rein in my spending.
The good news: some of the best experiences around the globe won’t cost you a thing. Did you know that Paris has over 1000 free galleries open to the public? Take that, Louvre. You can also spend a whole day seeing some of Toyko’s most iconic sites, like the Imperial Palace’s tranquil gardens, without dropping a single yen. And whenever I’m in Washington, DC, I like to take advantage of the free museums (aka almost all of them).
We’ll show you the best free activities for your travels, and you’ll be having so much fun that you won’t even realize that you do, in fact, have enough funds leftover for that five-course meal.
Have you heard? One of Italy’s most beautiful footpaths has reopened: Cinque Terre’s Via dell’Amore. Our Italy-based writer Julia Buckley was one of the first to set foot on the improved path. Tickets: €10. The views: priceless.
Tipping is an elusive custom no matter where you’re traveling. From restaurant cover charges in Italy to leaving a gratuity for housekeeping staff in France, this is everything you need to know about tipping across Europe.
Trying to avoid extra baggage fees? Our always-on-the-road travel editors, writers, producers and photographers share their top road-tested tips for a seamless pack.
With a reputation for being one of Europe’s most budget-friendly cities, you can stretch your wallet even further in Budapest with these free experiences (which happen to be some of the city’s best).
Photography by: iStock; Maurizio De Mattei/Shutterstock; Blake Horn for Lonely Planet; Lucas Ottone/Stocksy; Luis Dafos/Getty Images; Matthew Mirabelli for Lonely Planet
This email was sent to you by:
Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707