Hello fellow Budget Traveller,

Have you been dreaming of a great vacation?

I've been lucky enough to visit Europe during the month of May several times. It's one of my favourite seasons to be there. Not too hot, not too cold, loads of flowers (especially as compared to the almost complete absence of greenery where I live). And, when I get back - spring has arrived at home.

In visiting Paris and London, I've successfully been a tourist commuter. By staying in the suburbs and surrounding towns, I've saved money and enjoyed a more relaxed pace at night.

I've also had some great times staying right in the heart of the city, where everything I wanted was within a short walk or tube / metro ride.

In my latest article, I show how to compare the cost in time and money of staying (in my example) in central Paris versus staying in Versailles and commuting to Paris. This is just an example, but I hope you get my drift. Staying away from the centre can add a lot to your experience, but if you love the night life and can't bear to be away from the action...well, just go with what will make you happiest.

Here's the link to the article, from the Budget Travel site at BellaOnline.com.

Stay Away from the Centre and Save
Sometimes it can save money and still be enjoyable to stay in the suburbs or surrounding region of a major tourist city, and be a tourist-commuter.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art36506.asp

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http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=52

A few days ago I posted a note about an opportunity to stay in Spain for a week, at no cost (once you get yourself to Madrid). You provide English language conversation to Spanish people who are in an English immersion setting. I've done it, and enjoyed it, though I know it isn't for everyone. If you decide to go, please let us all know how you liked it.

I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message.

Have fun passing this message along to family and friends, because we all love free knowledge.

Happy travels,

Jill

Jill Browne, Budget Travel Editor
http://budgettravel.bellaonline.com

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