European Travel Skills Part 3

Hi, I'm Rick Steves, back with the last episode

in our three-part travel skills special.

We're in a village high in the Swiss Alps.

In this finale, we'll show you how, in so many ways,

you can actually experience more by spending less.

Our tips this time -- finding the best value accommodations,

getting around in big cities, and enjoying Europe's cuisine.

This information can help you make the most

of your vacation time and, if you're on a budget,

it can cut the cost of your travels in half.

Whether you discover Norway's breathtaking fjords,

explore ancient temples in Athens,

hike along a Roman wall in England,

sweat with locals in Finland,

or enjoy a concert in Ireland,

you'll find the kinds of places

and experiences you incorporate into your itinerary

shape the character of your trip.

In this three-part travels skills special,

we start in the Netherlands, venture through Germany,

dip into Italy, sweep through Switzerland and France,

before finishing in England.

In this final episode,

we start in the Swiss Alps,

take a high-speed train to Paris,

and finish in London.

When touring Europe,

many travelers only visit famous and well-promoted hot spots,

like Grindelwald here in Switzerland.

It's the famous Alpine resort, in the shadow of the Jungfrau.

Europe energetically markets its top tourist attractions.

Alpine resorts like this

are geared to large-scale tourism,

helping the masses have fun spending their money.

But just one valley over,

you can have an entirely different experience.

Riding this gondola, you soar,

landing in the sleepy, un-promoted village

of Gimmelwald.

In 30 years of researching guidebooks,

I've found hidden gems like this in every country.

Gimmelwald would have been developed to the hilt

like neighboring towns, but the village

had its real estate declared an "avalanche zone,"

so no one could get new building permits.

The result -- a real mountain community --

families, farms, and traditional ways.

Choosing places like Gimmelwald and then meeting the people,

you become part of the party

rather than just part of the economy.

This is a realistic goal for any good traveler.

Eins, zwei, drei.

[ Chuckles ]

Take a moment to appreciate the alpine cheese.

So older is better?

Oh, yes.

I don't know.

Oh, yes, I always take the older.

For me, it's a younger one.

STEVES: Once you're off the tourist track,

make a point to connect with the living culture.

Pitch in, even if that means getting dirty.

Here, Farmer Peter's making hay while the sun shines.

Whether in a big city or a small village,

your major expense each day is renting a bed.

And you have lots of options.

We'll review them from cheapest to most expensive.

In rural settings, like here in Gimmelwald,

I like simple, less expensive accommodations.

Gimmelwald has a pension, a bed-and-breakfast,

and a hostel.

Europe has thousands of hostels --

like Gimmelwald's Mountain Hostel --

offering cheap dorm beds.

While not for everybody, the price is certainly right.

Rather than privacy and your own bathroom,

you'll enjoy a convivial camaraderie,

a helpful reception desk,

a welcoming common room with lots of information

and hiking partners,

and the kitchen,

where hostelers cook for the price of groceries.

It's dinnertime, and after a sunny day of hiking,

travelers are sharing stories.

Today, European hostels come in all shapes and sizes.

Modern ones are often big and institutional.

They come with inviting lobbies

and modern facilities.

Rather than the traditional large dorms,

more and more hostels are offering smaller rooms,

family rooms, and even doubles for couples.

In cities or villages,

the young at heart of any age are entirely welcome.

A great thing about hosteling, especially if you're going solo,

is gaining an instant circle of friends.

For me, B&Bs offer an ideal combination

of comfort and economy, privacy and cultural experience.

Every country has private rooms for rent.

You just got to know the local word.

Husrom is Norwegian forchambre d'hote,

which is French, for zimmer, which is what they say

here in Switzerland for bed-and-breakfast.

B&Bs give you more than just a good night's sleep.

Imagine enjoying a renovated attic

with a view of this small-town Czech castle,

being a guest in a home rebuilt

after a civil war in Dubrovnik,

savoring the salty ambiance in the captain's house

on a Danish isle,

or being a noble for a night with Giorgio

in the heart of Tuscany.

Tonight, we're sleeping in the home

of Ollie and his wife Maria.

They teach in the village and supplement their income

by renting out three rooms in their home.

As is generally the case with B&Bs,

the rooms are as comfortable as a hotel but homier.

While you're living in someone else's home,

you can be as private as you like --

just take the key and do your own thing --

or you can go downstairs and get to know the family.

OLLIE: This yellow cliff over there...

Yeah, yeah.

That's where the eagle has, each year, its nest.

STEVES: Typically, hosts enjoy sharing.

Ollie knows the backside of the Jungfrau intimately.

And the young birds,

in early spring, you see them starting to learn to fly.

STEVES: Pensions are a good value.

A pension is a place without many of the services

you'd expect in a hotel.

This one's inexpensive,

with the toilet and shower down the hall.

The bedrooms are well-worn and traditional.

And the place creaks just the way you want it to.

[ Stairs creaking ]

And once again, humbler places seem to foster community.

Continuing our swing through the best of Europe,

we're heading for Paris.

After a full day in the Alps,

this fast train will get us there in time

to cap our day with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

A big city like Paris

is bursting with world-class sights.

Towering monuments, magnificent boulevards,

and glorious history.

In a major city like this, you have lots of hotel options.

The neighborhood you choose,

as well as the hotel, shapes your experience.

Many travelers opt for the big, international-class hotels

outside the historic center.

I find that these, while very comfortable,

build a wall between you and the people and culture

you traveled so far to experience.

I prefer a small-scale hotel in a cozy neighborhood.

For example, the area around Rue Cler

is a pedestrian-friendly bit of village Paris,

a 10-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower.

Accommodations are a classic example of how spending less

can actually give you a richer experience.

Europe's big cities still have

well-located, characteristic hotels at an affordable price.

There's a range of categories.

Many countries have helpful rating systems.

In France, plaques with stars are posted by the door.

In a well-chosen one star place,

budget travelers can sleep well and safely.

Rooms are pretty basic but come at near youth hostel prices.

European cities have lots of night noise,

and, especially in cheap hotels, this can be a problem.

Rather than paying a premium for a room with a view,

I'd take a quiet room in the back.

In France, two-star hotels offer,

for me, a great balance of price and comfort --

still basic but with good beds,

private bathrooms,

and often, tiny but appreciated elevators.

The more people who share a room,

the less expensive it gets per person.

A double costs just a little more than a single.

And many hotels are happy to squeeze in a cheap third bed.

While three-star hotels are more expensive,

they can also be a good value.

Here you're paying for extras,

like a lounge, room service, and all the comforts.

It's one of our typical room,

with big TV, minibar,

iPod base.

Of course, air conditioning.

It can be very useful, especially in August in Paris.

Um...bathroom.

Two sinks?

Yes, two sinks.

French people like it.

And you can be two at the same moment in the bathroom.

Very nice.

Know your priorities.

This hotel is great, but those on a budget

may need to choose between these extras

for an additional $50 a night

and a nice dinner, concert, or city tour.

Throughout Europe, small, family run hotels

offer fine values.

This London hotel is plush, beautifully located,

and more affordable than you might expect

because it has no elevator.

This historic former monastery in Florence

costs no more than a top end chain hotel,

but is bursting with Renaissance character.

Here in Norway,

you can enjoy feeling right at home on a fjord.

And a favorite of mine in Rome --

small enough where the owner

can go over your sightseeing plans --

provides fine rooms and a breezy conviviality

you simply can't find in bigger hotels.

Some travelers love the freedom

of just finding hotels as they go,

but to get the best rooms in the popular places,

book in advance.

Smart travelers use a savvy mix of guidebooks and the Internet.

Web-based review sights are popular and powerful.

But while helpful, they can also be misleading, so be careful.

And by the way, making reservations

through web-based booking services may be convenient,

but they cost your hotel 15% to 20%.

I get the best price by booking directly through my hotel.

Health concerns while traveling through Western Europe

are about the same as traveling back home.

While I take extra precautions when traveling beyond Europe,

in Europe, I drink the water and eat everything in sight.

If you do get sick, get help right away.

Over here, a good first stop for medical advice

is the neighborhood pharmacy.

Also, hotels can refer you to a nearby clinic

or call a doctor, who makes house calls

for far less money than you might expect.

Then, prescription in hand,

you can head for the 24-hour pharmacy.

Europe generally has whatever medicine you need.

In case you need a refill,

bring your prescription from home

with the generic name typed or printed legibly.

My health tips are all about wellness.

Being on vacation can be exhausting.

Get plenty of sleep, eat healthy,

drink lots of water, and pace yourself.

Know your limits.

Look at this!

One of the great joys of travel is eating.

Each country in Europe

has its own distinct cuisine.

Leave the tourist zones.

Find places filled with locals

enjoying seasonal and regional specialties.

The variety of food is endless,

and if you know how to choose a good place,

you don't need to spend a fortune.

A few basic rules for eating your way through Europe --

go for the local specialties.

You'll get better quality and price.

Eat seasonally.

Don't miss truffles on your pasta in the fall

or fresh berries in Norway in summer.

The location can make the meal.

Bosnia may not be famous for its food,

but eating under the bridge in Mostar makes a lifelong memory.

Most of all, eat fearlessly.

Oh, that's good.

Try things you've never had

in places you've never been.

There are eateries to fit every budget.

And while I recommend an occasional gourmet splurge,

especially in countries famous for their high end cuisine,

like France and Italy,

you'll save money and improve your experience

with Europe's countless budget options.

Some of the most affordable and enjoyable food in Europe

can be found, not while seated at a table,

but while standing in the street or the market.

Every country has its own beloved street food.

It's fast, cheap, and delicious.

In Greece, try the corner souvlaki stand.

and in Istanbul, on the Golden Horn,

grab a fish sandwich fresh from the guys who caught it

at one of the venerable and very tipsy fish boats.

For a step up and a seat,

there are lots of casual bars

and bistros, hometown hangouts

where you can enjoy local cuisine

in comfort without going broke.

One of the best examples of this is in Spain.

Every town tempts you with tapas bars

where you belly up to the bar

and just point at things you'd like to try.

In Denmark, I love the open-faced sandwiches,

which manage to be both simple and elegant at the same time.

You can munch the best pizza ever

for the price of a fast food hamburger

in Naples, where pizza was invented.

The rustic simplicity of sausages

and fondue feels just perfect

high in the Swiss Alps.

And these days,

pubs are more than friends just gathering for a beer.

They can come with tasty meals, too.

By the way,

interiors in Europe -- from restaurants to hotels

to pubs -- are now essentially smoke free.

Especially in France,

consider the cuisine sightseeing for your palate.

And when you know your budget options,

eating at the corner café or bistro

costs only a little more than lunch at a fast food joint.

Most countries have a plate of the day --

that's a plat du jour here.

A handwritten menu, in the local language only,

with a small selection, indicates a good value.

And the house salad makes a quick and healthy meal.

In France, bread is free.

S'il vous plait.

Just hold up your basket to ask.

In France, a free carafe of tap water

is either on the table or will be quickly if you ask.

When it comes to drinking, I go local.

In Bavaria, it's a liter of lager.

Cheers.

Tuscany -- a robust red wine.

I'm working.

[Laughs]

Provence -- a nice rosé.

Ireland -- a hearty Guinness.

Spain -- a rich Rioja.

In Denmark, a fiery aquavit.

Yes.

Yeah.

And in Greece, it's ouzo with a sunset.

Adapt to the culture you're visiting.

Over here, dining's not rushed.

Slow service is often good service.

In a nice restaurant,

the table's yours for the entire evening.

To get the bill, you need to ask for it.

As service is often included

and waiters are generally paid a living wage,

tipping is less expected and often unnecessary.

This varies from country to country.

Get advice from locals.

Picnics are fast and fun and give you a purpose

in Europe's colorful markets and shops.

When picnicking, you can buy whatever looks good

regardless of price.

Choose an atmospheric place to make your picnic memorable.

We've put together a cheap and healthy meal for two --

delightful cheese, tiny quiche,

strawberries, grapes, wine,

a little something for dessert,

and a reasonable view.

Traditionally, on the continent, breakfast is small.

In France, locals just grab a croissant and coffee

on the way to work.

But these days,

most hotels are offering hearty breakfasts buffets,

complete with cheese, meat, yogurt, and fruit.

We're speeding at nearly 200 miles per hour to London,

the final stop on our "Best of Europe" loop.

Europe is continuing to unite,

both politically and physically.

From the start, the wealthier countries of the European Union

have helped their less affluent neighbors catch up.

And after a generation of huge investments,

its transportation infrastructure keeps

European commerce and trade moving faster than ever.

And that includes travelers like us.

The Eurostar train, which speeds under the English Channel

in 20 minutes, is just one example.

From Italy to Norway, great bridges,

tunnels, and bullet trains

are making this small continent even smaller.

The fastest way now from the Eiffel Tower to Big Ben

is not by plane

but by train.

London's giant wheel

is an example of how the nations of the EU

can work together.

How do you make a spectacular Ferris wheel?

Swiss motor,

Italian steel, German design,

and a capital English view.

As Europe continues to unite,

nations are less threatened by regions.

Within Spain, Madrid now lets Barcelona

wave its Catalonian flag and speak its own language.

[ All speaking Catalan ]

The Irish gift of gab comes in Gaelic.

[ Conversing in Gaelic ]

And London doesn't care.

And for the first time in centuries,

Britain has allowed Scotland

to have its own parliament.

For those of us who love Europe's cultural variety,

this is good news.

Unification does not threaten Europe's diversity.

In fact, that diversity is both as vivid as ever

and more accessible.

Imagine, today for lunch, it was quiche

and fine French wine under the Eiffel Tower,

and for dinner, pub grub and a hearty ale

in a classic London pub.

Here's to diversity.

Throughout Europe,

cities are becoming increasingly better organized.

Visitors can easily master

excellent transportation options --

buses, subways, and taxis.

Even budget travelers need to remember

that vacation time is valuable.

Spend money to save time.

Groups of three or four can travel cheaper

and faster by taxi

rather than by riding buses and subways.

These days, throughout Western Europe, most cabbies

are regulated, honest, and charge the metered rate.

The extra fees are clearly explained and legitimate.

I round the bill up 5% or 10%.

Grazie.

Ciao.

Grazie.

London, like most big European cities,

has a fine underground system, letting you zip

anywhere in town, regardless of rush hour traffic, fast.

Big cities become surprisingly manageable

when you get comfortable with their subway.

To avoid ticket window lines, buy tickets from machines.

Follow the signs to the right platform.

You'll find helpful maps everywhere.

In what Londoners call "the tube,"

everything is labeled north, south, east, or west.

Each line has two directions and, therefore, two platforms.

Signs list the line, direction,

and stops served by each platform.

Lost?

Locals are happy to help.

Because some tracks are served by several lines,

signboards announce which train's next

and how many minutes till it arrives.

Final destinations are displayed above the windshield.

And always...

MAN OVER P.A.

: Mind the gap.

mind the gap.

City bus systems are also worth figuring out.

Buses are generally frequent, user-friendly,

and come with a view.

Here in London, as in most cities,

a 24-hour pass pays for itself in about three rides.

It lets you just hop on and off

both the buses and the tube as you like.

Even if you never use public transportation back home,

try it over here.

After a few rides,

you'll be getting around like a local.

Once you've mastered getting around,

your next challenge is to better understand your sightseeing.

You can do that with a guide,

either by taking a tour or hiring one privately.

All over Europe, independent local guides,

while pricey, give meaning to cultural

and historic riches that surround you.

Can you imagine 2,000 years ago,

a person who has never seen the photograph of a leopard,

and then they see the first leopard ever

pounce out of the floor live.

STEVES: To enjoy the help of a local expert

without the expense of a private tour,

you can take a guided walk.

Especially here in Britain,

you'll find hardworking local historians

taking visitors on fascinating walks

through a particular slice of their town's past.

Some tours hit the biggies.

Others are more offbeat.

MAN: Down below there, of course,

is Cleopatra's Needle.

Why is it called Cleopatra's Needle?

Because she's the only Egyptian we know.

That's the reason why.

Walking tours like these are advertised

at the tourist information office and on the Internet.

For me, they're almost always time and money well spent.

While most major cities have your standard

big bus orientation tours,

all over Europe, there's a more flexible option.

"Hop-on, hop-off" buses make a circular route,

stopping at the top dozen or so attractions

with three or four departures an hour

and a continuous narration of the sights.

A single ticket gives you 24 hours

of hop-on, hop-off privileges as you sightsee your way

efficiently through town.

And for the ultimate in economy and control,

you can use your mobile device

and download self-guided audio tours.

After every trip to Europe,

I'm reminded we can never exhaust

this continent of what it has to offer.

The fine points of European culture survive and inspire.

Its art-packed museums make it clear --

the passions of the past are still with us.

And, most of all,

it's the people who keep me coming back.

Whether truffle hunting

with friends in Tuscany...

going for a torchlit sled ride high in the Swiss Alps...

or joining new friends on the beach for a shrimp fest

in Denmark, Europe is both a playground

and a classroom.

This concludes our three-part travel skills special.

Remember, anyone who equips them self with good information

and expects themselves to travel smart can.

Thanks for joining us.

I'm Rick Steves.

Until next time, keep on travelin'.

Cheerio.

)

Hi, I'm Rick Steves.

Hi, I'm Rick Steves.

Hi, I'm Rick Steves.

[Chuckles] Come on.

Is this still Bach?

[ Laughter ]

"Is this still Bach?"

Hello.

St. Paul's, please.

Okay.

Stop, please.

Hello?

I want to let my friends in.

Can you stop?