Art isn’t only in one of the famous museums but can be on the streets as well. Here’s how you can make the most of cheaper attractions in Europe and avoid burning a hole in your pocket. By Alison Fox
As important as it is to hit the highlights when you take any big trip — heading to the most common, sought-after attractions in a major city definitely comes with a price tag. Choosing alternative experiences not only allows travellers to see a different, or perhaps local, side of a destination, but also save some money in the process.
Save money by opting for cheaper alternatives to pricier attractions in Europe
By taking this approach, travellers can actually maximise the value of their vacations, Tripadvisor shared with Travel + Leisure.
“Experiences are a great way to create cost-effective travel memories while delving into a destination’s culture and surroundings in a deeper way,” Kate Urquhart, the general manager, experiences at Tripadvisor, told T+L, when talking about the high cost of travel. “Tripadvisor offers many incredible tours, activities and attractions that offer personalised access to unforgettable food, historical sites, exclusive vantage points for nature and wildlife, and so much more.”
For example, no trip to Italy is complete without sampling (and over-indulging) in the amazing food. But instead of planning an extravagant five-course meal, which can top USD 300 (INR 23,811) per person, Tripadvisor suggests people take a Roman Food Tour in neighbourhood of Trastevere. On the tour, travelers can sample everything from antipasti to pizza, gelato, and even wine for only USD 134 (INR 10,635) per person.
In Paris, museum visits top most people’s vacation bucket lists, but a VIP tour at the Louvre or Musee D’Orsay can mean shelling out USD 226 (INR 17,942). Instead, the tour booking site suggests visitors book a Belleville Street Art Tour with an artist for only USD 33 (INR 2,620) per person and experience the street art and murals in the City of Lights.
And no visit to London is complete without a stop on the winding Thames River. But instead of paying USD 159 (INR 12,623) for a dinner cruise, travelers can book a high-speed rigid inflatable boat and see the same iconic landmarks for just USD 55 (INR 4,365) per person.
Domestic trips in the USA are no different. In Oahu, for example, snorkelling is a popular activity (for obvious reasons), but it can also be a pricey one: a private snorkel trip aboard a 46-foot yacht can come in at a whopping USD 1,956 (INR 1,55,250) per group. Instead, Tripadvisor recommends the cost-effective Turtle Canyons Snorkel Excursion from Waikiki, which costs only USD 85 (INR 6,746) per person but offers all the same great marine life.
And in Charleston (named the No. 1 city in the USA by T+L readers for 10 years in a row), an eco boat cruise is a great and economical way to explore for only USD 56 (INR 4,445) per person, compared to the way pricier option of a private cruise, which can cost nearly USD 500 (INR 39,685) per group.
This story first appeared on www.travelandleisure.com
Hero and Featured Image: REDA&CO/Contributor/ Getty Images
Related: Explore The Streets Of London Without Spending A Pound – Here’s How
