$101 flights to London from USA

Yes, it's true. There are 101 US Dollar flights out there from Boston to London! "Wow!" you say. "I can do that!" you say. Guess what, though? There aren't. Well, there are. But that is the base price. $568 and some change will pay the taxes and fees required to get an AIRLINE TICKET TO LONDON FOR $101. See how that works? You put the part of the information that seems interesting in capital letters and the rest of it in smaller letters and it looks like an amazing deal. This means that $678 will get you to London from Boston. This AMAZING DEAL is actually better than the one at which we were looking a couple weeks ago in a great article about cheap travel to Europe. It is exactly $21 better! Not much difference.

I'm actually very interested in cheap flights from Indianapolis, or other places in the mid-west. So KLM's flights from Indianapolis caught my eye. They are also advertised at amazing prices $252 dollars, I believe. However, there is one or ten more catches. Of course, the prices advertised are, for one, hard to find, and second without any taxes or fees added in. It is actually possible, however, in this case, to get pretty cheap travel from Indianapolis to London. There are flights in November available for 769 dollars round-trip on US Airways. These flights, connect through Charlotte and arrive into London Gatwick. This is a good airport as far as public transit in London is concerned, and will not require you to get an expensive bus or train like some of the outlying airports do (such as Luton and Stansted).

Does this meet your standard for cheap travel to Europe? I will let you decide. If you are headed farther into Europe, using London as a gateway city, you may decide that almost $800 is too much to get you to a place to "begin" your travels in Europe. If you are spending your time in London and going no farther, it might suit you. If you are going deeper into Europe (most of my friends are farther East, as well as cheap travel deals), you will want to keep in mind that at this point tickets from Indianapolis to Vienna are a good deal at $866 per person on United. Try to get from London to Vienna round-trip for 97 US Dollars, and you will probably barely cover your bus or taxi fare both ways to and from the airport! Happy travels and I wish you great success in finding cheap travel to Europe!

Introducing Vienna

Vienna is the capital of the central European country of Austria. The city has a long history that dates back nearly 1,000 years. The first time that Vienna was mentioned as a city was in a chronicle dating from 1137. 

About two decades afterward the city became the home of the Austrian dukedom. About a century later, in 1278 with the defeat of Czech king Ottokar II, the Hapsburgs maintained their control of the city, a situation that was to be maintained for the next 640, until the end of WWI. After the fall of the Hapsburg’s rule, the city went through several changes perhaps the most notorious being brought into the German Third Reich by Austrian Adolf Hitler. 

Vienna is well-known for its musical history. The classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, although not born in the city, moved there in 1781, as did the famous composer Franz Joseph Haydn and the German-born Ludwig van Beethoven. Other noted composers and conductors either came from Vienna or made the city their home. Such notables include Franz Schubert, Johann Strauss, Johannes Brahms, Gustav Mahler and Herbert von Karajan. Even today, there are many musical groups and events which take place in the city. Home to the Theatre an der Wein, a famous opera house, the Herbert von Karajan Centrum Vienna, the Vienna Boys Choir and the Gustav Mahler Jungendorchestra, there are many places to experience music in the city. But there is more than classical music which lives there. Annually, the city hosts a jazz festival with international artists. For instance, the Jazz Fest Wien 2011 included Liza Minnelli, British music star Seal, and singer Cesoria Evora from Cape Verde. There are various jazz clubs as well such as the Blue Tomato and Club Ost. There are also many electronic music-related artists and clubs such as the Elektro Gӧnner and Europa and Lager. Established electronic producers and DJ’s include Patrick Palsinger, Peter Kruger and Richard Dorfmeister. Electronic music festivals include Waves Vienna and the Day & Night Festival.

Besides musical events, there are many other activities to do in Vienna. In the first district of the city, near the State Opera House is the Haus of Musik, which allows visitors to hear a presentation about the history of music as well as try out various instruments. G-town which opened in 2001, is an urban entertainment center. It boasts a myriad of various buildings including an event hall for over 4,000 people, a daycare center, a dormitory for students, a 12-screen cinema, over 600 apartments, the Vienna National Archive, and 70 bars, stores, restaurants, cafes and a vinotheque. 

Many historical sites can be seen in Vienna such as Figarohaus, where Mozart lived over a period of about ten years. Other historical sites in Vienna including Judenplatz, the Holocaust memorial which is a sculpture consisting of The Nameless Library. The names of Holocaust victims can be seen at the memorial along with the names of the Nazi death camps. There is also a Jewish museum which details the extensive history of Jewish people in the city. Famous Viennese residents of Jewish heritage include Sigmund Freud, Gustav Mahler, and Hedy Lamarr, an inventor and famous Hollywood actress. Josephinum, or the Institute for the History of Medicine, in Vienna was established by Emperor Joseph II. It houses a wax collection of anatomical body parts commissioned by Joseph II and later used by doctors to study the human body. Vienna is also home to the Kriminalmuseum which provides information to visitors on how killers, past and present, go about their deeds. Information is supplied by Vienna police archives. Details about murder from the Middle Ages to the present day is on display. There is also an exhibit dedicated to the city’s criminal underworld.

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Yacht Wedding in Cyprus

Cyprus boasts a pleasantly warm climate with sunshine blanketing the land. You will experience an eclectic mix of cultural influences wherever you go from the pristine beaches to quaint and charming villages, and not forgetting the friendly and hospitable locals which captivate the hearts of every visitor.

Where would be a more fitting destination than Cyprus the island of love and birthplace of the Greek Goddess Aphrodite? This would be the most romantic symbol being blessed right where the true meaning of love originated. 

And just to take it one step further, why not exchange vows whilst sailing in this idyllic setting on your very own private yacht. This is such an intimate and secluded environment to celebrate your new and exciting journey as you sail the stunning coastlines. You will be blessed by the most captivating surroundings with your day being uniquely tailored bringing all of your childhood dreams to life. This destination will without a doubt create a magical and unforgettable experience for both you and your guests. 

A yacht wedding will provide you with glamour and style whether it is a 2 hour sunset cruise with cocktails and canapés for a small and intimate gathering, or a 6 hour expedition including a sumptuous buffet dinner for a celebration for 150 people. Sail the magical crystal blue seas as the sun slowly sets over the horizon while you and your guests kick off your shoes and dance the night away. To top of this truly special day, farewell your guests as you surrender to the luxurious Honeymoon Suite where classy champagne and decadent chocolates await. Yacht wedding packages are a popular choice, for a simple ceremony only package you will pay around £799-£1399 for 20 guests and £15 for each extra person. However if you would like all the trimmings including honeymoon suite you will pay around £1299-£1799 for 20 people. 

Wedding regulations vary slightly depending on which island you are having your ceremony. In some cases you may be required to be staying on the particular island for a nominated time frame before the wedding. You are required to submit your application at least 2 months beforehand along with your birth certificate, declaration of freedom to marry, and passports valid for 10 years. You are required to bring all original and legalised documents with you to Cyprus. Your marriage certificate will be in Greek therefore it will need to be translated to your native language once you are back in your home country. 

Accommodation in Cyprus will provide you with pure luxury while maintaining their original beauty. You may like to take up residence in a private bungalow within a resort village where you will be privy to all the amenities and facilities. Private Holiday villas are also a fantastic choice and provide a home away from home. Traditional style villas still exude their character and charm featuring splendid displays of architecture from the past.

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Anthropomorphic Standing Stones. Religio-Centric Interpretations

 Anthropomorphism in Standing Stones;
and Religio-Centrism

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Stonehenge,  standing stone, outside the perimeter, Wiltshire, England

This standing stone at familiar Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England, is a favorite because it is approachable, outside the main perimeter; and expressive. Great look.
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Standing stones:  Western Religion and those looking for its roots too often ignore the standing stones in the rest of Europe, unrelated to Judaea.  See, for example, Biblical Archeology Review, March-April 2006, Mysterious Standing Stones, by Doron Ben-Ami, at 38ff.  In the Near East, standing stones appeared by 10,000 BCE; they came later in the colder climates. The Hebrew word for a standing stone was "Massebah" -  see it many times in the Bible. A standing stone has positive and negative connotations.
The article focuses on a collection of them at the site of an ancient Canaanite city, Hazor. Age:  Middle Bronze, 1800-1550 BCE. Size: some 25 acres.  Huge for the day. Ritual use?  unknown.

But in all the article's words are none mentioning the fact that standing stones are common in Europe as well. Memorial, as to individual stones?
These were common in Scandinavia, see Glavendrup, Denmark at http://www.denmarkroadways.blogspot.com/#!http://denmarkroadways.blogspot.com/2011/07/glavendrup-tryggevaelde-rune-stones.html; and Anundshog in Sweden, at http://swedenroadways.blogspot.com/2011/02/anundshog-viking-burial-mound-at.html#!/2011/02/anundshog-viking-burial-mound-at.html.

Witness to treaty or vow? Commemorate special event? Cultic object?  See them also at the Hebrides, Orkney, Ireland. Europe Road Ways


It is also a favorite, because it is honest.
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It shows its reaction to the site wrecked by over-mowing, chain-link fencing, roadways. These measures may well be needed because Stonhenge is right on the motorway from London and people can get there in a blink. There is a pedestrian tunnel beneath the road for all the tourists. So there are lots of people. And among people, enough will be irresponsible, so the site suffers.
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This is a stone in a zoo, its spirit gone.
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Then see the standing stones, not an old construct, but built in the 1930's by Nazis who wanted to show support for a tradition of the local population:  honoring 4500 Saxon prisoners who were executed one by one, whack, whack went the swords down the lines, until all were dead in one day, or was it a night?

See http://germanyroadways.blogspot.com/2011/02/sachsenhain-saxons-grove-charlemagnes.html.  Some even appear, in settling, to be huddling together.  We like anthropomorphism and think the idea should be given more respect.  Inanimate in structure is not inanimate in aura, is that so?

Cheap Flights to London Fall 2011

Cheap Travel to Europe is here and it's open season! Published fares are dropping as we head into the colder part of the year and any of us can have a chance to jump a flight to Europe at good prices. Not fantastic, but good. There are rumblings about prices dropping, but some of them are nothing more than the airlines trying to stir up the rumor mill. A big Delta "sale" I saw turned out to be Business Class fares starting at $1600 and some each way... What? If you read me often, you know that I'm not looking for "deals" on biz and 1st class flights. I am looking to get away for the minimum amount of money, even if that means I have to stand up like a city bus (Yes, it has been discussed by Ryan Air in the media... are they serious? I don't know).

So with all that in mind, I checked flights today for cheap travel to Europe from the Right Coast (Boston), to the middle coastal city of Chicago (it's on the coast of a lake...), to the West Coast... hmmm. Los Angeles is just easy. I looked from Tuesday to Tuesday October 11-25. That gives me three weeks advance and should be a quiet time of year for travel. I was lured to the internet by US's claims to be having big sales to Europe on air tickets, particularly London. I was disappointed to find nothing really from them. I did find that Virgin and BA seem to be having a nice little bidding war that could benefit all of us who want to travel a little bit cheaper. Especially if you like non-stop flights. Really if you do the math, with all the fees for stopping in airports and taxes, this often saves money these days, as well as wear and tear on your body (do I sound old yet?). At least two airlines want your business from Boston to London and will let you fly midweek for under $700 by $1. This is really good when you start to consider what the dollar is doing on international currency boards (think "falling?"). This is only EUR 516 (and the people in Europe may be paying 700 Euros for similar flights) or 451 British Pounds. Virgin Atlantic's website states them as 500 US Dollars plus fees which then comes in at $699 also.

Chicago is only a little more expensive at $815.40, so if you live West of Boston, don't dispair. In fact, you won't find any flights from Chicago to Boston for $116.40, so you might as well just check your bags all the way to London and forget the gymnastics of trying to get flights out of the east coast in segments. When the flights to London for $350 start popping up, though they may not any time soon (I hate saying "never") then you can mess with all that. Now, just jump a flight to London midweek from O'Hare for only 600 EUR. Too bad you're probably not getting paid in Euro's right?

If you are trading in the cold pacific waters for the colder Atlantic waters and flying from L.A. to London, don't get in the water! Just kidding! I'm just saying what I would and wouldn't do in the case that I was in or near London this week. You can do pretty much whatever you want, I hope you just get a good deal going there and that you have some ideas for indoor activities or like the rain and clouds or both From Los Angeles I'm seeing non-stops on United, Virgin and BMI, British all for US $827. So mile per mile, the LA flight is the cheapest one. It also looks like good service on those long flights and mostly 777's flying if that matters to you (I like the new planes). Once again about 600 EUROs. Is this is good time to go? I guess it depends on you. Do you have the cash and time off? If so, rates are low enough to go. If not, just wait until they drop to ridiculous prices and hope that you can still get time off. Either way, I wish you happy travels and most of all, Cheap Travel to Europe.

Fall refers to prices on Cheap Travel to Europe

Of course it will be cheaper to fly to Europe in the Fall! All the kids are back in school, not to mention the teachers, administrators and professors and college students! The airlines need some people in the seats. If you are waiting for some cheap travel opportunities to come to Europe, this is great news right? Just jump on your favorite site or call your travel agent (I know, they really do still exist despite the cuts) and see how low they can go for your next week or weekend away. The crowds are dying down in the popular places and things are getting a little bit more normal and traffic will be greatly reduced if you decide to travel during these months. The weather is never guaranteed, especially places like England, Scotland, Netherlands or Scandanavia, so even summer trips to various destinations often produce cold memories! In fact in many places, you are likely to get as good or better weather in your destination of choice during the months of September and October. November can be very cold in mountainous areas or northern climes, but this summer was too for many. If you are going to places like Turkey or Greece, I think these are brilliant places to visit in the fall and avoid the high summer temperatures and crowds at destinations like Athens, Santorini, Corfu, and Southern Turkey or even Istanbul.

It's not all sunshine and roses though, even in Southern Europe. Many of the discount carriers that make air-travel in Europe so cheap cut down or change their routes quite significantly during the winter. Germanwings, ryanair and easyjet, amoung others, will have a daily or four times weekly flight reduced to one day a week or even canceled completely until next summer! FLEXIBILITY will continue to be a key to getting cheap travel in Europe during the Fall season. You will have to look at a week at a time and try to see if they still have flights going and pick your days of the week accordingly. Can you get cheap flights to cities like Zagreb, Graz, Katowice, Ancona, Barcelona, and even Scandanavia? Absolutely. You just have to look. Many destinations will have a mid week and a weekend flight remaining on the schedule so you can do 3 or 4 days in a destination or a whole week if you prefer.

Now, however, is a good time to book the cheap stuff before it fills up. For the trans-atlantic flights, it's possible there will be some last minute deals as the planes don't fill up, but this may leave you spending a few days exploring a gateway city, rather than paying for flights to continue on which have filled up or become expensive at the last minute. Ryanair sometimes gets cheaper at the last minute, but Germanwings tends to charge more days before a flight. Look around and see what you find. That's part of the joy and challenge of cheap travel, though, right? It's a bit like a box of chocolates... but that's a sentence that belongs somewhere else. If you get an extraordinary good deal, please feel free to drop me a line and let me know how you did it!

Out and About: Cheap Travel in Europe

Hello again! I've been out and about traveling in Europe and it's fantastic!

Recent destinations include Budapest, Vienna and even a little bit of Venice! They are all in within a day's drive of each other. Being from N. America, I have to ask myself where could I go between three VERY different countries and find such diversity in a mere 9 hours driving time? Certainly not in the Western United States (24 hours from Los Angeles to Denver, for exampe). So there are advantages of the near-by borders of these countries, especially when you figure the vast differences in culture and history between the Venician and the Austro-Hungarian Empires that lead to very different experiences and sites as you travel.

I must confess that I ran into a real conundrum in my quest for cheap travel in Europe. I wanted to get from Vienna to Venice as cheaply as possible. I didn't want to completely rough it for various reasons, so hitch-hiking and www.gorivo.com were out. I could have flown out of Budapest or Vienna, or even Bratislava and I looked at Prague too. My general target is to get a short roundtrip for $200 or less. So $100 each way is usually my target. I was pushed to 200 EUR and I still couldn't hit the target! I did see some pretty good deals on Wizz air and Ryan air from some of my cities (especially Bratislava and Budapest), but they were mostly to Milan, which is a good couple hours from Venice and I had an appointment in the mid-afternoon, which meant I would be flying in the night before and booking a hotel for another 50 EUR or more. I will say there was a flight from Brno, Czech Republic (about 80 km north of Vienna) a couple times a week, but my dates just didn't line up.
Remember one of the main rules of finding cheap travel in Europe or anywhere else for that matter, is FLEXIBILITY. In this case, I didn't have enough of it. I even checked buses, though I was dreading a 12 hour trip on the bus. Not significantly cheaper! Trains were more than 100 EUR each way per person, blowing my budget out of the water... I'm doing some of this by memory now, so please don't sue me. I ended up paying $180 USD for a car plus fuel and tolls, a night in a hotel and parking through Austria and Italy. This was my cheapest option but I'm not sure we made it for less than $200 per person (there were only two of us). Oh well. I mentioned flexibility. I had a chance (which I just didn't take because we have to let some things go in life) to go from Budapest to Madrid for 200 EUR roundtrip on KLM airlines, flying through Amsterdam! Yes, hard to believe isn't it? There's a good lesson that after you check (or maybe before!!??) all the cheapo airlines and discounters from their less-than-convenient airport options, go ahead and check all the main airlines and sites you would normally check. I was shocked. KLM was beating everyone and I could have added Spain to the list for 200 EUR for a weekend trip from Budapest!!

How do you get cheap travel to Europe? How do you find cheap travel in Europe between great destinations like Budapest, Vienna, Venice and Madrid? Now if I could offer you a little gadget that would help you never miss another good deal for exactly the destinations you need when you need them, you would definitely buy it wouldn't you? Well, I don't have one and I don't believe there is one. You just have to keep your eyes out. I suppose it would have helped if I had booked a ticket months ago, but if you would have asked me months ago if I would need a ticket to Venice, I would have told you "You're crazy!" If you can plan ahead, it may help. Then again people that bought tickets to Madrid months ago may have paid 300 EUR. Who knows? So keep it flexible and just make it happen. I will probably never have another chance like I did to see Venice from Vienna and all the other details worked out, I just needed the time and the transport to have a once in a lifetime experience. At that point, I have to agree with the credit card tagline: Priceless.