Top 10 Bets for BARGAIN TRAVEL - TripAdvisor

[Pages:9]Top 10 Bets for

BARGAIN TRAVEL

Where to eat, sleep and play for a budget-friendly vacation

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See More,

SPEND LESS

Dollars are dipping and pounds are precarious. But shaky economies can be a boon for budget travelers, as destinations and accommodations race to offer incentives such as gas cards, car rentals and specials to entice reluctant visitors. Forgo dollar-chomping destinations and look both closer to home and farther away. Traveling strategically is key--make the most of your money and recession-proof your R&R time:

? Opt for off-season or off-peak stays

? Don't go solo--travel with friends or family and share costs

? Book early and lock in prices, so as not to be thwarted by exchanged fluctuations

? Look for rooms with kitchens, complimentary breakfasts and manager's happy hour buffets

? Shop for currency before leaving

? Download tokens, specials and coupons in advance

? Buy visitor cards or transit passes before you go

? Splurge on airfare but economize on food and lodging

? Avoid downtown dining and explore cheaper eating in other neighborhoods

A treasure trove of brilliant budget destination awaits.

You'll find reviews for more than 479,000 hotels, 93,000 attractions and 580,000 restaurants on . Learn from other travelers what to expect before you make your plans.

TOP 10 FREE U.S. ATTRACTIONS

1. Bellagio Fountains, Las Vegas, Nevada 2. Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia 3. Waimea Canyon, Waimea, Hawaii 4. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California 5. Angel's Landing, Zion National Park, Utah 6. U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii 7. Pacific Coast Highway, Route 1, California 8. U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, D.C. 9. Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts 10. Central Park, New York, New York

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AUSTIN, TEXAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Austin is a very informal city: Laid-back, but energetic. Down-home but cultured. Sophisticated but funky. You'll find it all here. Austin is the `livemusic capital of the world,' with the South-by-Southwest and the Austin City Limits music fests every year. A perennial `Best Place to Live' winner, it's also a great place to visit, offering a range of attractions, activities and friendly locals. The shopping, restaurants and nightlife offer worldclass appeal with a Texas feel. Austin has a free trolley system called the `Dillo (short for armadillo!) that runs routes around downtown and the University of Texas area."--TripAdvisor Members, Texas

by Trav3l1er

STAY FOR LESS

Homestead Austin / Arboretum

9100 Waterford Centre Blvd. 1 512 837 6677 | $80

Austin Motel

1220 S. Congress Ave. 1 512 441 1157 | $80 - $100

HYATT PLACE AUSTIN

7522 North IH-35 1 512 323 2121 | $89 ? 130

Extended StayAmerica Austin -

Northwest 13858 N US Highway 183 1 512 258 3365 | $90

HAMPTON INN & SUITES AUSTIN

CEDAR PARK ? LAKELINE

10811 Pecan Park Blvd. 1 512 249 0045 | $93 ? 109

Comfort Suites Downtown South

1701 E. St. Elmo Road 1 512 444 6630 | $100

Wyndham Garden Hotel and

Woodward Conference Center

3401 South IH35 1 512 448 2444 | $110

Omni Austin at South Park

4140 Governors Row 1 512 448 2222 | $120

DINE/PLAY FOR LESS

Spider House Patio Bar & Cafe

2908 Fruth St. 1 512 480 9562 | $3 - $7

KERBEY LANE CAFE

2111 Dickson Dr. 1 512 447 3767 | $5.50 ? 12

Austin Bats

Congress Bridge Admission free

LYNDON BAINES JOHNSON LIBRARY

AND MUSEUM 2313 Red River St. 1 512 721 0200 | Admission free

NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

by naturegirl99

"Quaint towns, scenic views, short hikes and historic sites. Nova Scotia has so many areas that fit that bill, it's hard to know where to start." A sample itinerary: "We drove the Lighthouse Route and stopped at every town along the way. Mahone Bay and Chester were magnificent. Lunenberg was just beautiful. Halifax was great. We came home exhausted, but happy with the conclusion that Nova Scotia is a beautiful place to visit with the friendliest people!" The best part? "Regardless of your budget and personal tastes, accommodations are endless."--TripAdvisor Members

STAY FOR LESS

Marquis of Dufferin Seaside Inn

The Marine Drive, Port Dufferin 1 902 654 2696 | $65 - $80

Voyageur Motel

Main Street, Route # 1, Yarmouth 1 800 565 5026 | $72

SMUGGLERS COVE INN

139 Montague St., Lunenburg 1 902 634 7500 | $80 ? 134

Mersey River Chalets

RR # 2, Caledonia, Queens County 1 902 682 2443 | $84

Antigonish Evergreen Inn

295 Hawthorne Street, Antigonish 1 902 863 0830 | $88

SILVER DART LODGE

257 Shore Road, Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, 1 902 295 2340 | $89 ? 130

Hampton Inn & Suites

Halifax - Dartmouth

65 Cromarty Drive, Dartmouth 1 902 406 7700 | $122

Comfort Inn

560 Bedford Hwy., Halifax 1 902 463 9900 | $125

Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 8776333716

DINE/PLAY FOR LESS

Magnolia's Grill

128 Montague St., Lunenburg 1 902 634 3287 | $5 - $11

MCCURDY'S DINING ROOM

257 Shore Road, Baddeck, Cape Breton Island, 1 902 295 2340 | $5 ? 21

Cabot Trail

Cape Breton Island 1 902 224 2306 | Admission to Cape Breton Highlands National Park $6.50 per adult | $16.50 per family

HALIFAX PUBLIC GARDENS

Spring Garden and S. Park Streets, Halifax 1 902 446 4232 | Admission free

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OAXACA, MEXICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"The various indigenous civilizations in Oaxaca, fused with Spanish and other European influences, have created a vibrant Mestizo culture that places great emphasis on the arts. The richness and quality of local hand-made crafts attract many visitors to the city. The various products, such as leatherwork, tin ware, pottery, textiles, tapestries and jewelry, all reflect the history and traditions of Oaxacan people. In Oaxaca there are hotels and B&Bs to meet virtually every budget, from $10 a night hostels to hotels well over $100, and everything in between."--TripAdvisor Members

by NcMysteryShopper

STAY FOR LESS

Las Golondrinas

Tinoco y Palacios 411 52 951 514 2095 | $37

Hotel Azucenas

Calle Prof M Aranda 203 1 800 882 6089 | $50

Las Mariposas

Pino Suarez 517, Col. Centro 52 951 515 5854 | $50

Bahia de la Luna

Playa La Boquilla 52 958 589 5020 | $50

HOSTAL DE LA NORIA

Av. Hidalgo 918, Col. Centro 52 951 501 5400 | $70 ? 150

PARADOR SAN MIGUEL

Independencia 503, Col. Centro 52 951 514 9331| $74 ? 107

Holiday Inn Express Centro

Historico Oaxaca

Diaz Quintas 115 Col. Centro 52 951 512 9200 | $99

Marques Del Valle

Portal de Claveria S N Centro, P.O. Box 35 52 951 514 0688 | $136

DINE/PLAY FOR LESS

La Olla

Reforma No. 402-1, Col. Centro, 52 951 516 6668 | $5

VIEJA LIRA

Pino Suarez 100 52 951 516 1122 | $7 ? 14

Monte Alb?n

52 951 516 1215 Admission $3; Guided Tour $15

MITLA

San Pablo Villa de Mitla, Accessible by bus Admission $2

GRANADA, NICARAGUA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

by florsita

"Granada is an amazing place to visit: The culture, architecture, history and nightlife are amazing. In addition, you can't beat the prices." There's no end to activities for the intrepid traveler. "Hike Mombacho Volcano from near the summit, then come back down for the canopy tour. Kayak with a guide among the Isletas of Granada. Round this out with visits to Masaya Artisans' market and Catarina at Laguna Apoyo. Also the museum of Convento San Francisco is worth a stop." And save your c?rdobas on transportation: "Once you're in Granada, you can walk to every place in town."--TripAdvisor Members

STAY FOR LESS

Hotel Terrasol

Avenida Barricada, Antiguo Teatro Colonial 75 Varas al Sur 505 2552 8825 | $30 - $40

LA ISLITA

De la Alcald?a 2 Cuadras al Lago 1 y 1/2 al Sur 505 2552 7473 | $50 ? 75

Hotel con Corazon

Calle Santa Lucia 141 505 2552 8852 | $65

Hotel Patio del Malinche

Calle Caimito, de Alacaldia 2 1/2c. al lago 505 2552 2235 | $72

Hotel Colonial

Del Parque Central 505 2552 7299 | $82

LA GRAN FRANCIA

Esquina Sureste del Parque Central 505 2552 6002 | $90 ? 100

Hotel Dario

Calle La Calzada, Del Parque 1 cuadra al lago 505 2552 3400 | $100

Hotel Plaza Colon

In front of Parque Central 505 2552 8489 | $105

Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 8776333716

DINE/PLAY FOR LESS

NECTAR

Calle La Calzada 505 552 6095 | $1 ? 7

El Jardin de Orion

Avenida El Palenque, 505 2552 1220 | $5 - $10

Mombacho Volcano

Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve 505 2552 5858 | Tour $5 - $10

ANTIGUO CONVENTO SAN

FRANCISCO Calle Corral 505 2552 5535 | Admission $2

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CABARETE, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In the Dominican Republic, a multitude of natural habitats are waiting to be explored. "The North Coast is busy and active, with great beaches and affordable resorts. Sosua and Cabarete are great little towns where you can experience the local culture. Cabarete is a windsurfer's paradise. Constant breezes attract people from all over the world, and the waves are incredible. There are many budget hotels or condos where you can make your own food and have dinner under the stars right on the beach."--TripAdvisor Member, Freehold, N.J.

by interbum

STAY FOR LESS

Hotel Kaoba

Calle Principal 1 809 571 0300 | $64

Casa Blanca Hotel

113 Main St., Cabarete 1 809 571 0934 | $31 - $42

Hotel Alegria

Callejon de los Perez 1 809 571 0455 | $48

Extreme Hotel

Carretera Sosua - Cabarete km 10.5 1 809 571 0880 | $55

Kite Beach Hotel

Kite Beach, Carretera Sosua 1 809 571 0878 | $72

Velero Beach Resort

Calle la Punta # 1 1 809 571 9727 | $102

Villa Taina

Apartado Postal 337 1 809 571 0722 | $68

Tropical Casa Laguna Beach

Club

Main Road 1 809 571 0725 | $134

DINE/PLAY FOR LESS

Martini's Beach Bar and Grill

Cabarete East, Cabarete 1 809 915 8815 | Happy Hour Menu $2.80

ALEGRIA BISTRO

Hotel Alegria, Between Velero and Sans Souci 1 809 571 0455 | $4 ? 15

KITE BEACH

Carretera Sosua Admission free

Cabarete Caves,

El Choco National Park Park fee $1.50, Tour $2 - $5

WARSAW, POLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Public transport is cheap, quick and goes everywhere in Warsaw," so getting around is easy and fun. "A short bus ride will take you to Lazienki Kr?lewskie, a huge park with a castle, monuments, and lakes." The Old Town offers opportunities for both people-watching and exploring the many historic sights of the city. "Go for a cheap ice cream and then walk the streets before settling down for a lovely Polish beer on a swinging bar bench--you sit on them and rock to your heart's content!"--TripAdvisor Members

by tunliweb

STAY FOR LESS

Oki Doki Hostel

pl. Dabrowskiego 3 48 22 826 5112 | $18 per bed, no breakfast; $75 per room with private bath

Sofitel Victoria

Ul. Krolewska 11 48 22 6578011 | $123

Campanile Varsovie

ul Towarowa 2 48 22 582 72 00 | $77

Mercure Grand

St. Krucza 28 1 800 221 4542 | $102

Jan III Sobieski Hotel

Plac Artura Zawiszy 1 48 22 579 10 00 | $113

Hetman Hotel

ul Klopotowskiego 36 48 22 511 98 00 | $94

Hotel Reytan

Rejtana 6 48 22 201 65 00 | $96

Castle Inn

ul Swietojanska 2 | $114

Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 8776333716

DINE/PLAY FOR LESS

NONSOLO PIZZA

Grojecka 20c 48 22 824 12 73 | $3 ? 7

PIEROGARNIA

Bednarska 28/30 48 22 828 03 92 | $3.50 ? 6.50

Old Town

(Stare Miasto) Admission free

WARSAW RISING MUSEUM

ul. Grzybowska 79 48 22 539 79 05 | Admission $0.65 ? 1.65

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VIENTIANE, LAOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Budget backpackers are plentiful" in Laos, particularly in Luang Prabang, "a world heritage city where there's an old Royal Palace and many Wats in which you'll see Lao history and culture. There's a market every night, with many handmade and inexpensive items." Because it is so popular, "you will have to pay for it." So try something different: "If you want to see real Lao culture, go where Lao people live, not only to the tourist areas. You can go to Lao restaurants, temples and historic places. Lao people are friendly." In smaller villages off the beaten track, "you can get the same thing for less."-- TripAdvisor Members

by coffined

STAY FOR LESS

Rivertime Resort and Ecolodge

Nam Ngum River, Vientiane 856 20 5513672 | $8 dorm lodging; $28 room

HOTEL KHAMVONGSA

Khun Bu Lum Road, Ban Vat Chan 856 21 223257 | $30 ? 37

Chanthapanya Hotel

No.138, Norkeokoummarn Rd., Van Mixay, Chanthabouli District 856 21 244 284 | $37

KHAMPIANE HOTEL

Hengboun Road, No 059, Unit 15, Chanthabouly District 856 21 241616 | $40

HOTEL DAY INN

059/3 Pangkham Rd. Unite 1 Ban Sisaket 856 21 222985 | $45 ? 50

BeaU Rivage Mekong Hotel

Fa Ngum Road, Ban Seetarn Neua 856 021 243350 | $57

City Inn Vientiane

Rue Pangkham 856 21 218 333 | $60

GREEN PARK BOUTIQUE HOTEL

248 Khouvieng Road, Ban. Nongchanch 856 21 264097 | $120 ? 175

DINE/PLAY FOR LESS

Kua Lao

141 Samsenthai Road, Vientiane 856 21 215777 | $2 - $10

LE SILAPA

17/1 Sihom Road 856 21 219689 | $5 ? 13

Cooperative Orthotic and

Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE)

Boulevard Khouvieng, National Rehabilitation Centre, Vientiane 856 21 218427 | Admission free; Donations accepted

BUDDHA PARK (XIANG KHOUAN)

Southeast of Vientiane, accessible by Bus 14 Admission $0.50 ? 1

CAIRO, EGYPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

by STEVENSNY

"Egypt is very cheap." Though it's "not too hard on your budget, it is easy to overspend buying all the bargains." Cairo is home to numerous archaeological and historic sites, some more affordable than others. "Entrance fees can become expensive, so you have to be selective. You can have a lot of fun just walking in Islamic Cairo and market areas--this can be a very cheap day. Using hostels will make your visit quite inexpensive. Especially in downtown Cairo, there are a lot of options."--TripAdvisor Members

STAY FOR LESS

ISIS HOTEL

33B Ramsis 20 2 2578 1895 | $26 ? 40

INVITATION HOTEL

11 Ramsis St., Abdelmonem Riyad Square 20 2 2576 8001 | $28 ? 34

Hotel Longchamps

21 Ismail Muhammad, Zamalek 202 2735 2311 12 | $30

WINDSOR HOTEL CAIRO

19 Alfi Bey St. 20 2 2591 5810 | $46 ? 67

Osiris Hotel

49 Nubar, Bab el Louk | $52

Havana Hotel

26 Syria St, Mohandseen 202 3749 0758 | $72

CONCORDE EL SALAM HOTEL

65 Abdel Hamid Badawi St. 20 2 2622 6000 | $100 ? 160

The Karvin Hotel

11 Ebeid, Off El Nozha St., Heliopolis 202 2690 6453 | $102

Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 8776333716

DINE/PLAY FOR LESS

Egyptian Pancake House

Midan Hussein, Khan el-Khalili | $1 - $3

CORTIGIANO

44 Michel Bakhoum St. 20 2 3336 0620 | $5 ? 10

Khan Al-Khalili

al-Azhar Street Admission free

SAQQARA (SAKKARA) PYRAMIDS

El Maryouteya Road | Admission free; transportation or guided tours vary

6

CUSCO, PERU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

High up in the Andes, the city of Cusco is a dense blend of ancient and modern cultures. With so much to see and do, save money and purchase the boleto tur?stico: "You'll get one free entrance to 16 selected attractions; the pass is valid for 10 days." You can "see the best of Cusco on foot. Use the Plaza de Armas as a home base. It's both the old center of the city and the current center of activity." If the hills get to be too much, "taxis are very cheap. To travel anywhere in Cusco, a taxi costs two soles."--TripAdvisor Members

by one4fun

STAY FOR LESS

Inkarri Hotel

Collacalle 204 51 84 242692 | $40

Ninos Hotel

Calle Meloc 442 | $45

Amaru Hostal

Cuesta San Blas 541 51 84 223521 | $45

Hostal Marani

Carmen Alto 194 51 84 249462 | $47

HOTEL EL ROSAL

Calle Casccaparo 116, San Pedro 51 84 257536 | $60

Hotel Torre Dorada

Calle Los Cipreses N-5, Residencial Huancaro 51 84 241698 | $85

Hotel Agusto's

Hipolito Unanue 155, Distrito de Wanchaq 51 14 953566 | $86

Hotel Taypikala Cusco

Calle Ahuacpinta 625 1 800 790 2961 | $90

DINE/PLAY FOR LESS

GRANJA HEIDI

Cuesta San Blas 525 51 84 238383 | $2.50 ? 8

El Gusto es Nuestro

Tecsecocha 420 51 84 255060 | $8 - $10

Pre-Columbian Art Museum

Plaza de las Nazarenas 51 84 233210 | Admission $6.50 Adult; $5. Student

IGLESIA DE SANTO DOMINGO

Avenida El Sol and Calle Santo Domingo, Koricancha | Admission free

ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

by Kwaussie

"Tourism capital and Maori cultural center for the North Island, Rotorua is a city like no other. At 900 feet above sea level and boasting 16 freshwater lakes within 20 minutes of the city, a fantastic museum, more hotel, motel and backpacker beds than any other city in New Zealand and a host of activities, there is truly something for everyone. It really just depends on what you want. For scenery, not only are there lakes, but forest trails, scenic gardens and of course the thermal areas. For those on a budget, bubbling mud can be seen for free at either Government Gardens or Kuirau Park."--TripAdvisor Member, Rotorua

STAY FOR LESS

Treks Backpackers

1278 Haupapa St. 64 7 349 4088 | $12 - $18 per bed; $36 $41 per room

Ascot On Fenton

247 Fenton St. 64 7 348 7712 | $58

Ibis Rotorua

Lake End Rangiuru Street 64 7 346 3999 | $62

UNION VICTORIA MOTOR LODGE

26-30 Victoria St. 64 7 348 1050 | $69 ? 82

Six on Union

6 Union St., Glenholme 64 7 347 8062 | $72

Best Western Braeside Resort

4 Barnard Road 64 7 347 9497 | $72

Te Ngae Country Lodge

54 State Highway 33 64 7 345 4153 | $89

Novotel Rotorua Lakeside

Lake End Tutanekai Street 64 7 34 6388 | $107

Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 8776333716

DINE/PLAY FOR LESS

Fat Dog Caf? & Bar

1161 Arawa St. 64 7 347 7586 | $5 - $12

RELISH

1149 Tutanekai St. 64 7 343 9195 | $6 ? 21

Kuirau Park

Ranolf Street and Lake Road 64 7 348 4199 | Admission free

LAKE TARAWERA'S HOT WATER BEACH

Te Rata Bay, Lake Tarawera 64 7 348 3610 | Admission free; permits for vehicles, animals, etc. from $1.65

7

Spend Less,

SEE MORE

Dos

"Plan ahead for hotels and trains. When doing your research, look for hotels that are in sight of the train station. This eliminates the taxi to and from the hotel--it's very nice to be able to say, `No thanks, I can see my hotel from here.'"--TripAdvisor Member, Tucson, Ariz.

"If you don't want to spend too much for a show, you can ask the theater's box office for `Standing Room Only' tickets" or `Rush' tickets for less money. Or skip the big shows: "Check out some of the local theaters and keep an open mind. The experience is priceless!"--TripAdvisor Members

"When you're looking for a hotel" in a major tourist city, "extend your search area. You'll find more hotel choices that may save some of your vacation budget." Also, "eat and drink a little outside of the main tourist areas--it's cheaper and more traditional!"-- TripAdvisor Members

"Stretch out your $$ by doing a couple of picnic lunches. The wine and dine can add up fast! You may consider bringing a cooler and hitting the local grocery for picnic items and bottled water. A bottle of wine purchased for what a glass costs at a restaurant is just as good while watching the sunset in a nice courtyard."--TripAdvisor Member, San Fernando, Calif.

Many restaurants will allow you to bring your own wine. "Bring a bottle and stretch your budget!"--TripAdvisor Member, Napa, Calif.

"For saving money on tourist attractions," look for multiple-day or multipleattraction passes. Often "you can skip ticket lineups and get discounts or free admission to many attractions and places."-- TripAdvisor Member, Vancouver, British Columbia

Donts

Don't "spend big bucks on a fancy hotel, when all you're doing is sleeping there. You can save a lot of money by staying at a nofrills budget hotel." Hostels, pensions, B&Bs and campgrounds can also provide budgetfriendly options.--TripAdvisor Member, Memphis, Tenn.

"Don't pay full price for anything until you check out the millions of coupons," often available online or at tourist information centers, "for darn near everything from dining to helicopter tours."--TripAdvisor Member, Lancaster, England

Don't go during peak times or seasons. "The price of hotel rooms triples or more at the weekend so stay during the week instead. You'll get the same great service and room at a fraction of the price." Also, "the low season can be a highlight if you're looking for a cozy getaway. Hotel prices are usually greatly reduced and the scene is quiet. "--TripAdvisor Members

"Don't be persuaded to spend loads of money on sightseeing tours, when you can do your own thing quite easily. Public transport is cheap--you'll save a fortune! And it's more fun."--TripAdvisor Members

Don't get scammed out of your hardearned money! "Beware the touts, no matter how helpful and well presented they are. There are so many scams, and some of them could land you in serious and very expensive legal problems."--TripAdvisor Member, Bangkok

TripAdvisor members have posted more than 3,000,000 photos on the site. The good, the bad and the very candid. It's almost like being there!

TOP 10 Free European Attractions

1. Pantheon, Rome, Italy

6. Duomo - Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy

2. National Gallery, London, England

7. Retiro Park, Madrid, Spain

3. Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, England

8. Westminster Abbey, London, England

4. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France

9. St. Mark's Basilica, Venice, Italy

5. St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral, Brussels, Belgium

10. Giant's Causeway, Bushmills, Northern Ireland

Call an Expedia Travel Specialist now 8776333716

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