Europeans taxing foreign tourists

Seeing Berlin's iconic landmarks will soon cost you more.

Cash-strapped European governments - at all levels - are hoping new "tourist taxes" will help them get out of their hopeless debt situations.

As if Europe wasn't already too expensive!

Berlin is the latest city in Europe to be "considering" a tourist tax which would add about $10 CDN to a tourist's hotel bill.

Last month, Venice added a $10 per night tax to a tourist's room charge and that followed similar moves by cities in Ireland, Greece, Great Britain - actually, almost every city in Europe now has new tourist taxes!

Which is why I think it's ironic that the European Commission - the world' s most useless and expensive government body - is bitching because the United States has introduced a new surcharge for travellers arriving from Europe.

The U.S. now collects $14 from Europeans as well as Australians, New Zealanders, Koreans and Japanese upon arrival - Canadians, so far, have been spared the expense.

Airline to sell Mini cars onboard

Latvia's airBaltic to sell Mini Coopers on board.

Airline passengers who fret if the rental car they've reserved online will be waiting when they land have no worries if they fly airBaltic.

Latvia's national carrier announced this week it's now selling cars on board - custom designed Mini Coopers, to be exact. 

This takes on board duty-free shopping to new heights, folks!

And, no, this is no joke.

The airline's CEO, Martin Gauss, said in a statement: “airBaltic is the world’s first airline to start selling cars on board. Naturally, we still believe that flying is smarter than driving whenever possible, and that is why we will offer the airBaltic Mini in a stylish aircraft livery, chosen by the most active of our 60 000-plus Facebook fans.”

This is how the car buying in the sky works: Passengers wishing to purchase the car, pay the equivalent of $60 CDN. to the airBaltic flight attendant and receive a voucher. After landing, the passenger visits www.airbalticshop.com and completes the purchase. Then he or she will receive a call from an airBaltic representative and be invited to see the real car, take a test drive, and then choose payment or leasing options.

The Mini Cooper R56 is valued at about $33,000 CDN and comes with a 1.6-litre, 120hp engine and an automatic transmission. The car will be available for purchase aboard all airBaltic flights from December 16, 2011 until January 15, 2012. See full specifications at http://www.airbalticshop.com/en/airbalticmini

In the past, the airBaltic was the first airline in the world to sell such items as shows and roses in flight.

Tough times at Thomas Cook

It appears Thomas Cook is in trouble again.

Fears that the beleaguered British tour operator/airline could fall from the corporate sky any time now was heightened this morning when Associated Press reported that the company’s already devalued stock lost another 75 per cent of its value on news that Thomas Cook is again seeking “new agreements” with its main creditors.

If even one of those creditors refuses to renegotiate, Thomas Cook could very well collapse.

That could have serious consequences for Thomas Cook’s Canadian subsidiaries, which include Sunquest Holidays and Bel-Air Travel.

Thomas Cook, which took 22 million people on vacation trips last year, has been in free fall for several years now thanks mainly to the depressed travel market in Europe - especially Great Britain - as well as after making some ill-timed corporate purchases.

The announcement comes just one month after Thomas Cook announced it had negotiated new funding arrangements with creditors to carry it through the slow winter months.

Sooner or later, the creditors will start saying “no” and then all bets are off on Thomas Cooks’ future.

In the meantime, Thomas Cook is insisting that all its flights will leave as schedule and new bookings are still being taken.

Stay tuned.

Ryanair a "Euro-peeing" airline

Ryanair, which has been criticized severely, especially in this corner, for even contemplating turning their on board washrooms into"paid toilets" complete with a coin slot, has solved the problem - they're getting rid of the bathrooms.

The fly-by-night Irish carrier says it's eliminating two of the three washrooms on its planes so it can squeeze in another six seats.

Passengers will be given "pee" bags just in case, though. 

What next - get rid of one of the engines to make the plane lighter and save on fuel ... or how about getting rid of the pilots (auto pilot will do) so more seats can be added to the cockpit area.

Ryanair in now the worst "Euro-peeing" airline and one wonders why anyone would trust this carrier.

Swiss tips help save tourists money

A Swiss Rail pass can save you lots of money.

Because Europe has become so expensive for North Americans - what with the strong euro vs. the dollar and ever-rising hotel prices in big European cities - some forward thinking folks at European tourism organizations are offering up suggestions to help us cut travel costs this summer.

Switzerland is leading the way - the folks at Swiss Tourism here in Canada sent me three suggestions today that I want to share with you:

Tip No. 1: Save on sleeping

Stay at a youth hostel. Switzerland's 58 youth hostels are more than just a bed for the night. Clean and simple, Swiss Youth Hostels are not only for the young but open to everyone. They are geared towards guests who are uncomplicated, seek variety and enjoy meeting travellers from all over the world. Family rooms, delicious catering and a variety of fun activities in and around the youth hostels make for a terrific atmosphere.

Hostel details: http://www.myswitzerland.com/en/suggestions/alternative-accommodation/youthhostel-1.html

Tip No. 2: Save on drinks
Many people think this is an urban legend, but it is actually true: you can drink the water from all the fountains you find in Switzerland (not palable water is clearly marked as such). Being on your feet and discovering a Swiss city can make thirsty, so rest assured you always have your water bottle with you for a refill. Close your eyes, think of a sparkling, pure mountain spring and enjoy the fresh taste of a cup of Swiss Water - right in the heart of the city!
Details: www.myswitzerland.com

Tip No. 3: Save on getting around
A Swiss Pass will save you lots of money on transportation. Switzerland boasts an excellent public transport system and the Swiss Pass entitles you to free travel throughout the entire country - be it by train, bus or boat. Kids up to 16 go for free - a great family offer. But that's not all: you enjoy free admission to more than 400 museums and several hotel chains will extend generous discounts to you.
Details: www.myswitzerland.com


Every little tip helps when planning a trip to Europe these days and so I thank Swiss Tourism for sharing these three with TraveLife readers.