This is the other side of the medal, as they say in France, of those little old style Parisian cafés.
Nothing really illegal, but sometimes they bend the rules to the point that unsaavy tourists end up paying fat bills.
 
More light on this:
- Most cafés have a clear menu on each table, with all items and prices clearly displayed.
But others will only bring you a printed menu upon request. In some cases they assume that you
don’t need the menu for simple orders (coffee, drinks) and that’s precisely where they
get you. Your bill will show fantasy prices based upon the look of your clothes.
- The “riskier” areas are the famous Paris hop on hop off bus tourist spots: Ile de la Cité (around Notre Dame), Saint Michel, Saint Germain, the restaurants area around Les Halles/Chatelet.
-“Would you like some X with that?” is a typical strategy to sell you more without telling you
it’s more expensive, sometimes by a lot. Adding milk to coffee can add 1-2 euros.
Adding a side salad to a steak can add 4-6 euros to the bill.
- Serving a larger size than requested is quite typical, especially when hiding behind
linguistic incomprehension (sometimes faked). For example draught beers: the standard serving
is called “Démi” and it’s about 20cl. The larger option is called “Serieux” and is around 40cl, roughly the same as a British “pint”. Well, if you just ask for “a beer” without being specific, chances are you’ll get a pint, or even sometimes one full litre. For coffee: the default size for
coffee is a small cup, but don’t be surprised if you get a large bowl. A generic “café creme” order
will get you a large bowl unless you specify “petit” or “noisette”.

continue reading »»

Different destinations appeal to different travellers for different reasons. We all fall under categories that determine where in the world we may end up. The categories are usually quite simple and obvious in most cases. Are you the traveller who can’t be bothered to do anything but sunbathe? Are you the one who wants to do everything active that every website, brochure, hotel clerk tells you is available? Are you all about culture and sightseeing or just abroad for the hot weather and a fancy hotel?

Destinations will always tell you they have everything but are you really going to go to Marrakech for beach life, The Great Barrier Reef or Uluru for old ruins, or Brooklyn for a taste of the Middle East? No, you’re not. They all have their own magic but it takes a specific type of traveller for each, to bring the magic to life.

continue reading »»

For our German Speaking readers, we found a great Blog where you can read lively traveler articles from two friends who meet on a Trip to New York (A German and a Russian).

Over the time they keept in touch by posting an article about all their Travel experiences.

For Germans have a look at Reiseerlebnisse

During summer, Berlin is brimming with events for fans of design, fashion and music. 2010 is heating up to be an exciting summer in Germany’s capital, especially after a sub-zero winter. As soon as the sun shines here, the inner city parks fill with families and friends to enjoy grilling and chilling in the fresh air. Aside from outdoor leisure activities, Berlin offers a huge range of cultural and style events.

From June 9 to June 13, 2010, the DMY Berlin Festival sets the trend barometer for the international design scene. Over a period of five days, leading creative minds share the newest projects of contemporary design and art. The Christopher Street Day Parade takes to Berlin streets on June 19^th, 2010. In its thirty-two years of existence, the Christopher Street Day parade is one of the most flamboyant events and draws attention to gay rights and political activism. Fans of Urban streetwear fashion can revel in the two day trade show Bread & Butter which is held in the former Tempelhof Airport. The event showcases the latest street and urbanwear and attracts fashionistas from around the globe. In early fall, the inaugural Berlin Music Week provides a platform for associates of the music industry to mingle and exchange. The event takes place from September 6^th until 12^th, 2010 and features panel discussions and workshops surrounding topics such as media & technology, arts & making music as well as well-known key note speakers from around the world.

The variety of cultural events involving the whole spectrum of fashion and the arts, history and design attracts increasing numbers of visitors to this lively city each year. This is reflected in the growing number of unique and arty boutique hotels cropping up across the city. Last year’s opening of cool gay Axel Hotel, the Casa Camper and the arrival of the Soho House group add to the famous luxury abodes including the classic Kempinski Adlon. Perfect for visitors of all tastes and budgets visiting Berlin –and in whichever area you choose to reside, a plethora of cultural events and buzzing city life is sure to be right outside the door.

Rome Hotels - Read your independent expert reviews on the best places to
stay in Rome

Following the recent airport closures in Europe as a result of the volcanic ash cloud, we have been inundated with customer queries on cancellations and refund policies.

To confirm, we are cancelling all pre-bookings without any penalties for isango! customers who are unable to attend their tour/activity as a result of airport closures and are offering a refund.

If you’re still concerned, you can contact us though our support page and we’ll try and get back to you as soon as possible.

For the very latest on airport closures and flight cancellations, please visit BAA and your airline website.

Thanks for your patience,
The isango! team

isango!‘s German site isango.de has published two press releases about its special Easter offers. German isango! distributes discount codes, which enable the customers to get 10% off the original price. They simply mention the code in their booking and receive the discount automatically. The offers are an Easter present from the German isango! team.
One Easter bargain is the Alhambra in Granada, which is Spain’s most popular attraction and very popular among the German customers. The discount code CSCRUUJ can be used to book Alhambra tickets (Alhambra Eintrittskarten) for 10% less. The ticket gives visitors access to the Alhambra and includes a 2 ½ hours long guided tour of the Alhambra palace and its beautiful garden.
Alternatively isango.de offers cheap New York helicopter tours (New York Helicopter Touren). Any of the three helicopter tours can be purchased for 10% less with the code CSPBHP7. The flights are the perfect way to discover the Big Apple and guarantee tourists an unforgettable experience in New York.

Here is our list of the best things to do in Marrakech - take these into account while planning your trip to Morocco’s most magical city and you’ll be sure to not miss anything out!

The isango! team

Check out our new page of things to do in Prague for the must-sees and can’t-misses of Eastern Europe’s most visited city!

The isango! team

We have recently released a page listing the top things to do in Barcelona - the best activities, sights, tours and excursions. Check it out and start planning your trip to Spain’s liveliest city!

The isango! team