Avoid hidden costs to keep that European vacation economical

On a whim, Jenny Cook planned a last-minute trip to Paris on the Internet last month. Finding a cheap airfare and an inexpensive hotel room was a piece-of-cake, but hidden costs turned the vacation into pie-in-the-sky.

"I didn't read the small print on the airline and hotel contracts," said Jenny, who found the added taxes to nearly double the cost. "And I didn't consider how expensive the incidentals would be."

With the economy in a downswing, overseas travel is the cheapest it has been in years. The dollar buys more, the airfares are low and the hotels are begging for guests. But that doesn't mean, your dream vacation won't turn into a nightmare when the bills come home. But there are ways to take in the sights and still go home with a jingle in your pocket. Here's how:

• Read the small print. Prices are not always as they seem. Last January, I found a round-trip flight to Cancun for $150. Hidden taxes doubled the price of the ticket. By adding occupancy taxes and vat taxes, hotels often do the same thing. Before you agree, be sure you're quoted the whole price. And recheck the price after you book it. Prices may change, and often an airline or a hotel will honor the lower price.

• Do your research. If the price of a hotel looks too good to be true, it probably is. Check the location. If it's too far from the main attractions where you want to be, cost of transportation may raise the price significantly.

• Use local transportation. Using a bus or a subway is less expensive and more of an adventure. Pam Parsons used the underground to find her way to the center of Rome. When she finally surfaced and found herself in front of the Spanish Steps, she knew how Columbus must have felt when he discovered America.

• Visit the local tourist bureau. The concierge at your hotel will be happy to book a tour for you, but it may cost you as much as a night at your hotel. The local tourist office often has free-walking tours of the city. And the locals who work there love to tell you about their city. You may find some unusual local place that could be the high point of your trip.

• Pack light. No matter how long the trip, try to pack everything into a set of carry-on wheelies and one tote bag. Limiting luggage saves you money and aggravation. It allows you to take local transportation from the airport to the central city, which saves you cab fare, as well a s porter and bellhop tips.

• Watch what you eat. Eating is a large part of the travel experience. But it can also eat-up a large part of your budget. Many hotels offer a free breakfast which can hold you until dinner. If you want to eat in a five-star restaurant, consider eating lunch there instead of dinner. Prices are usually much lower. When Don and Kay Heise travel, they buy one appetizer and one entrée and split it. It saves them money and pounds and allows them to try some of the more expensive restaurants.

• Finally, know the customs. When Carol Bell flew to Europe for the first time, she was doing it on a shoestring. For her first breakfast in Paris, Carol went to a posh hotel and ordered rolls and coffee. The waiter brought a basket of baguettes and sweet rolls. Thinking this might be her only meal for the day; Carol stuffed herself and then stuffed her purse with the rest of the rolls. She enjoyed the breakfast until the bill came. Carol didn't know European hotels often charge by the number of rolls consumed. She had no idea it would take so much bread to pay for her bread.

Gail Todd, a free-lance writer,worked as a flight attendant for more than 30years. She can be reached via e-mail at gailtodd@aol.com.