Tim Leffel

Cycling in Europe for the dollar-impaired visitor: the long and the short of it

by Tim Leffel on May 14, 2008

Pedaling through vineyards, riding past 300 year-old mansions, stopping along the way for wine tastings and hearty lunches — it doesn’t have to be as expensive as it sounds. Tim Leffel points us to places where seeing Europe at a bicycle’s pace is more reasonable, just a little bit to the east.

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Traveling in your own backyard

by Tim Leffel on April 23, 2008

Your next flight is liable to be canceled or delayed, and the price of airline tickets seems to go up every month. Gasoline prices are off the chart and so are hotel rates. Tim Leffel says this might be a good summer to make your family’s summer vacation a local affair.

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Travel bargains in The Other Mexico

by Tim Leffel on April 9, 2008

If you have visited one of the well-known Mexican beach resort areas recently, you’ve probably noticed two things: huge crowds and prices that don’t seem much different from those at home. Tim Leffel says you can still find a Mexican travel bargain, but you will have to visit “The Other Mexico”.

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Touring Europe’s unheralded wine regions

by Tim Leffel on March 26, 2008

That trip through the Bordeaux region of France or the Piedmont region of Italy is going to cost more than ever this year. Tim Leffel suggests looking beyond the tried and true to European wine regions with lower costs and smaller crowds.

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Time to check out your neighbors: Mexico and Central America

by Tim Leffel on March 12, 2008

Every month seems to bring a new low point for the dollar against the euro, and flight prices keep rising in tandem with fuel costs. Tim Leffel says this would be a good year to check out the exotic lands just to the south, from Mexico down through Panama.

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Beating the crowds to Panama

by Tim Leffel on February 27, 2008

Panama is a place of many distinctions, including the Panama hat, the Panama Canal and one of the world’s best-known palindromes: “A man, a plan, a canal — Panama!” Best of all, it is one of those few remaining destinations where prices are good, tour buses are few, and there’s enough to keep you occupied for weeks — without big sacrifices in comfort. Tim Leffel takes you there.

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5 ways to find a shoulder-season deal

by Tim Leffel on February 13, 2008

High season means premium prices, but low season can mean bad weather, boarded-up shops or even hurricanes. To find the perfect pairing of good conditions and low prices, Tim Leffel guides you to the magic time known as the “shoulder season.”

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Tourist discount cards: Deal or no deal?

by Tim Leffel on January 23, 2008

Visit a tourism bureau Web site for a popular city, and you’ll probably see a prominent offer for a discounted museum pass or other attractions card. Is it a deal? Not necessarily. Tim Leffel runs the numbers.

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Greenbacks abroad: There are still some bargains

by Tim Leffel on January 9, 2008

Tim LeffelThe U.S. dollar declined 10 percent or more against 53 foreign currencies in 2007, creating a depressing global picture for those traveling with greenbacks. Fortunately there are still plenty of destinations where you can get a lot for your battered currency. Tim Leffel tells you where to go.

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The high price of high-price hotels

by Tim Leffel on December 26, 2007

Tim LeffelHotel room rates are hitting record highs and the extra fees add up quickly at a five-star hotel. There are occupancy taxes, resort fees, the Wi-Fi access charge, gym fees – you name it. But it doesn’t stop there. Tim Leffel reveals the “unseen luxury tax” — six unexpected ways luxury hotels will cost you even more than you think.

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