15 WAYS TO GET BACK 15%: HOW TO SAVE MONEY IN EUROPE

1. Rent a villa. American Express predicts a 12-14% rise in hotel rates this year; the best way to save on accommodations is to rent a villa or apartment. Rent a villa with a great kitchen and take advantage of the fabulous open-air markets to buy fresh local ingredients. Rent a villa with a guaranteed US dollar rate; these are never subject to currency adjustment, regardless of the exchange rate.

2. Fill your villa. Invite more friends and share the cost among the maximum number of guests that can be accommodated; some of the largest, most expensive villas actually cost the least per person. Villa Buonvisi, a luxury villa with full staff, meals and wine included, rents for $29,950 per week; but that's only $428 per couple per night—less than a hotel room—and the rate is guaranteed in US dollars.

Fall harvest is an especially wonderful time in Europe.

3. Travel off-season. Airfares are lower, the summer crowds are gone, and the weather is still gorgeous.

4. Check for special offers and discounts.  Last minute cancellations, gap fillers, early booking offers and special deals are updated daily on our website: SPECIAL VILLA OFFERS

5. Save on airfare. Use Doorways' discount code to save 5% on international flights booked through AutoEurope. Be sure to consult with us before booking flights; you may find a cheaper fare by flying to an airport that is a little further away, but in the end, the cost of getting to your villa could negate any savings. Use low-cost European airlines to book flights within Europe: Ryanair, Air One, WindJet, easyJet and other low-cost airlines can make flying cheaper than taking the train.

6. Free insurance for kids. New upgrades include Kids are Free, Cancel for Any Reason, Cancel for Work Reason and a Sports Coverage option.

7. Rent a car with a manual transmission; rates for an automatic are almost double. Whenever possible, use public transportation instead of taxis. Buses cost about half as much as trains.

I Fratellini gets Kit's vote for best sandwich in Italy. Join a strictly local clientele for an urban picnic at one of Florence's least expensive and most entertaining eateries. Mamma Mia!

8. Eat smart. Have lunch at an expensive restaurant instead of dinner. Pack a picnic lunch or eat your way through an open-air market. Bring home a delicious chicken from the rosticceria.  Carry bottled water and snacks from the supermarket. Eat where locals eat. Don't overtip.

9. Use ATMs rather than travelers checks. ATMS give the best exchange rates, but they do come with international transaction fees; minimize these by making fewer and larger withdrawals. Use your debit card for cash withdrawals only – and your credit card for purchases.

10. Save on overseas phone calls. Save on international calls with Cellular Abroad; we can arrange for you to rent a SIM card that works in your regular cell phone. If you are traveling with a laptop, use instant messaging to communicate with friends and family at home; or download Skype to make free calls. Ask friends and family to call you on your European cell phone; incoming calls are free. Some of our Paris apartments offer unlimited calls to the U.S.

Scoppio del Carro The "Explosion of the Cart" is a Florentine Easter tradition that is colorful, historic — and free!

13. Look for free stuff. Most churches are free, and many museums offer certain days or hours with free admission. Check to see if there are any local festivals taking place during your trip; they are not only free, but could turn out to be the highlight of your trip.

11. Get insider tips. Newsletters (like this one!), web sites and blogs can provide valuable, up-to-date tips for saving money, getting the best value, and discovering attractions you're not likely to find in a guidebook. For example, find out if any of the cities you are visiting offer city cards for tourists; many cities offer economical passes for museums, city tours, or public transportation.

Stand (or lean) at the bar to get coffee for less.

12. Hang out at the bar.
Drinks are cheaper standing at the bar than at a table. Order a carafe of house wine instead of a bottle.

14. Get money back. European goods come with a built-in value-added tax that can be as high as 20%. Visitors to Europe can get a VAT refund for some items purchased abroad if you spend a minimum amount in one store.

15. Pack lightly. US Airways’ new baggage policy allows only one checked bag (under 50 pounds) per person plus one carry-on, beginning in May. You will be charged $25 for a second bag, as well as for any luggage over the weight limit. We expect other airlines will follow suit.