Delectations: Europe on $100 a Day

Travel in Europe is no longer what it once was. The Europe of the economic vacation does not exist anymore, except perhaps for some isolated spots in the Eastern Mediterranean, and even there one must be willing to camp and live on the poorest native level. In spite of all its current difficulties (and all the ensu-

ing inconveniences for residents and visitors), Europe is no longer the place where all Americans could make like the rich. Deluxe restaurants and deluxe clothes were cheap then by American standards; the natives were happy having a buck or two slipped to them while they pulled at their forelocks. The delightful little pensions in Switzerland and Spain gave you three meals a day for a trifle, and the porters at airports and railroad stations fought to get your trade. The local shoemaker would rebuild your shoes like new, and lovely antiques were to be had for hard bargaining, a sport the natives enjoyed and expected. The hotel chambermaid was happy with an American lipstick and a pair of American nylons, and the best table in a restaurant was automatically given to Americans.

NH

About the Author

Nika Hazelton

Featured Tags

Travel in Europe is no longer what it once was. The Europe of the economic vacation does not exist anymore, except perhaps for some isolated spots in the Eastern Mediterranean, and even there one must be willing to camp and live on the poorest native level. In spite of all its current difficulties (and all the ensu-

ing inconveniences for residents and visitors), Europe is no longer the place where all Americans could make like the rich. Deluxe restaurants and deluxe clothes were cheap then by American standards; the natives were happy having a buck or two slipped to them while they pulled at their forelocks. The delightful little pensions in Switzerland and Spain gave you three meals a day for a trifle, and the porters at airports and railroad stations fought to get your trade. The local shoemaker would rebuild your shoes like new, and lovely antiques were to be had for hard bargaining, a sport the natives enjoyed and expected. The hotel chambermaid was happy with an American lipstick and a pair of American nylons, and the best table in a restaurant was automatically given to Americans.