Travelers are always looking for ways to save money and I have a tip for you today that will put more money in your pocket without sacrificing luxury or comfort.  If you follow my tip, it won't take much time at all to save this money.

The VAT (Value Added Tax) is a hidden surcharge (about 20%) already added on to just about every retail item sold. For large purchases (over €175) on items like jewelry, clothes, antiques, or artwork, a buyer may get at least a partial refund (about 12%) of the VAT.  The eligible purchase(s) can consist of multiple items totaling more than the threshold amount, but they must be made from the same store on the same day.

Check out my blog post to find out how to save the VAT.

For any type of charitable or civic organization, raising funds is an essential part of keeping the organization going and to meet its goals and objectives.   Anyone who has ever been involved in fund raising knows it can be a time-consuming and difficult task.  The Traveling Professor has helped organizations raise funds AND develop loyal members who donate year after year after year.  Read my blog post and I will tell you more of the benefits of running a tour as a fund raiser.

Last month, I led a group of 8 travelers to Paris.  On the itinerary was a trip to Versailles.   By train, the enormous chateau is about 40 minutes outside of Paris.  There is no doubt that Versailles is glorious and grand.  However, if not planned correctly, you might lose your head over some of the more frustrating aspects of visiting Versailles.  In this blog post I will diplomatically point out some of the shortcomings of what could be a great museum and help you enjoy your trip while having your cake and eating it too.

We all know how expensive travel can be.   Being cost-conscious can allow a traveler to take that extra vacation with the money saved from previous vacations.   I consider myself to be a professional traveler and throughout the years, I have found ways to save money without sacrificing comfort or luxury.  The Traveling Professor is happy to pass on his Top 5 Ways to Save Money on to you.

Last year, my flight from Philadelphia to Dallas was cancelled due to bad weather.  My overnight hotel and meal costs were about $175.  In Peru last year a traveler twisted a knee and needed medical attention.  A Paris traveler needed a few stitches because of a small accident.  We had a traveler to Italy and another to Peru that needed to cancel due to illness.  And another traveler, traveling alone, broke his hip in Paris and needed private plane transportation, at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars, to be treated in the United States.  All of the costs associated with these incidents can be covered with travel insurance.  But now, a credit card may cover you, without needing to go out and purchase additional insurance.

Everyone who travels buys souvenirs.   Where is the best place to get them?  What are the best souvenirs?  What should I NOT buy as a souvenir. What makes a thoughtful souvenir?    In today's blog post, Debbie Damato tells everything anyone would want to know about getting souvenirs on your next trip.

The Traveling Professor has taken small group tours to Iceland (that means about 12-14) travelers for some time now.  I can tell you first-hand, a trip to Iceland is fun and refreshing.  It seems as if travel to Iceland is increasing year after year.  I am going to tell you why Iceland, despite what you might think, is the "hottest" travel destination of 2016 and beyond.

I've been to Italy many times.  I've seen Rome, Florence, Padua, Siena, Venice, Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, Lucca and many other places multiple times.  The Traveling Professor has dined in a lot of places but in today's blog post I list my three favorite places in Italy for lunch.  We always visit them on my The Traveling Professor's small group tours and if you come with me, I will take you to these places.  But if you go on your own, don't pass on this trio of authentic and delicious Italian restaurants for the best lunch in Italy.

People who go on The Traveling Professor's small group tours are busy people.  I am often amazed by how much energy they have, even after spending a day at Versailles, Notre Dame, Montmartre, or the Louvre.  My friends at "Theater in Paris" have developed a great concept that will make any visit to Paris even more enjoyable and interesting.