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Travel TipsGroup TravelEurope on Your OwnShould you see Europe with a group tour or independently? Our article discusses
  the pros and cons of each.
 Rick Steves on Group Travel
  (Interview)The guidebook author and TV travel host gives an insider's perspective (with 
  warnings) on escorted tours. Also see our related review of his book, 
  Postcards
  from Europe.
 LanguagesHide This French Book 101Hide This Spanish Book 101
 Berlitz has published "a countdown of the 101 hottest expressions" in two 
languages. The inexpensive books make great bon voyage or buen viaje 
gifts for hip travelers and semester- or year-abroad students.
 PetsEurope for Pets Know the facts about European pet travel before bringing Fido or Fifi.
 PhotographyThe Ultimate Camera Bag for TravelersMartin Billingham of England has designed a nearly perfect hybrid of a camera 
  bag and travel tote.
 The Ultimate Travel 
Camera?Archived article:
A low-end photographer takes a high-end 35mm camera to Europe.
 ShoppingTax-Free ShoppingSpend enough money in a European shop, and you may be entitled to a refund of
Value-Added Tax (VAT). Here's how it works.
 Paris ShoppingAn illustrated review of Through The Windows of Paris: Fifty Unique Shops,
by Michael Webb.
 The Riches of ParisA review of Meribeth Clemente's The Riches of Paris: A Shopping and Touring
Guide, with excerpts and links to other resources on Paris and shopping in
Europe.
 SmokingSmoking in Europe  The stereotype of ubiquitous Gitanes and Gauloises is fading, thanks to indoor smoking 
bans in an increasing number of Western European countries.
 TelephonesTalk AbroadIf you're visiting from abroad and touring more than one country, the National 
Geographic Talk Abroad SIM card is a convenient way to travel with your GSM 
phone.
 National 
Geographic Travel PhoneCellular Abroad offers rental phones for U.S. travelers that provide affordable 
roaming in Europe. The phone includes both U.S. and European phone numbers 
(including your home number, if you wish).
 Vintage TravelPacking for Europe in 1966Forget your travel stereotypes about the Swinging Sixties. To the parents of 
North America's 
hippie generation, packing for Europe was more about suitcases and foundation 
garments than backpacks or tie-dyed t-shirts.
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