If you’re planning to travel to Europe, and you want to go in style, you need to find out, as soon as possible, where you can buy the best-priced tickets for flights overseas.  Remember that since September 11, 2001, overseas airport security has tightened by about ten times its original intensity.  Be sure to plan your flight carefully and read all instructions provided by the airline.  You’ll definitely want to stay at a bed-and-breakfast if you’re planning on visiting France, Spain, or Italy.  Some of these family-run inns or “auberges” offer really splendid deals for two people.  Many of them welcome children and even pets.  It’s really the best way to explore on your own and get a feel for the lifestyles, much unlike staying, for example, at a huge Hilton or Maritim Hotel where you dine anonymously with hundreds of others and the service isn’t—well, isn’t quite as personal!  You can also bring picnic food to some of these bed-and-breakfasts; occasionally they have kitchenettes for cooking your own meals, often referred to as self-catering facilities.  Sometimes it’s wisest to choose a location that’s reasonable driving or even biking distance from the spot you want most to visit.  Bon voyage!