Long Distance calling card makes you save money when you are away from home. About 60% less than hotel calls. The card works worldwide.
> BOOK YOUR HOTEL
Hotels in Lustenau, St Gallen and surrounding areas.
Looking at a map, St gallen and Lustenau are very nearby. St Gallen is in Switzerland and Lustenau in Austria, just on the border.
That's where all african laces manufacturers are. If you want to sleep one night, you are better off staying on the Austrian side as you' ll get more for your money.
In Lustenau, the choice is rather narrow as it's a small village, and hotels go up and down from one year to another. As a foreigner, I experienced not so warm welcome in several places I checked there.
It is a better bet to stay in Dornbirn, a city 5 minutes away from Lustenau, or to go to Bregenz, which is the largest city nearby, where you can enjoy the border walk by the lake.
We selected two hotels, including a four stars at less than $100 per night. Considering the exchange rate, it's a VERY good deal.
The hotel is by the lake, right in the center of the city and has a Casino with a very good restaurant.
You will experience something very "Austrian" from your trip if you decide to stay there. With the shopping streets just a walk away, it's going to be very easy to buy a few things before getting back home.
****Hotel Martinspark in Dornbirn, Austria room rate average $130 A few minutes from Lustenau where all African laces manufacturers are situated. The Martinspark features contemporary architecture, and the oval-shaped lobby has an unusual water sculpture by a local artist. Practical amenities include a room service menu, currency exchange and complimentary garage parking.
****Hotel Mercure in Bregenz, Austria room rate average $100 20 minutes from Lustenau where all African laces manufacturers are situated. The Mercure Bregenz City is a contemporary hotel set in lush green gardens by beautiful Lake Constance in the centre of the Austrian's Bregenz. Definitly the best value for money in the whole area.
>BOOK YOUR FLY TO EUROPE
If you fly from New York, Chicago, Washington, you can try Austrian Airlines as they have deals starting $680 return all included ( Included taxes : such a mess to figure out the real cost of a ticket ! ). Look for the so called red tickets offers.
Be flexible on the dates as well and book enough time in advance to get the best rates.
However, your best bet is Air France or its skyteam partners in the US. Wherever you are in the USA, you can book as skyteam covers all the continental US. Then you can sort out pretty good deals $720 from Philadelphia and even less than $600 from NY to Zurich return
To visit the lace's manufacturers in Lustenau, your destination is Zurich, Switzerland. From there, you can take a train inside the airport to go to Sank Margaretten, just a couple of kilometers away from Lustenau.
Taking about safety in the airports, you will be surprised : Europe is not as tight for safety as in the USA. However, soldiers are patroling the airports terminals, and this even before September 2001.
Arriving at the airports, do not book an unlicensed cab driver. You might end up being charged more than with a regular cab driver, regardless what they say.
Eventually, for the exchange rate, the best way is still to get American Express Traveler Checks or to cash money with your credit cards depending your bank rates for international cash withdraw. The worst option is to change cash at a counter.
When you buy your fly, try to look for your own insurance, and not the one proposed by the Airline company. Airline company are not insurance company : they take their commission. Your own insurance will give you a better protection if you loose you baggages, credit cards or wallet.
Eventually, think about getting an international calling card ahead of your trip : this will definitly save you a bunch of $.
Have a good safe trip !
If you intend to travel within a a couple of European countries ( Let's say from UK to Switzerland ), then it might be a good idea to buy a "Pass" from the States.
The exchange rate plays on your side. The Pass will allow you to travel within Euorpe by train free and it comes cheaper than buying tickets the one after the other.
If you plan just to buy a ticket from Zurich to the lace's manufacturer place, you don't need it : just buy at the counter. It won't cost much.
Otherwise, try to experience the fast train. It's faster than any Disney Park's attraction !
