TRAVEL NEWS

Here are 16 ways to enjoy world-class art and culture while sticking to a budget.

So you might not have the cash for that $450 million Da Vinci painting, but that doesn’t mean you’re excluded from New York City’s cultural scene. As it turns out, art and culture in one of the most expensive cities in the world doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag. Lovers of the visual, literary, and performing arts will find plenty to do without spending wads of cash. From rush ticket options to free admission days, here are 16 ways to enjoy performances, exhibitions, and events on a budget. Related: The Best Things to Do in New York City

Your guide to getting caffeinated in the English capital.

It’s undeniable that London has some of the best coffee in the world. Whether it’s a strong brew with a spectacular view or a single-origin, hand-roasted coffee by some of the city’s most creative baristas, there is exceptional coffee to be had in the British capital. Of course, you can’t come to England without sampling the staple tea that punctuates most Britons’ days, either, and at these top London cafés, you can try both for a well-rounded view of the city’s caffeine scene.

Forget the old stereotype that the French are rude.

The French have a reputation for being difficult with foreigners. A good amount of that reputation is likely thanks to the Hollywood stereotype—typically in the form of stock characters like a snooty maître d’, femme fatale, or mendacious lothario. To be sure, most visitors to France have at least one story of a run-in or misunderstanding with the French. Sometimes these are honest cultural misunderstandings, while in others, it may just be bad luck—humans are complex beings with complex emotions, and we all have our frustrating moments. That said, some social graces are particularly helpful in France and her overseas departments (other Francophone countries may also have similar social norms). These cues may not be as important in many larger, well-touristed cities. In Paris especially, many tourism industry workers may not be French and are intimately familiar with American habits (several years ago, Paris published a booklet for tourism workers on visitors’ cultural differences and expectations). However, these cues can be good habits for smooth travel among the French.

Don't waste your layover at the airport.

For the last eight years, Dubai International has been the busiest airport in the world in terms of people transiting through. It makes sense, considering Dubai can be reached from more than 200 destinations (in 100+ countries) around the world. It’s safe to say if you’re a frequent flier, you’ll probably have a layover there at some point. And chances are, it may be a long one. While the Dubai airport is nice (and the lounges, especially the Emirates ones, are genuinely stellar), you’d be remiss to spend your stopover there. There’s so much to see and do in the thriving metropolis, even if only for a few hours. Read on for the best ways to make the most of your Dubai layover.