Free and low-cost things to do in 15 European countries

The continent of Europe is just a short flight away. And with America becoming a tad more expensive thanks to (at the time of writing) a strengthening dollar, European countries are becoming more appealing as holiday or short break destinations. With the recession still in full swing and looking like it will continue for at least another two years, Europe can also be a low cost destination and are many cost cutting measures to make the trip more affordable.

Here are some insiders' tips on saving money in Europe; see www.visiteurope.com for more.

Austria: If you fly on Austrian Airline, you can use your boarding card to get massively reduced or free entrance to Viennese attractions and cultural institutions such as the Kunsthistoriches Museum, Leopold Museum, Mozarthaus Wien, the U4 Discotheque and more. They've also added free entry to the Wine Museum Burgenland. For details, log onto www.aua.com and click on "All about the flight."                     A gite in France

Croatia: Staying in private accommodation along the Croatian coast gives excellent value for money in rooms or apartments, which can be a great deal for families and small groups.

Also available are self-catering authentic accommodations like stone houses and farmhouses. Check out sites like www.adriagate.com for more information.

The Karlskirche in Vienna

Britain: Often overlooked by Irish holiday makers due to promimity BUT Britain offers great value and a wide range of activities. While sterling is gaining on the euro at the moment careful planning can help alleviate financial concerns. For instance, admission to more than 250 national museums and galleries in Britain is free such as London's National Gallery and Scotland’s Royal Museum, the national museum system is easily the best deal in Britain. The Great British Heritage Pass enables visitors to explore Britain's historic sites with unlimited entry to nearly 600 castles, stately homes and gardens in England, Scotland and Wales. The pass is available for four, seven, 15 and 30 days, provides exceptional savings and can be purchased online a twww.visitbritain.com/onlineshop.

Finland: In addition to familiar sights such as the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, the Olympic Stadium, Linnanmäki Amusement Park and Helsinki Zoo, the Helsinki Card offers free entry to most museums, complimentary use of the city's trams, shopping discounts and more (www.helsinkiexpert.fi).                                 The Seurasaari open air museum in Finland

France: Budget-minded travellers leave big cities behind for rural areas where costs are lower. In the French countryside, affordable accommodations that also offer authentic regional heritage are found in the Logis de France (www.logisdefrance.com). With more than 3,000 independent establishments, they combine modern facilities in authentic settings with regionally inspired cuisine. Prices include breakfast; the half-board option allows an additional choice of lunch or dinner. The Gîtes de France (www.gites-de-france.com) are a collection of low-cost self-catering rural house rental properties, B&Bs, campsites and chalet villages.

Germany: On a budget? Then consider Bavaria for an affordable vacation with medieval castles, small towns and unspoiled natural beauty. The regions of Gamisch-Partenkirchen, Chiemsee, Ruhpolding and Berchtesgaden offer special family packages that include free entrance to the region's greatest attractions. Family-friendly and great-value hotels are plentiful and offer special deals (www.berchtesgadener-land.com, www.ruhpolding.de, www.garmisch-partenkirchen.de).

Holland: The Amsterdam Card provides free public transportation, free entrance to most major attractions, a free canal ride and many discounts. See www.iamsterdamcard.com.

Hungary: The Hungary Card is a veritable tourism gold mine, giving huge discounts not only on transportation by land and water, museum entrance fees, restaurants and accommodations, but also on baths, spas and entertainment (www.hungarycard.hu).

Italy: Your secret weapon against high hotel prices in Italy is www.rentalo.com, an online directory of apartments and villas that makes it possible for couples, groups of friends and even large families to afford Italy. Rome apartments for $133 a night, Venice villas for $435 a night, a Tuscany farmhouse for $110 a night or an Umbria castle apartment for $144 a night -- they're all there, complete with all the fantasy views, historic charm and all the modern comforts you could desire.

Monaco: Bargains in Monaco? You must be joking right?  In fact you can get discounts of as much as 50 per cent -- begins with a bid and a click. The Monaco Government Tourist Office and Le Club Diamant Rouge's www.MonacoAuction.com is the premiere online auction marketplace for luxury travel within the Principality. Also check out  (www.clubdiamantrouge.com), for complimentary helicopter transfer to or from Nice Airport and free entry to Monaco's Casino, museums and other attractions.

Portugal: Portugal is one Europe's biggest bargains. The 65-year-old network of Portuguese pousadas, ranging from 18th-century manor houses to former convents, monasteries, castles and palaces, offers economical lodgings. Significant savings over regular rates are built into the Pousada Passport offering four-night vouchers and car rental packages. Last-minute deals and Golden Age discounts for travellers over 55 are also available at www.pousadasofportugal.com/passport.html.

Slovenia: With the Ljubljana Tourist Card you can experience the sights and tastes and enjoy many special offers and privileges. Priced at €12.52 for three days (72 hours), the card includes: free travel on all city buses, admittance to museums and galleries and a city guidebook. Save up to 35 per cent on accommodation (hotels, hostels), taxi and car rentals, guided city tours, city events, souvenirs, restaurants, bars and selected boutiques (www.ljubljana-tourism.si).

Sweden: The Stockholm à la Carte hotel package offers bed, breakfast and the Stockholm à la Carte card with unlimited free transportation on buses, subway and commuter trains, seven free boat tours, free admission at 60 sights and attractions, a 156-page guidebook and more. Included with every reservation at no cost, the card is valid during the entire stay (www.destination-stockholm.com). And here's a great secret:

Switzerland: One of the best deals in Switzerland is the SWISS Railway Pass, which gives free entry to about 400 museums and exhibitions and free travel to children under 15. Rail passes are valid on some outstanding but expensive private mountain railways like the Glacier Express and on lake steamers. In addition, pass holders get a 50 per cent discount on the famous Jungfrau Railway and also on many mountain cable cars up the Schilthorn, Pilatus, Gornergrat or Klein Matterhorn, for example. There are more than 200 Swiss Budget Hotels, offering authentic, homey hospitality -- traditional Switzerland at its very best (www.rooms.ch).

Turkey: Take in a "Blue Cruise" exploring Turkey's unspoiled coastline. Designed like traditional Aegean sailing boats, Turkish gulets provide accommodation, meals and personal service at affordable rates, either as a cabin charter or private charter for friends or families. Sites typically include the private beach of Cleopatra, Mount Olympus and the remains of ancient civilizations. Private crewed yacht charters start at under €300 per day, a good value when divided among six or more people. Standards are generally very high with a three-man crew of captain, cook and sailor, who are also quite knowledgeable about locales on the itinerary. For more information, see www.yachtingturkey.com