Miss Thrifty

Ah Paris, Paris, how je t’adore! Even though I speak French like Del Boy.

This competition has been organised by Paris Ile-de-France Tours, and you can enter by visiting the competition page and filling out your details. You also have to answer some questions, but they aren’t very difficult as, erm, every question also contains a link to the correct answer.

The prize draw is only open until Sunday (21 December), so get in there quick!

The winner gets a long weekend in the city, which includes the following: (more…)

SKY Travel is running a competition to win a week’s holiday in “one of the best ski and snowboard destinations in the world”.

The winner and his/her guest gets to stay in the Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa in the Canadian Rockies. The prize also includes return flights to Calgary from London Heathrow, car hire, ski lift passes and equipment rental. 

To enter, fill out this form at the SKY Travel website. To enter, you must be a UK resident aged 18 or over.

The closing date is 20 December 2008.

The Guardian is running a competition to win a week’s skiing holiday in the South Tyrol (the Italian Alps) in February 2009. The prize includes return flights from a UK airport, accommodation in a 4-star “wellness resort” and two six-day lift passes.

UK residents are eligible; the competition page has further details. All you have to do is fill out your name and contact details online. The competition closes on 11 December.

Hey! My post about our forthcoming Thrifty Roadtrip has just made Editor’s Pick at the 35th Money Hacks Carnival!

Thanks to My Two Dollars for organising a great carnival this week, with lots of pictures of steam trains. You can’t go wrong with the Old West.

Also in the carnival: I really enjoyed Lisa at Condo Blues’ post about budget-friendly household cleaners. Lots of white vinegar, baking soda - and crystal clear instructions on cleaning floors, counters and dishes. This tip was new on me:

Vinegar in the Jet Dry container of the dishwasher. Vinegar works to keep spots off the glasses just like Jet Dry, Cascade, or a store brand-sheeting agent. Actually, I think vinegar has better sheeting action and keeps water spots from forming on my glasses. Who knew?

There’s a great piece in today’s Sunday Times travel section, about holidaying in the beautiful Lake District and staying in barns. 

It’s a new initiative, set up by Lakeland Camping Barns. The facilities are basic, but you get a roof over your heads and beautiful surroundings. Best of all, the tariff is just £7 per person, per night. That’s less than youth hostels charge! Cooked breakfasts are extra - and families with under-fives are welcomed.

Check it out: (more…)