Do it, see it and visit for free

Take a walking tour

We've already told you about the many benefits of seeing a place on foot, including the low cost. You can download materials from the internet or pick up free brochures at your destination to guide you on your way. Many historical programs or volunteer organizations also host guided tours, if you know where to look for them. For more information, see Your Guide to Walking Tours.

Cycle in the city

Looking to pick up the pace? Cycling is growing in popularity and offers many of the same benefits of walking, but with a little more speed. According to a recent article on MSNBC, many major European cities such as Copenhagen and Helsinki offer free bicycle sharing programs. Other cities such as Paris, Rome and Vienna do charge for rentals, but the first half-hour is usually free and day- or week-long passes are reasonably priced and often cheaper than taking a taxi or the subway. Watch for this trend to make inroads Canadian and U.S. cities in the near future.

You can even make cycling a major part of your vacation. Many airlines, buses, and trains let you bring your own bike onboard as for free in an effort to promote environmentally-friendly practices. Many cities offer bike trails and paths, and self-guided bike tours and travel guides are appearing online. Look for guides such as Air Canada's onAir which has a Paris by Bicycle route or contact a local cycling organization for ideas.