Sitting at a cafe terrace in Paris, and watching people passing by while sipping on your Perrier water is not something you want to miss. But here comes the check, and with it the question: should I tip, and how much?

The check is all inclusive

Unlike in America, cafes and restaurants in Paris directly include a 15% service charge in your check. This is required by French law as tips are assessed for taxation purposes.

The 15% service charge is clearly itemized on your check, on top of the VAT tax (a French version of the sales tax). The words ?Service compris? (Tip included) indicate that the tip has already been included in the total to be paid.

The good news is that prices rated on the menus are all-inclusive: they include both the 15% tip and the sales tax. There is no last-minute unholy surprise when you are given your check. What you saw on the menu is what you get charged, no hidden extras.

No further tipping?

A small extra-tip will be well received, of course. It is a way to show you liked how your waiter took care of you. This is not an obligation though.

Small extra tips are also welcome because they go directly into your waiter?s pockets. Oftentimes the 15% service charge goes to a common pot which is divided at the end of the day amongst all waiters. Some bar owners may also retain a portion or the entirety of the service charge: French law does not require that service charges be given back to waiters. So your waiter might not even see a dime of it.

In any case, you are under no obligation to extra tip. You paid your dues when you paid your check.

How much should the extra tip be?

Extra tips may range from just a couple of Euro dimes for a coffee or a soft drink, to 1-5 euros for a lunch or dinner. A nice ?Thank You? is 5 to 10% of the total check. But once again, there is no obligation, and no steadfast rule as far as the percentage goes.

How do you tip elsewhere?

In many cases, tips are a valuable income supplement for their recipients.

Take taxi drivers for instance: the average salary of a taxi driver employed by a cab company is about ?1,400 a month, which in Paris is more or less equivalent to a $2,500 salary in NYC. These guys put in 10 hours a day. Some years ago, they used to work 14-15 hours a day, 6 days a week, to make more income. French law forbids them to do so today. So they appreciate your tip all the way: 5-10% of your fare is a good rule of thumb.

At the theater, tip the lady usher: a couple of euros is fine at the opera house [these ladies are also paid on the evening programs they sell, 50 euro cents is good at the movie theaters. Years ago, the lady ushers were not even paid by movie theater operators. They lived on tips only. Even if they are on a salary today, it is doubtful they earn more than the minimum wage.

At your hotel, your porter will appreciate a euro per bag.

At expensive restaurants, classical concert venues, and discos, coat ladies usually take care of your belongings. Tip them a euro per large item when you retrieve your coats.

At the museum, you may leave a couple of euros to your guide if you went through a guided tour.

In summary

These are guidelines based on experience and custom. They are in no way a uniform code of conduct. These advices are also applicable elsewhere in France. In other French regions, where the standard of living is lower than in Paris, tips are even more construed as a mark of generosity.

In the final analysis, tipping is just that: a sign of your generosity and of your appreciation of the level of service you have just received.

(This article has been written in collaboration with Vincent Ramelli, a regular contributor to Paris-Eiffel-Tower-News.com, a Paris-born writer, and a specialist of the city.)

***About the Author***

Phil Chavanne shares many useful advices on how to visit Paris. His travel guide offers free information about Paris hotels, restaurants, tours, museums, and other sites.

You may be ready for your trip to Boston, but is your bank account? As one of the most expensive cities in the country, Boston can quickly deplete your vacation funds. The average hotel cost per night in 2004 according to the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau is $187. Now imagine all your other expenses added on top of that.

Here?s some ways to hold on to that cash:

1. Consider booking a hotel just outside the city.

Brookline and Cambridge are two nice cities that come to mind. You can easily hop on the ?T? for a short ride and take it into Boston and back each day. You can save a large chunk of change depending on how long you are staying on your trip.

2. Check out the prices of flights arriving into Providence.

It is only a 50-minute bus ride to Boston. Southwest Airlines, which can offer significantly lower rates, does not fly directly into Boston so what you?ll lose in convenience, you?ll gain in savings.

3. Book a package deal.

Websites such as Orbitz.com, Hotels.com, Expedia.com, and Travelocity.com all offer packages that will save you money by purchasing air and hotel together. You may even want to check directly with the hotel to see if they are offering a lower rate than advertised online.

4. Stay at a local B&B or rent a furnished apartment.

Normally, they end up being cheaper and give you a better feel of what living in Boston is really like. Two companies that offer many prime Boston locations are The Bed and Breakfast Agency of Boston (http://www.boston-bnbagency.com/) and The Bed and Breakfast Associates Bay Colony (http://www.bnbboston.com/).

5. Ride the MBTA (also known as the ?T?).

This is the subway and bus system that covers all of Boston. Driving and parking in Boston can be frustrating and expensive. If you plan on seeing many sights, you can pick up a visitor pass for a flat fee of $7.50 for one day, $18 for three days, or $35 for seven days. Most rides are $1.25 otherwise.

6. Buy a Boston CityPass (http://www.citypass.com/).

This allows you to see six of Boston?s most famous attractions for 50% off the price and avoid the ticket lines. You can purchase this pass online or at the first attraction you visit for $36.75 for adults and $25.50 for youths. These include the Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Skywalk Observatory, Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the JFK Library & Museum.

7. Spend time at the free attractions.

You can enjoy the street performers and browse the shops at Quincy Market. Go for a walk on the Freedom Trail. Spend time in Boston Common, the oldest US park. Ride its famous swan boats for under three dollars. Go to the Harvard University Art Museums on Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 Noon to receive free admission. Other museums offer specials as well so check their websites.

8. Use coupons.

Check with your travel company or with the hotel you are staying at for specials and coupons. When I booked my trip to Las Vegas through Expedia.com, I was given a booklet at my hotel with numerous discounts throughout the city. If you are a member of AAA, give them a call to see what deals they offer. You can even check an attractions main website.

Follow these tips above and you can save significantly on your upcoming trip to Boston. Enjoy!

Courtesy of Metrowestlistings.com, http://www.metrowestlistings.com

Looking to move to Massachusetts? We feature information and listings of the Metrowest area which includes Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Franklin, Grafton, Medway, Millis, Natick, Northborough, Southborough, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, Westborough, Wayland, Upton and more.

Bologna, a capital of Emilia-Romagna province has a lot of nicknames ? ?scientific Bologna?, ?city of hundred towers?, ?city of galleries? and ?fat Bologna?. It?s a unique city keeping the monuments of different epochs.

Originally Bologna was an Etruscan town with the name Felsina. When the Romans captured the city in 189 it received the name Bolonia and step by step became one the important centers of the Empire. Nero paid special attention to the city and during his rule a lot of new buildings were raised. From the 11th century Bologna experienced a significant economic rise. It was part of the Lega Lombarda under Federico Barbarossa.

In the Middle Ages Bologna became an educational and scientific center of Europe due to its University ? the first in Europe. Among its famous students are Dante Alighieri, Petrarca and Boccaccio.

During the Napoleonic period Bologna became the capital of the Repubblica Cispadana and it was a period of flourishing. The city has also played an important role in the Risorgimento, the Italian movement for independence and unification. Finally, in 1859 the city voted joined Piedmont and became a part of united Italy.

Bologna is widely known for its food ? gourmets come here to taste the most famous local delicacies such as pasta, Parmesan cheese, Bolognese veal cutlet and mortadella ? notorious Bolognese sausage.

Elegant arcades otherwise called porticos adorn the city and have become the symbols of Bologna. Common length of these porticos is about 35 kilometers. They protect from rain, snow of sizzling sun.

Another symbols of the city are two falling towers – Asinelli (98 meters height) and Garizenda (48 meters height). Asinelli tower was built in XII century. The second tower was constructed a few years later but bended very soon because of the strong storm.

Bologna is an important center for fairs and exhibitions – its Fiera District (exhibitions) is considered to be the 2nd in Italy and the 4th in Europe. Among important events held in Bologna are Motorshow (probably the best in the world), Saie, Saiedue and Cersaie, (buildings), Cosmoprof (beauty culture, named the most important of its kind in all the World), Lineapelle and a lot of others.

Like in the whole Italy Catholicism plays an important role in the city and several magnificent Catholic Cathedral emphasize this fact quite clear. Basilica di San Petronio received its name after the city’s patron saint. The construction began in 1392 but, for political reasons, was never finished.

The Basilica di Santo Stefano presents a group of four churches remaining from an original seven.

Basilica Santuario della Madonna di San Luca is a hill-top sanctuary visible from most parts of Bologna. It was built in the 18th century and is connected to the city walls by the world’s longest portico, or covered walkway, made up of 666 (!) arches.

For booking a hotel in Bologna, please, go to Bologna hotels page

For booking a hotel in any other city, please, go to Hotel reservation site

When you decide to visit Spain, Barcelona should be on the top of the list of the cities worth visiting. It?s the most unusual and the least Spanish city in the whole country.

Barcelona is one of the largest cities in Spain and one of the main tourist destinations. It?s also the capital of Catalonia, a province with its own language and big ambitions.

Millions of visitors Barcelona receives every year, are attracted by the original architecture and live attitude.

The conditions for tourist in the whole travel infrastructure are perfect. Barcelona has more than 300 hotels, like Madrid, but the capital of the Spain is twice as big as Barcelona.

When you think of Barcelona architectural attractions Antonio Gaudi buildings are the first things that come to mind. The best known is his unfinished structure ? Sagrada Familia (the Holy Family) cathedral. This masterpiece of the architectural thought has became the symbol of the city. Its image adorns the postcards, photos and travel guides devoted to Barcelona.

Barcelona has small Gaudi museum – in Apartment and office block – La Pedrera, – also of his work. His style is unmistakable and is noted for clear, bright colors and the untraditional lines.

Old city with almost two thousand years history, Barcelona survived its rises and falls. After Roman and later Arabian invasions, in Middle Ages Barcelona became one of the most significant cities of the Mediterranean. If you like to sink into the medieval atmosthere, you can visit the houses of the nobility, which still adorn the centre of Barcelona.

Don?t forget shopping when you come to Barcelona. Its most famous shopping street La Rambla (also called Las Ramblas) has the numerous amount of the prestigious boutiques and the small shops with the works of the local craftsmen.

Barcelona has gained its glory not only by its architecture, but by the people born in the city too. Pablo Picasso, Juan Miro, Jose Carreras, Montserrat Caballe and the above-mentioned Antonio Gaudi – are the greatest Barcelona citizens.

One of the unique attractions in Barcelona is Barcelona Aquarium. It?s the biggest aquarium in Europe with more than 300 species of the sea fauna. 80-meters tunnel goes under the huge oceanarium with sharks and the rare fishes.

Barcelona is also one of the Spanish sport centers. Its stadium ?Nou Camp? (or ?Camp Nou?) is considered to be one of the best stadiums in the country, and Barcelona clubs (football and basketball) are always among the leaders of the Spanish championships.

Barcelona warm climate makes the city a very popular destination for summer trips and beach holidays. The most of the beaches are situated around the Olympic Village, built in 1992 for the Olympic games. The only problem is that they are often overcrowded.

If you like to book hotel, please visit Barcelona hotels

Liverpool is a city located in the north west of England. The city rests to the east of the Mersey Estuary and it boasts a population of 444,500. The Borough of Liverpool was founded by King John?s Charter in 1207 and the city quickly developed a firm reputation as one of Britain?s busiest ports. By the beginning of the 19th century, the city was receiving 40% of the world?s passing trade. The wealth that Liverpool generated at this time is still apparent in the numerous impressive buildings dotted along the docks and harbour. In fact, the city?s waterfront was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004.

Liverpool?s rich history offers visitors some fascinating attractions as it is home to over 2,500 listed buildings, a large number of public sculptures and numerous beautiful Georgian houses. Just a few of the city?s abundant attractions include: The Anglican Cathedral, which was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, and features the world?s largest organ and highest and heaviest peal of bells. Another essential attraction is the Tate Liverpool, a modern art gallery located on the beautiful and historic Albert Dock. Another popular landmark is the Philharmonic Dining Rooms (known locally as ?The Phil?). The building?s exterior features stunning Art Nouveau architecture, while the interior features Art Deco designs. The Phil was a popular hangout spot for Liverpool?s most famous sons, The Beatles.

The city is home to three universities and as a result it hosts a vibrant and youthful population. Liverpool is a cosmopolitan, bustling city, which features a wide variety of shops, restaurants and bars to suit all tastes. For sport fans, Liverpool also proudly boasts two Premier League football clubs: Everton F.C. and Liverpool F.C., who play at Goodison Park and Anfield, respectively. Popular excursions from Liverpool include a visit to the historic city of Chester, just 40 minutes away, and a relaxing trip to the sandy beaches of West Kirby.

Dara Ward is a fanatical Liverpool F.C fan. He also manages Hotels in Liverpool along with many other travel Irish and UK websites including Hotels in Manchester.

The smallest state in the United States has the rather unwieldy name of The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations! Popularly known as Rhode Island, this picturesque part of the New England region is also called the Ocean State because you could be standing anywhere and yet be less than 30 miles away from the sea!

Apart from drawing droves of well-heeled citizens to its beautiful homes every summer, Rhode Island also has a place in American history. It was one of the 13 colonies that began the American Revolution in a bid for independence from the British. Bordered by Massachusetts and Connecticut on three sides, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, the state is actually a collection of more than 30 islands situated in Narragansett Bay. Aquidneck Island, on which the city of Newport is located, is the largest island in the Bay, while others include the popular Block Island and the charmingly named Hope and Prudence.

The majority of Rhode Island?s inhabitants is white, and the state has a strong presence of Americans of Italian and Portuguese descent. As a result the state also has the highest percentage of Catholics in the U.S. Culturally diverse, Rhode Island is also home to a large percentage of people with Irish, English and French ancestry. Their influences, ranging from language to cuisine, mingle to create a unique ethos quite unlike that in other New England states.

The capital of Rhode Island is Providence, a city full of architectural marvels. Other prominent cities include Warwick, Cranston, and Central Falls. Several scenic little towns dot the landscape, attracting a large number of tourists. Most of the population is engaged in agriculture, metal fabrication, jewelry manufacturing, and ship- and boat-building. The state is also home to a number of prestigious schools including Brown University, the Rhode Island School of Design, and Providence College.

The state motto is ?Hope?, while the state drink is coffee ? sure shot indications that the people of this state do not believe in sitting around letting the grass grow under their feet!

Rhode Island provides detailed information on Rhode Island, Newort, Rhode Island, Providence, Rhode Island, Rhode Island Hotels and more. Rhode Island is affiliated with Cape Cod Hotels.