The hidden prize of your low-budget trip to a European city is simple: the free walking tour. The group that puts on these donation-based tours is Sandeman´s Europe, an organization that is determined to help out student travelers who might not typically be able to afford any sort of guided tour.

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So silent we could hear the ringing in our ears, Katja and I wandered the empty streets in bewilderment.    

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Remember when your parents told you not to talk to people you don't know? I wonder if that applies to the time I carpooled with strangers while abroad.

Mitfahrgelegenheit (carpooling in German) is one of the few instances when you have a reason to talk to strangers. Mom and Dad, I am still here, and no, our driver didn’t lure us in with candy. 

Lara, my German friend, contacted our ride the day before with a simple, “20 euros one way, deal. Amsterdam in 5 hours—here we go!”

How we found our ride? It starts online here.

The site includes more than six countries where travelers and commuters can post inquiries for rides (both if you’re in search for a ride or if you're in search for passengers). It’s like Craigslist for travelers and commuters. 

With over 3.5 million registered users from Germany, Great Britain, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Poland, and Greece, users can stumble upon a trip that embraces the beauty of this weird yet socially acceptable excuse to meet people.

Over 170,824 friendships and six marriages have resulted from this carpooling venture since 2011, according to the company's website.  Likewise, it’s a great way to cut down on travel-related environmental damage. Through 16 million trips, over 530,000 tons of carbon dioxide have been saved!

Our experience with the service was incredible—I couldn't have put a price tag on blasting some Bob Marley with our ultra-reggae Dutch Guyana driver and sharing good stories on the road.   

If you’re the type that’s finds roadtripping, the kindness of strangers, and spontaneity exciting, then this is for you!

Check out some of our favorite places to celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve, both near and far. These videos and book excerpts will get you into the spirit faster than you can say "Auld Lang Syne."

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Hey Let's Go fans! We're in the business of connecting travelers to all the information they could possibly need to enjoy themselves while abroad. To that end, we've partnered with with our fellow travel bloggers at Pause the Moment.

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