5 Reader Tips to Help Beat the Heat

It hasn't only been the United States enjoying a renaissance in intercity bus service. Europe is also seeing a rise of carriers such as Megabus, with cheap fares and fancy new buses equipped with Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and plusher seats. In the past few months, the route between Paris and London has been experiencing a boom in fancy, yet still affordable, coach service. Ticket prices are usually $70 one-way or less, cheaper than flying or taking the Eurostar train, though you have to be patient: the journey typically takes about nine hours. Some bus lines use the Eurotunnel vehicle shuttle service (meaning the bus sits on a train car, essential), while other lines requires a trip on a ferry, which gives a mid-way break for walking around and catching some air. A typical peak-season summer ticket will have a standard price of £47, which at current exchange rates is $70, for most days and times. Occasional peak season tickets will max out at £60 or about $93. Those bus ticket prices are consistently less than the comparable Eurostar train ticket cost which is about three times as much ($173 one-way) during peak summer travel. British Airways flights are slightly faster than in the train in the air, though slower once you add in time at the airport, and cost about $140 one-way when booked in advance. Another perk: Optional night bus service also allows you to skip on the cost of lodging for one night. Here's a round-up of the new bus service between London and Paris. iDBUS On July 23, a new coach service between London and Paris launches, featuring perks such as more-than-usual legroom, free Wi-Fi, and 220V/100W power sockets. Operated by France's state-owned railway company SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français). Where does it stop?: In Paris, it is the Paris Bercy station, two miles southwest of Notre Dame Cathedral. In London, the stop is at a sheltered waiting area at London's central Victoria Coach Station (a major bus terminal that's a five minute walk from Victoria rail station and Buckingham Palace Gardens). Nice touches: You can choose your exact seat assignment on each 48-seat bus, seats come with reading tables similar to a tray, and each bus comes with two screens showing the bus's updated arrival time based on its GPS-coordinates. Promotions: Starting July 11, the website will give away one-way tickets for only five euros each that need to be used by the end of the year. This promotion should cover a third of the capacity of coaches. The company will also run a buy-three-seats-get-your-fourth-seat free offer, which are best for families. Onward connections: The turquoise, white, and purple iDBUSes will also serve Brussels and Amsterdam. idbus.co.uk Megabus In April, the bus company Stagecoach launched the same Megabus service that's conquered the US on the route between London and Paris; the journey can cost as little as $4 one way if you book a ticket during an online sale. The highest one-way fare is £40, or about $62. Where does it stop? London's Victoria Coach Station and Paris's Porte Maillot coach park, about eight miles from the centre, yet on the Metro subway line. Nice touches Video screens and free headsets for passengers who want to watch movies without disturbing other passengers. The 50-seat, double-decker buses also come with WiFi and power outlets at seats. Promotions Periodic one-pound tickets between London and Paris. Sign up for the e-mail newsletter. Onward connections There's a growing route network in Europe (go onward to Brussels or Amsterdam) and an extensive map covering dozens of cities in the UK. megabus.com Eurolines The granddaddy of cheap coach travel across the Continent, Eurolines continues to have the most extensive network, the lowest fares, and the longest track record. It is not one company but an alliance of coach operators who synch up their timetables. On the Paris and London route, fares as low as $30 roundtrip. Where does it stop? London's Victoria Coach Station and its own station about four miles northwest of Notre Dame Cathedral. Alternate stop is Charles de Gaulle Airport. Nice touches: Skip the ferry! Most Eurolines schedules from London to France use the Eurotunnel vehicle shuttle service. Free Wi-Fi is included on the London and Paris route. Promotions: Get a pass! Eurolines Pass prices start at €205 (about $252) for adults for 15 days of unlimited low-season travel between major cities in two dozen countries. You could travel from Dublin to Bucharest if you wanted. Much cheaper than the comparable Eurailpass. Youth (under age 26) and seniors can get a discount of about $50 eurolines.com SUMMARY: Choose iDBUS for the most comfortable ride. Choose Megabus for the best on-board entertainment and comfort for the money. Choose Eurolines for the most frequent schedule and onward connections. MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL 3 Affordable New Ways to See Europe's Quaintest Cities Megabus Continues to Grow, Benefiting US Travelers Beat $4 Gas With Premium Buses in California, Texas, and Washington State

How did you celebrate the fourth of July? Plenty of folks (myself included) stayed home to celebrate, but just as many others took off a few days and turned the holiday into a vacation. I was curious as to where people were traveling, so I reached out to Fly.com to find out what their most booked destinations were over the holiday—it turns out that the most popular places over the holiday don't deviate much from the most popular places the rest of the year. For this fourth, the top three destinations were Las Vegas, New York City and Los Angeles—some of the world's most popular party cities. Florida featured highly in the list with Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando and Miami all making the top ten. The only international destination was Cancun. The others were: Chicago, San Francisco, New Orleans, Boston, Denver, Seattle, Atlanta, and San Diego. Chances are, this list won't change much come Labor Day—and now is the time to start planning that long weekend getaway (I know I'll be skipping town then). Of course, you'll want to be smart about it. Here are our best tips for avoiding the crowds when traveling over a major holiday. Consider alternative airports Taking the time to compare nearby airports could save you money, time and hassle. Boston residents, for instance, should consider TF Green International in Providence or Manchester–Boston Regional in New Hampshire as opposed to Logan, which are likely to be more affordable and less crowded. And the same is true for arrival cities. Book your flights two days before and after the holidays. Two of the busiest days to fly are those immediately before and after the actual holidays. Book your flights two days before and after a major holiday to avoid the masses. Book a non–stop flight Every time your plane touches the ground during peak travel times, the possibility of delays due to inclement weather or air–traffic problems increases—so do your odds of getting stuck with the unhappy masses. Airport parking lots get filled up around the holidays, so use public transportation. If you must drive, consider a private parking lot near the airport: They'll often shuttle you to and from the terminal, and they let you book in advance so you won't have to worry about finding a space. Travel on the holiday Not only is it cheaper, it's often less hectic if you're willing to fly on the holiday itself, whether it’s July 4th, Labor Day or Thanksgiving. The same is true for driving—you'll be less likely to encounter traffic if you drive on the holiday itself. If you can't travel on the holiday, try to do so early in the morning when flights are less likely to be delayed and there are fewer people on the roads. If you're staying at a hotel, look into business hotels. Over the holidays, you'll find low rates (and fewer people) at classy city and suburban hotels that normally depend on business travelers. Families should consider all–suite hotels or long–stay hotels such as Homewood Suites and the Residence Inn, which have more room and good holiday prices. SEE MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL: BT Editors' 12 Favorite Foodie Destinations What's Your Biggest Pet Peeve When You Fly? Super Mosquitoes Threaten Travelers

Watch the Weather Channel for more than five minutes during hurricane season (June 1 to November 30), and you’ll be convinced a storm is bound to sweep you away by the fall. The Caribbean? Looks like a total no–go zone. But don’t fear! The so–called “hurricane belt” doesn’t include every Caribbean island destination. You might say finding a storm–free zone is as easy as ABC: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. According to online database hurricanecity.com, only 22 tropical storms or hurricanes have come within 60 miles of the islands between 1871 and 2011. Compare that, for example, to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, which has had 104 brushes with hurricanes and tropical storms in the same period. In fact, throughout the summer and fall, the climate in these parts is downright pleasant. Check a climate chart for Aruba and you’ll find nearly a straight line for temperature and precipitation stretching across the entire year. Unlike other islands, which see major seasonal fluctuations, Aruba remains dry and warm all year round—monthly high temperatures never dip above or below the mid–80s. Best of all? The area’s high season vs. off season is not dictated by weather on the ground in Aruba. Instead, prices are based on the weather back home, where travelers are coming from. When it’s cold in America, prices rise in Aruba. When it’s warm in America, prices fall. As a result you can expect nice weather whenever you go, with prices slashed by up to 50% to fill rooms. Check out our Real Deals to help you plan your ABC getaway: Aruba, Air, All–Inclusive Resort, 4 Nights, From $1,269—Stay just feet away from the white sands and shimmering water of Aruba’s Palm Beach with this all–inclusive package deal. Curaçao, Air, 7 Nights, From $2,296—This travel deal to Curaçao gives you a full week to relax on the beach, snorkel in the crisp blue waters, and explore the island's historic capital city. MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL Hurricane Safety Tips The 2012 Hurricane Season Forecast Has Been Released, And It Looks Good 8 Ways to Save Big on Summer Travel

With Tropical Storm Debby bearing down on the Florida coast, now is a good time to post tips from the National Hurricane Center to help you stay safe during hurricane season, which typically runs from June through November, on the East Coast. Eastern hurricanes form in the southern Atlantic, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico, with heavy winds moving in counterclockwise motion at speeds of up to 150 miles per hour accompanied by thunderstorms and heavy rain. From Florida up to New England, tropical storms and hurricanes have the potential to put a serious damper on beach vacation plans, and, as with any natural phenomenon, your best line of defense is smart preparation. While I hope a hurricane never darkens your beach, here’s how you can stay safe: If you’re traveling to an eastern coastal region this summer, arrive prepared. Pack an emergency kit with packaged foods, water, and first–aid; learn about community hurricane evacuation routes, areas that are prone to flooding, and any hazards that might exist in and around your hotel or rental property (especially items prone to wind damage, such as trees, outdoor furniture, and windows). If a hurricane strikes, listen to the radio or television for information and warnings. Turn off propane tanks, avoid using the phone more than necessary, and moor any watercraft you’re responsible for (if there is time). Stay indoors away from windows and glass doors, close all interior doors, keep curtains and blinds closed, stay off elevators, and if necessary take refuge in small interior rooms, closets, or hallways. Be prepared to evacuate if local authorities direct you to do so. After a hurricane, continue listening to the radio or television for the latest updates; rain and flooding may continue after the hurricane has passed. Drive only if necessary. If you’ve been evacuated, return to your lodgings only when local officials direct you to do so. If you cannot safely return, text SHELTER plus the zip code you are in to 4FEMA to find the nearest shelter in your area. —Robert Firpo–Cappiello MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL: The 2012 Hurricane Season Forecast Has Been Released, And It Looks Good 8 Ways to Save Big on Summer Travel 11 Most Spectacular New Hotel Pools