Euro-Beaters: Baltic Hideaway

With our infirm dollar, it may be time to steer clear of Europe's big cities where costs are high. Explore instead the smaller towns and the countryside, where the pace is slower and the prices less. But getting away from more familiar paths requires some research, a little savvy and a willingness to stick your nose a little deeper into a different culture. In that respect, we can all take a lesson from long-time Gemütlichkeit subscriber, Nelson Helm, a retired city planner and thoughtful traveler.

The former East Germany is well off-the-beaten-track, but that hasn't stopped Nelson and his wife, Sharon, from making an attractive corner of it their part-time summer home. For several otect against wind, rain, and sun. From here they socialize, sunbathe (it’s sans sunbathing attire on some sections of the beach) read, and make occasional forays into the 70-degree Baltic water. They’ve made many German friends and, it’s so unusual for Americans to adopt this Baltic beach culture, that the Helms have been featured in the local newspaper and been interviewed on TV. Last week, when I spoke to Nelson he and Sharon were just back from a few weeks in Hawaii but already planning their next Germany visit. ”Kaui was great but I doubt we'll get back there,” he said. “It doesn't cost any more to go to Warnemünde, and we prefer the different culture”

A quick web-check reveals dozens of affordable rentals in and around Warnemünde. Villa Patricia, at from $400 to $600 per week, is one attractive example.

Europe is full of charming little outposts where the livin' is less. In the days, weeks, and months ahead we'll be telling you about more of them. In the meantime, let us know about yours.