Explore Europe at Half the Cost by Using a Coupon Book

This year’s version of “Half Price Europe” contains coupons for 50% discounts at hotels and two-for-one offers for restaurants, sightseeing tours and attractions in 18 countries.

Almost 400 establishments in more than 100 cities are participating in the program, including car-rental companies, theaters, museums, taverns, beauty salons and health clubs.

Malta has been added to the roster of countries, and there are more coupons for Spain and Scandinavia this year than last.

Other countries participating include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, West Germany, Holland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Hotel coupons provide 50% discounts for a full stay, not just the first night. Among the chains with participating properties are Sheraton, Occidental Hotels in Spain and Portugal, Thistle Hotels in Britain, Pullman Hotels throughout Europe and Atlas Hotels in Israel.

Hilton properties in Paris, Amsterdam and Rotterdam are participating, as well as a Hyatt hotel in Jerusalem.

Reservations must be made directly with the chain or hotel. Make sure you cite use of the coupon when booking a room, which are on a space-available basis.

Coupons at restaurants offer one free main course when another main course of equal or greater value is ordered. You have to order more than one course to get a free main course, and appetizers, side dishes and beverages not covered.

In some cases, fixed-price menus are involved. The complimentary main course, however, will always be the less expensive of the two main courses ordered. Moreover, expect to pay taxes and a service charge on the entire meal before the price of a main course is subtracted.

Reservations are usually required by the restaurants, and you need to identify yourself as diners who will be using the coupons.

Although the coupons are valid until the end of 1990, a few may be valid only during certain months, days of the week or even hours of the day. Check the restrictions listed on each coupon.

The coupon book costs $65, the same price as last year’s version, plus $5 for postage and handling. All of the coupons are transferable. Free brochures and more information may be obtained from the Paris-based publisher’s U.S. representative. Contact American Marketing, P.O. Box 9622, Coral Springs, Fla. 33065.

You can also order by phone, using your credit card, by calling (305) 923-3486.