What better way to winter than gliding over the Alpine snow on a pair of skis? Heading off on a skiing holiday to France or Austria is a yearly ritual for many families and snowsports enthusiasts. This ritual need not burn a tidy hole in your pocket, however and these five tips will show you how to save money on your next skiing holiday:

1. Be flexible with your schedule: Since skiing is a seasonal sport, prices for hotels, resorts, transport, and even food tend to vary a lotdepending on the season. Shift your schedule by a couple of weeks outside peak periods, and you might just end up saving half your money. Most hotels tend to become cheaper late into the season and some resorts high into the Alps in places like the Three Valleys area in France continue their snow seasons until April-May, so take the opportunity for lower rates.

2. DIY or ski package: This is another big question you have to ask before heading out on your ski holiday: do you buy a ski package, or do you book everything on your own? If you're like most families heading out to a popular resort like Val d'Isere, chances are, you'll choose the ski package. After all, you're short on time and most self-catered and catered ski packages include everything from hotel rooms to bus tickets, so you don’t need to fork out once you get there. Conversely, if you choose to assemble your ski holiday yourself, you can mix and match hotels and add on only the extras you want, like childcare, or special family offers.

3. Be mindful of exchange rates: You might be tempted to whip out your credit card to pay for meals and tickets. Don't. The exchange rates through electronic transactions tends to be very unfavorable. Instead, take out the appropriate amount of euros or Swiss francs from the ATM and use cash instead.

4. Take cheaper modes of transport: Flights save you time but also end up being a huge drain on your finances. Trains, buses and even cars are preferable to flying, even if it means spending an extra day or two on the road. If you treat the journey itself as a part of your holiday, you might even come to enjoy the experience as much as the destination!

5. Try some alternative destinations: Last, but not least, remember that France and Switzerland aren't the only countries that receive snow in the winter. Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Slovenia have plenty of ski resorts as well, and these can be cheaper than anything in the French/Swiss Alps. Similarly, ski resorts in the Italian Dolomites and Pyrenees offer great skiing at very affordable rates as well. If you're willing to search thoroughly, you can often get great deals on a skiing holiday.

Saving money on a skiing holiday isn't easy, but it is possible. Be flexible with your schedule, avoid exorbitant exchange rates, book tickets/rooms yourself and try out some alternative destinations to get the most out of your holiday!

Photo by Ridge Tahoe Resort Hotel via Flickr CC

Spain is an immensely popular destination for travellers thanks to its beautiful beaches, exciting cities and relatively low cost of living. One of the major bonuses when visiting Spain is that your spending cash should stretch a lot further if you’re wise with your money.

Spain holidays are a financially wise move due to the low costs but the popularity of this country means you should book your flights and accommodations well before departure. Using a couple of travel comparison websites will give you a good range of accommodation choices but remember that summer vacations will come with premium prices.

The good news is that outside of the peak summer months you will find plenty of value for money choices. You can of course just turn up and search for a room but expect to pay $20 for a hostel and $45 - $70 for a private hotel room, per night.

It might sound strange but, due to competition, you will find a wider choice of accommodation at the popular beach resorts. Those along the Costa del Sol and the Costa del Luz hold an immense amount of hotels and self-catering apartments all competing for your custom.

Accommodation fills up quickly during June, July and August but outside of these months you can easily find low cost rooms. Remember that many of the Spanish Islands such as Majorca and Ibiza are year round sunshine destinations but you will still find lower prices during spring, autumn and winter.

To find tasty but inexpensive good food in Spain, follow the locals. Avoiding the ‘laminated menu’ tourist trap restaurants is a good idea and in Spanish cities such as Madrid and Barcelona there are plenty of excellent restaurants serving traditional tapas and paella.

Snacks such as sandwiches should set you back around $5 but can be more expensive in the cities. If you eat where the locals eat then expect to pay around $15 - $30 for a decent evening meal, usually with wine included.

Getting around Spain is pretty inexpensive. Train fares cost more than buses, which are a good low cost option, and car rental can be one of the best options available. If you’re planning on some sightseeing around Spain then you can hire a car from around $25 per day, but always keep an eye out for the extra charges. Major cities such as Barcelona offer city cards, which once purchased will provide you with free admission to popular sightseeing venues as well as unlimited use of public transport.

Spain is the perfect option for lovers of the great outdoors and it won’t cost a thing to spend days out on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The country is also home to some stunning national parks: 14 in total, with beautiful mountains, rivers and lakes. The cities will offer sightseeing attractions including museums, art galleries and historic buildings.

You don’t need an unlimited budget if you’re spending time in this beautiful part of the world. The Spanish locals will always be more than happy to provide recommendations when it comes to finding the best value for money restaurants, entertainment and sightseeing options.

Images by lecercle, alobos Life, Erik Campo and Ekaterina Starchuk used under creative commons license.

We all enjoy the prospect of a holiday or traveling but are often left homebound due to budgets. Holidays can be very expensive. It’s not just getting there with a price tag attached, but your bank balance can slowly start to empty when you consider accommodation, eating out, attractions and insurance. Therefore, to help everyone save a little extra here and there, here’s our top five tips for saving money when traveling abroad.

It is vastly cheaper to visit many European destinations after September so if you’re not looking for a week baking on the sand, consider traveling outside of the typical tourist months. Being Spain’s southernmost city, Málaga enjoys one of the warmest year-round European climates. This results in a much warmer winter and therefore makes it a great city to visit outside of peak times. Winter months also provide a great time to get out on the road as they’re a lot quieter. Considering there aren’t as many organised tours, hiring a car to get around in the cooler months is a good option. You can order and collect a little run-around at the airport from companies like Economy Car Hire that will see you through your holiday.

The idea of booking your holiday at the last minute might be a bit nerve-wracking, but you can bag a great saving if you hang on till the end – and don’t have a specific destination in mind. This is a time to go with the flow. Had your fingers crossed for a discounted trip across Europe but find a cheap holiday to South America? Jump on it and be spontaneous - it could be the best holiday you ever have.

Now if you’re used to five star luxury, then a hostel may sound like your idea of hell. But hostels are not the run down flea ridden dorms often thought of – well not all. Many offer basic and clean accommodation for travellers of all ages that are notably cheaper than a hotel. Our advice is to look for suitable places on websites such as Hostel World and when you find any you like, give them a quick screening with Trip Advisor to read reviews from previous guests.

When visiting cities with countless attractions, or traveling across several destinations, it’s often a good idea to buy city attraction and travel passes as they can save quite a bit money compared to paying single admissions at each venue. It’s always best to check online for what offers are available in your chosen country of travel to see how much you can save.

Some people feel uncomfortable asking for a discount or trying to barter prices. Don’t! It’s your prerogative to save where you can so don’t feel uncomfortable asking, at the end of the day, the worst that can happen is you get a ‘no’. If you’re off traveling for a special occasion, some hotels or tour operators have a budget set aside for this type of thing and it is no hardship for them to upgrade you, or reduce prices as a goodwill gesture. You never know, you could find yourself in business class on a seven hour flight just for dropping the anniversary bomb.

Recent research from TripAdvisor showed that London is the seventh most expensive city in the world for tourists, but that doesn’t mean that visiting on a shoestring isn’t possible. By planning carefully in advance, travellers can ensure that their trip runs smoothly and stays on budget.

It can be easy to spend more than intended upon arrival if you are not well-prepared – it’s tempting to go into the nearest restaurant when your stomach is rumbling only to discover extremely expensive items on the menu, for example, while paying for theatre tickets at the last minute can be just as costly.

By creating a schedule beforehand and paying for your travel needs in advance, you can use your time more efficiently so that you get the most out of your holiday. This also limits the amount of cash you need while there, reducing the risk of overspending.

Eating out can take a big chunk out of your finances, so it’s a good idea to carefully plan where you want to go and determine what is affordable. It’s a good idea to check out early-bird, mid-week or set menus and time your visit accordingly in order to save cash.

If you require more flexibility, you should consider the Hospitality Line ‘dine as you please’ cheque scheme. This provides you with vouchers to redeem for meal and drink combinations at a variety of prestigious and well-located restaurants - they cover a range of cuisines to suit your mood.

Buy tickets for attractions in advance and you might be able to save money and miss the queues. Look on the associated websites or purchase easy-to-redeem vouchers from specialist providers like Hospitality Line – the London Eye, the Shard and Madam Tussauds are just some of the must-visits across the English capital.

The sights of London span a huge area, so you would probably find yourself shelling out for bus, Tube and black cab rides if you arrived unprepared. However, there are a number of different ways to cut the cost of travelling around the English capital.

Carefully plan your schedule so that you visit nearby attractions and restaurants on the same day and you should be able to get around London by foot. Mark everything on a map so you can create the most efficient routes while taking in everything you want to see.

You can also buy Travelcards, which allow you to take as many trips as you like on the Tube or bus systems. This is a great option if you’re looking to pack in a lot of attractions in a short space of time – make sure you only pay for the zone and timescale you require in order to save even more money.

Mont-St-Michel

One of the most spectacular sights in Normandy, this craggy rock crowned by a magnificent abbey appears to erupt from the surrounding landscape – a broad expanse of sand or sea, depending on the dramatic tides. The region’s star attraction since pilgrims first flocked here 1,000 years ago, it now draws some three million visitors each year – and has perhaps 50 true inhabitants.

According to legend, St Michael, the archangel, appeared three times in a dream to Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, commanding him to build an oratory on Mont Tombe (tomb on the hill). When Aubert delayed, the impatient archangel prodded a finger into Aubert’s forehead, leaving a dent. Aubert’s church rapidly became a centre of pilgrimage for the miquelots, followers of the cult of St Michael, which had taken root in the West in the 5th century. 

The brightly gilded statue on top of the abbey spire, sculpted in 1897 by Emmanuel Frémiet, portrays the archangel in traditional fashion (below). Armour-clad, he is slaying a dragon (symbol of the devil) with his sword. In his other hand he carries a set of scales - a reference to the medieval belief that it was his role to weigh the souls on Judgment Day. The Archangel Michael is the warlike angel of the Apocalypse, who slays the devil – in the form of a dragon – in the great conflict at the end of time. In Normandy, he is the patron saint of mariners.

If you are planning a trip to Santa Monica, California, you should take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy the Santa Monica Mountains. By visiting the mountains, you will give yourself a breath of fresh air and relief from everyday stresses. In fact, to best benefit from the great outdoors, here are 4 activities to enjoy while at the Santa Monica Mountains:

If you want to get away from everything for your trip, you can take advantage of everything that the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has to offer. In fact, there are a number of campgrounds you can take advantage of from Point Mugu State Park to Topanga State Park.

When you use the campgrounds, you should know that dogs are typically allowed on National Park campgrounds and trials, but only if they are on leashes that are 6 feet or less. However, at state parks, dogs are only allowed in picnic areas, campgrounds, and specific beaches.

It should also be known that fires may be prohibited depending on where you stay. While fires are not allowed at NPS sites, California State Parks may be more lenient. However, California State Parks will restrict fires depending on environmental conditions and fire danger level.

For people that love to rock climb, the Santa Monica Mountains will not disappoint. In fact, due to its close proximity to Los Angeles, rock climbing sites such as the Malibu Creek State Park to Echo Cliffs are increasing in popularity. To best ensure everyone's safety and protect the park's natural resources, rock climbers have to work together with the National Park Service to keep things running smoothly.

In order to make the most of your experience, you need to plan your routes, bring the necessary gear, and use good climbing techniques.

If you own a horse, you can go horseback riding through the Santa Monica Mountains. Whether you want to take a quick ride or stay overnight, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers over 500 miles of trails. However, you will need to make sure that you can get your horse trailer to the final destination, so learn the condition of the access road beforehand.

There are many trials through the Santa Monica Mountains to take advantage of for mountain bikers of all ages. With a diverse terrain, you will be able to challenge yourself like never before. However, you will need to make sure that your bike is in good condition and that you are protected in order to bike safely. Additionally, you will need to practice safe biking habits in order to reduce your impact on the environment.

Although camping may be more ideal when mountain biking, you can still look into Santa Monica hotels for your vacation. All you will need to do is comparison shop to find the best rates and services that match your budget and preferences.

For adventurers that cannot get enough of the great outdoors, visiting the Santa Monica Mountains is a must for your next vacation.

It's amazing, but on an island like Ibiza that seems to encompass every holiday-seeker's idea of fun in the sun, one can spend a fortune vacationing on next to nothing at all; surprisingly, even the most frugal vacationers can enjoy a perfectly rich holiday in Ibiza simply by keeping these cost-saving tips in mind. Ibiza boasts many inexpensive things to see and do and, of course, its breath taking sunsets and beautiful waters come at no extra cost!

Certainly, Ibiza boasts luxury villas, spas, and resorts that are popular with the world's jet-setters. However, to hang your hat in a more budget-friendly fashion, consider inexpensive hotels or modest hostels that offer safe and clean rooms to sleep without any unnecessary frills. After all, to truly experience all the splendour of the island, one should stay in their hotel room as little as possible! It can also be incredibly inexpensive to rent an apartment when travelling with a group of friends or family members. You can book Ibiza holidays from the Co-operative Travel and they can provide you with a wide range of inexpensive accommodation for various locations on the island and other tips to vacation inexpensively.

Outdoor enthusiasts love Ibiza because there is so much to see. Exploring the island's various beaches and coves is free and only requires an adventurous spirit and a willingness to be dazzled by Mother Nature. Salinas is a beach famous for its white sands, but the bays and inlets of the island afford plenty of hiking and viewing splendour. Ibiza is also home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites that should not be missed. The Phoenician ruins of Sa Caleta are well worth exploring. Sightseeing around Ibiza town or the island's villages is also a great way to get to know Ibiza without paying much.

Jet ski rentals, ferry rides, boating excursions--shopping around allows you to get some really good deals on these experiences. While there are many inexpensive tours around the various parts of the island, the mountain biking tour is a popular one and perfect for adventurers. On the other hand, strolling through the port with a rich cup of coffee is also a great way to experience life on Ibiza. Other inexpensive experiences include the May Medieval Festival of Ibiza Town; in fact, strolling through the cobble stoned streets of Dalt Villa (Ibiza Town's World Heritage Site and old quarter) is perfectly free and affords many unforgettable views.

Eating in Ibiza is a delicious experience even when it's affordable! Stroll through the markets and you'll find plenty of delectable and inexpensive foods to try. There are café-bars throughout the island and many are situated near the beaches or areas like Ibiza Town where vacationers often stroll. From simple seafood snacks to inexpensive pizzas, there are many venues that provide great food at a reasonable price. Moreover, some of the hotels offer traditional fare at competitive costs. Locals may also be able to steer visitors to inexpensive venues that provide hearty Ibiza meals.

If you've spent next to nothing beachcombing and swimming all day, you may find it refreshing to splurge for cocktails at night! On the other hand, clubs can be quite expensive--even to get in! Look for specials and consider hanging out nearer to the port; these venues are often just as exciting but are much more budget-friendly. The bars are also wonderful for kicking back with tapas and inexpensive beers or delicious Spanish wine.

When travelling to Ibiza, it can help to research the various accommodations, clubs, and restaurants before you get there. By planning your itinerary, you're likely to have fewer expensive surprises! Talk to your travel agent or discuss your plan in a travel forum to obtain tips for vacationing economically on Ibiza.

A family holiday is a special occasion for everyone to spend some quality time together and build important memories. But it can be less fun for parents if they are worrying about money. Treating the kids and constantly paying entrance fees for attractions can easily mount up.

Cheap holidays in Menorca can be easily achieved however, as all it takes is a little bit of time to seek out those attractions which are free and see where money can be saved without compromising on fun. Here are a few suggestions for keeping the price down while on holiday on this stunning Balearic island.

This park in the centre of Mao provides a great place to shelter from the hot Menorcan sun and engage in some family friendly games, such as football, Frisbee or hide and seek. It has a fantastic array of well kept flower beds, making for a lovely place to pass some time entirely for free.

Meals can be one of the most expensive parts of a holiday, so taking a picnic to the park can be a good opportunity to take advantage of the weather and cut down on costs. It is easy to pick up some picnic ingredients locally and enjoy them in the great outdoors, not far from the centre of activity.

Instead of heading to the two water parks on the island, you can go to Club Sant Jaime in Son Bou, which also has water slides and a swimming pool to keep the kids entertained. Add to this the wooden maze, which is equipped with water sprinklers and is lots of fun.

It can often be a better option for younger children who might not appreciate all of the rides at the larger water parks, plus under-threes get in for free. Parents may also enjoy the landscaped gardens complete with views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

It may sound like an obvious suggestion, but the magnificent beaches on the island are a great attraction and can be enjoyed for free. If you know your children get restless quite quickly then bringing along some cheap equipment for snorkelling, building sandcastles or playing bat and ball can help to keep them entertained.

Otherwise, head to a part of the coast with plenty to explore, such as the Cales Coves, where there are a number of caves and rock pools. This is a fun activity for children at the age where they are starting to get a bit more independent and like to investigate things for themselves.

For the bargain price of just €2 (£1.73) visitors can go inside this pile of stones, which was once used as a burial chamber as long ago as 1130 BC. It was excavated in 1960 and is remarkably well preserved and fascinating to explore.

Inside there is an exploration of Neolithic man and how he lived in these parts, making it great for getting kids to think about the past and exciting history buffs too.

It costs nothing to walk the some or all of the Cami de chavalles, a bridleway which extends around the entirety of Menorca's coastline. Originally built for sentries in the 17th century. it was kept open throughout the 18th and 19th centuries too.

The route has only just been fully reopened as there were parts which had been closed, but it is a great way to get to know the island and see some of the best views on offer of Menorca's coast.

For the budget conscious, Israel is a little country where you small budget can go a long way. Notwithstanding that the local currency, the New Israeli Shekel (NIS) or Shekel as it is called by all and sundry, has been a stellar performer on world markets, the CPI remains around the 1.5% mark meaning that inflation is relatively low and prices for consumer staples are already comparatively low compared to most other first world countries.

Let’s start with the basics; unless you intend dining in top of the line restaurants, eating out in Israel is cheap. The street food is plentiful, clean, and incredibly tasty. Falafel in pita can be bought for NIS17 (around USD4.50) but if you shop around you can also find it for NIS5 (USD1.50). A turkey or chicken shwarma in pita can be found for NIS15 (USD3.25) or in lafa, a flat, round bread that is rolled up for NIS20 (USD5.50). Fruit and vegetables are cheap, fresh, and abundant as is water which is safe to drink from the tap.

Now that you are well fed and watered, it is time to cloth yourself. The local markets are great places to find real bargains. I strongly recommend the Rishon LeZion market on Tuesdays. It is a traveling market that rotates between Ramle/Lod and Jerusalem. The range of clothing is extensive with stock changing weekly. You can find real and fake designer bargains in clothing, toys, and anything else you can think of. How do they sell at such cheap prices? The colorful screams of the local traders may hold the answer when they extort the public. “Don’t stea! We’ve already done that for you.” I’m sure they’re only joking, but then again…

Israel keeps on breaking its own record for tourist numbers but unless you intend staying in five star accommodation you can find clean, compact, centrally located accommodation in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv for reasonable rates. Be prepared to bargain and if you are prepared to leave it to the last minute you could snare yourself a real bargain as vendors would rather receive something than have a room remain empty.

Getting around in Israel can be a chore. The public transport system is improving but is still not extensive and I never recommend hitching a ride although there are many who do so. The option of car rental in Jerusalem or in any other part of the country may be a viable option as there are many multinational and local car rental companies competing for your dollars.

Israel is a tourist haven not only for the wealry but also for the money conscious and there is good reason for this. Entrance to the vast majority of beaches is free, as re the showers located on the beach. The sunshine is also free as is the vibe. The best things in life really may be free but other necessities need not cost the earth – especially in Israel.

Orlando is known for its huge theme parks such as Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld. But unfortunately, tickets to these attractions don’t come cheap and if you're paying for your whole family the cost will quickly add up.

However, just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't still enjoy yourself in Orlando as there are in fact a host of great and low-cost things to do in and around the city, starting with finding Orlando villa rentals that won't break your budget. Furthermore, many of these are likely to be much more appealing to older holidaymakers than the kid-oriented theme parks, while there's also plenty to do to keep the little ones entertained.

Even hiring a car can be surprisingly low cost and offers a great way to get around and see all the various attractions.  Meanwhile, below are a few of the top low-cost things to see and do in the city.

Orlando is home to a number of top museums and galleries, many of which offer free admission at least some if not all of the time. These include the CityArts Factory - an eclectic collection of art galleries in downtown Orlando showcasing local and international artists, admission to which is free each week from Tuesday to Saturday.

There is also the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, located out in Winter Park, which is home to one of the world's best collections of works by famed artist Louis Comfort Tiffany and is free on Friday between 4pm and 8pm from November to April.

Another good choice is the Cornell Fine Arts Museum on the campus of Rollins College. It houses a collection that includes works by Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Thomas Moran. Usually the museum is free only to those with a student ID, but to celebrate its 35th anniversary all admission fees are being waived throughout the whole of 2013.

One of the best ways to enjoy a trip to Orlando without spending vast sums on tourist traps is to make use of the region's natural attractions, which you can’t be charged a penny for. You don't even need to go outside the city - just head to Lake Eola Park, a 43-acre recreational area in the heart of downtown Orlando. Here you can enjoy a picnic by the lake, listen to a free concert at the amphitheatre or check out the goods on offer at the farmer's market on Sundays.

Other great outdoor locations include the University of Central Florida's Arboretum, which is home to more than 600 plant species, and the 5.22-acre Kraft Azalea Gardens located on the shore of Lake Maitland and often referred to as Florida's 'secret garden'.

Finding things to keep your kids occupied while on a family holiday can be a challenge at the best of times, particularly if you have a strict budget to stick to. In Orlando, however, there is a selection of free attractions that could come to your aid. These include the LEGO Imagination Center, at downtown Disney Marketplace, where kids can build every conceivable object out of lego to their hearts' content, and Disney's Boardwalk, where you'll find a wealth of free street entertainment from magicians to comedians and fire shows.

Kids will also love the Fort Christmas Historical Park, located just outside of Orlando, where old-time Florida comes to life through the faithful recreation of a 19th century pioneer town and fort, entrance to which is free.

Many of us find ourselves somewhat strapped for cash these days, but the good news is that there’s so much to see and do on our own patch that there’s simply no need to go to the far side of the world looking for interest and excitement. People come from across the globe to see this sceptred isle, and here we have it all on the doorstep.

Wales is a case in point, a unique part of the UK with its own long history and traditions – yet easy to get to and, with its beautiful mellow countryside and excellent range of outdoor activities, great for family breaks. And if you’re after cheap city breaks in the UK, you’ll find that many Welsh towns are on the coast, and boast numerous lovely but affordable guest houses - letting you have (sorry) a whale of a time even if you’re on a relatively tight budget.

In southwest Wales, Gower is perfect for a budget break by the seaside. Apart from the great sandy beaches here there are attractions like the wreck of the Helvetia, washed up on the sands of Rhossili Bay, and you get great views across the surrounding land and seascapes from nearby Three Cliffs Bay. There are lots of rock pools exposed when the tide goes out to hunt down crabs, crayfish and other sea life, and there’s a great range of affordable accommodation in the immediate area.

In Swansea you’ll find loads of things to do, including a visit to Wales’s oldest museum, which houses - amongst other fascinating exhibits - an Egyptian mummy, and the National Waterfront Museum is just along the road, with exhibits on local industrial and maritime history. Both museums are free and have pleasant cafes for a light lunch. All around Swansea Bay you’ll find a wealth of historical attractions and entertainments. Shipwrecks, standing stones and medieval castles are the norm, and the Prom along the beachfront is great for a bracing walk in all weathers.

In Cardiff, the castle is one of the biggest attractions but also if you come here in July or August you’ll be able to catch numerous free events that are put on as part of the fabulous Cardiff Festival, which is centred on Cardiff Bay.

Camping is a big attraction for families, groups and couples, and there are many excellent campsites right across Wales, in mountainside, coastal and woodland settings. A few nights under canvas with modern facilities close to hand - but with an aura of pioneering excitement - is just the thing for adding an element of fun and adventure to any holiday. Trawsdir Barmouth and Graig Wen St in Snowdonia National Park, St David’s Park in Red Wharf Bay and Forest Fields in Builth Wells are just a few of the recommended ones, but there are plenty of others.

Wales is particularly good on the child-friendly attractions front, with the Welsh Wildlife Centre in Cilgerran and family activities along the Barmouth Quay especially popular. With great mountain-biking along the established trails at Coed Y Brenin, and collecting shells along the fabulous beaches of Shell Island in Cardigan Bay on offer, along with numerous other thrills and spills, you have all the makings of a really super getaway in wonderful Wales.

Vietnam is a country of diverse cultures and splendid contrasts. It’s a good idea to work out what you would like to see before arrival and this will help you stick to your budget.

Hanoi

All itineraries for travelling in Vietnam should include a visit to Hanoi. This bustling city combines the old with the new and there are plenty of activities for those who have to keep an eye on their expenditure. The city actually dates back to 1010 and for those who are interested the History Museum at 1P Trang Tien is a fascinating way to pass some time and learn more about the cultural diversity of the country. Many inhabitants of Hanoi start their day with their traditional T’ai Chi exercises on the banks of the Hoan Kiem Lake; in English this means ‘The Lake of the Returned Sword’ this exercise is free and a great way of starting the day. After catering for the body spiritual it’s time to take care of matters temporal and there are many cheap cafes around the lake where you can enjoy either traditional Vietnamese specialities or even a French continental style breakfast. 

The cheapest food to eat in all cities across the country is that which is bought from the ubiquitous street vendors. The Vietnamese food is nutritious and fresh and you can try noodles, banana leaf wrapped pork or a variety of soups. The further South you go, the greater the amount of chilli that’s added to spice the meal.

Sleeping

Look out for guesthouses rather than hotels. These are usually family run and rather basic but they are clean and most have air conditioning (for a small fee) The Manh Dung in Hanoi is recommended. Da Nang hotels are also recommended as they can been affordably booked though sites like Expedia. Sometimes, just walking around an area that interests you and then entering into a guesthouse and negotiating a price is the cheapest way of finding suitable accommodation.

Vietnamese traffic is slightly manic but for those brave souls who enjoy a sense of adventure then bike or motorcycle hire is one of the cheapest ways of getting around. Some companies will even ensure that if you are travelling by train or air, for example then you’ll still be able to pick up a bike at your destination; try to ensure that the company you are using is reputable as the last thing anyone wants on holiday is to deal with all of the problems of breaking down in a lonely mountain pass. Most bicycle hire companies have offices throughout Vietnam.

The Vietnamese train system is cheap and efficient and probably one of the best ways to see the country and get to know its people. Most train tickets can be bought in advance, either from the local station or through a travel agent, though a booking fee will be added if you use an agency. The splendid ‘Reunification Railway will allow you to travel from the North to the South of the country and it’s up to you how long you wish to stay on board.

Photos via Flickr Creative Commons

The northern coastal town of Calais is a short ferry journey from the southern English port of Dover and is a popular destination for a weekend trip amongst families and elderly couples alike. A trip to this French town offers a cheap weekend getaway with a number of historic and beautiful sites to see.

Getting to Calais

A Dover to Calais ferry for two, or for two adults and two children can be booked at less than £100 should you book a month or so in advance, even during the school summer holidays. The journey is approximately 90 minutes long and the ferry provides comfortable seating and entertainment during your boarding. A quicker alternative is the EuroTunnel.

For a little more than £100 when booked in advance, you can get a hotel in Calais for a family of 4. There are several hotels around town, all nearby the historic landmarks and tourist attractions across town.

The Calais Town hall in the heart of Calais is perhaps the most-impressive attraction that this coastal resort has to offer. This Town Hall boasts wonderful architecture and an elegant clock tower. The front garden is well-maintained and hosts artwork throughout the year. On a recent trip, work by Laurence Jenkell was on display, as shown in the photo below.

A short walk away from Calais Town Hall, the opposite side of the Jacquard Bridge stands Parc Richelieu. This impressive park hosts the Calais War Memorial at its entrance, alongside 5 flying French flags. The park itself is beautiful on the inside, with a miniature fountain, perfect for a rest or relaxation during a hot summer’s day.

Located adjacent to Parc Richelieu, the Calais Fine Arts and Lace Museum plays host to work from Rodin, Pablo Picasso and Dubuffet. For an entrance fee of €3, you can see plenty of artwork, including an insight into how Rodin’s famous Six Burghers of Calais masterpiece came about.

The War Museum is Calais is situated in the Parc Saint Pierre opposite the Town Hall and behind the Remembrance Monument. The museum offers insights into World War II with 20 rooms inside displaying photographs and objects depicting the event. Includes a series of interesting, interactive displays and entrance is just €6.

One of the closest attractions walking from the ferry terminal is Fort Risban. Situated along the coastline, there isn’t much left of this fort that came under siege from Edward III of England’s army in 1346, but remains an historic part of the coastal town and is nearby two monuments worth visiting.

Not far from Fort Risban and also near the coast stands the tall Calais Lighthouse. Viewable from a distance away, a walk from the fort to the lighthouse will take you pass the Bassin du Paradis and a couple more monuments. For a €2.50 entrance fee you can climb all 271 steps for a pleasant view over the Channel and town from the top.

Calais plays host to several statues and monuments across town. Some of these pay tribute to wars, others to disasters and local heroes. Rodin’s Six Burghers of Calais monument outside of the Town Hall is perhaps the most famous. Others include a War Memorial, Remembrance Monument and one of inventor, Joseph Jacquard. There’s plenty of history in this town.

With a beach, historic landmarks and beautiful parks, as well a cheap and easy destination to visit if you’re making the trip from the south of England, Calais is a good option for a family looking for a weekend break on a budget.

With so much choice, finding somewhere that little bit special to spend your summer holiday should be a fun and rewarding experience. But when your choice of getaway is dictated by a strict budget, sometimes your dreams of jetting off to paradise turn into the same old holiday on the Costa Blanca. That’s not to say the Spanish coast should be sniffed at; but after the umpteenth holiday there it’s time for somewhere a little different.

And where better than the bewitching sights and ancient cultures of Egypt? Here you’ve got a vast range of holiday experiences rolled into one - with mesmerising beaches and crystal clear waters by the coast, and some of the most important historical sites known to humankind.

Or for somewhere completely different, which places the emphasis firmly on family fun, Florida is hard to beat - and all inclusive USA holidays are a great way to save money. If you’re planning to spend time by the pool and in the theme parks, and if you don’t want the hassle of cooking or preparing meals, all inclusive holidays are a great solution. All meals, snacks and drinks are included which can actually help you to save money while you’re there - and means you won’t have to worry about overspending by eating out at night. And if you plan to spend the odd day out exploring, many all inclusive hotels or resorts will provide you with a packed lunch too.

So whatever you want out of your holiday, you can always find somewhere that little bit special to suit both you and your pocket.

The city's three main museums, the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen Bornemisza, form the Golden Triangle. The permanent exhibit at the Prado has free admission from 18.00 until 20.00 on weekdays, and from 17.00 until 19.00 on weekends. The Reina Sofia has free admission from 19.00 until 21.00 during the weekdays and is free during the weekend afternoons. There are discounts available for students and teachers.

A short walk from Madrid's geographical centre, the Plaza del Sol, and a couple of minutes from the touristy Plaza Mayor, visitors will find the Royal Palace. The Palace's gardens are the Sabatini Gardens, where during the summer months locals and visitors can enjoy many live concerts for free.

Madrid is a large city, and the high concentration of historical landmarks near the city centre makes it an easy destination for walking tours. Most visitors choose to stay at a hotel near the centre and then walk along the Gran Vía, one of the city's main streets, towards the Mayor and Plaza de España, and from there enjoy a walk in the Debod Temple, a park with an ancient Egyptian temple.

The Retiro is the city's largest park. These ancient Royal gardens are located in the centre of the city, between Atocha station and the Puerta de Alcalá. Access to the park is free and there are many gardens, fountains and statues to explore. A boat ride in the park's pond costs around 4.65€ for 45 minutes, and bikes can rented at a rate of 10€ per two hours.

Madrid's transport system links the city with the small historical towns in the region. Taking a train and renting a car may be out of the budget for a day trip, and buses are cheaper and take around an hour to most destinations. There are buses that cost 3.20€ one way from the city to the ancient monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial, and a round trip ticket to Segovia costs 12€.

The centre is filled with tourist traps that charge high prices for authentic food, which does not mean that local restaurants should be avoided. In the smaller streets in the historical centre visitors will find traditional restaurants where the menu del día, a lunch that includes a starter, a main course with a side dish and bread, drinks and dessert, costs between 10 and 12€. One place to check however is Sobrino de Botin Restaurant, listed in the Guinness Book as the oldest restaurant in the world (you can read a very good review of it here). And if your budget stretches a bit more, a Madrid food tour is fun to join too, as are other Madrid tours what might greatly help you put things into perspective.

Breakfasts in traditional bars cost around 2.50€ for a coffee and pan con tomate, bread with olive oil and fresh tomato. For those who want to enjoy some cañas with appetizers in the afternoon, there are several 100 Montaditos restaurants around the city, where there is large selection of montaditos, small baguettes, which cost around 1€ each.

One cannot visit the city without enjoying its nightlife, which starts with the traditional tapas. Tapas come free with drinks, and the more beers and sangrías one buys, the wider the selection of tapas, which range from olives to chopitos, tiny fried cuttlefish.

One of the big perks of going on a camping holiday is how cheaply it can be done. Food, drink and activities are all areas which can be financed on a budget, so with a little planning in advance it’s possible to spend very little next time you stay at a camping holiday park. Here are our tips on how to get a lot from relatively little.

Camping holidays offer the advantage of ultimate freedom in what you do and how you do it, and in no other area is this more the case than it is with food. It’s an often over-looked area in this regard, frankly, as any meal-time squabbling can be easily nipped in the bud by just cooking on-site. What this means is that people can choose what they want to eat from a local supermarket, and everybody’s meals can all be cooked together. This saves on quarrels over which restaurants to eat at, and is also cost-effective.

The same economy applies to drinking, both in the recreational sense and in keeping hydrated. Long hikes through the countryside can be complemented with bottles of water picked up at local shops beforehand, rather than paying larger prices at stops along the way.

When it comes to more recreational drinking, it’s a great idea to sample the local product. Scour markets for the most exotic drinks available – not just those you can also get back at home – and take yourself on a beverage adventure!

Getting back to nature with a camping holiday opens up all kinds of possibilities when it comes to activities. The open environment is perfect for sport or exercise, as the more active in your party can get down to action at the drop of a hat. Another trip to the local shop can reap rewards in the form of cricket sets, a football or a skipping rope. Be sure to pick games that are easy to play and that the whole party can get involved with – there’s loads of fun to be had!

Camping holidays can easily be enjoyed without breaking the bank. Simply put, the key to making the most of your holiday is to plan ahead. You’re on holiday in order to have fun with people you get on with – there’s no need for it to be an expensive trip that leaves your wallet sore for months afterwards!

The term "tropical vacation" has had a difficult time shedding the heavy price tag stigma attached to it. But in an age of Internet deals and discount flights, traveling to a place like Oahu on a budget is certainly possible, and you won't have to avoid luxury to do it! With the proper amount of planning, a bit of creativity, and an open mind, you'll be able to take in the best of what the Islands have to offer, and all while keeping your bank account intact.

Oahu is rich with natural beauty - it's no secret. People travel from far and wide to lay eyes on the beaches, jungles, waterfalls, and volcanos that desktop backgrounds have made famous, and for those traveling on a budget, having your jaw drop at the sight of these natural spectacles won't cost you a dime! Hikes are a perfect way to break a sweat after a long day relaxing on the sand, and with a comprehensive bus network available to you, you'll be able to see the best of the best without paying a premium.

There are plenty of Oahu hotels that offer luxurious accommodations at affordable rates, and more importantly, locations that facilitate fun due to their proximity to marquee activities. With the well-being of your piggy bank in mind, here are a few of the best hikes to take on this truly dynamic island.

It may seem impossible to tire of the beaches, but sometimes a change of scene can go a long way. Strap on your hiking shoes and hit the trail!

A short walk from a number of budget-friendly Waikiki hotels is one of the island's most famous attractions: Diamond Head crater. The hike itself costs only a dollar, and with the views awaiting you at the top, it’s an absolute steal. Depending on your pace, this hike usually takes a bit over an hour. There is a bus stop at the trailhead as well, should you decide that you'd like a lift back to town!

For a refreshing walk along a beautiful river towards a spectacular payoff, make your way out to Kailua for the Maunawili Falls trail. You'll traverse through the forest under the canopy for much of the way, and when you emerge at the end, you'll find a beautiful pool that is perfect for a post-hike dip. If you're feeling adventurous, there is even a place where you can leap off from the waterfall into the pool below!

Traveling east along the Southern coast of the Island, you'll wind up in Makapu'u, where the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse awaits. This hike features paved trails, so any type of footwear will do. The views for the duration of this trek are spectacular, and should you be there at the right time of the year, you may just spot some migrating whales! On a clear day, you can see all the way out to Molokai as well, ensuring that you pack a lot into one excursion! 

Honolulu and Waikiki pack big city budget prices into a luxurious environment, allowing you to get a tasty, authentically Hawaiian meal and cocktail after a long day on the trail! For the budget conscious, the natural beauty of this island paradise will have you feeling like royalty wherever you go.


Photos by Phillie Casablanca, Eric Tessmer & smilygrl via Flickr Creative Commons

Looking for somewhere to whisk away your sweetheart on a romantic city break? See our three swoon-worthy suggestions below…

Why go? It’s Europe’s city of love, silly! Canals, art, crumbling palazzos and miles of winding alleys to get lost in make Venice a dizzying sensory overload – in a good way.

Where to stay: Hotel Canal (Via Santa Croce 553) is intimate and charming, with parquet floors and antique beds. It’s a short walk from the train station and Piazzale Roma (where you will have to park if you’re driving in to Venice), and the Grand Canal vaporetto stop is right outside your door. A garden opens in summer, and there’s a bar open all day for coffee or wine. Double rooms start at €32.25pppn (or see a full selection of cheap hotels in Venice). 

Where to eat: Bacaros are Venetian wine bars, where you can accompany your tipple with some tasty Cicchetti – a kind of Italian version of tapas. Typical Cicchetti consists of crostini toast with seafood or meatballs. Bacaros are found all over the city, but a popular choice would be Cantina Do Mori (Calle Do Mori) in San Polo, which has been open since 1462.

Other romantic things to do: Rather than doing the prescribed ‘romantic’ gondola ride (anything but: canals are busy and noisy, plus it costs €80), do the things that interest you most – whether that’s viewing Titians or drinking wine in a bacaro - and romance will follow. For art, head to the Galleria dell’Accademia for Old Masters and the Peggy Guggenheim for modern stuff. Climb the Campanile in St. Mark’s Square for the highest views of the city, and enter the Doge’s Palace to walk over the famed Bridge of Sighs.

Why go? Never considered Split before? That’s the point! Croatia’s unspoiled, super cheap city on the Dalmatian coast is ripe for exploring hand-in-hand.

Where to stay: Goli & Bosi (Morpurgova poljana 2) is a modern and minimalist hostel with private ensuite rooms perfect for design-loving couples on a budget. Converted from a 19th-century warehouse turned department store, there’s a lot of space to play in here, including a cinema room and a coffee house with seating on the square outside. Rooms have striking modern design, and breakfast is included in the rate of €32.61pppn. 

Where to eat: As a coastal city, Split specialises in seafood: go to sample the best of local cooking at Nostromo next to the city’s fish market. Super-fresh fish kebabs, soups and lobster go down a treat.

Other romantic things to do: Explore Diocletian’s Palace, a marvel of Roman architecture next door to Goli & Bosi. Built by a Roman emperor in the 4th century, this complex of buildings is at once a historic artefact and a working city-within-a-city with homes, shops and restaurants still found within its walls.

Where to stay: Kex (Skulagata 26) means ‘biscuit’ in Icelandic, and appropriately enough Reykjavik’s first boutique hostel occupies an old biscuit factory. Couples will love the stylish and comfy private double rooms, but it’s the public spaces that give the hostel its edgy vibe: a gastropub serves local and organic dishes at a perch-up bar, there’s a gym that turns into a cinema room by night and free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Double rooms start at €49.65pppn.

Other romantic things to do: Romantic things to do in Reykjavik often blend urban life with nature. Go on a whale-watching tour off the old harbour and in three hours you’re almost guaranteed to see a minke whale or a humpback if you’re lucky. There are also plenty of outdoor geothermal swimming pools to lounge around in – Laugardalslaug is the largest and most popular, with two large outdoor pools, several ‘hot pots’, a water slide, a seaweed bath and a steam bath. It has the same kind of social atmosphere as a bar, and your skin will feel all glowy afterwards.

About the Author:  Isabel is a travel writer for the Hostelbookers blog. You can follow her @Isabel Clift


Photos by Alaskan Dude, Lena_Ni & neate photos via Flickr Creative Commons

As new cheap flight routes are tailored, interesting and affordable destinations are unlocked on Europe's map, destinations not available to the budget conscious traveler a few years back. Though the names of Bucharest, Bratislava or Warsaw might not tell you much in terms of vacation spots yet, nevertheless, they are places with a rich cultural heritage that can make for a perfect budget break. 

The Romanian based company Blue Air, offers cheap flights to Romania's capital,  Bucharest, once called "Little Paris". With it's wide, tree-lined boulevards, palaces, churches and glorious Belle Époque buildings, Bucharest is a booming city that mixes the old with the new in very interesting and creative ways. Finding a 300 year old church, a modern steel-and-glass building and a communist style building all next to each other is commonplace in Bucharest.

Between the highlights of the city are however the Parliament Palace, the world's second largest building (after the US Pentagon). The former communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, started building it back in 1984, using prisoners as a labor force, but when the Romanian Revolution took place in 1989, the building was unfinished, as it remains today. The Romanian Parliament Palace raises 12 stories above ground level, but it is said to go way further underground.

The Village Museum is a very original open air museum that has around 300 traditional buildings (including churches, workshops, mills etc.), plus furniture, pottery and clothing gathered from villages in every region of the country in an effort to showcase the traditional way of life of the Romanians. Other places of interest are the Museum of the Romanian Peasant, the Cotroceni Palace Museum, Old Court Church, Herastrau Park, Romanian Athenaeum concert hall, Cantacuzino Palace, the Arc de Triomphe, etc. And while you are at it, why not go on a trip through the countryside and visit some fabulous Romanian castles?

RyanAir offers cheap flights to Bratislava. The Old Town has a very pleasant medieval atmosphere, with traffic-free, narrow, winding streets, a hill-top castle, and many historic churches and buildings to visit. The communist-era buildings have a different architectural character, the best example being the Petrzalka housing estate, the biggest Communist-era concrete block housing complex in Central Europe.

The Bratislava Castle is a massive rectangular building with four corner towers on top of a quite isolated rocky hill in the middle of Bratislava. The castle is surrounded by many legends and provides an excellent view of Bratislava, of Austria and even Hungary.

Apollo Bridge over Bratislava

St. Martin's Cathedral is the largest and one of the oldest churches in Bratislava. The New Bridge over the Danube River, has a flying saucer-shaped restaurant called "UFO" with an observation deck on the roof. Other places of interest are the Museum of Clocks, the Soviet War Memorial, the City Gallery at the Pállfy Palace, etc.

Hungary's WizzAir serves cheap flights to the Polish capital, Warsaw. Its historic Old Town was rebuilt brick by brick after the war according to old prints, photographs, and paintings while its  communist buildings are slowly being replaced with modern sky scrapers.

Warsaw is a city full of life that is gladly embracing the New World cuisine, café culture and clubs that never close. The capital city features some lovely churches and monasteries, interesting monuments and museums, and hosts theater, book, jazz, and classical music festivals during the summer months.

Warsaw tends to shock its first time visitors, and it might take you a while to make sense of all you see, from the peasant women selling flowers in the Old Town, to the wedding cake-like Palace of Culture and Science, Stalin gave as a gift to the city or the Wilanow Palace, the beautiful royal palace that survived partitions and both World Wars and has preserved its authentic historical qualities.

I've flown RyanAir and WizzAir quite a few times now and I can't complain about the overall experience. Though their service might not be perfect, I personally prefer spending the extra budget at my destination, sightseeing or sampling the local cuisine instead of spending double the money on a two hours flight. However, BlueAir provided my best cheap flight experience so far, the staff was super extra polite and they even gave us free water. I don't know if this is the norm for them, but they really caught me by surprise and I was really thirsty.