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Tag: budget accommodation

  • Affordable Accommodation in Great Britain – Stay in UK for Less

    The United Kingdom is steeped in history and culture, but it’s also known for its steep accommodation! However a stay in Old Blighty doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Trade the Old Dart’s big city hotels and luxury highrises for these more affordable British accommodation options.

    There are few places that offer better British hospitality than its bed and breakfasts. Prices vary wildly depending on the standard of the B&B, but you’ll generally pay less than a comparable hotel. Your hosts typically operate their business out of their own home, so they tend to go the extra mile to keep the residence in peak condition. They also tend to be more accessible and knowledgeable about the local area than the average hotel employees. Don’t be afraid to ask them about affordable tourist attractions and restaurants in the UK. These tips are the kind of insider knowledge that’s never printed in the guidebooks.

    After a good night’s rest you’ll be treated to a traditional English breakfast. Think freshly baked scones, bircher muesli, poached fruits, and a traditional fry-up with eggs, bacon, sausages, and black pudding. This morning meal is usually generous, so don’t be surprised if you’re still full when lunch rolls around.

    It’s important to familiarize yourself with the house rules before you book in to any bed and breakfast though. While hotels invite you to come and go as you please, many bed and breakfasts are a bit stricter. It’s not unusual for B&Bs to lock their doors in the evening, so they may not be the best choice for party animals!

    If you want more freedom then camping may be the way to go. It’s a perfect way to soak up the country’s glorious countryside and save a bundle of cash. Pitching a tent in The Grampians, The Cambrian Mountains, or The Midlands will generally cost you less than a tenner. If you’re a fan of camping you already know its downsides, which you might even see as advantages. While it can seem romantic to sleep under the stars, the weather can turn bad without warning. The facilities are also shared, which can mean lengthy waits or an opportunity to make friends. It all depends on your point of view.

    If roughing it in the wilderness doesn’t sounds like your cup of English breakfast, then glamping may be a good alternative. This new trend is like camping but with more of the “glam” creature comforts of home. The tents are much more luxurious, with couches, plush beds, and even functioning bathrooms inside. Many glamping grounds do away with tents altogether and instead use revamped camper vans or traditional Yurt huts. They’re still a bit rustic, but they provide enough indulgence to satisfy city slickers.

    Holiday cottages are the perfect option for groups of friends or large families. Renting a house in Cornwall or Northumbria sounds lavish, but it’s a lot more affordable than you might think if divided between all parties. And remember that the money buys you the privacy and freedom rarely afforded on vacation.

    The UK's most famous clock, Big Ben
    The UK's most famous clock, Big Ben

    Remember though that unlike other accommodation options, in a holiday cottage you’ll need to fend for yourself. There are no friendly hosts to cook your breakfast, and no maids to make your bed or scrub out the shower. Tending to those domestic duties can put a damper on any vacation. However cooking meals is a great way to cut those holiday costs.

    So where will you stay in England? It’s smart to do your research before you set off to decide which affordable accommodation option will best suit your needs. Whatever you decide, it’s great to know that a vacation in Great Britain doesn’t have to cost the earth.

  • Vacation on a Shoestring – Save Money & Travel on a Budget

    With a big wide world full of glamorous destinations, it’s very easy for our travel ambitions to become much bigger than our bank balance. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to see what the globe has to offer. By following our simple advice, you can take a vacation for next to nothing.

    The cost of accommodation can be one of the biggest holiday drains. We’d all love to stay in five-star luxury, but if you’re planning a holiday on the cheap you’ll have to quash that dream. Instead consider spending a night under the stars in a local campsite, or living simply in a hostel. Depending on your destination though, even these down-market digs can be a bit expensive. Do your research and plan ahead well before you set off. If your budget is looking stretched you’ll have time to organize free accommodation. Sleeping on the couch of a friendly European or house sitting in the United States is a great way to save cash and experience life as the locals do. Just remember to be a good house guest while you’re staying in someone else’s castle, especially if you hope to receive an invitation to return!

    Once your accommodation’s sorted you’ll need to eat. Here you’ve got two basic choices: eat out or raid a local supermarket and stay in. The latter seems an obvious option for cheapskates, but it’s always nice to spend some time away from the stove. If you’re only eating out once a day, make sure that it’s lunch. The midday meal is often much cheaper than the evening one, and it’ll give you enough energy for sightseeing. Look for eateries with daily set menus which offer a starter, main, and dessert for a reduced price. After three hearty courses, you might still feel full at dinner time!

    No one wants to spend their vacation staring at their accommodation’s walls, so you’ll need to organize a way to get around. Public transport is the obvious solution for frugal travelers, but it’s not the only one. If you make friends with the locals, you can often bum a ride to somewhere interesting. If you haven’t made any connections, the notice boards of hostels are a great place to start. You’ll often find available spaces in cars that will only cost you a portion of the petrol money.

    New Zealand money and calculatorSo once you’ve arrived at your dream destination, what are you going to see? Whatever it is, if you’re traveling on a tight budget it’ll probably be free. Thankfully most cities offer a wealth of free attractions, from national parks and gardens to museums and art galleries. Some sights are free only on particular days though, so do your research and plan a money-saving itinerary before you set off.

    So why are you still daydreaming about that vacation? By following our advice you can see any destination your heart desires without maxing out your credit card.

  • Gold Coast’s Best Hostels – Budget Accommodation in Queensland’s Beach District

    The beautiful beaches, big surf, and pumping nightclubs lure tourists from all around the world to Australia’s Gold Coast. The high rise resorts may unnerve some frugal travelers but rest assured, there’s plenty of high quality hostel accommodation if you know where to look.

    The first step is deciding exactly where you want to stay. The Gold Coast is a collection of Queensland beach towns, each with its own personality. One of the most popular, and most active, is Surfers Paradise. Cavill Avenue is the city’s epicenter, with great shopping opportunities during the day and plenty of Aussie pubs and clubs to keep you entertained once the sun goes down. Islander Backpacker Resort is the pick of the local hostels, as it’s conveniently located within walking distance of the beach, shops, restaurants, and clubs. No doubt you’ll spend plenty of time out and about, but if you do feel like kicking back you can take advantage of the hostel’s tennis court, spa bath, steam room, barbecue area, and bar. These facilities make the Islander feel like anything but a budget accommodation choice. Just remember that everyone in Surfers is looking for a party, so if you like your peace and quiet you may prefer another town.

    Southport is regarded as the Gold Coast’s business center, and the local suits make it a bit quieter than Surfers. However it’s close enough to the action that you needn’t feel you’re missing out on the Gold Coast experience. The friendly folk at Southport’s Aquarius Backpackers make it one of the area’s best budget accommodation options. You’re sure to make friends over the pool table, bar, or swimming pool. The hostel also runs a free shuttle bus throughout the night to ferry its guests to the Gold Coast’s hottest night spots.

    australia gold coast beaches photo
    A beach on Australia's Gold Coast

    Coolangatta is another laidback option particularly popular with surfers and aspiring grommets. The great surf beaches aren’t the only appeal though; its streets are lined with excellent restaurants and it’s a stone’s throw from the airport. Kommune Resorts has a boutique hotel vibe but its rooms cost little more than hostel dorms, despite their beach views. I doubt you’ll spend a lot of time in there though. The outdoor movie lounge and pool and party area are too much fun!

    Australia’s hostels and budget hotels have come a long way since the days of roach infested rooms in rough neighborhoods. Instead they’re a great way to make your money go further on the Gold Coast.

  • Cheap Stay at Japan’s Internet Cafes – Affordable Accommodation at Manga Kissa

    Internet cafes have become refuges for travelers keen to catch up with what’s happening back home and stay in touch with loved ones.


    But in Japan, they’re also a cheap place to stay. When all you need is entertainment and a roof over your head, this budget accommodation option begins to look very appealing.

    Japanese internet cafes, sometimes called manga cafes or manga kissa, have been expanded to include showers and private cubicles. There are no beds, so you probably won’t enjoy the best night’s sleep of your stay, but for as little as 1000 yen a night, or around $12 US, you won’t find a cheaper accommodation in Japan. Not even Japan’s capsule hotels are as affordable! Some café chains require membership and a small registration fee to bunker down, but if cost is key it’s still worth paying this additional expense.

    You might catch forty winks in the comfortable chairs, but the rest of your stay you’ll probably take advantage of the facilities. Your tariff will cover the cost of your internet usage and access to the café’s library of manga comic books. Many cafés also offer unlimited sodas and coffee to their patrons, and some even have television sets.Hotel sign with mouse

    The lack of beds means that an internet café probably won’t be your only accommodation while in Japan, but they’re a great option for short stopovers, or when you start to run low on yen!

  • Stay and Party at Limes Hotel in Fortitude Valley, Queensland

    Most visitors to Australia’s Sunshine State, Queensland, flock to the well known tourist areas. There’s the beach strip known as the Gold Coast, the idyllic resorts of the Top End, and of course the capital city of Brisbane.


    For all of the convenience of Brisbane without the crowds and expense, consider bunkering down at Limes Hotel in Fortitude Valley. This is a hip, contemporary boutique hotel with a great youthful energy. The rooftop champagne and cocktail bar is an ideal place for socializing with the other residents, and there are even alfresco movies. Thanks to Queensland's balmy climate these outdoor activities can be enjoyed all year round. With so much going on you probably won’t want to spend too much time in your room, but these are still worth mentioning. They've got a futuristic modern feel, but still include all the important creature comforts including luxurious king-sized beds, convenient kitchenettes and, in some cases, private courtyards with hammocks! For the technologically inclined, all rooms also have complimentary WiFi broadband access, flat-screen television sets with Foxtel, CD players, and even an iPod dock. Fortitude Valley is a buzzing neighborhood that's home to the state's hottest pubs and clubs, exotic restaurants and cafes, and trendy boutique stores. No traveler would want to miss Brisbane's popular tourist attractions, but as The Valley is only a mile from the city these highlights are still quite accessible. Regular buses and trains can take you where you want to go in no time. This isn't the place for a family holiday though. Limes Hotel attracts young singles and couples, the kind of freewheeling folks that don't want their style cramped by crying babies or demanding toddlers. Conversely the rooftop party isn't going to wind down because your little ones are trying to sleep. Because of this, management respectfully asks that you leave your rug rats at home. Double rooms start from $219 a night including breakfast each morning, which is a whole lot less than you'd pay for comparable accommodation in Brisbane!

  • Auckland’s Best Backpacker Accommodation for Travelers on a Budget

    New Zealand is a haven for adventurous young tourists who’d prefer to spend their travel budget on the next big thrill than accommodation.

    Thankfully the major metropolitan center of Auckland offers plenty of great value hostels for the visitors who'd prefer to save their pennies. YHA Auckland Hostel was called one of the country’s best by Frommers, and many of the 50, 000 guests who check in each year. There’s a lot to like about this place, from the location (just five minutes’ walk from the city center) to the features. Guests can choose from basic share rooms to private twins, doubles, and ensuites. The lounge area has a pool table and SKY TV, and you can stay in touch with WiFi access. Beds start at NZ$23 and private rooms start at NZD $82. City Garden Lodge is located in Parnell, on the city's fringes. There are private rooms and share accommodation, including the ladies share option for girls who don’t want mixed company. You can walk to local restaurants and retail stores, and the Link bus service is close by if you want to get to the centre of town. Prices range between NZD$28 and NZD$68 a night.newzealand-money-calculator If you'd prefer to get out of the city altogether consider Verandahs Backpackers Lodge in ritzy Ponsonby. This suburb is pretty exclusive, but rooms here cost between NZD$23 and NZD$50 a night. Add an extra $2 onto the bill if you need to hire towels. The family-run business offers an alternative to the rowdy hostels of the city, with dorm rooms and private suites catering for the "peace seeking traveler." The lodge has two separate villas, each with their own lounge area equipped with a book exchange and computers with internet access. Pentlands Backpackers in Mt Eden offers beds at a comparable price. The standard range of accommodation costs travelers between NZD$28 and NZD$58 a night. Pentlands is another family owned business set in a renovated colonial homestead. While the setting has an old world charm, it offers plenty of modern conveniences including internet access, heated rooms, a video and book library, and a comfortable lounge area. It’s located three kilometers from the city, but Mt Eden has a shopping center if you’re in need of a quick retail fix. These backpackers hostels are the district’s most popular, but they're just the tip of the iceberg. Visit AucklandNZ to discover more of the city's affordable accommodation options.

  • Vacation on a Budget in Affordable Tonga

    The South Pacific has a reputation as a luxury holiday destination, with the prices to match. If you don’t want to abandon your dreams of a Pacific getaway but you’ve got a strict budget to follow, consider heading to Tonga.

    This island nation has a reputation as the best value destination in Oceania. While those with cash to spare can splurge on deluxe digs, there are a wide range of accommodation for travelers on a budget. There are many affordable options scattered around the islands including Otuhaka Beach Resort in Tongatapu, Paradise Hotel on Vava’u, and SandyBoyz Motel in the capital city, Nuku'alofa. They might not offer the most plush accommodation or all the modern conveniences, but these modest options have everything you really need in some beautiful locations. Travelers from the Northern Hemisphere are eligible for an Air Pass, which allows them to fly between the islands of Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai, and 'Eua for a fixed price. Tourists from the south can save cash by catching the inter island ferries. The sea journey is slower, but more affordable. Tongatapu has Tonga's most extensive bus network, although some buses also run on Vava'u and the tourist centers of Lifuka and Foa in Ha’apai. The bus stops of Tongatapu are marked by the word "Pasi"; elsewhere you’ll need to flag down a bus as you would a taxi. Bus fares are inexpensive, ranging from 50 seniti to T$2. There are many inexpensive activities to pass to your time in Tonga. Relaxing on the sandy beaches and swimming or snorkeling in the oceans around Tongatapu and Ha'apai is an easy way to pass the time. Visitors can immerse themselves in Tonga's history with a trip to the ancient Royal tombs at Lapaha and the Ha'amonga’a Maui trilithon, Tonga's answer to Stonehenge. The natural wonders of Tonga also cost nothing to enjoy. You can hike through the tropical rainforest at 'Eau or marvel at the massive volcanic crater on Tofua Island. One thing's for certain; even if you're not spending a lot of money in Tonga you certainly won't be bored!

  • Rent a Bach in New Zealand’s North Island – Self Contained Accommodation for Less

    The North Island of New Zealand is one of the most popular spots in the Southern Hemisphere, with many people flying in each year to experience the easy marriage of Maori culture and European history, the lush scenery, and the delicious wines.

    Of course, as with any tourist center, accommodation can be expensive. But it need not cost you a fortune if you avoid the hotels and rent a Bach instead! A Bach is the New Zealand term for a holiday house or shack, but don't let that description cloud your judgment. While some are basic, many offer luxuries like absolute beachfront locations and barbeque facilities. Of course if you want to live the high life, you'll need to pay for it! Whether you decide to live large or survive on the basics, you'll enjoy a working kitchen, laundry facilities, and more space to spread out than a hotel room would allow. In fact, many are so large that several couples can share the Bach to cut down on costs. [caption id="attachment_3486" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A Bach in New Zealand"]A Bach in New Zealand[/caption] Moving away from the regular tourist beat can also help you experience the local area as a resident would. Your neighbors know the area better than most, so listen to their activity and restaurant recommendations! Prices vary considerably, but you can expect to pay as little as $300 or as much as $2000 a week. To find a Bach in your price range, visit the Rent a Bach website.