Archive for the budget travel category
Not got long to visit a city? Then you need a guide on what to miss, and what you can’t miss out. Barcelona makes a perfect summer city break, especially if you’re taking a day trip from Catalonia, or backpacking through Europe. Plus with hostels in Barcelona and other Spain hostels part of our summer sale, it’s even cheaper to make the trip there this summer.
Our guest blogger Gizelle Lau knows what makes the city tick, and recently gave herself 24 hours to sample the best of Barcelona. Here’s her guide to Barcelona’s hot list, with not a dud tapas bar or tourist trap in sight:
What’s Hot:
Jamonisimo. For a taste of some of the best ham in the world and a uniquely Spanish treat, this is the place to go. The ham served here is high-end Iberico ham: pigs raised in the Spanish countryside that are fed on acorns. With my limited Spanish and the shopkeeper’s limited English, when I managed to ask for a tasting plate (35 EUR), the shopkeeper’s face lit up. He took me to a room in the back of the shop where two small tables were set up. He brought out a bottle of Rioja, toasted tomatoes on bread, and sliced some of the most delicious ham I’ve ever tasted.
Gaudi: La Sagrada Familia is the most-visited attraction in Barcelona and packed with photo takers and bus tours. Although other Gaudi sights like La Pedrera, Park Guell, and Casa Batillo are worth the visit, La Sagrada Familia is one of the most fascinating structures I have ever seen. Only partially completed when Gaudi died, this unfinished temple is haunted by construction cranes and scaffolding, not to mention a lack of funding for its completion.
Tapas & Chocolate Cake: Bubo is best known as the purveyors of the World’s Best Chocolate Cake – although I would urge you to try their other amazing treats, which are even more delicious. Visit the shop for a delicious break of homemade marshmallows, macarons, mousses, and specialty cakes/pastries. Bobu Bar next door is also one of Barcelona’s top tapas bar right next door in the Old Quarter, just across from the Basilica Santa Maria del Mar.
Nighttime Entertainment: The Magic Fountain of Montjuic is located in the Montjuic area where you can find attractions like the Archaeological Museum and the National Palace. You can spend more than 1 day in this area alone, but if you’re short on time, be sure to visit on a day that the fountain’s synchronized water-lights-music show takes place at night. Built in 1929, it’s the first show of its kind (eat your heart out, Bellagio!).
The Bus Turistica: The easiest way to see Barcelona, especially if you’re short on time is to just give in and take the Bus Turistica. For a 21 Euro fare, you can hop on and hop off the bus at 24 of the city’s top sights all day until 9-10pm. Buses arrive every 15 minutes and traverse 3 different zones (east, north, and central) of Barcelona, taking you from Montjuic Mountain to Tibidabo Mountain, Olympic Stadium, Sagrada Familia, the Barri Gotic, and many more.
A Hip Hotel
If you’re planning on spending the night, Casa con Estilo is one of the chicest pads to crash in Barcelona. This small boutique hotel only sleeps 12, so has a homely but super cool feel, housed in elegant 19th century building, with funky decor and a terrace overlooking the city. (Ed. Stay at the Casa con Estilo for less with our summer sale!)
What’s Not:
Las Ramblas, the city’s busiest area: A tree-lined pedestrian avenue that begins in the heart of Barcelona leading to its port, it’s packed with shops, tourists, vendors trying to sell to tourists, tourist trap restaurants that serve low-quality food, and people looking to scam tourists, especially near the port-end of the avenue. It’s nonetheless one of the popular attractions – just beware of pickpockets and people looking to lure you into their shop in dark alleys. Go spend your time at the Barri Gotic instead.
Tibidabo Mountain: The top of Tibidabo is great for families because it has an amusement park. The cathedral is stunning and the views of Barcelona at your feet are great, but not worth the time and money to get to the top.
Need more travel inspiration? Discover more great Europe travel reads from TripAtlas.com, like the top European Destinations, the best of Rome, or Why Copenhagen is the Capital of Cool.
Planning a summer getaway but don’t have much cash to burn? Left it to the last minute to book a summer break?
Well we’ve got some exciting news here at Hostelbookers. We’re launching our first ever summer sale soon, with beds in top summer holiday destinations available from just £3pppn.
With savings of up to 70% at hostels in southern europe’s top cities and beach resorts, you can escape to the sun in August for alot less.
The sale will start on August 1st 2009 – stick around here for more details and we’ll keep you posted…
We’re cracking out the champagne (or cheap cava) over at HostelBookers…we’ve just heard that HostelBloggers, our old blog (and the daddy of blog.hostelbookers) has won a budget travel award!
Online travel tool Tripbase have named us as one of the ‘Best Budget Travel Blogs’ out there – chosen by their panel of travel experts who scour the web every day, and ranking alongside top bloggers eurocheapo and vagablogging.net, it’s a huge compliment to receive such a prestigious award.
You can still check out HostelBloggers selection of articles and travel guides online, but for now, here’s hoping our new blog will be as successful!
Tripbase Blog Awards 2009
Gay Pride rolled into London this weekend, and some of the HostelBloggers staff were lucky enough to go! In honour of such a great party, and for all those of you who didn’t make it here for the parade, we have a guest post from Pink Choice – a great online resource for gay and lesbian travelers. Here’s their guide to another weekend away, in vibrant Provincetown, Cape Cod. Stay in a hostel in Massachussetts and take a day trip to the coolest spot the Cape…
Mention New England, and places like Boston, Salem and Newport come to mind, but more adventurous travelers add Provincetown to the list.
About a 2 hour drive from Boston, Provincetown sits at the very tip of Cape Cod. It is where the Pilgrims first landed back in 1620; where the whaling industry thrived in the 1800’s; where Tennessee Williams, Eugene O’Neill and Norman Mailer wrote; where Charles Hawthorne, Edward Hopper and Jackson Pollock painted; and where Marlon Brando, Eartha Kitt and Billie Holiday performed.
With the demise of the whaling industry Provincetown became a vibrant arts community, a tourist destination and home to gays, lesbians and drag queens. It is a favorite destination for gay and lesbian travelers from all over the world, a place embracing diversity, tolerance and acceptance of all life styles.
Getting There
A day trip to Provincetown from Boston is easy. In season, high speed ferries make the journey in just 90 minutes ($86 return) and Cape Air flies year round from Logan airport ($100-$180 depending on the season). Once in Provincetown you can start your day with breakfast in one of the street side restaurants and cafes that dot Commercial Street. Just three miles long, it bustles with cafes, restaurants, shops, clubs, bars, boutiques and art galleries.
Getting around Town
The easiest way to get around town is on foot or by bike. Ptown Bikes and Gale Force Bikes rent by the hour or day. Out of town, there are 15 miles of cycle trails winding through the dunes and pine forest of the National Sea Shore, offering great views and a good workout!
History and a View
Back in town, the Pilgrim Monument and Museum chronicles the history of Provincetown. The top of the Monument has panoramic views of the town and the Outer Cape. And it looks like the Italian Sienna Tower.
Lunchtime!
Provincetown is the place to try a bowl of clam chowder or fried clams. The Lobster Pot is ‘a Provincetown tradition’ and serves perhaps the best clam chowder on the Cape. Another favorite is Ross’ Grill, located on the second floor of the Whalers Wharf just west of the town center.
Feeling Arty?
In the afternoon stroll through the gallery district in the East End of town. There are many galleries to browse and the famous Provincetown Art Museum to visit too. Most galleries are open late morning through to late evening in the summer months.
Up Close and Personal
Alternatively, head to MacMillian Pier and join one of the whale watching trips that go out several times a day from April to October. You will be able to see humpbacks, finbacks, minkes and pilot whales up close and personal as well as dolphins and porpoise.
Winding Down?
Night time takes on a life of its own. Drag queens hawk their shows from the side walk, and buskers of all shades of talent perform outside Town Hall. Some people head to Herring Cove beach to see a spectacular Provincetown sunset. Others head for one of the many quality restaurants offering plenty of choice to match individual tastes and budgets. Favorites from East to West are the Mews, Café Edwiges, Front Street, Jimmy’s Hideaway, Victor’s and The Red Inn.
Afterwards, take in a show at the Post Office Cabaret or the Crown and Anchor or dance the night away in one of the clubs in town like the famous “A” House or Vixen’s.
Some people do this all in 48 hours, others take a week. Whatever time you have, Provincetown is one destination like no other and one that will hook you for return visits, again and again.
Article courtesy of Pink Choice – Essential Reviews for Gay Travelers.
Images - Thanks to our friends on Flickr Chris Devers, MS Stephens, Jodo and Donnay.
There’s more to Scotland’s capital than bagpipes, haggis and kilts flapping in the breeze. Dubbed the “Athens of the North” for its beautiful architecture, Edinburgh’s grand Georgian streets come alive at night- modern day Scots sure know how to party, and when the internationally renowned Edinburgh and Fringe Festival rolls into town, most places are packed out until the wee hours.
A chic and cosmopolitan city, Edinburgh can seem quite pricey, with the top site the Edinburgh Castle costing around £12! Luckily there are plenty of cheap Edinburgh hostels around town, so by saving $10 with Hostelbookers, and following this budget guide, you’ll have more to spend on that traditional Scottish Whiskey.
1. The National Galleries of Scotland
Aside from the historic architecture on the city streets, Edinburgh is blessed with some excellent museums and galleries that will satisfy culture vultures. The National Galleries of Scotland are free to enter, and are housed in five beautiful buildings across the city. The Modern Art Galleries are set in a huge stately home surrounded by parkland dotted with sculptures, and the National Gallery has an extensive collection of fine art from the Reniassance to the nineteenth-century. Special exhibitions are hosted throughout the year and are well worth the £4-6 entry fee – current shows include a retrospective on British Artists and Collectors in Spain.
2. Scottish Eats
Forget Shortbread and Smoked Salmon – the scarier traditional Scottish food may sound (and look) daunting, but ignore the ingredients and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how delicious the food is. Haggis, Neeps (Turnips) and Tatties (Mashed Potato) is available in most local pubs, but usually costs a little over $10- to stick to your budget buy one from a local deli and take it to your hostel to cook. Macsween’s is the most famous for haggis, and they can be boiled or microwaved – it’ll cost you around £5 for a haggis for 2-3 people.
A cheaper lunch is Cullen Skink, a creamy fish soup, or a haggis pasty – you’ll need to walk to the top of Edinburgh Castle to burn that one off!
3. The Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanic Garden is over two centuries old, and makes for a beautiful afternoon stroll. Explore acres of local and exotic plants – highlights include the largest collection of wild-origin Chinese plants outside China, the Scottish Heath Garden, the Rock Garden, and the Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden. Plant Lovers can discover unusual varieties of flora and fauna from across the globe in the quaint Victorian Glass House, browse the oldest Botanical library in Britain or catch an art exhibition at Inverleith House. The Garden is free, the Glasshouses just £3.50 each.
4. See Nessie away from her Loch
You don’t have to venture to the Highlands in search of Scotland’s most famous mythical beast – touristy but hilarious fun, the 3D Loch Ness Experience is based on the work of Loch Ness expert Adrian Shine, with 3D displays and an exhibition on all the facts and myths surrounding the Loch Ness Monster. Entry is £5
5. Explore a Georgian House
Edinburgh is famous for its elegant Georgian architecture, but why not step back in time and see how the well-heeled lived in 18th century Edinburgh. The rooms are accurately restored with Period details and the informative guides will tell you anything you need to know about the city during this period. Entry is £5.
6. Dessert at the Queen’s Deli
Edinburgh is packed with royal heritage, and the Queen herself is a big fan of the city – she orders her cheeses from Valvona and Crolla, a famous artisan deli. The restaurant and cafe upstairs serves dishes made with the top quality produce, with regal prices to match. You may not be able to afford to eat like a Queen, but you can certainly squeeze in dessert – the ‘dolce’ here are to die for, and each dish costs around £4-6. Try the real Italian gelato imported exclusively from Milan, the Torta di Cioccolato – a devilish Chocolate truffle cake made with 70% Valrhona chocolate, and the Limoncello Pannacotta.
7. An Afternoon at The Queen’s Gallery
Carrying on the Royal theme, make like a monarch and visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse, still used by the Queen as an official residence. When she’s back in Blighty, the building is open to the public, and the Queen’s Gallery (entry £5) is filled with a changing programme of exhibitions from the Royal Collection and Library at Windsor Castle.
8. A Dram of Whisky in Greyfriars Bobby
One of Scotland’s most famous exports, you couldn’t leave Edinburgh without sampling a ‘dram’ of malt whiskey. Greyfriar’s Bobby is a legendary watering hole named after the famous dog and city mascot who watched over his master’s grave, and the pub is a cozy place for a drink, if a little crowded in tourist season.
9. A Spooky Drink
Edinburgh’s gothic landscape of spooky catacombs, dungeons and dark alleyways of cobbled streets mean that the city is the setting for many ghost stories. You can fork out for a ghost walk tour around the city, or create your own horror stories by visiting two of Edinburgh’s best themed bars. Frankenstein’s (or ‘Frankie’s) and Jekyll and Hyde are delightfully kitsch bars that are surprisingly slick- with horror movie memorobilia on the walls, huge screens showing old films, and themed cocktails. Splash out on a scary drink for around a fiver – try the ‘Bride of Frankenstein’ at Frankie’s – a ghoulishy girlie mix of Tia Maria, Kahlua, Baileys, milk & chocolate sauce.
10. A Night in a ‘Wee Red Bar’
This achingly hip venue at the Edinburgh College of Art is a refreshing alternative to some of the pricier mainstream clubs. Not as cramped as its named suggests, there’s plenty of room for a good dance. Entry at the Wee Red Bar ranges from £3-5 and club nights are an eclectic mix of art shows, indie, dance and anything slightly offbeat.
LJS – Got any more budget tips for a city break Edinburgh? Comment below!
Images – Thanks to Martydev, amortize , chatirygirl, derrickting, and hanuman.
Here in London, summer has well and truly arrived, with sunshine all around (not forgetting the odd obligatory rain shower, of course) and, even more amazingly, there’s a good forecast for the next few months too..
When we were looking for things to do on a nice day and cheap weekend breaks recently, HostelBloggers found ourselves being drawn back to the best of Britain – why splash out on a plane ticket when we can enjoy what our home country has to offer?
1. The Budget City Break
If you want to get more weekend for your money, avoid London as far as possible – instead, check into one of Britain’s great university towns. Both easily accessible from the capital and its railway links (and compact enough to explore on foot once you’ve arrived), Oxford and Cambridge make the perfect spot for a weekend away.
With their ancient architecture, quaint rivers, heaps of culture and more than enough space for a picnic, 48 hours in Cambridge or a cheap weekend in Oxford can definitely live up to those popular cities on the continent.
2. The Day at the Seaside
When the temperatures start to soar (fingers crossed!), ditch the city and head down to the coast. Britain may not be the best known European country for its beaches but from surfing in Cornwall to sand dunes in Norfolk and unspoiled Scottish islands, it has a lot more to offer than you might think.
Young people should head to Newquay for great surfing, with plenty of Newquay hostels a board’s throw away from the killer waves. Things also heat up in Newquay town once the sun sets, with wannabe surfers and party animals packing out the bars and clubs. Brighton may be known as ‘London by the Sea’, but this quirky city is way cooler than its inland cousin, with legendary nightlife and clubs that spill out onto the seafront. Stay in a Brighton hostel in cosmopolitan Kemp Town and you can easily stumble home at night.
Norfolk’s beaches are best for families, with acres of safe, unspoilt sand and salt marshes to explore. Appreciate this area of outstanding natural beauty and holiday with a conscience at an eco-hostel and campsite on the Northern coast. Gentle bike rides, trips to nature reserves and lazy pub lunches are the perfect ingredients for a relaxing family break.
Britain’s seaside resorts are the perfect place to sample that old British classic – Fish and Chips. There are hundreds of places to find this greasy grub, but for the freshest fish and crispiest batter – stick to the seaside. Blackpool is famed for its delicious fish and chips – The Cottage has been a foodie landmark since 1946, recommended by fish guru Rick Stein in his ‘Fish Lover’s Guide’ with celebrity photos on the walls.
Check out The Independent’s recommendation of the five best British beaches for more inspiration.
3. The Country Retreat
Britain is home to some beautiful countryside that was made for rambling country walks. Head north to the Peak District or rolling hills of Cumbria that inspired Romantic poets such as Wordsworth, or discover the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, with fields of heather and peaceful Lochs. The Wye valley in Wales is another beautiful spot – for the perfect remote weekend, go for long walk, warm up with lunch in the local pub with a few drinks, stay over in a hostel, and potter back the next day after a Sunday Roast or idyllic picnic.
4. The Family Day Out
If you’ve got a family of tiny tearaways who can’t sit still, treat them to an action packed day out at one of Britain’s top attractions. Theme Parks can cost a packet, but there are several fantastic 2 for 1 deals on top attractions here on Money Saving Expert. You can save even more by avoiding pricey theme park hotels and staying in a family friendly hostel in Windsor for Legoland, and Derby, Nottingham or Chester for Alton Towers.
AW – Got a top tip for cheap days out in the UK? Let us know… Images – Thanks to our friends on Flickr alexbrn, connor 395, jimbowen036 and Rob Young .
New York, New York - one of the world’s must exciting, bustling, multicultural metropolises…but also one of the expensive.
By the time you’ve paid for pricey flights and accommodation, a trip to New York can seem out of reach for budget travelers. But with hostels in New York offering a bed for a decent price (Ed. – don’t forget HostelBookers can save you an extra $10 or so – find out more here) and our thrifty guide to the sights, a weekend in New York could work out perfectly affordable…
1.Take the Subway to P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center
An affiliate of the MoMa (Museum of modern Art), but with a suggested donation of just $5 to enter, the PS1 manages to stand out from the crowd of New York museums. The former school has been transformed into a radical exhibition space for contemporary and conceptual art.
2. Drink Fresh-Squeezed Lime Margaritas
Mole Mexican Bar & Grill on Allen Street has a $5 happy hour between 4 and 7pm every day. This family-run Mexican bar in East Houston serves excellent cocktails, but you can add nachos, quesadillas and guacamole (also $5 at this time) or a $3 draft beer to your order.
3. Browse the Chelsea Art Galleries
Manhattan’s upmarket West Side is one of the cultural centers for New York’s art scene – Chelsea is home to around 200 galleries which exhibit both new and established artists’ work from Tuesday to Sunday. Best of all, they’re free to explore…
4. Walk the High Line
New York’s old elevated train platform has just re-opened as an imaginative public park – and a wonderful place to relax, high up above the city streets. More information on the High Line opening can be found at National Geographic.
5. Chinatown, Canal and Mott Streets
Explore this multicultural city’s thriving Chinatown district of exotic shops and restaurants along Canal and Mott Streets and stop off for a bowl of $5 noodles on the way.
6. Enjoy Bryant Park
Central Park might be New York’s best known green space, but Bryant Park in midtown (between 5th and 6th Avenue, from 4o to 42nd Street) is the place to head for free outdoor concerts, film showings and other events.
7. See the City Like a Local
Forget ferry rides and city tours – the best way to get a feel for and a look at the city is on a scenic bus route through the streets for $1.50. Try the M5 from Greenwich Village to Riverside Drive, which passes Chelsea, Rockefeller Center, Lincoln Center and Central Park South, or the M4 from Madison Avenue through Harlem to the Cloisters.
8. Free Pizza at Croccodile Lounge
It may not be the world’s best hang out, but cheap drinks and a free cheese pizza with every order means hungry backpackers really can’t go wrong at this New York bar at 325 E 14th St.
9. The Peanut Butter Co, Greenwich Village
Freshly ground Peanut Butter is made on site, and the whole menu is full of weird and wonderful peanut butter sandwiches – like the ‘Elvis’ ( a heart stopping combo of bacon, banana, honey and peanut butter), and the ‘Sampler Platter’ where you can try crazy flavours like Cinnamon and Dark Chocolate… For real kitsch appeal, the sandwiches come with a side of carrot sticks and potato chips. There’s even some wacky desserts like PB Tiramasu, and you can buy jars of the gourmet stuff to take home if you have any change! (Ed. – thanks to Lauren Smith for her recommendation – sounds great)
10. Tip-top cupcakes
Stop at Crumbs Cupcake Store on the Upper West Side, you can’t visit NYC without cupcakes on the menu… (Ed. – thanks to Alexandra O’Connor for this one, we couldn’t agree more!)
For more up-to-date tips on events and New York news, check out NewYorkology before you go!
AW – Have you got a budget tip to share for New York? Get in touch… Or if you’d like your advice to be included in HostelBloggers’ next cheap travel guide, join our Facebook group, Travel the World for $10, for more information!
Images – thanks to our friends on Flickr, b0r0da, ajagendorf25 and matze_ott.
Planning your backpacking adventure in Europe this summer? Gizelle Lau of international travel resource Tripatlas.com shares her top tips and essential resources for backpacking beginners.
For today’s generation of 20 to 30-somethings, backpacking in Europe is almost a right of passage. Sleeping on overnight trains, chilling at cafes all day and meeting other like-minded vagabonds and wanderers from all over the world at hostels….
1. Make sure you choose the right kind of backpack!
Whether you’re backpacking for 2 weeks or 6 months, a good backpack is worth the investment, costing you from $100+. Look for a backpack that has a strong internal frame (external frames can get bulky) and well-padded straps that will help transfer the weight in your pack from your shoulders/back to your hips.
Get a panel or front-loading backpack rather than one that loads from the top so you can easily access your items without having to dig to the bottom. Backpack size depends on your height, weight and body shape, so getting the biggest backpack isn’t a good idea because it could be painful and cause injury. If possible, get a backpack that has another smaller daypack that can attach/unhitch to your larger backpack, making it easier when moving from one place to the next. Locks are also a good idea to keep your stuff secure!
Go to Mountain Equipment Coop’s Backpack Info Page for more on finding the right backpack for you.
2. Packing essentials: How to pack, what to pack and what not to forget
The lighter you pack, the better – especially if you’re planning on picking up souvenirs. For clothing, pack enough for just under 1 week and plan on doing laundry every 1-2 weeks. Some people belong to the “folding” theory of packing while others adhere to the “rolling” theory. Find out which works best for you – personally, I do a bit of both. Remember that what you pack also depends on seasons (heavier sweaters/jackets for winter and flip flops for summer!). If you’re going for an extended period of time, send home heavier sweaters when they’re no longer needed.
Pack a pillowcase and bed sheet or “hostel sheet” if you’re worried about the cleanliness of accommodation. If travelling with a buddy, share items like hair dryer, shampoo/conditioner, laundry detergent and etc., to save you both from having to lug around extra weight. Depending on your hostel, pack a pot and utensils for cooking. Flip flop are essentials to avoid attracting foot-related diseases in communal showers. A light windbreak or rain jacket with a hood is essential for insulating warmth and work better than umbrellas. Always pack a copy of your travel documents/ID (and scan/send to your email) in cases of emergency. Guidebooks are useful as quick references for places to go, history/story behind attractions and maps but can get heavy and bring you to tourist traps.
It’s a good idea to bring a small notebook with you to track expenses, jot down the names of restaurants, people you meet or store addresses/phone numbers of friends/family back home to call or send postcards.
3. Where to stay: finding, researching and booking hostels
Try to book your hostels before leaving home so that you won’t have to knock on doors at 2am. A great website for finding hostels in Europe is HostelBookers.com – it includes reviews from past guests and travelers so you can get a feel for the atmosphere.
4. Backpacking alone vs. traveling with friends
Traveling alone and traveling with friends both have pros and cons. When by yourself, you tend to meet more people, learn to become more independent and really give yourself the chance to “find yourself.” On the other hand, traveling with friends can also be a lot of fun, but it can get tricky and requires patience, good communication and a lot of compromising. Before deciding to travel with someone, it’s important to discuss some of the following: your goals for the trip (art galleries, meeting people, partying or relaxing in seclusion?), your budgets (McDonald’s or Chez Pierre?), preferred destinations and travel pace.
5. Budgeting for your European backpacking adventure
Your largest expenses backpacking through Europe will be transportation ($1000 to/from Europe and $250+ within Europe) and accommodations (find as low as $10/night). All other expenses like food, attractions and shopping are easier to control. The best way to experience all the amazing sights and foods of Europe without having to spend your life savings, is to designate some days as “budget days” and other days as “splurge days.” You’ll be able to experience the best of both worlds while being deliberate about saving money at other times.
It’s a good idea to bring a small notebook with you to track expenses, jot down the names of restaurants, people you meet or store addresses/phone numbers of friends/family back home to call or send postcards.
6. Money matters, ATMs and banks in Europe
Before you leave home, make sure there is enough money in your bank account to finance your trip and in case of emergency… When you’re backpacking in Europe or travelling the world, it’s a good idea to Euros for spending money, around $100 USD packed away, your debit card, an everyday-use credit card and another credit card with a substantial limit for emergencies (i.e. last minute flights home).
It’s also a good idea to stash away cash in a few different places: your pockets, your wallet, in your journal, in your luggage, etc.
Before your trip, go to the bank and order enough Euros to last you for 1-2 weeks or whatever amount you’re comfortable carrying. When you need more cash, use your debit card at bank machine in a recognized banking institution that has the same Maestro, Cirrus or Plus logos/symbols that match the ones on the back of your debit card. Be sure to call your bank before you leave to alert them that expenses will show up from some foreign countries and keep your bank’s phone number handy in case of emergency.
7. Deciding on places to visit and planning your route!
Europe is a big place and you could spend a few weeks or five years exploring all that is has to offer – and it still wouldn’t be enough. If you’re interested in visiting a city or destination, 3-5 days is a good time period to learn about the place and enjoy what it has to offer although more time allows you to really discover the city. Also keep in mind that cities like Rome have a lot more things to do, see, and experience than smaller villages.
Start with a blank spreadsheet and a map. Put in the dates of your holiday in one column and in another, list the places you want to visit. Keep in mind that going from north to south (i.e. London, England to Paris, France to Nice, France to Barcelona, Spain) makes more sense than hopping form place to place. Then plot the places into the dates and see what you can work out.
Maybe for this trip, you could do all of Western Europe while saving Eastern Europe for another trip. Another idea is to cover a few cities in each region that spread over Europe for a flavour of both east and west.
8. Traveling within Europe
There are several ways to travel through Europe. The cheapest would be to hitchhike (free!). Thinking of trying it out? Check out our top 10 tips for hitchhiking… Ed.
If that’s not your cup of tea, your next option would be bus or coaches running from town to town. A trip from Paris to Amsterdam one-way costs about $15 with EuroLines (www.eurolines.com).Railway travel doesn’t get any better than in Europe and is sometimes more expensive than flying. However, it’s fast, efficient and you can save on a night’s accommodation by traveling at night. A train from Paris to Amsterdam one-way costs approx $130 while a round-trip flight will cost approx $250. For expert tips and advice on taking the train in Europe, go to Seat61.com (Seat61.com). For train fares and schedules, go raileurope.com (www.raileurope.com).
9. Eating cheap when backpacking in Europe
When you’re on the road, eating out for every meal will quickly drain your funds. Before booking your hostel, check to see if they have a shared kitchen where you can cook. You’ll not only save money by cooking your own food but you’ll be eating healthier and be able to browse and shop at markets all over Europe for fresh foods and new flavours. Street food is also fun, cheap and one of the best parts of travelling – though probably not the healthiest food option. Also remember that in most places, wine or beer can be cheaper than water or pop – so enjoy!
10. How to make things easier for your Europe travels
Join a student tour group like Contiki (contiki.com), Intrepid Travel (www.intrepidtravel.com) or GAP Adventures (gapadventures.com) for already-planned tours through Europe. They know where to bring you, they know all the history and it saves you from doing a lot of planning. On the other hand, another idea is to use a guidebook and guide yourself on the itinerary they give you through, i.e. Italy.
11. Health + safety when backpacking in Europe
It’s important to carry any necessary prescription drugs you need (bring enough for a few days’ more than the duration of your trip), pain reliever (Advil), seasonal allergy medicine, antihistamine (Benadryl) for allergic reactions and upset-stomach relief (Zantac, Pepto-Bismol, Imodium).
Europe is generally a pretty safe place when it comes to threats to your health, the two exceptions being car accidents and events that occur when intoxicated. Pick-pocketing and scam artists are something to watch out for in high-tourist areas, many wear under-clothing money pouches to prevent this. Use your common sense and try not to go out alone.
12. Staying in touch when you’re backpacking in Europe
Most hostels have computers with Internet access available either for free or for a rate but it’s usually the cheapest way to stay in touch. Bringing your cell phone is a good idea, just make sure that it is “unlocked” or will work on the same cell phone “band” in Europe. Other than text messaging (approx 10-50 cents/text), your cell phone’s roaming fees are usually not worth making a call unless it’s an emergency. Picking up a calling card isn’t a bad idea if you’re planning on calling home frequently and using it up. Never use your credit card at a payphone unless it’s a dire, dire emergency – the fees are ridiculous.
That’s all from Gizelle Lau and Tripatlas today - Happy travels and stay safe!
Just off the coast of Greece, the volcanic island of Santorini nestles in the Aegean Sea. Much less crowded and built-up than islands like Crete and Kos, this popular summer holiday destination is both refreshingly unspoiled and surprisingly lively.
The island is picture perfect – think whitewashed villages, vineyards, cliff views and rocky coves – and a fantastic place for a summer break. You’ll suffer from the high prices of the Euro-zone here, though – Santorini’s beauty has made one of the more expensive islands in Greece.
However, a decent number of hostels in Santorini and new budget flight routes (EasyJet from London starts at £39.99 one way) help make this idyllic destination affordable.
Here’s five top things to do in Santorini for free, to help your holiday budget stretch further!
Ed. – looking for a real bargain? Bag your hostel holiday for just 5 cent a night this week with HostelBookers (from 1 to 5 June)! Find out more here.
1. Catch the view from Skaros Rock
Just past the village of Imerovigli, rocky Skaros juts out into the sea. It’s known as one of the best (and most iconic) viewpoints on Santorini – and on an island packed with stunning sights, that’s really saying something… As well as its unique panorama, there’s a few ancient ruins to explore. To get there, walk along the trail from the church of Agios Georgios in Imerovigli.
2. Oia and Ammoudi
With its narrow streets and whitewashed houses, Oia is amazingly picturesque and makes a great place for a quiet stroll, especially at sunset when the old village is bathed in romantic light. Some 200 steps below lies the tiny scenic port of Ammoudi, built into the colorful volcanic rock, which is also well worth a visit.
3. Escape the beach crowds
Although the black sands of Kamarri and Perissa make a fun day out, this is where most of Santorini’s visitors congregate so for a quieter, more relaxing experience, head to out-of-the-way gems like Monolithos or Vlihada. Pack a picnic and enjoy a peaceful swim!
4. Pyrgos
Once the island’s capital, Pyrgos is still an intriguing place to explore. There’s not much left of its castle beyond a shell, but there are dozens of blue-domed churches to stumble upon. High up in the mountains (the highest village on Santorini, in fact), its yet another fantastic place for views.
5. Wine tasting
Santorini is famous for its wines; because a light mist forms practically every morning, the island can grow exceptional grapes. Tours of many wineries are available, but you can also luck on to some free tasting sessions if you ask around…
AW – been to Santorini? Share your top budget tips with other travelers!
Images – thanks to our friends on Flickr, Wolfgang Staudt, bongo vongo and Navin75
Valencia has all the cutting-edge cool of Barcelona and cultural swagger of Madrid, but this city by the sea is often overlooked for a summer break. Surrounded by acres of fertile countryside and the sun-soaked Costa Blanca, Valencia is one scenic city, famed for its Paella, juicy oranges and ‘Horchata’ a delicious cold drink made from crushed almonds.
With a thriving student population, Valencia is perfect for budget travelers, with plenty of cheap bars, legendary nightlife, and bargain fresh food at the Mercat Central. There are several ultra-modern hostels in Valencia, with all the stylish furniture and cool bars you’d expect from a boutique hotel.
Book now, and you can save even more on a hostel holiday. HostelBookers are having a fantastic summer sale this week (1-5th June) where hostel beds will cost you a measly 5 cents a night!
Tempted by a cheap and chic city break to Valencia? Here are five free ways to have fun in the sun…
1. Museo De Bellas Artes
Tucked away in the 19th century suburbs of the city, this collection of 2,000 paintings is an absolute steal – it’s completely free to see works by Goya, Velazquez and several other important Valencian artists from the 14th-19th centuries. The building itself, a former seminary built between 1683 and 1744 is also worth a look.
2. El Cabanal and La Malvarrosa Beaches
These two former fisherman’s districts were transformed in the 1960s into a slightly ugly urban sprawl, but a few traditional houses remain, and the Paseo de Neptuno is a great place to pick up some Paella. Wander along the mile-long esplanade, and then stretch out on the sand for some well-earned sunbathing. For a cleaner beach a little furthur afield, try Saler.
3. Glorious Gardens
Valencia is blessed with several large public parks and gardens which are great places for a quiet walk or a picnic. The Jardines de Rio Turia was once a river, but is now a strip of gardens, sports fields and playground, with a world-class concert hall smack bang in the middle. The Italian-style Monforte Gardens are filled with marble statues and pretty flowerbeds, and the Jardin Botanico is home to 7,000 species of shrubs and trees. Not a fan of the great outdoors? Then spend an afternoon wandering around the Mercat Central, a huge iron, glass and art nouveau structure and the largest and most attractive market in Europe. Its free to wander around, but resisting the piles of fresh food on display will be tricky!
4. Valencia Cathedral
Work started on the cathedral in 1262, and today it is an intriguing mix of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic. The cathedral is probably most famous for holding a cup believed to be the Holy Grail, and the Miguelete Bell Tower is a city landmark.
5. An Architectural Tour
Valencia is full of glorious buildings that are free to poke around. Start off at the Palau de la Generalitat, a gothic palace used by the local government, its walls decorated with frescoes and tiled floors. Next up is the Colegio del Patriarca, a 16th century seminary covered from wall to ceiling with religious frescoes, and La Lonja, an ornate Late Gothic hall filled with gargoyles and other grotesqueries.
For more ideas on things to do in the city and the surrounding area, check out this handy online guide to Valencia.
Images – Thanks to Mr Juninho, echiner1, Visentico/Sento, and Puroticorico
