Archive for August, 2009

Athens on a shoestring!

August 26th, 2009

What comes to mind when most people think of Athens? Ancient ruins, traditional Greek food, theatre and mythology…. Most foreigners will be surprised to find a buzzing modern metropolis with as much in the way of nightlife as museums. Athens has grown in popularity as a holiday destination for young travellers in recent years and hotel and restaurant prices have grown accordingly. It is still possible to visit Athens on a budget though and hopefully the tips below will help you on your way.

Accommodation near to the Acropolis is readily available and a real treat, especially if you get views of the Acropolis itself but you will pay for the luxury. There are a variety of cheap hostels in Athens for the more budget conscious traveller who doesn’t mind saving on frills and location in order to extend their stay or have a little extra cash to spend on meals out. These hostels or B&B’s are often small, family-run establishments which will give you an insight into how modern Greek families live.

“Tavernas” are the place to head for if you want a reasonably priced traditional Greek meal that won’t cost a fortune. The starters and main dishes are primarily made with very healthy Mediterranean ingredients, so you don’t have to feel made about tucking into the obscenely sweet Baklava that most places offer for dessert.

As far as sightseeing is concerned, you will make considerable savings if you travel to Athens outside of the peak season. The Acropolis, for example, is free to visit on Sundays between November and March. The Filopappos Hill is another famous ancient ruin which is free all year round. Your best bet is to choose just a couple of major sights to visit and spend the rest of your time strolling around the historical city centre, which has now been transformed into a pedestrian area, and stumbling across monuments with the help of a good guide book to tell you a little about them.

Last of all, I’d like to say that, although you can cover a lot of Athens on foot, it is well worth hopping on a metro at some point, even if you don’t really need to, as it is one of the world’s most stream lined and beautiful metro systems in the world and took so long to build due to the extensive archaeological finds that were uncovered every time the builders started digging!

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When in Rome…

August 25th, 2009

When in Rome, do as the Romans do and don’t be drawn into the city’s many tourist traps which will blow your modest budget and not enhance your Rome experience at all. Although Rome is a very grand city, the Romans know how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures like walking, eating and socialising, so here are some tips on how to do just that.
As far as accommodation is concerned, you are spoiled for choice in Rome! You will find a wide range of cheap hotels in Rome near to Termini Train Station, although this is not the city’s most glamorous area, it is conveniently located for public transport links. B&B’s and guesthouses in Rome are very popular with tourists, more so than hotels, as they are usually small, cosy and homely, offering visitors the chance to stay in a local house and, usually, a very friendly atmosphere. Something you should be aware of is that hotels in Rome tend to be rather generous with star ratings; so what is a 3-star hotel in Rome may be considered a 1-star hotel elsewhere.
Once your accommodation is sorted, after enjoying apartments in rome, et your walking shoes on and explore this incredible historical city on foot. Don’t flock to the major indoor tourist attractions like the Sistine Chapel, make the most of the public architectural gems like the Spanish Steps and St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City which are free to visit, not to mention the pretty buildings and less famous historical monuments which adorn nearly every public square and street corner.
When you are out and about, exploring the city, don’t keep popping into cafes for refreshments as this is a great sap on your funds; use the many drinking fountains you will find dotted around the city as Rome boasts excellent drinking water and you’ll need it during those hot summer months! As you may imagine, pasta and pizza is readily available and relatively inexpensive. I found there to be little difference in terms of quality between pizza served in a restaurant and that sold in take away shops; the latter is obviously the cheaper option, so buy your slices and find a bench with a picturesque view to enjoy them on. If you do go out for an evening meal, bare in mind the Mediterranean meal times, most people don’t eat dinner before 9pm. Your best bet for a cheap meal out is to look for a low-key neighbourhood trattoria which is the kind of small, local restaurant where Italian families eat out.
And last but not least, if you do want to move around quite a bit and visit more than one major museum/attraction, look into getting a pass which combines public transport and tourist discounts, such as Roma Pass.
Rome is like no other city and with so much to see out on the streets, who needs to pay for meals in expensive restaurants or pricey museum admission fees to experience the Italian capital?
Rome Hotels : Site Selection of charming hotels in Italy.

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The Golden City

August 24th, 2009

Prague has to be one of my favourite cities in central Europe, if not the whole of Europe! Who can resist its beautiful old town with cobbled streets and magnificent castle, Gothic architecture and classical music concerts? There is a more modern side to the Czech capital too though so clubbers and young travellers looking for a party needn’t go home disappointed. But the best thing about Prague is that it is very budget-friendly; gone are the days when you could buy a pint of delicious Czech beer for a few pennies but Prague is still considerably cheaper than some of its European neighbours.
Your first major saving will be on accommodation: Cheap apartments in Prague are easy to come by as many locals like to make a little extra cash by renting out their homes during the high season. This is the perfect way to experience the city like a local and enjoy a little privacy during your stay. Of course, if you are only staying for a few days and really want to enjoy a prime location to use as a base from which to explore the historical city centre, look at B&B’s near to Charles Bridge in Prague which will be cheaper than hotels.
For cheap things to do try the Wallenstein Palace Gardens which are beautiful baroque gardens open from April to October and are free to visit. The National Museum is free on the first Monday of every month, and if you are a Kafka fan, head to the Kafka Musuem (admission for less than 3 pounds) and then on to the historic Cafe Louvre where the man himself often enjoyed a coffee and the views from the cafe’s summer terrace.
Buses are efficient and cheap if you are not able (or willing) to walk around town.
The River Vltava divides the city up with Prague Castle on the left of the river. Mesto (New Town), and Stare Mesto (Old Town) on the right-hand side of the river are where you will find all the shops, restaurants, and museums. For food, though, Josefov, the city’s Jewish quarter is unbeatable. Food is, generally speaking, very cheap in Prague and many local restaurants offer set daytime menus for very reasonable prices.

You will always hear people speaking very fondly of Prague, but nothing beats seeing this open air museum for yourself and absorbing the magical atmosphere of Bohemia!

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Budget Berlin

August 20th, 2009

Berlin is a surprisingly affordable city with something to suit all budgets. Here are the usual tips to scrimp and save on accommodation, food, transport and entertainment….

Few capital cities offer such a vast range of tourist accommodation; from luxury hotels to cheap B&B’s, Berlin has it all. If you are looking for accommodation near to the city’s main shopping area, check out hotels near Kurfurstendamm which tend to offer accommodation in comfortable, small rooms with all the usual basic facilities. If your budget can’t stretch to a hotel, have a look at the selection of cheap hostels in Berlin. While hostel life is a little inconvenient for families or couples looking for some privacy, they are the ideal money saver for the independent traveller just looking for somewhere to rest his or her head.
Now food: For a tasty, filling and, more importantly, cheap meal – fill up on a delicious kebab or sandwich from one of the many Turkish street vendors or little restaurants. Germany has the largest Turkish population anywhere in the world outside of Turkey itself, and the Turkish bring with them their wonderful, very affordable cuisine which is readily available everywhere in Berlin. If you want to try something a little more traditional but that won’t break the bank, check out the Tiergartenquelle.
As far as public transport is concerned, no city is better than Berlin. Underground trains (U-Bahn), trams, buses, ferries that run all day and night, every day of the year. The Berlin WelcomeCard 2009 comes as a 48 hour, 72 hour or 5 day ticket for unlimited travel on Berlin’s public transport and offers great discounts for a number of museums, bars, restaurants and tourist attractions.
So, you’ve got your hotel, your cheap eats and your transport…what else can you see and do in the German capital with no capital at all?
As most experienced budget travellers know, city parks are great for a pleasant (and free) afternoon and they will be delighted with Berlin’s Tiergarten which spreads across the whole city centre and is beautifully landscaped. Berlin is a monumental city and many of the most famous, historical monuments are completely free to visit, such as the Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial. The museums on Museum Island are free to visit on Thursday evenings. My personal favourite way of whiling away the hours in Berlin with empty pockets is just strolling around the quirky Prenzlauer Berg neighbourhood window shopping and watching the world go by!

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The big apple on a small budget

August 16th, 2009

New York is synonymous with glitz and glamour, so can you still visit this exciting American city on a modest budget? The answer is yes, you can. Here are some tips on how to scrimp and save on your trip to the United States without missing out on any of the fun.

New York is a huge tourist destination both in terms of size and popularity and the good thing about that is that it there are many airports and low cost airlines to choose from. This obviously means that airfares vary enormously so do a bit of bargain hunting before you buy your flight. Start your hunt on http://www.jetblue.com/that often has cheap deals up for grabs.

When looking for somewhere to rest your head think Bohemian rather than sleazy and head for somewhere with a bit of character. Not having a lot of money to spend on accommodation doesn’t mean you have to stay in one of the grimy urban holes that are out there. Only book your hotel if it has been personally recommended to you or you can see photos. The new Google maps “street view” tool is a great way to have a look at the place at least from the outside so that you know what to expect. Budget hotels in New York are hard to come by but do exist and if you can find one that includes breakfast in the price of the room, so much the better. If you are staying for over a week, you might want to consider renting an apartment in or near to New York
to lower costs and guarantee you a peaceful, private place to stay. Certain areas, such as Brooklyn tend to offer more budget accommodation than others.

There are plenty of burger and hot dog vendors around for cheap eats and cheap or free entertainment is equally easy to come by. Combine a pleasant stroll at the Queens Botanical Garden and Staten Island Botanical Garden on a sunny day with a free jam session at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in the evening for example, or just walk around Time Square and watch the world go by. There are few places in the world as cosmopolitan and buzzing as New York, so getting bored is highly unlikely whatever your taste or budget!

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Amsterdam, Venice of the North

August 9th, 2009

Of all the capital cities you could choose to visit in Europe, Amsterdam is one of the most expensive. While it is possible to visit the Dutch capital on a shoestring, you’ll do better if you plan your trip in advance. So, if you want tips on budget beds, free entertainment, cheap eats and money saving advice on getting around, read on!

First and foremost, rent a bike! Amsterdam is the perfect place for cyclists and you can rent them for as little as 10€ a day. The main bike rental companies are Macbike and Frederic. If you are not the cycling kind, it’s good to know that Amsterdam’s public transport network (GVB) has all inclusive (tram, bus, metro and ferry) 15 trip tickets for under 7 euros or 72 hour tickets for 13 euros; you can buy them at most major supermarkets or at the booth opposite the main train station. Another great penny saving option if you plan to move around a lot during your stay is the I Amsterdam Card. It costs roughly 55 euros and allows you unlimited access to all public transport and major museums as well as discounts at certain restaurants.
Another major drain on your wallet when in Amsterdam is accommodation.
B&B’s in Amsterdam are widespread, generally speaking of a decent standard and by far the most economic option. If you want the freedom to come and go as you please, are staying for more than just a weekend or are travelling with more than one other person, there are some budget apartments in Amsterdam which would suit you better.
And if, after renting your bike and paying for your bed you’ve run out of cash, there are plenty of totally free things to keep you happy and entertained: Stroll in Vondelpark, visit Dam Square, sneak a peek at the Red Light District, Stroll along the Jordaan Canals, take the free ferry from behind Centraal Station and take in views of the city from the water or stop of at Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt, the city’s unique floating flower market. The first week of August when the Gay Pride parades take place and the 30th of April, the Dutch queen’s birthday are particularly festive times to visit Amsterdam, ideal for budgetless backpackers looking for free street parties!

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Paris, Paris!

August 5th, 2009

Paris is everybody’s idea of the perfect romantic or cultural getaway but is also notoriously expensive! Here are some money saving tips that will help you to make the most of your trip to the French capital without it being an expensive affair.

Techniques for finding cheap accommodation vary from city to city and Paris is rather unique in this sense. Terms like Bed and Breakfast and guesthouse are usually synonymous with lower rates in England for example, but not necessarily in Paris. A lot of Bed and Breakfasts actually charge for the breakfast spread, so don’t be fooled into thinking you are going to get a free meal included in the price of the room! A good, safe option is to look for a cheap hotel in Paris which, while not luxurious, is clean and comfortable. Focus on location rather than frills and expect little more than a place to stay and you’ll do just fine! Private apartments in Paris are a good alternative if you are travelling with a group or just craving a bit of privacy and the freedom to come and go as you please.
Even bearing these things in mind, Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, so there are other factors to consider when trying to reduce costs stick to your budget, like when you travel (November to March is cheapest).
As far as getting around is concerned, use the night bus to make your way back to the hotel instead of a taxi and buy a 10 trip metro ticket to save money or a Paris Visite card which allows unlimited use of all public transport and can be bought in any metro station.
For a chic and cheap night out visit the Opera Garnier and see a ballet or opera standing up or simply stroll along the Seine and admire the Notre Dame Cathedral illuminated under the starry skies. And during the day, it’s good to know that the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and most other museums are free on the first Sunday of the month.
You don’t have to feel miserable about not being able to dine at one of the city’s fine restaurants either; what is on offer at the local bakery or street market is enough to make a gourmet chef’s mouth water and will cost you next to nothing. Paris’ answer to poor backpackers looking for cheap eats: Let them eat cake!

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The Spanish capital on the cheap!

August 3rd, 2009

Madrid, as with most capital cities, is not cheap but if you are on a mission to “do” Madrid on a tight budget, here are some handy tips on how to do just that:
First of all check out various ways of getting to Madrid to start with; obviously travelling off season and flying at the least popular times (very early morning) will save you some money. It is sometimes even worth taking a detour rather than a direct flight if you have a flexible schedule
The next step is to look at hotels in Madrid or even cheap hostels in Madrid and do a bit of bargain hunting online first as there is a lot of choice. Hostels are a great place to meet like minded travellers and sometimes even make life long-friends. Once you’ve booked your accommodation and flown to Madrid, use public transport to get around as taxis are very expensive and the local public transport network is both cheap and efficient compared to Paris and London. You can buy a ticket for 10 journeys which works out cheaper than buying 10 singles and you can share this ticket with other people.
As with all major cities, Madrid has its fair share of first-rate museums and art galleries. Many of them are free to visit of Sundays and public holidays but if you can’t make it on those days and you do have to pay, try to go during siesta time on a work day to avoid the crowds. The Prado and Reina Sofia museums are by far the most famous, ask at your hostel or hotel for more info.
For cheap eats, fill up on the free buffet breakfast at your hotel if there is one and make your way down to the Rastro flea market on Sundays or the local supermarket on any other day. Tapas bars are far more expensive here than in Andalusia and you can buy most of the ingredients for half the price in the supermarket to make your own tapas picnic. The sunny local climate is ideal for picnicking and the Parque del Retiro is full of pleasant shady spots where you can sit and watch the world go by.
And when you need some completely free entertainment, window shop on one of the glamorous wide shopping avenues such as Gran Via, stroll around the city centre and admire the architecture. You won’t find much of the exotic Arab influences that can be seen in southern Spain but there are many fine European to be admired and don’t forget to look up from the shop windows to take in the stunning facades and pretty rooftops terraces.
Madrid is a vibrant and exciting city where traditional Spain meets modern Europe and is a must on any backpacker’s itinerary!

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