Wolfgang Busch

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.

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do," the famous saying goes.

All travelers must have the ability to recognize and respect the various nuances of culture, customs and habits of the places they will be visiting. This is the best way to immerse yourself in the spirit of a place - it makes you feel as if you're part of its people, instead of just being a mere temporary tourist.

Australia, due to its isolated location and multi-ethnic background, managed to develop some quirky traits and eccentricities of its own. If you're planning on taking a trip to the Land Down Under, better do your research first. Take note of the things you should prepare beforehand such as domestic travel insurance, medication, maps, etc, and take a crash course on Aussie culture.

Don't know where to start? Here are a few things you should know about Aussies:

Australia's primary language is English, so the language barrier is practically non-existent. Be careful though, there are a lot of words and phrases in Australian English that will sound totally strange and maybe even offensive to native speakers of American or British English. Examples include:

"Mates" and "Sheilas" - generic terms for men and women respectively.

"Thongs" are flip-flops, not those skimpy undergarments.

Nouns are often shortened and appended with an "ie" or "o" at the end. Examples are "brekkie" (breakfast), "chokkie" (chocolate), and "vego" (vegetarian).

"Shouting" your friends means buying them another new round of drinks. You "skull" a drink by chugging it.

Expletives like "bastard," which most people consider offensive, are usually considered by most Aussies as part of everyday speech. It acts like a filler; case in point: "How are ya, y'bastard?"

Australian roads are the same as the British - people drive on the left. Take note of this fact when you're driving or crossing the road.

Legal drinking age is 18. The laws in Australia are quite strict about underage drinking.

The metric system is Australia's official measurement system. Be prepared for grams and kilometers instead of ounces and miles.

If you're an American, always be on your best behavior. Some Aussies have negative stereotypes about Yanks, so don't enforce these by acting loud and disagreeable.

Be respectful and friendly toward the Aborigines. They are an amiable people and you can easily make friends with them. A word of advice though, don't look at them directly in the eye since they consider it rude.

Australians love sports. The best way to strike up a conversation with a local is to talk about sports, namely rugby or cricket. Keep yourself updated with the prominent players and teams in these games.

In restaurants, tipping is not expected since the hourly rates for employees are already higher compared to other countries. But still, if you want to show your appreciation for good service, a tip will be highly appreciated.

Aussies are a laid back bunch. This trait is reflected in the way they dress for work. Nothing too formal - just smart casual attire like trousers and dress shirts for men and skirts or slacks for women.

Photos by dicktay2000 & aussiegal via Flickr Creative Commons

Round the world trip airfares can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there are ways that you can get a flight without breaking the bank. Below are some of the ways that you can save money on airfares:

You will be surprised to find out how much the price of flights can vary from airline to airline. That is why you should compare the prices of different airlines before you book your flight. These days, it is very easy for you to compare the prices of different airlines thanks to the Internet. You should compare the prices of at least three different airlines before you book your flight.

If you have not yet set a date for your trip, then you should sign up to get online alerts. Most travel companies allow you to sign up for alerts on their website. You can also get online alerts on Twitter and Facebook.

When you are comparing the prices of different airlines, you should make sure that you take the additional fees into consideration. You may end up spending up to 30 percent more on your flight because of fees.

The time that you buy your tickets can also have an effect on the amount of money that you spend. Rates change constantly, and in some cases, they change hourly. You should try to book your trip four to six weeks before you leave because that is usually the cheapest time to purchase tickets. You should also try to avoid purchasing your tickets on the weekend because that is usually when flights are the most expensive. The cheapest days of the week to buy a ticket are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Additionally, some websites, such as Bing, have a flight search. You can enter your departure destination, arrival destination and the dates that you will be traveling. The website has a price prediction tool that will tell you whether the prices will rise, fall or remain steady. If you have already purchased your ticket, then some airlines will refund you the difference.

Visiting a flight specialist such as Travel Associates allow you to gain some valuable insights on when is the best season to travel for the cheapest fare. Check out some of the Travel Associates flight deals on their site.

Your travel dates will affect the cost of your tickets. You can save hundreds of dollars if you travel during the right time. If possible, you should traveling during the holidays because those are the most expensive times of the year to get a flight. You should also travel during the weekdays because Fridays and Saturdays are usually the most expensive times of the week to travel.

For people who love to travel on a budget, an ultra-mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet can be a lifesaver. Whether it's for finding the best domestic travel insurance offer or checking out the cheapest hotel rates on the Internet, there's bound to be an app for all of your travel needs.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your smartphone and check out this list of of some of the best must-have apps for travelers:

Do you want to be able to stay in touch with your loved ones back home but hate the idea of paying outrageous cellphone rates? Then make sure to download the ever popular Skype on your mobile device. No need to use your cellphone provider's expensive international plans - this VoIP app lets people make cheap calls to anyone, anywhere! IMs and Skype-to-Skype video/voice calls are free, while a paid Premium account gets you unlimited international and group calls.

Throw away those bulky phrasebooks and language guides! Now you can communicate like a local with Google Translate. The app supports at least 70 languages. Though the translations might not always be one-hundred percent accurate, it's more than enough to get you through common everyday scenarios like asking for directions or saying "thank you" in the vernacular.

For backpackers and tourists on a super strict budget, Airbnb is a very essential tool. The app allows people to search for affordable accommodations wherever they are. From regular hotel rooms to overnight apartments, Airbnb has got you covered. It's a great app for people who want a new kind of traveling experience (since most of the accommodations offered by the Airbnb community are from locals who are renting out spaces in their own homes) and save money at the same time.

Another helpful offering from Google, Google Maps is hands down the best map application that anyone could ever possibly download on their device. The route planner feature is particularly useful, especially for travelers - imagine getting extensive driving, cycling, walking and public transportation directions with just a click of a button. Whether it's the streets of New York or the jungles of Timbuktu, you'll never get lost again with Google Maps by your side.

Honest and unbiased reviews by travelers, for travelers. TripAdvisor is a travel companion you should never leave home without. The app, which provides instant integrated access to the TripAdvisor online community, lets users rate and review hotels, restaurants, malls, and other tourist attractions. Want to check out the highest rated places in your area? Then let TripAdvisor do its magic and get your money's worth for every destination that you'll visit!

Traveling entails a lot of time spent inside and around airports. Save precious time and money with gate Gate Guru - the best airport guide you can carry around your pocket. Receive flight information such as departure times, weather reports, and real time flight status updates on-the-go. Got a four-hour layover? Gate Guru can come up with some of the best airport eats and stores you can shop around in while waiting for your next flight.

Keep track of your frequent flyer miles with AwardWallet! This handy app helps you stay up to date with the various loyalty and rewards programs that you are subscribed to. AwardWallet is well-suited for frequent travelers and for people who like to join travel clubs.

For premium accommodations during your visit to London, consider making reservations to stay at the Crown Plaza London Heathrow. Just one of more than 370 hotels representing the Crown Plaza brand, you can expect the kind of elegance and style that is synonymous with comfort and quality. Add in some great services designed to make you feel most welcomed and right at home along with some friendly customer service and you will be glad you made the choice to choose the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow.

Located just 2 miles from the airport and only a 20-minute drive from central London, you would be ideally situated to go anywhere including Wembley Arena, Twickenham Stadium and Westfield Shopping Centre, just to name a few nearby venues and attractions.

There are 465 rooms at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow of which you can choose a Standard, Club, Family or Accessible room or a Suite. All rooms are equipped with High Definition LCD TVs with a wide range of HD channels and Wi-Fi connection, along with other amenities such as minibar, laptop safes, and even fluffy bathrobes for the Club room package. Upgrade to a Club room or suite and enjoy other extras like complimentary snacks, access to the Club Lounge and more.

Choose from a wide selection of delicious dishes at Orwell’s Brasserie serving modern British dishes with their own fusion of international flavours, for breakfast, lunch or supper. Kids eat for free from selections off the children’s menu. For adults looking for a more casual dining experience, opt for Dr. O’Driscoll’s Irish Bar at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow. Here you will find some pub favourite dishes and can enjoy a pint of your choice of beer. For a great cocktail, choose Orwell’s Bar and nibble on bites chosen from the deli style menu.

For those leaving London for a family vacation or just rushing out of town for a business trip, book an overnight stay at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow and save yourself the hassle of rushing to the airport the day of your flight. Choose a Park, Stay and Go package allowing you 4, 8 or 15 days parking in the designated parking area and depart on your trip without a worry in mind, knowing that your car is conveniently stored and ready for you upon your return. No need to fuss catching a taxi when you get back, when you can just catch a short ride back to the hotel and load the family or all your business documents in your own ride and head home at your own leisurely pace.

The Park, Stay and Go option is not just about parking convenience. It’s also about you and your family. For the duration of your stay you have access to the hotel’s facilities too, including the state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor pool, spa, gym and even 9-hole golf course, in case you want to get a little fun in before your trip. Whether you are heading out on a vacation or a business trip, the planning can be quite stressful already so enjoying a short care-free stay at the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow will help you set a positive, relaxed mood before you jet-set off.

If you travel often on business, look into becoming a member of the park, Stay and Go Club. It’s free to join and the more often you stay, the better the deals you will get.

Comfort, quality, satisfaction, relaxation and savings – it’s what you can expect from the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow.

People are travelling around a lot more these days it seems. For many people, work can include trips abroad and whilst most of us are struggling with day to day living costs, the idea of taking a holiday is also still something we strive towards.

So whether it is for work or play, travelling can be an expensive business and any way that you might be able to save a few pounds is worth knowing about.

One thing to keep in mind before you even go anywhere is that unexpected circumstances can prove costly when you are away from home. This is why having adequate cover from questor insurance is essential and can help to give you the peace of mind to really enjoy your trip.

Here are 5 tips to travel on a shoestring, to help you get from A to B with the minimum of expense and the maximum enjoyment:

Whether it means missing the crowds of package holidaymakers at an airport or making sure you don't miss the last train back, choosing the right time to travel can make a big difference to the cost, as well as to your overall enjoyment. Off-peak fares and ticket prices are always cheaper than the busiest times of travel.

Investing in a strong piece of cabin luggage with 360 wheels might seem like strange advice for a list aimed to cutting back on expenses, but good luggage lasts a lifetime and can help you save money on excess baggage costs by taking everything that you need in a carry-on bag.

It is definitely a good idea to load up your iPhone with films, TV shows and albums to make sure you have all you need to keep yourself entertained on your journey.

The holy grail of any air traveller is the upgrade, that elusive reward given out by airline staff or airplane crew. There are a lot of websites giving 'inside secrets' on how to grab one, but the real trick is to look presentable, ask nicely and hope that your luck is in on that particular day.

Wherever you are going, if it involves an overnight stay then you have a chance to sample the local cuisine. This doesn't need to be expensive, and sometimes a little research will show you where the locals eat the best food at great prices.

The great pleasures to be derived from travelling don’t have to end just because we happen to be getting older. People in their senior years regularly continue to cruise, fly and take road trips all over the world and have fabulous holidays. But of course they have to factor in a few additional considerations and take a bit more care on some aspects of their travel plans, from homelifts to packing, especially if they have a medical condition.

It’s a good idea to research the travel agents a bit, as many of them now specialise in travelling for seniors, and also to check out the medical facilities that are available at the destinations you’re considering. If you use a wheelchair or guide dog, make all the necessary arrangements such as seating on the plane. Your travel insurance also needs to cover any medical conditions to remain valid.

Make sure you take a bag into the cabin that contains all the medication you’ll need during the flight. A pill-box is always a good idea too, because on holiday routines tend to get disrupted and you’ll need to know what you’ve taken each day of the week. Use a suitcase that has wheels to lighten the load.

You can call the airport well ahead of your flight to make arrangements about seating, services, meals and shuttles, and the travel agent should also have been informed of any disabilities. Try to book only direct flights, but where this is not possible give yourself plenty of time for transfers.

At the destination end, you or your agent can contact the local authorities to see whether the transport system can handle your particular disability. You can also contact the local embassy to check the availability of things like wheelchairs, relevant medications or guide dogs.

Before booking a trip, ensure that your medication is legal in that destination country by contacting the consulate or embassy, and take a doctor’s letter confirming dosages and the fact that your medicine is purely for personal use. Always keep it in its original packaging, and take this with you even if you’re using a pill-box. Take a supply of needles and syringes to last the length of your stay.

With clothing, go for comfortable attire that allows for free blood circulation, and ensure beforehand that your body can handle a long flight as sitting motionless for prolonged periods can cause blood clots under certain conditions. Compression stockings are often recommended to stimulate circulation in the lower legs.

Use an alcohol-based hand cleanser for your hands, especially before eating or after being in crowded places like a bus, plane or train.