Wolfgang Busch

Mont-St-Michel

Bayeux Tapestry

Honfleur

Seductively pretty, with cobbled streets and half-timbered or slate-fronted houses, Honfleur is a working port with a long maritime history. First mentioned in documents of the 11th century, by the 15th it had become a significant fortified port. Its heyday came some 200 years later, when it spawned intrepid explorers like Samuel de Champlain, who set out from here to found Québec. Le Vieux Bassin, the charming old dock at the heart of the town, is brimming with colourful sailing boats; artists have flocked here since the 19th century.

Turner, Corot, Courbet, Daubigny, Dubourg, Jongkind, Monet and the Impressionists, the Fauves, Dufy, Friesz – these and countless others were drawn to Honfleur by the special quality of light in the Seine estuary, the unspoilt medieval town, and the beauty of the surrounding countryside – the same reasons that Honfleur has a thriving artists’ colony today.

Normandy is a culturally rich region and it is definitely worth spending some time here. And budget restriction should certainly not stop anybody from visiting. Although getting from England to France by train can be expensive, and to be honest, not very interesting (ok, maybe once for the sake of ticking the experience off your bucket list), a far more interesting choice is taking a cheap ferry to France. It doesn't take that long either, and it can be a relaxing time spent in good company. I've always found ferries to be quite charming and the idea of being surrounded by water (maybe watching a beautiful sunset at the horizon) sounds simply magical. It can be a surreal experience. All you need is to let go and enjoy. By the time you will get to France, you will already be in the right mood for your holiday. 

• Many countries have different terms to describe their budget accommodation options which might not be familiar to you. Find out what these are to make sure you are not missing out.

• If you are headed to a touristy place then typically those options in the centre will be more expensive. Consider staying somewhere just a little removed or a short bus ride away for example - chances are you will get something better for a lower price.

• Accommodations which place you beach-side, lake-side or otherwise right next to something naturally beautiful can charge the highest prices so walk a street or two back to get the better deals.

• Some countries have accommodation options which include some meals, most typically breakfast. At first glance these places are often dismissed as being non-competitively priced but some quick maths may actually show they are saving you money.

• Popular guide book listed accommodation options naturally fill up fastest but bear in mind that these property owners sometimes start charging inflated prices as a result.

• A dorm room in a hostel is almost always going to be your cheapest option but be aware that not all hostels are suitable for everybody. Some are all about the party, some attract older travellers, some are family friendly and so forth. Also, hostels vary considerably with what they offer – some have kitchens for meal preparation, some offer certain enticing freebies (free tea/coffee being one of the more common ones), some include breakfast, some charge extra for lockers/bedding/towels etc. So, unless you are happy with a lucky dip approach then do some research.

• The traveller who is unwilling to make his way without constant reference to 'The Lonely Planet' is going to miss out on some of the loveliest places around. Often the best and cheapest places can only be found by chance on arrival somewhere and are otherwise totally absent from guide books, tourist literature and websites. If this approach seems too challenging for you then book yourself somewhere for the first night and then scout about for those unlisted (and low cost) little gems.

• Camp sites are also a budget friendly choice where they are available. Don't assume that they are not an option for you if you don't have your own gear – some will offer the hire of everything you need too, including the tent.

• Consider travelling during a country's/region's low season when tourists are fewer and prices drop accordingly with greater competition and better deals offered in return for your custom.

• Wherever possible buddy up with fellow travellers. Although offering to share a room with some-one you have just met might be thought weird elsewhere, when travelling the rules change and among backpackers it is very common practice. Many travellers, particularly solo ones who might have to pay the same price for their room as couples, are always looking for ways to save money on accommodation costs.

• Consider becoming a couch-surfer. However, although a free bed for the night might be part of the deal, you won't be very well received if that is all you are looking for. The whole ethos of this rather wonderful social network is all about connecting travellers and locals and having opportunities to see places in a way not typically open to tourists. The website has extensive information and advice on staying safe for those of you concerned about this aspect.

• Try and eat food typical of the country you are in. Western options, should they be available, will always cost more.

• Watch the locals – they will usually be eating at the best and cheapest places.

• Preparing your own food will nearly always work out cheaper than buying prepared food. Many hostels and even some guesthouses have the facilities for you to do this.

• There are many countries in the world, particularly Asia, where temporary food stalls and street carts are a common sight. These places can serve up excellent quality food and are usually the cheapest options around by far. Markets are also good for budget food options.

• Travel how the locals travel. This will nearly always be your cheapest option although admittedly it won't always be the most comfortable. Additionally, you will get to have all sorts of adventures and experience more intimate glimpses into the culture and day to day life of the local people.

• Get chatting with other travellers to find out any useful local knowledge they have gained or otherwise helpful and cost saving advice and tips.

• Assume nothing. In some places in the world the most expensive form of travel might be the cheapest where you come from and vice versa. This means travelling by domestic airline might work out cheaper than a long distance bus for example.

• If you need to travel a long distance then consider opting for transport which offers overnight/sleeping options. This way the journey passes while you sleep and you save a night's accommodation.

• If there is an attraction or sight that you want to visit then remember that signing up for an organised tour is always going to be more expensive than making your own way there.

• Be your own tour guide by arming yourself with free tourist literature and maps available from tourist offices, hostels and other accommodations, guidebooks or the Internet.

• Some places of interest are only possible to visit through an organised tour because they are remote or hard to get to but this is rare. Typically there will always be ways to get somewhere under your own steam. You can often book tour guides on site at such places should you want this type of service.

• Almost everywhere in the world has a whole range of free things you can do and see if you don't mind doing a bit of research. This might include national parks, museums, carnivals/festivals, historical points of interest and so on.

• Keep your eyes and ears open – talk to other travellers, read street flyers and posters, visit tourist information points and browse tourist literature available at your accommodation to see what is on offer.

• Type 'free things to see and do in ________ (your destination)' into an online search engine and be amazed at your options. Additionally, many countries/regions/cities have their own official tourist websites where free activities and sights are often listed separately.

• Be picky – make a list of your own personal 'must-dos' and save your money to do these without being tempted to sign up for everything going.