What better way to winter than gliding over the Alpine snow on a pair of skis? Heading off on a skiing holiday to France or Austria is a yearly ritual for many families and snowsports enthusiasts. This ritual need not burn a tidy hole in your pocket, however and these five tips will show you how to save money on your next skiing holiday:
1. Be flexible with your schedule: Since skiing is a seasonal sport, prices for hotels, resorts, transport, and even food tend to vary a lotdepending on the season. Shift your schedule by a couple of weeks outside peak periods, and you might just end up saving half your money. Most hotels tend to become cheaper late into the season and some resorts high into the Alps in places like the Three Valleys area in France continue their snow seasons until April-May, so take the opportunity for lower rates.
2. DIY or ski package: This is another big question you have to ask before heading out on your ski holiday: do you buy a ski package, or do you book everything on your own? If you're like most families heading out to a popular resort like Val d'Isere, chances are, you'll choose the ski package. After all, you're short on time and most self-catered and catered ski packages include everything from hotel rooms to bus tickets, so you don’t need to fork out once you get there. Conversely, if you choose to assemble your ski holiday yourself, you can mix and match hotels and add on only the extras you want, like childcare, or special family offers.
3. Be mindful of exchange rates: You might be tempted to whip out your credit card to pay for meals and tickets. Don't. The exchange rates through electronic transactions tends to be very unfavorable. Instead, take out the appropriate amount of euros or Swiss francs from the ATM and use cash instead.
4. Take cheaper modes of transport: Flights save you time but also end up being a huge drain on your finances. Trains, buses and even cars are preferable to flying, even if it means spending an extra day or two on the road. If you treat the journey itself as a part of your holiday, you might even come to enjoy the experience as much as the destination!
5. Try some alternative destinations: Last, but not least, remember that France and Switzerland aren't the only countries that receive snow in the winter. Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia and Slovenia have plenty of ski resorts as well, and these can be cheaper than anything in the French/Swiss Alps. Similarly, ski resorts in the Italian Dolomites and Pyrenees offer great skiing at very affordable rates as well. If you're willing to search thoroughly, you can often get great deals on a skiing holiday.
Saving money on a skiing holiday isn't easy, but it is possible. Be flexible with your schedule, avoid exorbitant exchange rates, book tickets/rooms yourself and try out some alternative destinations to get the most out of your holiday!
Photo by Ridge Tahoe Resort Hotel via Flickr CC
Photo by Ridge Tahoe Resort Hotel via Flickr CC
Spain is an immensely popular destination for travellers thanks to its beautiful beaches, exciting cities and relatively low cost of living. One of the major bonuses when visiting Spain is that your spending cash should stretch a lot further if you’re wise with your money.
Book before you leave
Spain holidays are a financially wise move due to the low costs but the popularity of this country means you should book your flights and accommodations well before departure. Using a couple of travel comparison websites will give you a good range of accommodation choices but remember that summer vacations will come with premium prices.
The good news is that outside of the peak summer months you will find plenty of value for money choices. You can of course just turn up and search for a room but expect to pay $20 for a hostel and $45 - $70 for a private hotel room, per night.
Budget beach resorts
It might sound strange but, due to competition, you will find a wider choice of accommodation at the popular beach resorts. Those along the Costa del Sol and the Costa del Luz hold an immense amount of hotels and self-catering apartments all competing for your custom.
Accommodation fills up quickly during June, July and August but outside of these months you can easily find low cost rooms. Remember that many of the Spanish Islands such as Majorca and Ibiza are year round sunshine destinations but you will still find lower prices during spring, autumn and winter.
Local Dishes
To find tasty but inexpensive good food in Spain, follow the locals. Avoiding the ‘laminated menu’ tourist trap restaurants is a good idea and in Spanish cities such as Madrid and Barcelona there are plenty of excellent restaurants serving traditional tapas and paella.
Snacks such as sandwiches should set you back around $5 but can be more expensive in the cities. If you eat where the locals eat then expect to pay around $15 - $30 for a decent evening meal, usually with wine included.
Exploring the country
Getting around Spain is pretty inexpensive. Train fares cost more than buses, which are a good low cost option, and car rental can be one of the best options available. If you’re planning on some sightseeing around Spain then you can hire a car from around $25 per day, but always keep an eye out for the extra charges. Major cities such as Barcelona offer city cards, which once purchased will provide you with free admission to popular sightseeing venues as well as unlimited use of public transport.
Fun, free & low-cost activities
Spain is the perfect option for lovers of the great outdoors and it won’t cost a thing to spend days out on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The country is also home to some stunning national parks: 14 in total, with beautiful mountains, rivers and lakes. The cities will offer sightseeing attractions including museums, art galleries and historic buildings.
You don’t need an unlimited budget if you’re spending time in this beautiful part of the world. The Spanish locals will always be more than happy to provide recommendations when it comes to finding the best value for money restaurants, entertainment and sightseeing options.
Images by lecercle, alobos Life, Erik Campo and Ekaterina Starchuk used under creative commons license.
We all enjoy the prospect of a holiday or traveling but are often left homebound due to budgets. Holidays can be very expensive. It’s not just getting there with a price tag attached, but your bank balance can slowly start to empty when you consider accommodation, eating out, attractions and insurance. Therefore, to help everyone save a little extra here and there, here’s our top five tips for saving money when traveling abroad.
Timing is key
It is vastly cheaper to visit many European destinations after September so if you’re not looking for a week baking on the sand, consider traveling outside of the typical tourist months. Being Spain’s southernmost city, Málaga enjoys one of the warmest year-round European climates. This results in a much warmer winter and therefore makes it a great city to visit outside of peak times. Winter months also provide a great time to get out on the road as they’re a lot quieter. Considering there aren’t as many organised tours, hiring a car to get around in the cooler months is a good option. You can order and collect a little run-around at the airport from companies like Economy Car Hire that will see you through your holiday.
Hit the sales
The idea of booking your holiday at the last minute might be a bit nerve-wracking, but you can bag a great saving if you hang on till the end – and don’t have a specific destination in mind. This is a time to go with the flow. Had your fingers crossed for a discounted trip across Europe but find a cheap holiday to South America? Jump on it and be spontaneous - it could be the best holiday you ever have.
Hotel vs. Hostel
Now if you’re used to five star luxury, then a hostel may sound like your idea of hell. But hostels are not the run down flea ridden dorms often thought of – well not all. Many offer basic and clean accommodation for travellers of all ages that are notably cheaper than a hotel. Our advice is to look for suitable places on websites such as Hostel World and when you find any you like, give them a quick screening with Trip Advisor to read reviews from previous guests.
Access all areas
When visiting cities with countless attractions, or traveling across several destinations, it’s often a good idea to buy city attraction and travel passes as they can save quite a bit money compared to paying single admissions at each venue. It’s always best to check online for what offers are available in your chosen country of travel to see how much you can save.
Blag
Some people feel uncomfortable asking for a discount or trying to barter prices. Don’t! It’s your prerogative to save where you can so don’t feel uncomfortable asking, at the end of the day, the worst that can happen is you get a ‘no’. If you’re off traveling for a special occasion, some hotels or tour operators have a budget set aside for this type of thing and it is no hardship for them to upgrade you, or reduce prices as a goodwill gesture. You never know, you could find yourself in business class on a seven hour flight just for dropping the anniversary bomb.
Photos by Moyan Brenn & Instant2010 via Flickr Creative Commons
Recent research from TripAdvisor showed that London is the seventh most expensive city in the world for tourists, but that doesn’t mean that visiting on a shoestring isn’t possible. By planning carefully in advance, travellers can ensure that their trip runs smoothly and stays on budget.
It can be easy to spend more than intended upon arrival if you are not well-prepared – it’s tempting to go into the nearest restaurant when your stomach is rumbling only to discover extremely expensive items on the menu, for example, while paying for theatre tickets at the last minute can be just as costly.
By creating a schedule beforehand and paying for your travel needs in advance, you can use your time more efficiently so that you get the most out of your holiday. This also limits the amount of cash you need while there, reducing the risk of overspending.
Restaurants
Eating out can take a big chunk out of your finances, so it’s a good idea to carefully plan where you want to go and determine what is affordable. It’s a good idea to check out early-bird, mid-week or set menus and time your visit accordingly in order to save cash.
If you require more flexibility, you should consider the Hospitality Line ‘dine as you please’ cheque scheme. This provides you with vouchers to redeem for meal and drink combinations at a variety of prestigious and well-located restaurants - they cover a range of cuisines to suit your mood.
Attractions
Buy tickets for attractions in advance and you might be able to save money and miss the queues. Look on the associated websites or purchase easy-to-redeem vouchers from specialist providers like Hospitality Line – the London Eye, the Shard and Madam Tussauds are just some of the must-visits across the English capital.
Transport
The sights of London span a huge area, so you would probably find yourself shelling out for bus, Tube and black cab rides if you arrived unprepared. However, there are a number of different ways to cut the cost of travelling around the English capital.
Carefully plan your schedule so that you visit nearby attractions and restaurants on the same day and you should be able to get around London by foot. Mark everything on a map so you can create the most efficient routes while taking in everything you want to see.
You can also buy Travelcards, which allow you to take as many trips as you like on the Tube or bus systems. This is a great option if you’re looking to pack in a lot of attractions in a short space of time – make sure you only pay for the zone and timescale you require in order to save even more money.
Photo by Duncan Harris via Flickr Creative Commons
Normandy! The name brings a dozen different images to mind: William the Conqueror, the D-Day landings, Mont-St-Michel; the bleak landscape of the Cotentin coast, the sparkling summertime playground of the Côte Fleurie; sumptuous châteaux, historic abbeys, famous gardens; the orchards of the Auge, the picture-postcard scenery of the Suisse Normande; Monet’s home at Giverny, the Cabourg immor- talized by Proust – or perhaps it’s cider, calvados and camembert. If you are coming from England, you can get to Normandy using one of the car ferries to France. But if you are coming from other parts of the world, a train or plane would probably be the most suitable option.
So given the above, it looks like no matter how much time you will designate to your holiday to Normandy, chances are, you will barely scratch the surface of this rich and rewarding region. But if you are short of time here are the top 3 picks.
So given the above, it looks like no matter how much time you will designate to your holiday to Normandy, chances are, you will barely scratch the surface of this rich and rewarding region. But if you are short of time here are the top 3 picks.
Mont-St-Michel
One of the most spectacular sights in Normandy, this craggy rock crowned by a magnificent abbey appears to erupt from the surrounding landscape – a broad expanse of sand or sea, depending on the dramatic tides. The region’s star attraction since pilgrims first flocked here 1,000 years ago, it now draws some three million visitors each year – and has perhaps 50 true inhabitants.According to legend, St Michael, the archangel, appeared three times in a dream to Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, commanding him to build an oratory on Mont Tombe (tomb on the hill). When Aubert delayed, the impatient archangel prodded a finger into Aubert’s forehead, leaving a dent. Aubert’s church rapidly became a centre of pilgrimage for the miquelots, followers of the cult of St Michael, which had taken root in the West in the 5th century.
The brightly gilded statue on top of the abbey spire, sculpted in 1897 by Emmanuel Frémiet, portrays the archangel in traditional fashion (below). Armour-clad, he is slaying a dragon (symbol of the devil) with his sword. In his other hand he carries a set of scales - a reference to the medieval belief that it was his role to weigh the souls on Judgment Day. The Archangel Michael is the warlike angel of the Apocalypse, who slays the devil – in the form of a dragon – in the great conflict at the end of time. In Normandy, he is the patron saint of mariners.
Bayeux Tapestry
Both a unique historical document and an astonishing work of art, the Bayeux Tapestry tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 – and it tells it with thrilling narrative drive. Stitched in eight brilliant shades of red, yellow and blue wool, the 58 strip-cartoon-style scenes were embroidered just 11 years after the Conquest onto a single 230 ft (70 m) linen cloth – at the behest, it is thought, of William the Conquerer’s half-brother Odo, Bishop of Bayeux. It is displayed in a renovated seminary, preceded by helpful explanatory exhibitions.
A slide show projected onto billowing white “sails” describes the Viking invasions of western Europe. Next, echoing the Tapestry itself, an 85 m (280 ft) band of cloth explains the story told by the embroidery. Using life-size figures, maps and scale models (including a delightful model of the village of East Meon), William’s
influence on every sphere of English life after his conquest is cleverly portrayed.
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.
If you are planning a trip to Santa Monica, California, you should take time out of your busy schedule to enjoy the Santa Monica Mountains. By visiting the mountains, you will give yourself a breath of fresh air and relief from everyday stresses. In fact, to best benefit from the great outdoors, here are 4 activities to enjoy while at the Santa Monica Mountains:
1. Camping
If you want to get away from everything for your trip, you can take advantage of everything that the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area has to offer. In fact, there are a number of campgrounds you can take advantage of from Point Mugu State Park to Topanga State Park.
When you use the campgrounds, you should know that dogs are typically allowed on National Park campgrounds and trials, but only if they are on leashes that are 6 feet or less. However, at state parks, dogs are only allowed in picnic areas, campgrounds, and specific beaches.
It should also be known that fires may be prohibited depending on where you stay. While fires are not allowed at NPS sites, California State Parks may be more lenient. However, California State Parks will restrict fires depending on environmental conditions and fire danger level.
2. Climbing
For people that love to rock climb, the Santa Monica Mountains will not disappoint. In fact, due to its close proximity to Los Angeles, rock climbing sites such as the Malibu Creek State Park to Echo Cliffs are increasing in popularity. To best ensure everyone's safety and protect the park's natural resources, rock climbers have to work together with the National Park Service to keep things running smoothly.
In order to make the most of your experience, you need to plan your routes, bring the necessary gear, and use good climbing techniques.
3. Horseback Riding
If you own a horse, you can go horseback riding through the Santa Monica Mountains. Whether you want to take a quick ride or stay overnight, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers over 500 miles of trails. However, you will need to make sure that you can get your horse trailer to the final destination, so learn the condition of the access road beforehand.
4. Mountain Biking
There are many trials through the Santa Monica Mountains to take advantage of for mountain bikers of all ages. With a diverse terrain, you will be able to challenge yourself like never before. However, you will need to make sure that your bike is in good condition and that you are protected in order to bike safely. Additionally, you will need to practice safe biking habits in order to reduce your impact on the environment.
Although camping may be more ideal when mountain biking, you can still look into Santa Monica hotels for your vacation. All you will need to do is comparison shop to find the best rates and services that match your budget and preferences.
For adventurers that cannot get enough of the great outdoors, visiting the Santa Monica Mountains is a must for your next vacation.
About the Author: Chris McMahon enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with his two sons. His articles mainly appear on travel blogs.
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!
Accommodations
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.
Explore
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.
Experience
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.
Taste
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.
Enjoy
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.
About the Author: Melissa Nash is a travel consultant with a penchant for Ibiza. When she is not working she is often visiting the island herself.
A family holiday is a special occasion for everyone to spend some quality time together and build important memories. But it can be less fun for parents if they are worrying about money. Treating the kids and constantly paying entrance fees for attractions can easily mount up.
Cheap holidays in Menorca can be easily achieved however, as all it takes is a little bit of time to seek out those attractions which are free and see where money can be saved without compromising on fun. Here are a few suggestions for keeping the price down while on holiday on this stunning Balearic island.
Es Freginal Park
This park in the centre of Mao provides a great place to shelter from the hot Menorcan sun and engage in some family friendly games, such as football, Frisbee or hide and seek. It has a fantastic array of well kept flower beds, making for a lovely place to pass some time entirely for free.
Meals can be one of the most expensive parts of a holiday, so taking a picnic to the park can be a good opportunity to take advantage of the weather and cut down on costs. It is easy to pick up some picnic ingredients locally and enjoy them in the great outdoors, not far from the centre of activity.
Club Sant Jaime
Instead of heading to the two water parks on the island, you can go to Club Sant Jaime in Son Bou, which also has water slides and a swimming pool to keep the kids entertained. Add to this the wooden maze, which is equipped with water sprinklers and is lots of fun.
It can often be a better option for younger children who might not appreciate all of the rides at the larger water parks, plus under-threes get in for free. Parents may also enjoy the landscaped gardens complete with views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.
The beach
It may sound like an obvious suggestion, but the magnificent beaches on the island are a great attraction and can be enjoyed for free. If you know your children get restless quite quickly then bringing along some cheap equipment for snorkelling, building sandcastles or playing bat and ball can help to keep them entertained.
Otherwise, head to a part of the coast with plenty to explore, such as the Cales Coves, where there are a number of caves and rock pools. This is a fun activity for children at the age where they are starting to get a bit more independent and like to investigate things for themselves.
Navette de Tudons
For the bargain price of just €2 (£1.73) visitors can go inside this pile of stones, which was once used as a burial chamber as long ago as 1130 BC. It was excavated in 1960 and is remarkably well preserved and fascinating to explore.
Inside there is an exploration of Neolithic man and how he lived in these parts, making it great for getting kids to think about the past and exciting history buffs too.
Cami de chavalles
It costs nothing to walk the some or all of the Cami de chavalles, a bridleway which extends around the entirety of Menorca's coastline. Originally built for sentries in the 17th century. it was kept open throughout the 18th and 19th centuries too.
The route has only just been fully reopened as there were parts which had been closed, but it is a great way to get to know the island and see some of the best views on offer of Menorca's coast.
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