Travelling Cheap

Walking tours in Berlin: cheap and healthy

travelling b — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 09:07:05 +0000

Berlin is a huge and historic city of Germany. Although much of the world remembers Berlin as the home of some of the most brutal regimes in history, it still has some charming structures that can amaze any tourist. As a large European multi-cultural hub it offers an array of attractions which will keep any visitor busy and fascinated for days.

Even though Berlin can be intimidating and confusing due to its size, there is a very smart way to visit each location: walking tours. Many tour companies operate in the city offering their expertise to tourists who wish to walk to various places. It is very interesting and convenient that Berlin is arranged in such a way that areas of historic significance are in such close proximity that every walking tour has been attributed with its personal theme. Popular walking tours themes are:

• Tours including the main attractions – Visit the Berlin Wall, Ghost Station, the Cathedral and Hitler’s infamous Bunker in this walking tour.
• WWII historic tours – Although Berlin does not give away its WWII past, there are still a few places left that are offered as tours. These kinds of tours take visitors through the former headquarters and offices of the Nazi leaders of WWII.
• Berlin-Dresden tours – Although Dresden was destroyed during WWII, careful restoration has brought most of the buildings to their former glory.

Berlin’s walking tours are usually pre-scheduled. Tourists can also request a private tour but it often comes at a price.

Affordable capitals in Europe

travelling b — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:57:07 +0000

Europe is a very popular continent for tourists. Because of its historical background, unique natural surrounding and beautiful urban architecture, tourists enjoy visiting or re-visiting various countries on this continent. Sometimes because of their popularity, there is a possibility that some cities might be very expensive for tourists.

Fortunately, not every city in Europe is very expensive. There are capitals in Europe that would allow tourists to enjoy their holiday without spending too much:

Prague
The city was virtually untouched during the WWII which means most of its historical structures are intact. Part of UNESCO’s World Heritage site, the city boasts of impressive structures such as the Prague Castle. What made this city very affordable is the fact that tourists can walk from one attraction to another. There’s also a camping site where tourists can sleep under the stars while enjoying the summer nights.

Warsaw
As one of the relatively modest countries in Europe, Warsaw’s way of life is not as expensive compared to Western European countries. Various budget hotels exist and “milk bars” as well as traditional restaurants frequented by students are not lacking in various districts. There is also a UNESCO World Heritage site in Warsaw.

Berlin
There are so many things a tourist can do in Berlin without breaking the bank. It’s a big city with various attractions. Food is also inexpensive especially in local restaurants. Look for restaurants that serve “currywurst” as this is the sign that you’re in a local and affordable restaurant.

Cheap accommodation in Ireland

travelling b — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:39:12 +0000

Lismore may not be a top touristic destination but this small Irish heritage town has a lot to offer to its visitors: the Lismore Castle with amazing Jacobean gardens, a 17th century cathedral or nice beaches between Dungarvan and Youghall. The Lismore Castle was rebuilt in gothic style in mid-nineteenth century. The city of Waterford has a nice crystal factory and friendly pubs and eateries as well as attractive shops. The pubs and restaurants are very handy if you stay in a self-catering cottage. The rental price for The Granary Cottage starts from £181 per week and it accommodates 4 people (£45 pp per week).

Top Free Museums in London

travelling cheap — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:15:32 +0000

You don’t have to spend money just to know more about the history and culture of London. There are many notable museums in London that will not ask their visitors any entrance fee. The following museums in the list are free so include them on your holiday itinerary when visiting London:
The British Library - as the name suggests, the British library is home for book lovers but it’s also a must visit museum as it holds more than 150 million items related to literature. Original books such as The Canterbury Tales and Beowulf are sometimes in display.
The British Museum - with more than seven million items, the British Museum is a massive museum that holds important items that came from various civilizations. The museum was established in 1753.

National Gallery - established in 1824, the National Gallery is home to more than 2,000 paintings from different artists around the world. The earliest paintings were made during the 1300s. The gallery holds very impressive paintings of Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael.
Natural History Museum - there are two reasons why any tourist should visit this museum: the massive library and variety of objects related to various branches of science. The museum used to be part of British Museum until a new structure was built in 1881 for a different theme.

National Portrait Gallery – the museum is home to more than 10,000 portraits. There are also busts of very important individuals that have an impact in British history. The museum was opened to the public in 1856 and the current structure is used since 1896.
Visit and learn more about London through these museums. You don’t have to spend a single cent to learn more about the subject of your interest in this city.

Irish cottages are back on the market

travelling cheap — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:12:11 +0000

The cottage industry is booming post recession after people were forced to re-evaluate their travel budget and appreciate the benefits of holidays closer to home.

Numerous locations in the UK have been long time favorites. Devon, Cornwall and the Lake District are hotspots for country-style holidays, connecting with nature and absorbing the tranquil surroundings.

Beyond the UK but still close enough, Ireland is back on the market with many attractive offers. Newly relaunched site Hogan’s Irish Cottages has entered the UK scene to sell the dream of relaxing time in a traditional cottage in Ireland. Ideal for people appreciating self-catering accommodation and attractive enough to the ones curious of the local flavors.

One way or another, Ireland is worth a go.

The Help Dan Appeal

travelling b — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:49:19 +0000

Daniel Eley is a volunteer in Colombia teaching school children. He has been in the country for many years and people who met him know him as a warm person who has risked even his personal safety just to be in Colombia. He has been volunteering for years not just in teaching kids but also as a supporter of various human rights groups in the country.
But fate would change Daniel’s life and now he needs everyone’s help. On January 1, 2010, Daniel had an accident while diving in a river in Cali, Columbia. He’s immobile since the incident. Fortunately, the damage is only in his spine which means he is still aware of his surroundings. Medical treatment for his condition is not available in Colombia. He has to be airlifted back to England so that he could be given proper medical care and rehabilitation. This will cost a lot because of the extra requirements in transportation.
Fortunately, the plight of Daniel Eley did not go unnoticed. Friends and even complete strangers started donating to help his medical condition and possible rehabilitation.

The goal is to raise £90,000 which should be good enough for his medical needs. As of this writing, the amount collected is already more than £70,000. Media attention and social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook has also increased awareness of his situation.

The swift reaction is very encouraging as the needed money can be raised in no time. To help Dan, his family and friends or for updates about his condition please join the Facebook group HELP DAN.

Caitlin’s Cottage – cheap holiday accommodation

travelling b — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:00:54 +0000

Located in Bullycurane, Caitlin’s Cottage is a property with a wide open space and a remarkable view of the ocean. It’s a place set-up for tourists who want to have a calm and peaceful holiday without spending too much on accommodation. Complementing the area is the nearby town of Clashmore. The town has three pubs for those who want to have a drink with the locals. Clashmore also offers access to several golf courses and beaches.

A must-see for tourists in this beautiful location is the Ardmore Beach located a few miles away from Bullycrane.

Aside from the beautiful shores and cliffs, the area is known for its Round Tower that offers a breathtaking view of the sea. Fishing and other water sports are also available in this area.
Aside from water-based activities, the area where the cottage lies are full of adventures every tourist should experience. Hiking the area can be a healthy recreation for some but to those who wanted something different, touring the area while riding the horse could be an exhilarating experience.
The best part about the accommodation is the affordable rate. As the cottage tries to attract more tourists to visit the area, they have offered a very attractive rate. This is a very good deal for those seeking solace from the busy life in the city. The cottage comes with full entertainment amenities so tourists should not think of anything else except in exploring and enjoying the area.

The cottage accommodates 4 people, is smoking-friendly and the weekly rentals prices start from £196.

Last Minute Holidays in Rio de Janeiro

travelling b — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 07:12:36 +0000

One of the most searched terms in any travel website around Christmas and New Year is without doubts “last minute holidays”. We looked around the web ourselves to spot where the best deals and discounts are happening right now. TAP and Air France, for example, offer pretty good return fares for South America destinations, in particular Rio de Janeiro flights from £425.

Going to Brazil definitely sounds like an exciting holiday for a well deserved sunny break at this time of the year. So, here is some advice for those who do manage to grab a last minute occasion flight to Rio de Janeiro.

You will soon find out that the Brazilian metropolis has an endless offer in terms of high quality accommodation and trendy shopping which can turn out to be pretty expensive. This obviously means that money saving can become challenging but downgrading on hotel stars will mean less safety for your staying. Cheaper alternative solutions to the classy hotels along Copacabana and Ipanema areas is to look for apartment rentals in less touristic areas of town.

Also, remember that the best things in life are free. Spending your days on Rio’s beautiful beaches is one of the best treats the town has to offer. Here you can relax while sunbathing, do plenty of surfing or remain on the dry land playing soccer and beach volley. Before heading for a tour of the city, remember to pop into Riotur Office of Copacabana and pick up a free copy of maps and brochures. You will find all the attractions and events listed as well as discount vouchers in order to plan your tour independently and without relying on any sort of guide.

A couple of practical things not to forget before leaving: make a photocopy of your roundtrip flight ticket and once in Brazil, store your passport in a safe place while always carrying a photocopy with you.

Affordable SPA Holidays in Slovenia

travelling b — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:00:28 +0000

For those who see SPA holidays as the luxurious, out of league treat, Slovenia and its thermal resorts might be the reason to reconsider this and perhaps start planning a relaxing and regenerating holiday in Eastern Europe. This is because thermal baths in Slovenia were not born as part of recent touristic trends but, on the contrary, have a very old tradition dating back from the beginning of the first millennium.

The wealth of natural springs and healing thermal waters (renowned Radenska Three Hearts and Donat Mg in particular) as well as the healthy natural environments have favoured the development of thermal baths, which over the years have become part of the local tradition and also very much integrated within the national health care system.Following this habit, many SPA resorts have opened around the region, offering modern techniques for beauty treatments and massages as well as other therapies contaminated by Eastern philosophies.

Here, you can find more than 25 certified resorts which offer 1st class treatments at a much lower price than the average of other European locations. This can be a great stress-realising holiday break at an affordable price and with flexible options since most of the resorts have packaged offers or pay as you go solutions that can be chosen on the spot. Finally, if you want to add to your wellness holiday the natural beauty of a seaside location, we suggest two of the major spa resorts in Slovenia ( Terme & Wellness Palace Portoroz; Talaso Strunjan Spa Hotels) that are located on the Adriatic coast of the country.

Look out for Cheap Cruise Deals

travelling b — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:10:45 +0000

Although, cruise holidays are generally seen as the rich people’s holidays, bargain deals can turn out to make them really affordable. Many cruise companies offer cheap cruises on a regular basis, so the main thing is to know where and when to look for those.

In general, cheap cruises will be found as last minute cruises and late bookings with short period ahead as companies will try to fill unsold cabins. Cabin only deals are the most discounted option on sale, which nonetheless includes all the requirements to have a relaxing break out of the cruise.

The cheapest cruises can be found in particular for short weekend cruise getaways, such as cruises travelling from English Channel across cities on the Belgian and French coast. On board facilities will include gyms, restaurants and bars to fully enjoy the trip.

More exploratory types of cruises that can also be found at affordable rates are cruises across the North Sea. Some of them usually depart from the port of Leith and sail along the Scottish coast, arriving in Lerwick on the Shetland Islands, the following morning. From there, the trip continues to Norway, with a stop to the port of Bergen. Once in Bergen, travellers will have lots of time to visit the town but also the surroundings and, in particular, the fascinating landscape of Western Fjords.

While cheap cruises may not offer all of the facilities that can be found on expensive or luxury cruises, there still is a broad range of available choice for food, leisure and entertainment offers on board. These ones are to be tailored depending on passengers’ choice. Cabin only bookings will then prove to be the most economically convenient option for those who have always wanted to try the experience.