Traditional & cost-effective budget accommodation: The hotels and guesthouses you book will have a dramatic effect on your overall travel experience. Check out our recommendations for some of the best, most cost-effective budget accommodation we’ve discovered in our recent travels.
Our Budget Accommodation Highlights
Mumbai & The Thousand-Yard Stare
... 3 weeks in India should do it. After absorbing the dubious charm of inner city streetlife, expect Mumbai to trump - in aces - anything that has gone before.
Georgetown - A Cultural Smorgasbord
There's even a Tesco's on the outskirts of Georgetown Penang, but don't get too excited. This is like no Tesco's we've ever visited in Europe.
Langkawi Long-Term Stay
Ever considered a long-term stay in just one location in South East Asia? We did just this on the chilled-out paradise island of Langkawi in Malaysia
Galle Fort, Sri Lanka
Outside the fort we tried what I can only describe as Ceylonese-style fast food: A posh and sanitized version of street food. Quite a change from the excellent Galle Fort Indian Hut restaurant.
Kandy Lake, Sri Lanka
The Comfort Hotel is a peaceful lakeside hotel. There were signs on the doors saying "Beware monkeys". They weren't kidding...
Mangoes in Moalboal, the Philippines
This is why we came to Moalboal: To relax in a secluded location with great snorkeling plus tasty local fish and exotic fruit.
Seaside Boutique, Panglao in the Philippines
At the Seaside Boutique our host created delicious and thoughtfully prepared 3-course dinners: We didn't consider eating anywhere else in Panglao.
Girona - Where to Stay and Eat
A picturesque & inexpensive city with gourmet Catalan cuisine if you choose well - One highlight of a Girona City stopover is the food.
Istanbul Eateries & Accommodation
With only 2 days in Istanbul we did our planning before leaving home, to optimize time and find the best Istanbul eateries.
Cebu city reasonably-priced guesthouse
Our Pension in Cebu city was located in a typical poor & congested Fillipino street area, with chickens & children dodging between the cars
Dubai Stopover - A great holiday bonus
For many travelers a short Dubai stopover is where their trip to the tropics begins, but there's plenty to do in Dubai so you must be selective…
Oasis Hotel Manila
... overlooking the green and peaceful Paco Park - but the area around the hotel is pretty grotty, with homeless, beggars and refuse. Not a place to wander around after dark.
Juara Beach -Tioman Island, Malaysia
Backed up by a mountainous rain forest, 1511 Coconut Grove on Juara beach offers several compact but comfortable raised wooden beach chalets
Lembongan Island Guesthouses
Booking ahead is usually a good idea, but you can find some exceptional guesthouses after you arrive - if you take the trouble to look.
Madrid Airport Transfers, Where to Stay
With so much to see & do, booking a central location is key to getting the most from a short break in Madrid, and your airport transfers couldn't be simpler
Maldives - 3-Day Stopover is Affordable
Maldives Planning a Break: The luxury of the smaller islands comes at a price - less so if used as a stopover on route to other destinations.
Venice Budget: 2 Nights Inclusive - What’s the cost?
A short trip to Venice is potentially one of the most costly city breaks you can take. Why is Venice so expensive?
Ceylonica Beach Hotel Negombo
First stop in Sri Lanka? don't be put off: The beaches around the Ceylonica Beach Hotel Negombo aren't the best this island has to offer…
Alona: Too touristy? or is it worth a visit?
Alona beach in the Philippines came as quite a surprise: If you read up about it online, you get the impression that this is an overcrowded tourist magnet.
Rome Hotels & Guesthouses
A destination in itself, Rome is also a launching pad for flights to the tropics - provided you find inexpensive and well-located lodgings
Palolem beach guesthouses
Negotiating a price is expected, but do this with good humour, and don't mercilessly undercut the asking price.
Budget Accommodation Highlights
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Looking for more Inspiration? Take a look at some other highlights for the Free Independent Traveller:
F.I.T. Highlights
