The truth of the matter is that where you lay your head down at night can completely make or break a trip, and we’re not just talking about a good night’s sleep.
Your choice of hotel or guesthouse has a dramatic effect on your overall travel experience. It is, perhaps, the most crucial decision you can make when planning a budget-conscious adventure. We’ve certainly had our share of hits and misses over the years, and we’ve discovered that “budget-friendly” does not have to mean compromising on atmosphere, cleanliness, or location.
We’ve compiled our recommendations for some of the best and most cost-effective places we’ve had the pleasure of staying in during our recent travels, all of which prove that you can find comfort and charm without an eye-watering price tag.
SandSpice Backpack
Carry your stuff, express yourself, keep your hands free, it's win-win-win. Most standard laptops fit in the internal laptop pocket, which measures 13.5" x 10.5" / 34 x 27 cm
guesthouses-in-karimunjawa
For such a small Indonesian island community, there is a surprising number of Karimunjawa Guesthouses. Which ones are worth booking?
Too touristy? or 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.
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.
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.
Kandy Lake, Sri Lanka
Kandy Lake Comfort Hotel - A peaceful lakeside hotel: There were signs on the doors saying "Beware monkeys". They weren't kidding...
Dubai Stopover
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…
Maldives 3-Day Stopover
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.
Mumbai: The 1000-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.
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
Palolem beach guesthouses
Negotiating a price is expected, but do this with good humour, and don't mercilessly undercut the asking price.
Ubud Hotels & Transfers
We chose two very different styles of accommodation for our Ubud Bali hotels: A family-run guesthouse & an upmarket Spa and Gallery resort.
Seaside Boutique, Panglao
At the Seaside Boutique our host created delicious and thoughtfully prepared 3-course dinners: We didn't consider eating anywhere else in Panglao.
Georgetown - A Cultural Smorgasbord
There's even a Tesco's on the outskirts of Georgetown, but don't get too excited. This is like no Tesco's we've ever visited in Europe, with mainly unrecognizable brands.
Juara Beach -Tioman, Malaysia
Backed up by a mountainous rain forest, 1511 Coconut Grove on Juara beach offers several compact but comfortable raised wooden beach chalets
Venice for 2 Nights: 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?
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.
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
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
kuala-lumpur-layover-promo
Nestled just steps away from your arrival point in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Sama-Sama hotel offers weary travelers a haven of comfort and sophistication.
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.
Takes Mansion - Comfortable & Inexpensive
Close to Gambir train station, the Jakarta Takes Mansion is one of the few hotels in this price range that features a rooftop swimming pool.
In-transit thru Rome Airports?
The Best Western Hotel Riviera Fiumicino is a good choice for a one-night stop-gap, with a shuttle service from Rome's Fiumicino airport.
🦟 Bite Away Insect Sting Relief
The Bite Away Insect Sting & Itch Relief pen uses targeted heat to provide fast & effective relief from the aftermath of insect bites.
Madrid-Our-Grand-Spanish-Finale
After nine days of soaking up rays in the Canary Islands, our Spanish odyssey was drawing to a close. Madrid, the grand dame of Spain, was to be our final hurrah.
Maspalomas Gay Paradise
What is it with Spain? Wherever you look there's a bloke sporting a jockstrap and high heels...
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…
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.
Ramada London Stansted Airport 🛬
Ramada London Stansted is conveniently located near the Airport north of London, but does it offer a comfortable and stress-free experience?
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.
Cost-Effective Accommodation 🎒 Your Budget-Friendly Home Away From Home
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Looking for more Inspiration? Take a look at some other highlights for the Free Independent Traveller:
F.I.T. Highlights
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