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.
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.
Maspalomas Gay Paradise
What is it with Spain? Wherever you look there's a bloke sporting a jockstrap and high heels...
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.
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...
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?
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.
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
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.
Palolem beach guesthouses
Negotiating a price is expected, but do this with good humour, and don't mercilessly undercut the asking price.
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.
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…
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
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.
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.
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…
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Budget Accommodation Highlights
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