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The Isle of Wight: a great choice for budget holidays

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Wednesday, 18 September 2013 11:13

Working out how to have a decent holiday on a budget can often feel like a chore – but it doesn’t have to if you choose the right destination. The Isle of Wight is absolutely perfect for wallet-friendly travel, and you can find out why below.

Self-catered cottages

One of the great things about the Isle of Wight is that it has plenty of affordable accommodation, with some of the easiest on the purse strings being self-catered cottages. You can find out more about these here, but they can prove particularly cost-effective if you’re travelling as a group, since you can divide the total bill between you all.

Another way that self-catered lodgings can help you save a few pounds is that since you’ll be buying your own food, you’ll have much more control over how much you spend. After all, being compelled to eat out every lunchtime and evening – as you often are at hotels – can quickly make the overall cost of your break skyrocket.

Free attractions

Another benefit of picking the Isle of Wight as your destination is that there are so many ways to entertain yourself that cost nothing at all. The beaches are perhaps the most obvious option, as these are what the island is famous for.

Its mild weather and high number of award-winning beaches make this one of the best places to hit the coast in the UK. Look out for stretches with Blue Flag or Seaside Awards for the best experiences – Shanklin, Sandown and Ventnor are all popular and excellent choices.

Sandown is one of the most famous on the island and is well known for its gorgeous sweep of golden sand and pleasure pier, as well as the fact that it’s perfect for surfing. Ventnor Beach, meanwhile, is home to charming little Victorian beach huts and is ideal for swimming.

Sitting above the shores of Ventnor is the town of the same name, and it’s in this area you’ll find another of the island’s best free attractions – Ventnor Botanic Garden. This is no ordinary garden; it’s located in ‘Undercliff’ area, which has a unique microclimate protected from cold winds by chalk downs.

What this means is that it has a much warmer – and often wetter – climate than the rest of the island, similar to the weather you’d expect in the Mediterranean. So, you can peruse all kinds of plants from across the world, including as far afield as Australia and New Zealand.

For those of you travelling with children, it’s also worth noting there’s a lovely picnic area here with a playground right next to it, which makes it easy to save on food costs and keep the kids entertained.

If you’re an active person, you should also bear in mind that the Isle of Wight is a walkers’ paradise – and, of course, a nice stroll costs nothing. There are more than 500 miles of paths on the island, and the beauty of these is that they’re well maintained and varied, which means you have a wide choice of coastal trails and inland walks.

The Isle of Wight Coastal Path is the most famous walking route on the island, spanning just under 70 miles in total. You can tackle this in its entirety if you wish, but if you’d rather just spend a morning or afternoon hiking then you can pick a shorter section of it. Indeed, there are plenty of little trails marked out within it, such as the Brighstone to Niton walk, which is 8 miles long.

5 reasons why Tenerife is an affordable holiday spot

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Thursday, 10 January 2013 12:00

The Canary Island of Tenerife is a fantastic destination for all types of holidaymakers, from couples on a honeymoon to families who are in search of an affordable break. Coming to Tenerife doesn’t break the budget, making it an ideal choice.

If the island sounds like somewhere you’d like to potentially holiday to, below are five reasons why you should book a getaway here.

1. There are some fantastic all-inclusive options

One of the best ways to slash the costs of a holiday is to go all-inclusive. While this might cost more than a traditional self-catering or half-board break upfront, in the long run you can end up saving a lot of money.

All-inclusive holidays tend to include all of your flights, accommodation, meals, drinks and some activities, so you might not have to spend anything once you land on Tenerife. Of course, you might decide to eat outside of the resort or go souvenir shopping sometimes, but more often than not you will find your hotel boasts every facility you can think of.

2. It boasts lots of green spaces

If you like to do something more than simply sunbathe on the beach or around the pool, but are conscious of your finances, Tenerife boasts an abundance of natural protected spaces that are perfect for exploring underneath the warm sun.

Teide National Park is home to the highest mountain in Spain – Teide, at 3,718 m – as well as lots of flora and fauna. Spending a few hours hiking across the terrain is a free activity that everyone can enjoy. Some of the other natural spaces that holidaymakers can visit include Anaga Rural Park, Corona Forestal Nature Park and Teno Rural Park.

3. It has a wide choice of beaches

Spending the day at the beach doesn’t need to cost a penny, and Tenerife has plenty of stretches of sand to choose from. With a typical annual temperature of 23 degrees C, you can be sure the sun will be out for you when you jet off to the island. Out of Tenerife’s beaches, 16 have been awarded Blue Flag status for the high quality of the sand and water, something parents will no doubt be keen to look out for when deciding which one to take their children to.

El Bollullo is seen as one of the most stunning beaches on the Canary Island, and while it is perhaps not the best for swimming or sunbathing due to the strong currents and lack of shade, it is ideal for taking a stroll along before grabbing a refreshing drink at the beach bar.

4. There is a good selection of water sports

It is well worth seeing if your all-inclusive resort offers complimentary water sports, as the climate and sea conditions of Tenerife make these kinds of activities a popular choice. Young and old alike will be thrilled to go on a dolphin and whale-watching trip, with the south-west of the coast a particularly good place to see these creatures. Bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales are the two resident populations around the island and can be seen during approximately 80 per cent of the year.

Scuba diving, snorkelling, jet skiing and sailing are also available when on holiday in this corner of Spain.

5. You can go on affordable excursions

If you like to see what your holiday destination offers outside the confines of your resort, Tenerife is home to plenty of villages and hamlets that are fantastic for visiting for an hour or so. Taganana, for example, is located in the Anaga Rural Park and has lots of pretty buildings to explore.

One of these is a small church that is one of the eldest on the island. Step inside, and you can see a valuable 16th-century triptych.

Majorca’s ultimate attractions

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Saturday, 05 January 2013 09:39

Spain is a fantastic country to holiday in if you’re on a tight budget, as its popular tourist destinations are packed with attractions, meaning you certainly get a lot for your money. This is especially the case on the Balearic island of Majorca.

If you book a last-minute cheap holiday to Majorca, you can rest assured you have days ahead of you filled with sunbathing on white sand, tackling a wide range of water sports, playing golf and visiting top tourist sites.

Below is a guide to some of the best attractions the Spanish island boasts.

Its long sandy stretches

One of the best ways to save splashing the cash when on holiday is to enjoy time at the beach. The island is home to 158 sand ones, 13 gravel beaches, 21 made of rock and 15 pebble. It’ll probably be the sandy beaches you and your loved ones will have your eye on, and if you’re staying in Peguera, make sure you check out Peguera Palmira Beach.

With white sand and calm waters, this is perfect for couples and families alike, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants along the promenade where you can seek some shade. Another popular holiday destination in this part of Spain is Palma Nova. Playa de Palma Beach also boasts white sand and calm waters, while you might find you even end up here come nightfall in one of the nearby lively clubs.

If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, you might like to bring bottled water and a picnic to the beach to save you spending money in one of the cafes, although you will find plenty of cheap set menus you can take advantage of should you prefer to dine in the shade.

Its museums

While you might think museums are something to avoid when holidaying on a budget, you may be surprised at just how affordable visiting these tourist attractions is. There’s something for all tastes in Majorca, so whatever your interests are you will find a museum for you.

One of the museums that you might like to put on your itinerary is the Father Juniper Serra Museum and Birthplace, which is dedicated to the founder of Los Angeles, San Francisco and the Californian Missions. The friar was born in Petra and is well worth finding out more about. The Soller Marine Museum and Regional Museum of Arta are also some of the venues you can visit.

Its green spaces

Another way to save money while seeing large sections of the area at the same time is to explore its green spaces, with the Cabrera Archipelago National Park a particular highlight. There are plenty of available excursions to the park, so it’s a good idea to compare different companies until you find a price you are happy with for the service you get.

Located an hour from the island by boat, the national park was named a National Marine and Land Park in 1991 and covers more than 10 hectares. Some of the things you can see and do here include going on hikes and visiting the 14th-century castle. If you are a flora and fauna enthusiast, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the large bird colonies, while underneath the waves there are meadows of Neptunegrass, helping boost the population of aquatic life that calls Cabrera home.

Majorca’s ultimate attractions

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Tuesday, 04 December 2012 05:39

Spain is a fantastic country to holiday in if you’re on a tight budget, as its popular tourist destinations are packed with attractions, meaning you certainly get a lot for your money. This is especially the case on the Balearic island of Majorca.

If you book a last-minute cheap holiday to Majorca, you can rest assured you have days ahead of you filled with sunbathing on white sand, tackling a wide range of water sports, playing golf and visiting top tourist sites.

Below is a guide to some of the best attractions the Spanish island boasts.

Its long sandy stretches

One of the best ways to save splashing the cash when on holiday is to enjoy time at the beach. The island is home to 158 sand ones, 13 gravel beaches, 21 made of rock and 15 pebble. It’ll probably be the sandy beaches you and your loved ones will have your eye on, and if you’re staying in Peguera, make sure you check out Peguera Palmira Beach.

With white sand and calm waters, this is perfect for couples and families alike, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants along the promenade where you can seek some shade. Another popular holiday destination in this part of Spain is Palma Nova. Playa de Palma Beach also boasts white sand and calm waters, while you might find you even end up here come nightfall in one of the nearby lively clubs.

If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, you might like to bring bottled water and a picnic to the beach to save you spending money in one of the cafes, although you will find plenty of cheap set menus you can take advantage of should you prefer to dine in the shade.

Its museums

While you might think museums are something to avoid when holidaying on a budget, you may be surprised at just how affordable visiting these tourist attractions is. There’s something for all tastes in Majorca, so whatever your interests are you will find a museum for you.

One of the museums that you might like to put on your itinerary is the Father Juniper Serra Museum and Birthplace, which is dedicated to the founder of Los Angeles, San Francisco and the Californian Missions. The friar was born in Petra and is well worth finding out more about. The Soller Marine Museum and Regional Museum of Arta are also some of the venues you can visit.

Its green spaces

Another way to save money while seeing large sections of the area at the same time is to explore its green spaces, with the Cabrera Archipelago National Park a particular highlight. There are plenty of available excursions to the park, so it’s a good idea to compare different companies until you find a price you are happy with for the service you get.

Located an hour from the island by boat, the national park was named a National Marine and Land Park in 1991 and covers more than 10 hectares. Some of the things you can see and do here include going on hikes and visiting the 14th-century castle. If you are a flora and fauna enthusiast, make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the large bird colonies, while underneath the waves there are meadows of Neptunegrass, helping boost the population of aquatic life that calls Cabrera home.

How to stick to a budget on your beach getaway

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Thursday, 11 October 2012 02:34

If you are looking forward to your next holiday on a sun-soaked beach but are concerned about whether you can stick to your budget, never fear, as there are some simple steps that could help keep your spending to a minimum. Read our guide to find out more.

All inclusive deals

Perhaps the most obvious way to avoid overspending is to search for an all inclusive hotel. Typically, these will include staples such as drinks and meals in the total price of your stay, meaning you do not need to constantly monitor your finances while at the resort.

Of course, this also reduces the risk that you will go over your budget when dining out or having a relaxing drink by the pool. To make the most of this opportunity, it is important to familiarise yourself with which beverages and foodstuffs are part of your all inclusive arrangement – otherwise you could unwittingly add to your bill.

What’s more, deals like these also often include extras, such as water sports or other activities. This means it is worth looking at each option very carefully, as what you can get can vary significantly from one offer to the next.

As well as investigating what might be included, you should also see whether there are lots of extras you will not use. If there are, this could mean you end up paying more than you would elsewhere, so pick something that fits well with your interests and holiday wishes.

Book flights and hotels separately

Another useful money-saving trick is to book your hotel and flights separately. Package deals that offer both are often appealing in their simplicity, but frequently using these pre-arranged combinations means you end up paying more – either for the flights, the hotel or both.

By booking separately, you will have the freedom to snap up the best value deals for each. So, it is certainly worth taking the time to do so.

Search for low-cost beach destinations

You can also reduce your spending in the booking process by searching for low-cost beach destinations. Of course, you may already have a location in mind, in which case it will be a question of finding dates outside peak times.

However, if you are flexible about your destination – after all, many of us are simply looking for a nice beach and good weather – you have an even better chance of securing a bargain.

The internet is a fantastic tool for this. Some websites, such as Holiday Nights, allow you to see when each holiday resort is at its cheapest, as well as check which destinations offer the best value for any given dates.

Resist seaside shopping temptation

While an all inclusive deal can help stop you overspending on things like food and drink, there is still the temptation of shopping to contend with. Many of us like to pick up a little treat or two while away, but when you need to stick to a budget, it is worth either working out a spending limit or avoiding shopping altogether.

What you can do is limit yourself to a souvenir or two for friends and family back home, rather than splashing out on new clothes for yourself. Another useful tip is to bring useful bits and bobs from home, such as extra towels and spare swimwear for the beach, so you do not feel the need to buy these while away.

How to enjoy Goa on a budget

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Although you might imagine jetting off to India will mean you have an expensive getaway, that doesn’t have to be the case at all. There are plenty of ways to save a bit of money once you arrive, so you can enjoy a fun, yet cheap, holiday in Goa or elsewhere in the country.

Don’t forget, everything from accommodation to eating out is much cheaper in India than it is in the UK or elsewhere in Europe, so your budget for your spending money may not need to be that high, depending on what you want to do. Here are a few suggestions of things you can see and do without breaking the bank.

Hit the beach

Goa is renowned for its gorgeous coastline and, of course, it doesn’t cost a penny to stretch out in the sunshine, so spending a few days at the beach is a good option if you want to watch your cash. There are plenty of places to choose from – the following are just a few of your options:

Calangute – This place is great if you love to be surrounded by hustle and bustle, as it’s one of north Goa’s busiest beaches. There are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area and the 7 km strip of sand is usually quite packed. The waves here can be strong, meaning swimming is an exhilarating experience.

Agonda – If your idea of the perfect day at the beach is peace, quiet and no crowds, Agonda in south Goa is the place to go. There are no amenities here, just the sand, sea, palm trees and sunshine, so take your towel, a good book and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Palolem – Palolem beach, also in the south of the state, is not only a good option in the day, but also once night falls. It has become renowned for its silent noise parties, which were designed to get around the 22:00 ban on loud music. Take your earphones and dance the night away to the music being played by the resident DJs.

Sample local food

Eating out can be an expensive part of any holiday, but if you head away from the typical tourist traps and seek out local restaurants, you’ll not only save some money, but will also get to sample traditional Goan cuisine. Seafood features heavily in many of the dishes here, with xitt-kodi a particular favourite. This meal consists of boiled rice covered in thick coconut gravy with fish. You can taste the Portuguese influence in specialities such as peri-peri masala, which uses the spicy chillis introduced to the region by the European colonists to give it an extra kick.

Explore on foot

It’s easy to get into the habit of hopping in a taxi every time you need to go somewhere but most destinations around the world are best explored on foot, as you’ll be moving more slowly and will notice things you’d often otherwise miss.

This is especially the case in Goa, where there are plenty of amazing routes you can walk along, from busy streets in the capital of Panjim to the peaceful trails in some of the state’s nature reserves. In Panjim, for example, you can stroll to the Santa Monica Jetty, while a walk on the island of Chorao presents the perfect opportunity to spot some local wildlife, including many species of birds that live in a protected sanctuary here.
 

Croatia soars in popularity with budget travellers

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Visitor numbers to Croatia have soared in the past eight months, prompting speculation that the European destination could hit the same peak that it did in the nineties.

According to offical figures released by the Croatian National Tourist Office (CNTO), so far this year 241,443 British visitors have arrived in Croatia – a a boost of 23 per cent compared to the same period last year.

As such, the country is on target to reach 300,000 UK visitors and could even return to the record-breaking figure of 500,000, previously reached in 1990.

Part of Croatia’s popular appeal has been sparked by it’s status as a top budget destination, and the ability for holidaymakers to combine a cultural holiday with a beach holiday in cities like Dubrovnik.

Meri Matesic, UK & Ireland Director of the CNTO, said: “I’m confident that the UK and Irish markets will continue to grow in 2013, especially with the introduction of more flights, new routes and holiday packages from providers like Jet2, giving UK travellers greater flexibility and choice when booking a holiday to Croatia.”

This week sees the launch of the second wave of the CNTO’s 2012 marketing campaign which will run across UK newspapers.