Can you think of anything worse than a 24 hour flight to the other side of the world? That would be no then! This is without doubt the biggest drawback about travelling to Australia - it is so flipping far away!

So, why on earth do tens of thousands of Brits make this long haul each and every year? After all, there are dozens of locations on this planet that offer equally hospitable climates - what is the definite magnetism that attracts them?

Many people believe that this magnetism all boils down to the fact that Australia is just so unique. Having been isolated from other landmasses for many millions of years, geologically, this is what has helped to shape this island continent into a country all on its own. When you are staying in your holiday apartment Sydney you may not find this fact so easy to realise. (more...)

Budget travel means having to make smart choices. You may not get to fit luxury into your itinerary, but you will manage to have a great time within the budget you plan. Budget choices start right from choosing flights to choosing what type of accommodation you need.

Paris is one of the most visited places on earth. It is an important international tourist destination. Obviously, there are plenty of temptations, many of which cost vast amounts of money. If you do not wish to demolish your financial limit however, you need to stay focused on what is right for you.

There are budget airlines that offer air travel at fantastic prices. If booked in advance, prices can go ridiculously low. Remember that costs can skyrocket if you rely solely on last minute travel. Planning is the key to budget travel. (more...)

Last winter we made an impromptu plan to go skiing in Scotland. Everybody is feeling the budget crunch, so staying closer to home seemed like a better plan than the initial one of heading to Malaysia. It turned out to be a fantastic trip, and we had a blast on a budget!

Ski resorts are usually packed during holiday season, so it is better to book your ski accommodation beforehand. However, considering ours was a last minute plan, we were totally underprepared and quite homeless when we got there.

Thankfully we found a lovely self catering rental apartment. My parents in law were planning to stay on for a couple of weeks so this was a perfect option for them. (more...)

It takes all kinds to make this world so when it comes to travel, there are various kinds of travellers. Here is a guide to travelling on a small budget in Italy. There are plenty of detailed resources available on the internet, so if you fancy budget travel in Italy, make sure you explore these.

Italy is a bustling tourist hub, and there are some places which are a must see for all tourists. Needless to say, prices at all the major touristy places are always higher and you might find cheaper prices a short distance away. This goes for souvenir shops, restaurants and even grocery stores.

Florence, Rome and Venice are among the important cities in Italy so accommodation can be expensive there. However, self catering rental apartments can be cheaper than many hotels. Search for Rome apartments and you might be able to find apartments online, compare prices and even make a booking. (more...)

When cash is tight, the last thing you might think of is going on holiday, as this is surely a luxury that you cannot afford? However, if you can do it on the cheap, then a short break would be the best tonic in the world to cheer you up and refresh you.

Finding holidays cheap is possible – flights are now cheaper than ever, so it is usually possible to find a great deal to Spain or Greece with a low cost carrier. If you are booking during low season, you can usually also find an inexpensive apartment in a resort. If you split the cost with three other friends it will be a bargain!

The other advantage of renting an apartment is that you can cook for yourself – it can be great fun going through the local markets and supermarkets picking up local, cheap produce. (more...)

If you are going on holiday, whether it is for a few days or a few weeks, make sure that you budget well or you could end up spoiling your time abroad. You will need to make sure you have enough money for your hotel or apartment rental – try to prepay it if possible before you go – your rental car if you have one, your meals and your sightseeing.

If you have a credit or debit card, you will be able to get money from an ATM – in theory it is not a problem but bad exchange rates and commission fees for overseas payments can really dent your wallet.

People invariably end up spending more than they should on holiday – you know how it is, you promise yourself to stick with your set budget every day and not to exceed it. But then you see some adorable little trinket or pair of shoes that you cannot buy at home and before you know it you are waving your credit card at the shop keeper. (more...)

If you like your food – and are prepared to travel to find the best – why not consider a holiday in Italy for a few days? Italy is one of the last places in the world where they enjoy their food without worrying about whether there is more calories in a lettuce leaf or a sprout.

You can book an apartment or Holiday villas in Italy very inexpensively and hire a car for a week or so – all the better to find the local and out of the way restaurants that cater for local people rather than tourists!

As with everywhere, many of the restaurants in the centre of the tourist destinations serve mediocre food at best – but this is missing the point of being in Italy. If you can, ask a local to recommend a trattoria or pizzeria that he would eat in – and you will see a world of difference in the quality. (more...)

With Spain only a two hour flight away, it is right on our doorstep. You can leave your house in the morning and be at one of the Holiday villas in Spain for your glass of pre-dinner sangria. Yes, it is close in that respect, but the wonderful thing about Spain is that in other respects it is a million miles away.

If you book an apartment and spend a couple of weeks away from the tourist traps of the coast you will begin to see what I mean. There are many words that can be used to describe this amazing country but none does it true justice.

Once you are away from the crowds who horde there for the beach and sun, you will find a different world a short drive away. The mountain scenery, the wild-life and the fauna; the white washed villages perched in the hills which look like they have not seen a stranger for decades. (more...)

If you have kids, you will no doubt have scratched your head in the past wondering where to take them on holiday. A compromise is always in order as a six year old child does not always like to do the same things as his thirty year old parents! I remember trying to drag my toddler around historic places of interest only to give it up as a bad job!

There are some things though that appeal to kids of all ages, children and parents alike! One of these are Lapland adventure holidays. There is nothing like the thrill of your child playing in the snow and queuing up to see Santa. Lapland is absolutely magical and is equally exciting for the parents as they remember their childhood.

Another great option for all ages is a theme park such as Disneyland or Futoroscope. As long as you sort out the rota of who accompanies who on the rides, it is guaranteed that the whole family will have fun. (more...)

If you are spending a few weeks in a country with the aim of finding a holiday home, you can do no better than to hire an apartment for the duration of your stay. It is going to be a crazy few weeks in your life as even if you have found the property, there will be so much to arrange such as opening a bank account, sorting out the notaire and visiting the French mortgage broker.

If you are planning to spend more time in the area by buying a second home, an apartment, rather than a hotel or B and B, will give you more of a feel of the area. It will almost be like a trial run of actually living there; so unless you have committed on a property then this may be your last chance to decide if you like the area and can see yourself returning year after year. It also gives you much more flexibility in your arrangements.

You can come and go when you want; you are not on holiday as such, you will be busy so you want to come home to somewhere that is relaxed and welcoming rather than the restrictions of a hotel. (more...)

So where is it going to be this year? A villa in Spain? Four-star hotels in Italy? Or Cheap Tenerife Holidays? The great news is that with the competition between holiday companies, the annual vacation seems to be getting cheaper every year, leaving more money for enjoying ourselves!

If you are looking for an inexpensive holiday, an apartment rental is always a good option for many reasons. Firstly the cost – the cost of the rental is fixed however many people use it so if you go with family or friends the price per person is very reasonable. This also means that you can share hire car costs.

Secondly, the flexibility. If you go as a family it means that the kids can amuse themselves in the larger confines of an apartment, rather than a small hotel room. The kids are happier as they have more freedom, so the parents are happier as they have less whingey kids! Perfect all round. (more...)

All the colours of the world in one land, home to the ancients, a place where the Gods still live. Peru wildlife safari are perhaps the most varied in the world as are its multi ethnic people. African beats to get your heart beat drumming, dramatic backdrops that will overload your eye sockets with splendour. Cameras at the ready but no need for a flash, the suns rays are magnetised to each of Peru's 25 wonderful regions.

Skiing high in the Andes, dosing yourself on the chocolate much loved by the Inca Civilisation or simply coasting along on riverboats: life here is different, it's real. The most important thing is to take your time, Peru has been evolving for some 5,000 years, it has taken its time so why shouldn't you? The low cost of living giving you further impetus to enjoy all you can without worry.

From Machu Picchu the lost Inca City, to the developing city of Lima - nothing is hidden to the tourist. The countries inherent poverty lost on local faces, they beam smiles, native song flows from the pits of their bellys. The ping of the charango (Peruvian string instrument), your soundtrack to a holiday destination that combines biking and hiking in glorious, unspoilt nature to the dust swept street life you would expect in a country of 30 million inhabitants

Stumbling your way around Europe, falling in love with Australia, breaking your ties with your homeland for a short while. Who has your back? It is one thing to make a clean getaway, organise your visas, save for what will be the best time of your life and pack accordingly but when the unthinkable happens have you thought ahead? Opting out is not for the faint hearted.

Many events can occur abroad that don't come as part of the package expectation, keep mindful of pickpockets, you can be a target. Criminals are getting smarter, they see the expression of awe in your eyes, and they know that you have come to their city with the funds in tow to have the good time they desire. CHI Travel Insurance is a means of securing your peace of mind.

Ill health can occur at the most inconvenient of times, accidents happen and it is important that you take precautions. The scenario of lying down with a broken leg holed up in a hospital bed with a bill looming you can ill afford, is needless to say one to avoid. (more...)

Do you have the presence of mind to enjoy the present, the will to go wherever your feet will take you? When nature calls will you accept? The taste of sandwiches and the refreshing slide of tea down your oesophagus are never as fulfilling as when they are truly earned. Fuelling your body, as you fuel your mind and spirit, taking in the wonders of the natural world. Going off the beaten track and taking in a Hiking holiday in the Mediterranean for many, is the experience of a lifetime.

For those who crave real freedom and a chance to put themselves to the test, taking a hike independent from a group or guide may be the best solution. For others the idea of a group taking on an adventure together under the watchful eye of an expert on the particular terrain is more suitable.

Discovering the little nooks and crannies, the hidden gems that every route offers alone is a joy, but doubtless much will be missed including the vibe of camaraderie that accompanies every hiking tour. (more...)

Being aboard a floating city filled with all of the luxuries one could dream of, is a testament to modern engineering; a holiday option only made available through the creativity of dreamers. Taking a trip on a sailing ship is not about the speed, it is not about getting to the destination, it's all about the ride. Exclusive Cruise Deals are difficult to find, but this plushy mode of holidaying has come within the grasp of the masses in recent times.

No longer just for honeymooning couples, or the retired, it is now recognised as one of the premier family orientated holidaying means. Crossing oceans, the salty air beating on your face immersed in the elements, but aboard a craft that is worthy of taking on the high seas. Partying and getting to know a captive audience of other holidaymakers, you're every whim taken care of by attentive staff. Sunning yourself, decked out by the pool, seeing the horizon uncovering your next destination.

From embarkation city, the cabin is your home from home. It is an apartment that glides over the Earth as you sleep, transporting you to the far flung reaches of terra firma. Fine dining, being wined and dined, cruise lining, if you are lucky you will find Exclusive Cruise Deals that will blow your mind. A real break that will put wind in your sails.

It's siesta time but you have no desire to sleep, hooked up with your sombrero, protected from a sun that knows its duty. In Europe, but holding on tightly to a cost base that resembles some of the planet's cheaper destinations, Spain knows its place. Its culture belongs to yesteryear where each day is lived as a passing gift from the heavens. You have set your sights on joining them in their revelry and it's on your mind that you may want to stay for more than a little while.

Famous for its Fiestas and finger food that has bite, it is a land that spawned great artistry from its chequered past. A Colonial Nation, which took the best threads of culture from its holdings and transported them back to mainland Europe. Where else can the vibrations of Flamenco dancing resonate, stirring your cup of fresh Sangria? In what other world can you be free to sample the sport of bullfighting, playing casual observer or getting in on the act during the ritual running of the horned beasts?

It may be that you are seeking out long term rentals Spain, for a land like this, where relationships are not a passing fancy, where saying farewell in itself is a cultural no- no there is perhaps little option but to set down roots. (more...)

Pain lurks in the mouths of men, unhappy with appearances that would hide a brilliant smile lest the daggers of eyes see the imperfect. The mouth is a vessel to show and tell, a sensual place where each word spoken, each taste devoured; each and every kiss is spun. Smoke and your teeth tell tales, stains of coffee the marks of living. The slate can be wiped clean, however, with professional help.

The era has dawned where the world is not just a global economy for the Multinational Organisations; there is opportunity now for the discerning consumer to take what they need at a price that suits. Looking for a dentist abroad and turning what is normally a feared dentist chair experience into a holiday, has become the latest and hottest trend.

This trend allows for sipping cocktails whilst your radiographs develop. Getting used to newly fitted orthodontics and taking in a new culture at the same time. (more...)

Sydney, the city by the sea, is a city of sizzling heat with a tantalising breeze. Live large in the largest urban centre in Australia. Reflect on one of the pinnacles of human endeavour, a party capital founded on dreams. One of the most liveable locations on the planet. It is a place where the innovation of the modern age has made a metropolis of what was a rural home to humanity for over 30,000 years.

Get your togs out and dare to bare on Bondi Beach, get your camera at the ready for the iconic architecture and take to the romantic strolling locations. Find yourself a guide and learn of the gold rushes of the Nineteenth Century; see how the industrial revolution played out its part in the creation of this city of reputation. Base yourself in one of the Sydney airport hotels

With 70 beaches to choose from, the clean (and shark free) waters are one of the premier reasons people make their way to Sydney. Bathing for hours, basking for days. (more...)

Settling into a new city can be a trying experience. Living from a suitcase gives the joys of mobility, but why chop and change when the delights and freedoms of stability are at your disposal in a new place.

Unpacking for a determined time is an experience in itself whilst on vacation. De-clutter your mind, fill your chests of drawers and get out there, expose yourself to a new reality.

A thriving Australian Metropolis is yours for the taking once you have Brisbane accommodation. Free to explore in one of the safest cities on the globe, this is Queensland, a place where you will be made to feel like royalty by the Brisbanites. This penal colony of the 19th Century has become a city of freedoms, and diversity, where nature and the modern combine creating a cityscape that captivates. (more...)

The prospect of finding an affordable yet decent central London hotel might seem daunting, but it need not be so. The internet has changed the face of travel. Indeed, the internet is doing away with travel agents. You can find anything you require in the way of tours, flights and accommodation by trawling the internet.

The worldwide web also provides a way for you to be sure that you are not being sold a lemon in the way of rental apartments. Most of the reputable websites have areas where visitors can give hotel reviews and otherwise provide information to other travellers that will help them make wise travel choices.

London has something for every budget and every taste. Whether you are a Jew looking for a hotel that offers kosher cuisine, or you want gay-friendly accommodation, there will be a hotel in central London, or at least something close to the centre of London, that will cater to your needs. There are also regular family and business hotels in the middle of London, and even boutique and super-luxury hotels. (more...)

When you want to create a great impression at an event you could think about hiring a motivational public speaker. This is a person who can speak on a wide variety of topics and leave the audience interested and enthusiastic about their performance.

If you are in the travel industry, selling apartments for example, you will know the importance of sales seminars and conferences. Here you can meet and influence people who are looking to buy apartments of their own in foreign countries. In fact many people work in the travel industry will attend as many of these events as possible.

With this in mind, when it comes to hiring a motivational public speaker you need to make sure that they understand that they need to speak about travel, apartments and so on. So when it comes to choosing your speaker make sure that they are able to research topics and give an entertaining speech. (more...)

There is a certain satisfaction in leaving your vehicle in long-term parking, saying goodbye for a while. The satisfaction can turn to annoyance, however, when your flight arrives and you are no longer in charge of your own comings and goings.

You are forced from arrival point to rely on the public transport, forced to bow to the whims of a taxi culture who love to brow beat, seeking to rip you off. A language barrier can corrupt the clear cut plans you made to take the passenger seat. You can't bring your car in your luggage, but you can plan ahead.

Hire A Car in Cyprus, explore its exclaves and enjoy the ride. Get cruising through dusty meandering roadways - off the beaten track. Get racing, no time a wasting between rounds of golf, parking up on the beach, in your boot a veritable trunk of treasures too heavy to carry. (more...)

No matter where you are going, there are some principal rules that one must follow if they intend to travel within a small budget. Of course you will need to forego certain luxuries if you're a budget traveller, but take my word when I say that it is possible to plan an excellent trip on a minuscule budget.

The first rule is to plan in advance as this will allow you to take advantage of all those early bird travel fares. Airfares are especially cheap if booked in advance. Plus, there are usually times in the year when travel is cheap as there isn't much demand for tickets. Identify this period and try to plan accordingly. Planning also goes a long way in helping you save when you actually reach your destination. More about this later.

The second rule is to find the right accommodation. This will depend on how long your stay is going to be, what your budget is and the right location. There are hotels, motels, hostels, youth clubs and many more options in most destinations. If you're likely to stay for a long time, a rental apartment would be a good idea. Rental prices fluctuate just like overseas property sales prices, but these usually work out to be less expensive and more flexible than hotels. (more...)

If you are travelling with friends or on an extended business stay in Amsterdam, you will need to decide where to stay. There is a wide range of hotels and places to stay in Amsterdam, to suit all budgets and many people assume that apartments are far more expensive than hotels. This is not always the case.

If you shop around you can in fact find some very reasonably priced apartments, particularly if you are prepared to stay just a little further out of the centre. Even better, if you can be flexible with your dates as many owners of apartments offer ridiculously low priced stays for last minute bookings.

The benefits of an apartment are many, with space and flexibility being the main ones. Many apartments have a separate lounge and sleeping area, or multiple bedrooms, as well as a fully functioning kitchen. This extra is a godsend if you have children as they are not confined to one small bedroom. (more...)

If you are thinking of taking a short break, then Amsterdam should definitely be on your short list. Once you have been there the first time, you will definitely be hooked and most people return time and time again. There are many options for accommodation there such as apartments, budget hotels and cheap sleeps in Amsterdam, so you are sure to find something in budget.

The great thing about this city is that it is so near to us and yet presents a totally different way of life. You can get there in no time at all, by cheap ferry or a short flight – they are our neighbours after all! And what is more, most Dutch people speak very good English so there are few language barriers.

Whether you want frenzied sightseeing or a more relaxed chilling experience, Amsterdam has it all. They have some world class museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank house, so if culture and history appeal to you will not be disappointed. (more...)

New York is an incredibly popular destination for hen nights nowadays. Flights are cheap, exchange rate is not too bad…and you can take your pick of inexpensive Manhattan bed and breakfasts and cheaper places to rest your head.

If you are thinking of having your hen night in New York, an apartment is one option to definitely consider, as it is a good solution for several people travelling together. There are many apartments which have several bedrooms, so they can easily accommodate a group of ten or so girls.

So much more fun than staying in a hotel, do you not think? You can all chat together, get ready together, and pamper yourself together in preparation for the big Hen night. It will be like a home from home which is the best way to have a relaxing stay. (more...)

If you have to travel frequently for business you are no doubt sick and tired of hotel rooms. The same bland decoration, the same cramped rooms and the same awful food eaten on your knees. I stayed in many hotel rooms around the world and I often forgot what country I was in as they were so similar.

However there is a very viable alternative for weary business travellers - a serviced apartment. If you are looking for Dublin accommodation or Moscow accommodation, wherever in the world you want to go you will find a serviced apartment.

This has many benefits for the business traveller. Not least the flexibility to be able to stay in to work in the evening to catch up on emails, and ordering a takeaway or cooking something light yourself. I have been in many situations where I had work to do in the evening and ended up ordering room service – there is no worse way to eat, perched on the bed. (more...)

If you are looking for a vibrant and exciting holiday, Los Angeles is definitely one to consider – especially if you are a fan of the film industry. With so much competition you can pick for a flight for a few hundred pounds then all you need to do is choose a vacation apartment for a real L.A stay!

The location of your holiday apartment is crucial – after all, no-one walks in this city! If you are not brave enough to hire a car, make sure that you stay in an area where there are plenty of restaurants. But hire a car if you can as you will need to travel to get to many of the attractions.

There are plenty of things to see and do – some can work out pretty expensive such as the Movie studios, but others are free. Just walk up and down Hollywood Boulevard and get caught up in the atmosphere. Look at the famous Walk of Fame, then mosey up to the Chinese Theatre where you will find an incredible buzz as the street artists try to catch your attention. (more...)

If you are looking for a flexible and inexpensive holiday, you could do far worse than consider an apartment holiday in one of the chic Spanish cities such as Madrid or Barcelona. There are plenty of Madrid and Barcelona cheap places to stay, and you are sure to find an apartment within your budget.

Why an apartment? It makes sense. It gives you the complete flexibility that a hotel does not. You can choose to eat or shop at one of the many local markets to find fresh and organic produce to eat in at the apartment. You do not have any chambermaid knocking on your door early in the morning.

If you have kids it is great as you can keep them occupied while you sit back with sangria. They are much more spacious than a hotel room so you really do feel at home. (more...)

For the last few years, Dubai has been a firm favourite for holidaymakers and with good reason. It is far enough away to be classed as long-haul, yet short enough to be a comfortable flight. There is a huge range of Dubai rentals and vacation accommodation on offer and at very good prices – especially since the Emirate has been experiencing financial problems.

What is there to do there? The favourite has to be the beach holiday. Many of the luxury hotels dotted around the coast offer incredible facilities, many of them seeming to try to outdo each other and you could happily spend a week or two at places like the Jumeirah Beach or the Mina Al Salaam without surfacing.

But surface you must because there is so much more to enjoy. If you have the stomach take a half day to go dune bashing – going up and down huge sand dunes at incredible speed in a four by four. And for the active there is also dune surfing on a small board – although it can be difficult to get back up the dune in the heat it is amazing fun coming down. End the day with a typical Bedouin feast in a tent in the desert for a perfect day. (more...)

If taking the bull by the horns in the South west of England is your game, then Bristol is a prize destination. Its waterways, its Londonesque style giving the impression of having everything without maintaining the same cost factors as the Capital.

A group of males on a mission of extreme partying is not a mission too far in Bristol, welcoming to the most maniacal of party attitudes. It is nothing that this place hasn't seen before, why? It is by far the best stag weekends destination in the region, its near half a million populace sustaining all the treats a party hungry stag expedition will be seeking out.

Take to strip clubs, fill up the bars as you crawl through, using the rivers Avon and Frome as your markers if you lose your way. Get lost in a haze of wanton abandon to rigid nights. This is a night that counts, just as the losing of your friend to wed-lock matters. (more...)