Low Budget Hotels For Australian Travels

August 16, 2011 By
When planning a vacation, hotels or other lodging accommodations can be expensive, eating up a large portion of your travel budget. The last thing anyone wants to do is spend his or her whole budget on somewhere to stay! Use these tips to help you get the most ‘bang for your buck’ and avoid blowing your budget on a place to lay your head.Check for hostels in the area you’re visiting! Don’t let the name scare you; hostels are an increasingly popular lodging accommodation for travelers abroad. Essentially, a hostel is a shared room, similar to a dorm. The rooms vary in size from hostel to hostel, but usually thereAustralian Travels

are between four and 20 beds in each. There are various hostels in most of the larger cities in Australia, including Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, to name a few. Many backpackers and hikers utilize this style of accommodation when exploring Australia.

Bed and breakfasts don’t have to break the bank! There are numerous beds and breakfasts or even private guest lodgings across Australia; you can find one for a good price if you search around. The bed and breakfast is becoming a well-liked choice for travelers to Australia. Meals are often included in the cost of your stay and sometimes guests are able to use the kitchen to prepare meals and snacks of their own. This type of accommodation can be especially neat since it immerses the guest in the culture of the area where they’re staying!

Use your computer! Check one of the travel search engines. There are numerous travel sites nowadays that are dedicated to providing travel deals. You can usually get better deals when you book your hotel and your flight arrangements together through these sites. These travel portals give travelers the opportunity to book cheap hotels and resorts all over Australia. The downside to this is that many times you have to wait to book until you’re close to your travel dates, which can make advance planning difficult.

Ask around! Check with friends and/or acquaintances, often you will know people that have traveled to Australia, or are just avid travelers, that can give you ideas of places to stay or sites to check out to help you save on Low Budget Hotelslodging. People who travel a lot are usually up to date on the latest travel trends and know where to find good deals so asking friends and family that do travel frequently are likely to have some good tips and tricks!

Lodging expenses can add up quickly, especially when on an extended trip, to Australia, for example. Travelers spend more time when vacationing in Australia because of its distance and due to the wide variety of things there are to do and see in Australia. These tips and travel tricks can help you save on your accommodations so you can spend money on enjoying the activities Australia has to offer.

This post was written and provided by freelance writer and consultant for Expedia, Erica Gustafson. Erica has traveled to Australia several times and is always looking for ways to save money.

Filed Under: Travel Australia

Melbourne Accommodation

August 15, 2010 By

Melbourne is one of Australia’s most visited cities, with tourists and visitors enjoying the combination of shopping, beaches and ocean views. The city exudes a bohemian vibe and seems to revel in its own uniqueness. If you love shopping, then you want to look for accommodation specials that will help you save your money for the shopping, as well as the many cultural attractions in the city.

The shopping experience is one of the best things about Melbourne and the city has a strong local fashion scene. The shopping areas house a wide range of shops and fashion boutiques, offering great fashion, strongly supported with designs from local talented designers. With a lot of fresh talent starting to make a name in the fashion world, you will find that you can purchase quality clothing without the high price tag you might expect to see for designer pieces.

This city is used to accommodating a number of tourists, particularly with large sporting attractions such as the tennis and Formula One Grand Prix being held here. Accommodation is essential of your holiday, and you can find budget accommodation, family accommodation and luxury hotels. Go online and you can save even more money by booking or searching for value for money deals. With the right deal for your circumstances you can enjoy more while staying in the city and have more money available of a range of fun activities.

Aside from shopping, the cultural attractions hold a lot of appeal. You could visit museums and art galleries, as well as some of the architectural attractions of the city. If you are travelling for the sports then you can check out the Laver Arena in Melbourne Park and the huge Telstra Stadium, which is considered one of the most modern stadiums in the world.

If you are with the family, there are some attractions that the kids will love, such as Luna Park. Set close to the beach, this is a great opportunity to see both if you are visiting in summer. If you book accommodation close to these spots, then you will be able to save money on travelling to and from.  From there it is a short tram ride into the city if you want to see other attractions also. Perhaps a trip with the whole family via boat along the Yarra River sounds appealing. For couples on a romantic getaway – this is a romantic way to spend the early evening watching the sunset. If you are planning a dinner in one of Melbourne’s acclaimed restaurants, you’ll be in the perfect spot to head from there to South Bank and relax together at the end of the day.

You won’t have to spend a fortune to have a great Melbourne holiday. Even with a tight budget, accommodation is readily available and you will find many attractions that your family will find fun and exciting. Spend some quality time with your family and the vacation will be memorable for the time you and your family enjoy together. Melbourne offers the perfect opportunity for this, so enjoy your stay.

Filed Under: Travel Australia

Hotel Specials

May 10, 2010 By

A splendid holiday is surely not complete without luxury hotel accommodation. From a quaint inn to a top-notch resort hotel, your hotel holiday accommodation should be comfortable, relaxing and, perhaps most importantly, affordable.

Finding a great hotel accommodation is often just a mouse click away. Many online sites offer great accommodation specials so that you can enjoy a resort hotel on a budget.

To find the best deals online, consider traveling on weekdays, or choose off-season dates to stay. Many luxury hotels offer discount prices that are available only through online sites, and most of the discount prices are not advertised.

A luxury accommodation hotel is possible for your next vacation! With a little bit of research, you too can enjoy resort hotel accommodation at a discounted rate!

What to Look for in Resort Hotel Accommodation

Location

Location is often a determining factor when choosing your luxury hotel accommodation. You may want to choose a resort hotel that is close to a variety of sites, or one that is just outside a metropolitan area for more serene surroundings.

The location of hotel holiday accommodation often drives the rates, so staying just a bit farther away from the excitement may be worth it.

Amenities

A great vacation resort hotel should include fine amenities which pamper, entertain and refresh you. Some amenities you may want to look for include swimming pools, hot tubs, on-site restaurants, fitness centers and business facilities, just to name a few.

Services

The resort hotel accommodation you choose should offer top-notch services to make your stay a more pleasant one. Some of the services offered at many luxury accommodation hotels include concierge service, room service, bellhop service and turn-down service.

Rating

An easy way to check a resort hotel’s service and accommodation is through a rating system or through other customers’ comments. This is often a clear indicator of the quality of the services, amenities and accommodation offered at any luxury accommodation.

Photographs

Most hotel accommodation will have online photos which will allow you to view what the rooms look like and what the amenities look like to determine if it meets your expectations.

Filed Under: Travel Australia

Have Fun While Experiencing All That Sydney Has to Offer

January 21, 2010 By

There’s absolutely no limit to the fun to be had while vacationing in Sydney, Australia. Affectionately nicknamed Harbor City, Sydney is the largest city in Australia and plays host to a wealth of sporting, cultural, and entertainment venues. Located on the south-east coast of Australia, Sydney is surrounded by Port Jackson, which is home to two of the cities most visited and internationally renowned tourist attractions, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. But if opera and architecture are not your ideal tourist destinations, no worries! More than 11 million people visit Sydney each year and I’m going to tell you exactly where they are going, and why you just might like to go as well!

Rise above it all in The Blue Mountains National Park
You may have heard of the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, but did you know that Sydney has Blue Mountains too? If you only have time for a short visit or aren’t too keen on traveling to multiple destinations around the city, then the Blue Mountains are definitely the way to go. Only an hour or so away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, the Blue Mountains offer a majestic and breathtaking view of Australia’s forestry and wildlife, and a vast amount of historic and natural tourist attractions. Once inside the park, you can visit Wentworth Falls, The Red Hand Cave Aboriginal shelter, and Lennox Bridge. Lennox Bridge is Australia’s oldest mainland bridge, having been built in 1832, and continues to stand the test of time. If you still can’t get enough of the Blue Mountains, then be sure to visit The Three Sisters rock formation and the Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum.

Be a beach bum in Manly
Once described as “7 Miles from Sydney and 1000 miles from care”, Manly is a suburb of Sydney and a favorite seaside destination. Its extensive beaches and outdoor cafes and restaurants make it a tourist favorite. Take the popular 30-minute Manly Ferry from Sydney, and you can sit back and relax while enjoying the scenic view of Sydney Harbor. If you are in a rush, you can even take the ride in 15 minutes, but hey you’re on vacation, so why not enjoy the view?

Visiting Sydney on a budget
If you’re a Sydney visitor on a budget or just looking to have some free fun, then make sure you pack your walking shoes. You’re going have to walk to save those dollars! There are plenty of places to visit in Sydney, without opening your wallet including, the Royal Botanic Gardens, The Rock, and the Government House. Each of these free attractions is located in close proximity to one another and either provides free information, or free onsite tours.

If you are looking for affordable accommodations in Sydney then follow these three easy steps: plan ahead, book online, and go off the beaten trail. Investigate hotels and apartments that are less popular and a little farther away from the tourist attractions and you’ll be sure to find some diamonds in the rough, for cubic zirconium prices.

No matter where you go in Sydney, if you traveling as a tourist abroad, then you’ll definitely want to consider purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance doesn’t have to be expensive in order to meet your coverage needs and can be purchased cheaply and quickly online, even just a few hours before your trip.

Reserve your trip to Sydney today, and you too can soak up the sun!

Filed Under: NSW, Travel Australia

Summertime is holiday time

December 14, 2009 By

Its summer in Australia and many of us are heading off on annual holidays.

So where are you off to this year.  Staying in Australia – good, that’s what we like to hear.  Those of us who live in the northern areas of the continent more than likely seek a cooler climate during the summer and head south to Tasmania for our holiday.  What a wonderful place at this time of the year for any visitor not just those escaping the heat.  The gardens both public and in private homes are a sight to behold, blazing in colour from the summer flowers, fruit dripping from the trees and vegetables galore in the vegie patches.  The soft fruit is ripe and ready for the picking too.  Raspberries to die for and blueberries coming out of your ears.  Last time I was down there, I drove the length and breadth of Tasmania with a punnet of one or the other on my knee, nibbling away as I went.  Heaven…..

You can be lucky with the weather too, and have days of endless sunshine, warm, but usually cooled down by the cooler winds that plough in from the ocean.  Be careful though, it is still easy to get sunburnt – yes even in Tasmania.  A novelty for the dwellers of the Australian north, is the longer evenings.  Still light at 10pm with the sun rising early in the morning lends itself to dining al fresco, walking in the evening cool, with a night cap before finally turning in for the night.

Tasmania offers a very large choice of accommodation across the island.  The cities hold the usualy array of hotel and motel accommodation, from luxury hotels to backpacker hostels, and there are hostels, motels, hotels and other types of accommodation situated in the smaller towns and settlements all over.  There is even accommodation for the visitor who wants to stay atop the mountains on the edge of the Cradle Mountain National Park.

Those of you reading this that live in the South of Australia are probably wondering what I am going on about.  You want sun, heat, sea, surf and the northern summer and the dark tropical evenings.   Well do we know a good spot for you.  The Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane in Queensland, is the perfect place for your summer holiday.

Beginning at Caloundra in the south and continuing up through Mooloolabah and Coolum and ending at Noosa this stretch of coastline really does take some beating for your vacation.  There are many other spots inbetween these too, but too many to mention here.  The Sunshine Coast offers, surf beaches, quiet river estuary beaches, miles of beautiful river waterways where you can fish, or take a trip in a hire boat or on a cruise.   You can walk in National Parklands, see koalas, walk along long stretches of coastal footpaths right along the coast, drive up into the hinterland and see how the “country” lives.  Dine at quiet, worldclass restaurants or dance the night away at the nightclubs.

So if you are wanting to warm up this summertime, visit the Sunshine Coast you wont regret it.

Happy holidays Australia.

Filed Under: Travel Australia Tagged With:

Australian Vacation

November 11, 2009 By

An Australian holiday is unlike any other in the world. The bountiful surroundings are certainly unparalleled: where else in the world can you experience natural, powder-white beaches, lush rainforests, rugged terrain and spectacular, mountain vistas during a single holiday?
Visitors travel from all other the world to experience the raw, unspoiled beauty of Australia, and in the process discover this country’s unique culture, history and recreation, all of which leave a lasting impression worthy of daydreams and fantasies.
A holiday in Australia is limited only by one’s imagination: from crashing surf breaks and exciting celebrations to challenging hikes and exciting sites, Australia is the place to discover a country rich in sites, sounds and experiences.
Sydney
Perhaps one of the most popular sites in Australia is Sydney, best known for its superb location alongside one of the most beautiful harbours in the world.
This dynamic city is a popular tourist attraction, and a Sydney vacation is not complete without a trip to the Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, the Sydney Aquarium and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which is the sight of some of Sydney’s best celebrations and fireworks displays.
Western Australia
The natural beauty of Western Australia, including its gorgeous coastline and towering rock formations, makes this part of Australia popular among outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Perth is one of the most popular parts of Western Australia, and is appreciated for its beautiful beaches, wildlife parks and its abundance of marine life.
Queensland
As the fastest growing state in Australia, Queensland is an area of Australia known for its spectacular surroundings, such as the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s Outback and the World Heritage Rainforest.
Known as Australia’s Sunshine State, QLD is a marvel in natural beauty, exciting, outdoor adventures and world-class cultural activities
Gold Coast, which is Queensland’s second largest city, is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations undoubtedly because of its spectacular beaches, wide variety of theme parks and its superb, recreational activities.
Some of the best surf breaks can be found along the beach of Surfers Paradise, which is visited by more than four million people each year. Surfers Paradise is also well known for its great shopping and fantastic cuisine.

Filed Under: Travel Australia Tagged With: ,

Australian Beach Holiday

October 5, 2009 By

Australian Beach Holiday

Some of the world’s most amazing beaches can be found in Australia. And it’s no wonder: Australia boasts more than 37,000 km of coastline and a staggering 11,011 beaches, most of which can be found in their natural, unspoiled form.

A holiday in Australia would not be complete without a day at the beach. With that said, what are some of the best beach destinations in Australia?

Gold Coast – Surfers Paradise

With over 70 km of pristine coastline, the Gold Coast is the premier destination for those looking for pounding surf and powder-white beaches. Within the Gold Coast is Surfers Paradise, arguably one of the most popular holiday hot spots in Australia.

A gorgeous skyline, a dynamic city and a laid-back beach community atmosphere are all found in Surfers Paradise. In addition to its fantastic surf breaks, Surfers Paradise boasts great, family theme parks and attractions, a fantastic nightlife scene and plenty of outstanding cuisine.

Sunshine Coast

Australia’s Sunshine coast is an extremely popular holiday destination for local Australians, as well as visitors from all over the world. The naturally diverse surroundings, from the lush rainforests to the pristine beaches, will surely impress and amaze.

The Sunshine Coast, which is 50 km long, is comprised of three sections: Noosa, Maroochy and Caloundra. From quaint villages to luxurious resorts and spectacular homes, the Sunshine Coast can be enjoyed from a backpack or a high-end accommodation – the choice is yours!

Perth – Scarborough Beach

The pristine, white sand beaches of Scarborough Beach are the hallmark of this popular, seaside community in Western Australia’s Perth.

A great variety of accommodation make Scarborough Beach ideal for a wide range of budgets and desires. Plenty of sites and sounds can be found along Scarborough Beach, and plenty of water recreation can be enjoyed here, from windsurfing, to sailing to water skiing and surfing.

Sydney – Bondi Beach

As one of the world’s most well-known beaches, Bondi Beach is, perhaps, the jewel of Sydney.

In addition to its fabulous coastline, Bondi Beach is also well known for its dizzying array of shops, boutiques, restaurants, galleries and markets.

Many of Bondi Beach’s popular events occur at the Bondi Pavilion Community Centre. From theater to art exhibitions, the outdoor amphitheatre serves a variety of purposes for this dynamic area.

Filed Under: Travel Australia

Melbourne Crime Tours

September 17, 2009 By

An interesting angle on life in any big city is its seedier side.  Melbourne Crime Tours run a fun four hour tour visiting the sites where some of the city’s more infamous incidents have taken place.

Learn about US Serviceman Edward Leonski,  who turned out to be more than a soldier and his escapades through the Melbourne streets of 1942, your informed and interesting tour guides will fill you in on all the gory details of this World War II crime.   The Brownout Strangler as this unsavoury character became known and his activities in wartime Melbourne have been made into a feature movie.

Colin Ross convicted for brutal murder was given a posthumous pardon in 1998 when modern technology revealed that he had not committed the crime he had been found guilty of in 1922 and sentenced to death by hanging.  So what was that all about, your Melbourne Crime Tour guide will leave you spellbound describing this case as you drive through Melbourne on your tour bus.

Of course as you progress through the streets of Melbourne on your tour, you will be able to see other sites of interest as you go, and your tour guide will keep you entertained with information about what you are seeing along the way.  There are some stories associated with Melbourne that are known for other reasons than infamy!!!

Melbourne is a vibrant, sparkling, competitive city and so why are we not surprised that Australia’s most daring armed robbery took place there in 1976, when 116 bookmakers were robbed of their takings.    With cash from three race meetings held over the Easter weekend ripe for the picking, a raid by balaclava clad individuals was over in 11 minutes.  No one was convicted for anything connected with the Great Bookie Robbery.

Many of Melbourne’s criminals have become temporary residents of the Melbourne City Watch House which was in operation between 1913 and 1994, before going to trial and the Melbourne  Crime Tour includes a visit to this former City Watch House, where you can be ‘arrested’ if you are willing.   Bushranger Ned Kelly and many other Victorian criminals in Melbourne’s past have been incarcerated and in some cases hanged at the Old Melbourne Goal.  Built in 1842 this goal has an interesting history with many tales to be told, a visit to this museum can be taken while on your tour, entry fees are not included in your Melbourne Crime Tour ticket, however discounts are available.

Melbourne Crime Tours offer a door-to-door pick up service , and is definitely one of the most interesting tours available in Melbourne.

Filed Under: Travel Australia, Vic

Tips on booking your flight to Australia

May 27, 2009 By

With so much to see and do in Australia, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the world’s most popular travel destinations. If you’re making plans to travel to the land down under, finding the best prices on flights can help you save money on what will probably be the most expensive part of your travels, airfare. Airfares to Australia can be pricey, but finding bargains on flights is just a matter of knowing where to look and planning in advance.

Travelers take trips to Australia for many reasons including vacation, holiday, and business. Some travel by cruise ship, but most will take flights, meaning that depending on when you plan to travel, you’ll need to plan ahead. The price you pay to fly to Australia is based on a variety of factors that include:

  • Where you are flying from – The further you are traveling from to reach Australia, the more money you will pay. The price of fuel for airlines is expensive as well as other fees and expenses air carriers incur to travel internationally.

Tip – Book your flight as early as possible and from a location as close to Australia as you can get.

  • The time of year – The tourist season in Australia varies by region, but the peak season is normally the summer months of June-August for the north and October to February for the southern states. All major holidays will also be high traffic periods.

Tip -Avoid the busy seasons and purchase your ticket early.

  • How long will you visit Australia? – The longer you visit Australia, the more you will pay for airfare. Cheap airfares are normally offered on shorter visits and most air carriers stipulate that any changes in the dates of fights will incur steep charges and other penalties.

Tip – Look for package deals if you are staying for at least a week and if you are visiting for a very long time, consider purchasing a one-way ticket. By doing so you’ll be able to take advantage of current savings at the times you want to fly.

  • Which airline you choose? – The price you pay for your flight can vary greatly depending on the rates of the airline you are traveling on. Virgin Blue, Jetstar Airways, Qantas, and Regional Express Airlines all fly to Australia and offer various rates and specials.

Tip – Compare multiple airlines before booking your flight. Look for specials based on your destination, amount of days traveling, and reward programs such as frequent flyer specials.

  • Whether you shop direct or use a travel agency – Shopping direct for flights to Australia may save you more money than using a travel agency, whom often mark up their prices to offset the costs of doing business. Also, many airlines post available tickets and discounted seating in real time directly on their sites, which is often difficult for third-party sellers to offer.

Tip – When comparing prices don’t forget to shop directly with the airlines. It’s always best to book your flight as early as possible but if you can afford to wait, you may be able to book a cheap flight to Australia at the last minute by shopping direct.

Filed Under: Travel Australia Tagged With: , , ,