Holidays are expensive. If they weren’t, nobody’d work. One of the main reasons for their priciness is the cost of accommodation. You can easily spend as much for one week in a hotel or resort as you would for one month in your own house. Adding to the strain on your wallet is the fact that resorts are designed like pitcher plants – attractive to look at and apparently filled with nectary goodness, but once you get in you’ll have a hell of a time getting out. That means you pay resort prices for resort foods and, after paying resort prices for resort cocktails you’re all the more likely to indulge in a bit of room service.

Of course, you could always go the time-honoured route of hostels. Of course, in many major cities a private room in a hostel is barely cheaper than a hotel. Dorms are an option but a single room smelling of the socks of the multitudes isn’t conducive to relaxation. Fortunately, you can take a third option and rent your own cottage or apartment.

With a cottage or apartment rental you get the privacy and comfort of a hotel room without the enticing added extras that can send the bill spiraling to Virgin Galactic heights. Cook your own food, bring your own grog, supply your own entertainment, all in surroundings that have a personal touch often lacking in mass market resorts.

A quick google search to the effect of holiday rentals (destination) can often yield some pleasant surprises.  Two Mile Bay Cottage in Port Campbell on the Great Ocean Road is one of them. Built by a local artist out of the pylons of the old pier, this quaint, two-bedroom home sleeps up to six and provides a fantastic ocean view. At 200 dollars per night, it’s a very economical option if you’ve got a group.

Apart from its pristine beaches and surfing waves, its abundant nature teeming with wildlife, landscapes and resources make it an attractive place for an adventure getaway. For a more relaxed getaway, commune with nature as you experience rural life where the winds blow through the rice fields creating a domino like effect. Or get in touch with your spiritual or artistic side.

All of these and more can be found in Ubud, the spiritual and artistic center of Bali which appears like a temple with many homes made of brick walls, topped with Hindu statues. On the other hand, museum and art galleries like Neka are widespread in Ubud and preserve important collections of Balinese art.

Another place you shouldn’t miss  in Ubud is the home of Balinese royalty, The Ubud Palace. Be charmed by the elaborate temple surrounding beautiful gardens and witness a traditional dance display that is performed daily at 7:30 PM. You might also want to consider going to the Negeri Propinsi Bali museum in Denpasar. It is an excellent place for you to experience the true Balinese culture.

Another standout feature of this island is the food: Balinese cuisine is a combination of sweet and spicy flavors cooked with a variety of spices and a traditional Balinese meal consists of a range of small servings of different flavors and textures that combine to form a hearty and satisfying meal.

The hospitable and kind hearted people of Bali will lift your entire trip and make it all the more a wonderful place to relax and enjoy.

Those seeking gorgeous white sand and clear blue water in the Kingdom of Thailand have two options: the Gulf of Thailand, home to Kho Phang Ngang and the (in)famous full-moon party or the Andaman Coast, whose most famous destination is undoubtedly the amusingly-named Phuket. (For the record, its pronounced Poo-Ket).

But just across the channel between Phuket and the mainland lies the province of Krabi, one of the region’s best-kept secrets. For those who find Phuket’s glitzy resorts and endless girly bars to be too much, Krabi offers a laid-back alternative that really showcases the region’s famously gorgeous beaches and lush tropical rainforests.

The Railay Penninsula is a little spit of land that projects out into the Andaman Sea about an hour south of Krabi Town. Although physically connected to the mainland, this haven can only be reached by boat due to the sheer cliffs and jungle that occupy the neck of the peninsula. This gives the whole place an island feel, similar to Phi Phi but without the same crowds.

Railay East is the backpacker’s enclave. The beach is nothing special – it’s a mud flat at low tide and serves as the landing point for the longtail ferries. However, the lack of a view means that this is the locus for the cheap accommodation. If you don’t mind the precipitous staircase, the Diamond Private Resort is high enough to afford a great view and offers a pool for very reasonable rates.

West Railay is where you go to get horizontal on fine white sand and stare out at the cool blue Andaman (preferably with a Singha in hand – readily available from the restaurants set about 50 meters back from the beach).

But the best part of Railay is experienced vertically. The area is home to some of the most accessible climbing walls in Thailand and beginners and experts alike will find some great routes and there are plenty of operators to provide guides, training and equipment rental. King Climbers is the most established and they run single- or multi-day classes with expert English-speaking guides to show you the ropes (so to speak).

Don’t want to pay for a hotel? Can’t afford Parisian prices? Can’t afford the expensive tours around the city, or just can’t suffer the snap-happy fools you’ll be experiencing it with? Well couchsurfing or one of the many other free hospitality exchange options may be for you.

1. Couch surfing & Homestays

With 2.5 million members across the globe from Taiwan to Timbuktu, and advanced security referencing couchsurfing .com is a great way to travel the world. Stay with locals for free. The multi-lingual hospitality exchange BeWelcome offers a similar platform to couchsurfing.com, yet is Europe specific. A registered NGO, it has 10,000 members.

www.Couchsurfing.com
www.BeWelcome.org

2. WWOOFing

Willing Workers On Organic Farms (WWOOF) offers a perfect break from city living. The hospitality exchange offers food and board for a few hours of work or skill-share. Work may involve childcare, teaching the owner your native tongue, picking fruit or any other duties. The beauty of this site is that it specifies the exchange. A farmer on the British Columbia, Canada is building a fence, give him a hand… A single mother in outback Australia needs a farm hand or childcarer for a week… Pick your destination, pack your bags and experience local life, whereever you are, for free!

www.wwoof.org

3. Volunteering

Volunteering is a fantastic way to take a city break both locally or international. A host of websites offer free volunteering breaks for city dwellers with free accommodation and food. With a vast array of opportunities both local and abroad you can find just about anything you want. An enriching experience and holiday combined.

http://www.volunteer.com.au/

http://www.govolunteer.com.au/

http://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/volunteer

4. Servas open doors

The UN recognised NGO, Servas Open doors, has 13,000 members or as it calls them ‘open doors’. Homestays are easily arranged with anyone of these members with profiles viewable on the website, you know what you’re getting, before you get there. Servas also supports volunteer programs that have led aid missions in India and Pakistan. Bragging to be ‘multi-generational’, the organisation welcomes young and old promoting goodwill and mutual tolerance.

http://www.servas.org/newsite/

5. Squatting

What top 5 would be complete without the intrepid travellers ultimate hospitality exchange, squatting. While often discarded to the dustbin of travel, squatting has for decades been a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the oft-unseen underbelly of everyday society. The ‘movement’ in Europe and North America has gained speed in recent years with many squatting abodes across the globe now bordering on hotel standard, some even bed-bug free! Numerous websites now exist to facilitate your stay, helping you negotiate the legalities of such travel and putting like-minded squatters in touch with each other.

www.squatspace.com
www.squat.net/

1. Low cost holidays

The first reason people get into house swapping is to save on travel costs. No money is exchanged; you stay in their house and they stay in yours either at the same time or non-simultaneously if you can arrange it. The cost savings can be huge in popular tourist destinations such as Paris, New York and Rome. Not only do you save on accommodation costs you can comfortably self-cater in a fully equipped kitchen.

2. The richer benefit of living like a local

Jeanette Wehl and her husband Greg have lived like locals all over the world with house swapping. “We have swapped in the UK, France, USA and The Bahamas to name just a few. Our most memorable experience where we really felt at home was in Florida. Some locals, friends of our swappers, took us out to a Blue Grass bar and later to a Blues bar. Women’s underwear was hanging from the ceiling and the music was amazing. Our hosts told us stories, like being proud of having made it to Woodstock, but only just: she was nine months pregnant at the time. We have made many friends through house swapping, there is a real community feeling to it.”

3. It is great for holidays within Australia too

Kimberly Uldridge has found swapping a great experience for holidays within Australia, offering unique stays that her and her husband would not normally have looked for. “We have house swapped in places like Mildura and Sydney. The most memorable was in rural Lilydale in Tasmania. Staying in an eco-house, high on a hill looking out over fields full of sheep, was a complete an escape from our usual lives in inner city Melbourne.”

4. It is a mature service these days

Inviting strangers into your house can be a disconcerting experience so make sure you join up a house swapping network that is well established. HomeLink (www.homelink.com) is the oldest network which began in the 50s and has local Coordinators in 27 major countries. This means there are people keeping an eye on things, offering support and knowledge for the global community. They breed an environment of respect and trust for each other’s homes.

So, give it a go. You could gain a lot more than just cheap accommodation.

To avoid problems you have to play by Tiger’s rules. Here are some top tips on how to do that.

1. If you have no luggage to check in, be careful of the Web Check-in rules to avoid extra fees

If you don’t have any baggage to check in you should use the Web Check-in facility when booking, and don’t forget to actually do it before heading to the airport. If you show up to the airport check-in desk without any luggage to check you will be charged $20.

2. Take their check-in and boarding times seriously

Getting to the airport early may not be in your genetic make up but Tiger are not messing with their check-in and boarding times.

They will not accept you for travel if you show up at the check-in counter less than 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time of your flight.

If you are not at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before departure, you will not be getting on. Your baggage will be offloaded and you’ll get no money back.

3. They are strict on any excess baggage, be careful

If any of your checked baggage weighs over 30kg it will be subject to Tiger’s Excess Checked Baggage fees. They don’t seem keen on wriggle room here like other airlines.

Watch out for your carry-on luggage too. You are allowed two pieces provided that it does not exceed the dimensions of 54cm X 38cm X 23cm and that no individual bag exceeds 7kgs. The combined weight of these two bags cannot exceed 10kgs. This is strictly for each person (kids included); don’t assume you can pool this allowance.

Special offer for Travelista readers: book cheap domestic airfares with Zuji.com.au

Bicycle cycling is not just a sport. It is an exercise, a hobby, a passion, a lifestyle. Aside from the health benefits of cycling, it also promotes environmental preservation and cost-efficiency.

If you are planning to take on a biking tour in Australia, here are some of the best cycling routes every cyclist should try:

1.       Munda Biddi Trail – Located in Western Australia, this cycle route has been included in National Geographic’s travel book as one of the top 10 cycle routes. In the local Noongar Aboriginal dialect, the name stands for “Path through the Forest”. With an initial 500 km distance, this cycling trail starts at Mundaring, in the Perth Hills to Nannup, east of Margaret River. Another trail has also been opened that links Nannup to Manjimup where you can find the famous black truffles and wineries in Australia. The final version of the trail, which is aimed to be completed by 2012,  will link Perth with Albany on the southern coast, covering a distance of about 1000 km, making it world’s longest distance off-road cycle trails. Threading on this trail, bicyclists will catch a glimpse of kangaroos, brushtail possums, western brush wallabies and an awesome collection of wildflowers.

2.       Central Tablelands of NSW- Ride by train and a few hours away from Sydney, you’ll find an incredible fusion of open farmland, forests, historic villages, rolling hills, rugged escarpments, and vibrant country towns. The trail’s level of difficulty ranges from moderate to difficult since there are a lot of hills and steep, long climbs. With this trail, you can pass by Mt. Victoria, Lithgow, Bathurst, Orange, Oberon, Kanangra Walls and Jenolan Caves.

3.       Canberra to the Coast- Want to go to the south from Australia’s capital? Then this is the best route to take especially for those who have limited bicycling skills. Travelling to New South Wales via this route, cyclists will go through three stages without long and hard climbs. Travelling through quiet roads in the Southern Tablelands and the scenic views of the Araluen Valley to Moruya composes the first two stages. The third stage of the route allows you to enjoy the breath-taking views of the forests and coastal sceneries between Moruya and Narooma at the same time, avoiding the heavy traffic in Princess Highway.

Enjoy your cycling!

P.s. – We don’t think you can go past Mt Buller for Mountain Bike trails: http://www.mtbuller.com.au

Looking for somewhere warm to head to for our winter that will surprise you? Montenegro offers something for everyone is this packed little country – natural wonders away from the hordes, a plethora of beaches, gorgeous historic towns – all at cheaper price. Here are four reasons why Montenegro is fast becoming a hot tourist destination:

1. Good value

Montenegro is a much cheaper destination than your typical Western European holiday spots; from the price of accommodation to the cost of superb local wines. Getting there may soon be much cheaper too. A key indicator of Montenegro’s rising position as a hot destination is the recent news that budget airlines Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet have completed successful preliminary talks with the Montenegrin government. Air Berlin, a semi low cost airline, will be commencing flights on 18 May 2011 to the coastal airport of Tivat.

2. A truly awe-inspiring lake

Immense Lake Skadar is a spectacular freshwater lake towered over by dramatic mountains. Wind your way along tiny roads carved into the cliffs on a mystery tour to find picturesque fishing villages and secluded beaches. Paddle out to islet monasteries or go on a hike to spot some of the wealth of birdlife. Best of all you’ll have it almost entirely to yourself – no one seems to know about it. Hiking, cycling and kayaking tours are available along with affordable accommodation with million dollar views. Check out http://www.undiscoveredmontenegro.com/.

3. One of the most beautiful bays in the world

Referred to as European’s most southerly fjord, the Boka Kotorska (Bay of Kotor) is a wondrous sight to behold. Step mountain-sides crash into the deep blue sea. Its coastline is dotted with excruciatingly charming towns rich in history; Unesco protected Kotor offers one of Europe’s best preserved mediaeval old towns. You’ll find a range of accommodation options and restaurants throughout the area.

4. Some of Europe’s best sand beaches

If you are an Aussie who thinks a pebble beach just doesn’t cut it, Montenegro has plenty of pristine sand for you. Just one example is Ulcinj. Head here for its famous 12km stretch of unusual black sand, along with a small beach filled with colourful locals in the old town.

So put Montenegro on your list quick, it is ready to boil over.

Thanks to our mates at Travelonline.com, they have come up with a bargain deal to get tourists to the tropical Asian nation.

For a mere $193, one can experience five nights in a world class hotel with free breakfast, free transfers to and from the airport, and a free white water rafting adventure.

Obviously the deal is so good to be true that flights are included, you will have to organize your own there, but once you do, you always know there is a bargain waiting for you at Travelonline.com.

There are many cheap deals going at this time of the year, and this is just one example of some great packages you can find online.

Guests will stay at the Grand Sinar Indah Hotel, located in Legian, just a short walk from the beach.

This Bali hotel offers 14 guest rooms and a variety of hotel facilities including restaurants, bars and swimming pool.

Package Includes:

•    Return Coach transfers – Denpasar Airport to Legian Resorts
•    5 nights : Standard Room – Grand Sinar Indah Hotel
•    Continental breakfast daily
•    Free Parasailing Voucher – BMR Water Sports
•    Free White Water Rafting Adventure – Dewata White Water Rafting for 2 and half hours
•    Valid for travel: 02 Jan 10-30 Jun 10 : 01 Sep 10-19 Dec 10: 07 Jan 11-31 Mar 11
•    Sale ends: 31st March 2011

More than a billion people call India home, with the subcontinent’s population growing faster than any other nation on the planet.

You can’t walk to the corner shop from your hotel in Delhi without stumbling across some monument of immense historical or religious importance, and the natural riches of this one country would be enough to be comfortably split into five separate nations.

Given all this, how do you best enjoy India? You cannot hope to ‘take it all in’, because there is simply far too much.

Pick an area and indulge yourself. Become immersed in the food, habits and mood of a region, and make that your Indian experience.

To help you decide where to go, let’s run through a few of the top drawcards of this magnificent country.

Goa

The hugely popular beach location is spoken of with reverence by travelers, many of whom assume some sort of psychadelic experience will be granted to them upon arrival. There is no doubt that Goa is incredibly trendy to visit, but hash-fuelled days and endless summer nights are not the only things that happen here.

The beaches are what many come for; relaxed dunes with crystal waters lapping at the toes and a hint of that Caribbean feeling.

Check out the capital, Panaji, for great food and a real glimpse of the true Goa.

Darjeeling

This hill station is planted in the middle of rolling tea plantations and beneath the towering mountain Khangchendzonga, which wisps in and out of the clouds and is a mesmeric sight.

The colonial influence here is palpable and on the days that you are not heading off on the myriad treks on offer you can wander through the churches and mansions left by the Europeans.

Leh

A tourist town that gets a bad rap for being a tourist town, Leh is actually so much more.

In truth, there is hardly a better entry point to the Himalayas for the uninitiated. From here you can quickly become awestruck by the magnificent Royal Palace, and get lost ambling through the rustic market areas of the Old Town.

All the while, you will be acclimatising in the foothills of the greatest mountain complex on the planet. Preparing for a death defying climb, perhaps?