Easter Island, Chile (Creative Commons)

Among other things, people travel to unwind and to get away from the stress brought about by everyday life. With the innovations in modern technology, you can still stay in touch with the rest of the world, receive urgent messages, settle bills and other payments, and even play bingo games anywhere on your mobile or tablet. The internet combined with the current technology makes it possible to manage tasks and other paperwork from a remote site should there be a need to do something right away making it totally possible for you to go on a much needed holiday. If a trip to unwind is just the kind of getaway that you are rooting for, here are some suggestions on the best places to rest your mind and your body:

Necker Island, Caribbean. Most of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean still belong to the British Government but this particular island is privately owned. The island is owned by Richard Branson, a popular entrepreneur who is the founder of Virgin Group. Necker Island can be rented from August to October and you can own the entire island complete with the staff and the accommodations.  The rent doesn’t come cheap but it is totally worth it as there is nothing more exciting than owning the entire place even just for a while.

Chiang Mai, Thailand. If tranquility is just the thing that you are looking forward to during your holiday, then Chiang Mai happens to be one of the best destinations as you are surrounded by a rural scenery featuring Mt. Suthep and the river on the other side. There are also a lot of five star hotels in the area. North Thailand has a wealth of culture and you can have a better appreciation of this when you decide to drop by the shrines and temples that showcase fancy designs and ornate decorations. You can also grab the opportunity to explore Siam, the country’s former capital.

Chiang Mai, Thailand (Creative Commons)

Maldives. This may be but a small place but it has a bottled up beauty which makes it attractive to a lot of tourists. With over a thousand islands, Maldives is certainly one of the best getaways for those who are looking for some peace and quiet. The soothing view of the sea, in all directions, will surely direct your stressful thoughts away with its awesome marine life. Diving and Snorkeling are favorite activities in Maldives aside from bumming in the beach and swimming. Expect a Maldivian holiday to be filled by a serene charm as you enjoy your time tasting what heaven might be like while on earth.

Maldives (Creative Commons)

Patagonia, Chile and Argentina Border. If a combination of beauty and peace is what you are looking for, Patagonia is certainly a good choice. This place is not really unknown and there are also tourists who are visiting the place to relax. With its warm weather and constantly cloudless blue skies, you can feel a sense of being at peace while enjoying the view before you. The place is dotted with small resorts, so you won’t have a lot of problems should you decide to stay for a bit.

Easter Island, Chile. If you wish to be far away from other people and crowds are the last thing that you are looking forward to during this vacation, the Easter Island is definitely a good destination. The Easter Island is full of stone structures which are fashioned into huge heads and are ancient and they have been around for years. However, the mystery as to why they exist and who created them is still shrouded by doubt.

Life can be a bit demanding at times especially when you have a really stressful job but it is not an excuse to miss out on some well-deserved rest and recreation. If you are willing to pay for some peace and quiet, these destinations are definitely a must.

Big Ben, royalty, double-deckers, red telephone cabins and a good cup of tea – these are most likely the things everyone thinks of when it comes to London. And yet, the heart of England does deserve more attention than that. There are a lot of other attractions worth visiting and if you are planning a trip to London you should definitely check out with the following ones:

Tower Bridge at Night (Creative Commons)

The Science Museum

This is the Promised Land for anyone who is in love with science. Founded in the 19^th century, the Science Museum in London attracts more than 2.7 million tourists every single year – and not without any reason. What can you see here? The oldest steam locomotive, documentation on the first typewriter, the first jet engine and another 300,000 items that are no less precious for every “geek” out there – all these things are well preserved in this museum, so it is definitely worth paying a visit.

London Eye (Creative Commons)

The London Dungeon

Alright, dungeons may not be people’s favourite touristic attractions, but this one will definitely get to your own personal top things you have seen during your travels. The place gives life to macabre events in the well-known gallows humour style by bringing together actors, special effects and rides. This was initially a museum of macabre history but nowadays it is a completely interactive experience – which is precisely what makes it so special and so much worth visiting.

The National Portrait Gallery

Of course, nobody says you should miss out on the British Museum, but for a different approach on art and history that blend in together, the National Portrait Gallery should definitely get on your top must-see locations in London. The gallery displays an impressive collection of portraits made after famous people and it will certainly win the heart of any history enthusiast out there.

London is huge and with such a huge diversity there will always be something to do and/or see there. It is literally impossible to get bored in such a marvellous city and it does not even matter what type of tourist you are because there will be something for everyone: from geeks to landscape photographers and from history bookworms to sensitive art aficionados.

Before you leave for London, make sure that your stay there will be as comfortable as possible and that you will feel (almost) like royalty from the moment you set foot on the airport. Since London is a place where you can easily get lost, it would be a great idea to book a car service to pick you up from the airport. And if you want to feel truly special during your trip, you may want to hire a luxury car service. Blacklane Limousines can be a very good choice, for example. They are extremely well organized, you will have absolutely no surprises with them, they will be there on time and they will make your trip cosy and friendly as well. And even more than that, hiring a luxury car will not even cost as much as you imagine!

Cheap yet fulfilling – this is the best way to describe European cruises. When compared to travel by land, cruises are by far more affordable and also entertaining way to see the best of Europe. Cruise ships offer the best amenities including exotic menus, activities for the kids, and spa and salon treatment for the wife, fitness and gambling clubs for Dad. In addition, cruises cover the cost you would spend in between ports. The sight of tourists river cruising in Europe has become quite popular because of these advantages.

For those who are first-time cruisers planning to make Europe their ‘Maiden Voyage’, there are some useful tips that can help make your cruise as hassle-free as possible. Many who don’t plan ahead before taking these cruises find themselves burned out in the middle and then wasting their time in their bedrooms for the rest of the tour – you don’t want that. Here are five useful tips that will guide you in selecting and enjoying your European cruise.

Sardinia, Italy (Creative commons)

Get the right timing

Cruises are not the kind of adventures that you can take anytime of the year – especially not if you have decided Europe as your destination. The first thing you would need to do is check the best seasons to visit the places you plan to include in your itinerary. Norway’s Fjords, the Baltic, England, Netherlands, Germany and Belgium all have different seasons. Timing will make or break your cruise.

Get the right shoes

Remember that cobblestone streets are one of the main attractions in Europe and walking on such streets in slippers may be very uncomfortable. Pack several pairs of comfortable walking shoes and get ready to stretch your muscles.

Get the right company

European cruises offer great family destinations like carnivals that kids are sure to enjoy so invite your family and relatives for a fun trip.

St. Tropez, France (Creative commons)

Get the right mindset

Just because you are in Europe doesn’t mean you need to see everything, go to every place in the book and explore every street. People who have this mind set find themselves burned out after their holiday and needing another more ‘relaxing’ holiday. Decide which places to indulge in and which to lay back and relax. Do some research and strategize your activities with variation.

Get the right souvenirs

Most times, great buys are found in the local supermarkets rather than the expensive ‘give away’ shops meant to overcharge tourists.  Whenever you want to get a souvenir, try and do a little hunting instead of sticking to the cruise gift shop. Also beware of purchasing pirated DVD’s and Cuban cigars that won’t be allowed in the U.S..

Taking a European cruise may seem daunting, leaving you confused where to start but by planning ahead and following these inside tips, you are guaranteed the most memorable cruise possible.

Turner Falls Park in Oklahoma by Kelly DeLay (Creative Commons)

If you are planning a trip to Oklahoma, you are soon to find that there is plenty on tap to keep you busy. Much like other lower mid-western states; Oklahoma is a state rich in history and natural beauty with something to offer for everyone. Whether you are a couple, touring on your own, or bringing the whole family along. The following is just a few of the most worthy attractions that deserve a spot on any itinerary.

National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

When you think of the part of the country in which Oklahoma is located, cowboys and life in the old West almost certainly comes to mind. If you are interested in learning more, head on over to the most popular museum in Oklahoma City, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. It is chock-full of history, art and culture. There is also stuff to keep the kids entertained, such as the Children’s Cowboy Corral.

Frontier City Theme Park

There is a lot going on at the Frontier City Theme Park, and it is a great place for anyone traveling with kids. Here you will find all sorts of amusement, such as water and thrill rides, concerts and other sorts of performances. It is one of the most popular attractions in the state, for locals and tourists alike.

Turner Falls Park

If you like getting out into nature, Turner Falls Park is one of the top outdoor destinations in the state. You can make a day trip out of it, or get some gear and camp out amongst its beauty. There are scenic hiking trails, breathtaking waterfalls (in which you can swim), unique geological formations and plenty of other picture-worthy natural scenes.

Gilcrease Museum

The Gilcrease Museum is not only one of the top museums showcasing American art and its history in the state, but in the whole country. If you even have a moderate interest in art, this place is not to be missed. You can meander through on your own, or join a tour guiding you through the permanent collections and current exhibits. It also holds frequent lectures, art classes for children and adults and film viewings.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

If you love the outdoors, and you love animals, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge will be an unforgettable experience. The area is home to an interesting mix of animals, such as elk, prairie dogs and bison. There is also great fishing and hiking in the area.

Oklahoma City National Memorial

This museum was built as a memorial to the people who lost their lives in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. The tour will take you through the events of that day, and the aftermath. While this might not be the most light-hearted tourist activity, it is certainly one that will leave you with profound effects.

Bricktown, Dowtown Oklahoma

If you are looking for a lively area that will give you a taste of what Oklahoma City has to offer, Bricktown is a must-visit. Here you will find all sorts of attractions, great food and loads of fun. Take a water taxi around the area; visit the American Banjo Museum; relax and kickback at a local watering hole for some drinks, fun and dancing.

Oklahoma City Zoo

This is a great attraction for kids and adults alike; it is a large zoo with a huge collection of animals. To name a few, you can see bears, lions, exotic fish, birds and elephants. If you have young ones, head over to the children’s zoo, where your kids can get up close and personal with some cute, furry friends. It also has a botanical garden and butterfly garden, both worth a look.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area

This area of the state, termed ‘Peaceful Valley of Rippling Waters’ by the Native  Americans, is one of the most scenic parts of Oklahoma, and chock-full of activities for visitors. The lovely Travertine Creek flows through most of the area, which offers picnicking, swimming, camping, hiking, fishing and animal-watching. It is a great place to recharge and appreciate the true wonder of nature.

Talimena National Scenic Byway

If you particularly love getting pictures of breathtaking natural beauty, the Talimena National Scenic Byway will not disappoint. If you are here in the fall, the foliage tours here are some of the best in the state. The byway is full of scenic turnouts that will give you a great vantage point for taking in the beauty of Oklahoma.

In the days of belt-tightening, economic problems, money issues…everyone just wants to be able to enjoy themselves without having to spend the cash that is often necessary to do so. Unfortunately, when it comes to booking holidays, there are only so many times you can go to Cornwall on the cheap – we’re restless, wandering beings that have a deep-rooted need to explore and see new things as much as we can, and another week in Penzance won’t cut it for very long.

A decent budget for a week or so away is about £500 once flights and accommodation have been taken into account, but just how far you can get depends on the kind of deals you can dig up from different travel agents and operators. Flight comparison tools can be extremely helpful in this instance, helping you source the cheapest flights for the times you want to go, and there are also hotel price comparison sites and deals that allow you to stay somewhere you know won’t give you fleas for about the same price as somewhere that might.

So, where can you go for under £500? Well, the sad truth is that most places are still going to be ruled out because even with a cheaper flight, they’d still push you over the benchmark. Flights to New York, for example, will run to no more than £400, but it’s a notoriously expensive city to stay in. That rules out America, South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada and obviously the likes of New Zealand and Australia, where flights cost about £900-£2000. Even Africa (the touristy bits) is generally going to be out-of-bounds, and you can forget about the Far East as well – the flights cost a lot more than the dirt-cheap accommodation does.

That more or less leaves you with Europe, but don’t be disheartened. There are loads of destinations around the continent that take you off the beaten track to experience things you never have before, and we’re going to tell you about five of them.

Reykjavik, Iceland

One of the smallest capital cities in Europe, you’ll never miss out on anything that’s going on because it’s probably happening around the corner. It’s hip, it’s safe and it’s unlike anywhere you’ll have been before – visit the stunning Hallgrimskirkja church and the statue of Icelandic explorer Leif Eriksson and dive between two tectonic plates at the Thingvellir National Park, a half-hour drive outside the city. Just take it easy when buying alcohol in bars and clubs: beer was banned in Iceland until 1989 and is still quite expensive, which is why many people drink cheaply at home before going out.

Bled, Slovenia

Slovenia as a whole is one of the most underrated countries in Europe in terms of its natural beauty and, for a relaxing summer holiday, you could do far worse than visit Lake Bled. Visitors can swim in the lake or row to the island in its centre, as well as exploring the town of Bled and Bled Castle, a medieval structure that overlooks the lake. Don’t forget to try the local speciality, kremna rezina – it’s a puff pastry filled with custard cream and topped with powdered sugar, and it’s divine.

Bologna, Italy

Though it doesn’t have the obvious appeal of cities like Rome, Florence, Naples or Venice, Bologna is certainly worth a visit for the discerning traveller who appreciates its architecture and history. For instance, it’s the home of the oldest university in the Western world (founded in 1088), boasting alumni that include Dante Alighieri, Nicolaus Copernicus, Petrarch and Thomas Becket. You can also visit the Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, structures whose height made them key parts of the city’s defence. And the cuisine’s impeccable, but it’s Italy – so you knew that already. 

Kalabaka, Greece

You might have never heard of Kalabaka – it’s only a small town in the middle of Greece, after all – but you might well have heard of Meteora, the set of “floating” Orthodox monasteries that loom over the town on pillars of sandstone rock. Six monasteries (now uninhabited) remain and tourists flock from all over Europe to climb to them via steps cut into the cliff. Although Kalabaka won’t keep you entertained for much more than a long weekend (there is a twelfth-century cathedral in the town itself, and there are excursions outside the town available to occupy you), it’ll certainly keep you below your budget.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Scandinavia is still a bit of an untapped tourist destination as far as visitors outside Europe are concerned, but cities like Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, are rife with culture and things to do. Architecturally, Copenhagen is one of the most eclectic cities, with stunning examples of medieval and modern buildings throughout its various districts, and its long association with beer (as the home of Carlsberg and a rising number of microbreweries) will always ensure that booze connoisseurs will be well-catered for. With the two oldest amusement parks in the world also in operation within the city, children are catered for as well.

Image credits: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Sun City Resort is South Africa’s largest holiday resort, famous world-wide for its varied entertainment opportunities. The luxurious resort is suited for any type of tourists. Families with children, couples or single travelers looking for some quiet moments for themselves or for business opportunities can find it all here.

Specially designed travel packages

Sun City offers to its guests special deals and packages, designed to satisfy the client’s needs and expectations in detail. There are three packages which include one of the four accommodation places and a few of the local attractions. There is the Sun City and Safari pack which includes accommodation in the elegant Cascades Hotel and a 8 days long safari which offer the opportunity to see wild animals in their natural habitat. The Cabanas and Zambezi Sun package was designed with families in mind. It features tours to Victoria falls and accommodation at the Cabanas, being the best pick for travelers who look for a great value for money package. Honeymooners can indulge in a 6 days vacation and a romantic stay at the luxurious Palace of the Lost City hotel.

Golf destination

Sun City provides the best golfing courses in Africa, designed by a professional golf player. One of the courses was named by its creator, Gary Player, while the other one is romantically called The Lost City Golf Course. Both have challenging sections for every golf player, either a pro or an amateur.

Sun City Casino

Located inside the Sun City hotel, the casino offers gambling opportunities for all players. It features card games, slot machines and private saloons, where experienced players can get the game to another level. Sun City Casino also offers a unique service as it teaches guests to gamble for free, at the Sun City School of Gaming. Groups can benefit from the “Fun Evening” packages.

Fun online gambling

Those visiting Sun City resort should know that they care gamble online too. If you would like to play some quality poker but you don’t have the time to attend the School of Gaming you can always watch the online tutorials and step into the poker rooms at Full Tilt Poker. There are numerous gaming opportunities and you will be surprised to see that if you are visiting from USA this is one of the places you can gamble online.

Enjoy water games in the Valley of the Waves

The pumping heart of the Sun City resort is the water park The Valley of the Waves. It offers many water slides, from the scaring rides of 17 meters to the laziest water slides which can provide fun hours for children. The water park also has an artificial volcano which erupts regularly, a sandy beach washed away by artificial waves and an impressive collection of trees and palms.

Game viewing in Sun City

Sun City is a luxurious green oasis in the middle of the South African dessert, but there are plenty of animals to see, as the resort is placed near two big natural reservations. The guests of Sun City can enjoy game viewing during a safari in Pilanesburg Game Reserve or Madikwe Game Reserve.

For a country that has constantly been caught between superpowers and receiving the brunt of damages in World Wars, Poland has bounced back remarkably to draw tourists yearly.

Its capital, Warsaw, plays host to many historical monuments whilst embracing new cultures and art performances at the very same landmarks. To see this strange complementary nature of Warsaw, you can get cheap flights to Poland using Cleartrip Coupons.

Warsaw’s Old Town (Creative Commons)

Old Town or Stare Miasto

As the cultural heartbeat of Warsaw, Old Town’s quiet idyllic streets help one rest from the hustle and bustle of city life. Founded in the 13th century as the prince’s castle, 90% of Old Town’s walls were destroyed in World War II. Since then, a great part of the walls were recovered, and the town made UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1980.

Its alleys, squares and cafes offer visitors a cosy feel around the old quarter of historical buildings. However, don’t be fooled as these same places come alive in the summer, setting the stage for musicals, theatrical performances and open-air galleries.

Wilanów Palace

This palace is s testament to the longevity of the Polish Baroque style, and also of Warsaw’s ability to match so many different cultures and styles together. It was built at the end of the 17th century, growing larger as successive owners took charge and put their individual stamps on it. The palace seamlessly combines the architecture of a traditional Polish court with that of an Italian rural villa and a French chateau. Its interiors span three style eras – Baroque in the royal apartments, 18^th century in the South wing and 19^th century north wing rooms.

As a museum, it exhibits the Polish Portrait Gallery of Works from the 16^th-19th centuries, with portraits of kings, great nobles, distinguished Poles and cultural names. It also displays characteristic Polish coffin portraits and Sarmatian Counterfeit. Again, its garden amalgamates several park styles: Baroque, English-Chinese, English landscape, and neo-Renaissance garden; its eastern grounds are surrounded by a lake and a water feature. Sculptures, fountains and miniature architectural works are dotted throughout the garden.

Liberator plane simulation, Warsaw Rising Museum (Creative Commons)

Warsaw Rising Museum

The museum is testament to Poles’ resilience in the face of continued adversity in World War II, a tribute to those who fought and died for a free Poland. The jarring exhibit tracks life before and during the Warsaw Uprising, occupation, post-war communism and the fate of insurgents in the People’s Republic of Poland, using real images and sounds.It also plays 3D movie ‘The City of Ruins’, which simulates Liberator planes flying over a bombarded Warsaw in 1945.

Spanning over 3,000 meters, there are nearly 1,000 exhibits and 1,500 photographs and films in the Museum, and the sound of a heartbeat from within its walls symbolises Warsaw life in 1944. From the tower, there is a beautiful view of the Freedom Park with Memorial Wall, where more than 10,000 dead insurgents’ names are printed.

The city of Athens, Greece by Jay Galvin (Creative Commons)

Greece has been one of the most popular travel destinations for years, and for good reason.  If you are planning to visit this wonderful country, you will not be disappointed as it is one of those few places in the world that has a lot to offer on more than one front. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover or you simply want to go and chill out and sip a few cocktails on a picturesque beach, Greece can offer you all that and more, not to mention the exquisite local cuisine!

Your flight will most probably land in the historical capital of Athens.  Start by visiting the Acropolis rock, where the Parthenon stands magnificent still to this day.  This grand structure was built in the 5^th century BC and stood the test of time after numerous earthquakes that hit the region along the years, a real feat of ancient engineering. The Ancient Agora, the ancient’s political and commercial centre, a stroll down from the acropolis is also worth a visit.

The Delphi, believed to be the centre of mother earth by the ancient Greeks should be your next stop.  This place is a magnificent example of ancient Greek life comprising of beautiful temples, an amphitheatre and a wonderful archeological museum.

Move a bit further out and fast forward history to check out the monasteries, the one on ‘Holy Mountain’ or Mount Athos, and the Meteora being the most famous. These are literally suspended buildings the eastern orthodox monks built way up high to be as close to God as possible, accessible in the past only by rope ladders.   Don’t worry, as you won’t have to risk your life at all to visit these fascinating structures.

You cannot go to Greece without visiting some of the beautiful islands surrounding the mainland.  Greece has a really great network of ferries that connect most of the islands together.  You might want to go to the beautiful island of Santorini, the island of Crete or perhaps visit the beautiful town on the island of Mykonos with its little white houses and idyllic beaches.  Make sure to check out the luxury that the Mykonos Villas have to offer and spend the day in Little Venice or party the night away if you’re up for a bit of nighttime fun.

Before you leave make sure to pay a visit to Peloponissos, an immense landscape of mountains, caves and volcanoes and take a boat to the Diros caves, part of an underground river.  Being surrounded by water Greece has a lot to offer in terms of watersports.  A sailor’s paradise, you can easily plan a week or two to sail from the mainland and go around the islands and maybe do a bit of diving, a real treat.

The Greek are a friendly nation and are generally helpful and nice to tourists and travellers although they do drive their cars in a bit of a crazy way so be careful if you decide to rent a car and go around this way.  Have a nice trip and make sure to drink a lot of water and keep yourself hydrated if you go there in summer, it can get pretty hot!!

This is a guest post written by Stephen Ewins, a freelance writer and an avid traveller. 

Image curtesy of Visit Finland via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Often overlooked in favour of its more accessible neighbours, Finland has become one of the least touristy countries in Western Europe. Travellers who dismiss Finland as an empty cold and dark wilderness are missing out. It is in fact one of the most unique and interesting regions in Europe.

There are few other places in the world where summer provides near 24-hour sunshine and winter brings with it almost total darkness. Along with this, Finland’s isolated location means that it retains its wild, natural beauty that includes wide, deep lakes and miles of forests. Alternatively its capital Helsinki will surprise visitors with its ability to provide a truly unique city break.

Helsinki

Finland’s capital is cool and modern city that has a creative, independent vibe that makes it distinct from any other European city. As well as this, its location right on the coast means that it benefits from the clean, fresh sea air, plus tourists can watch as large ferries dominate the skyline when they make their way to the city’s harbour. By European standards Helsinki is not a very old city and it has little architecture dating back before the early 20^th Century. This doesn’t mean the city is without character, as it has numerous elegant Art Nouveau and striking Art Deco buildings.

In summer Helsinki comes alive, with its green spaces and parks packed full of residents and visitors. The city barely sleeps and its 20-hours of sunshine a day means it becomes an outdoor lover’s dream location. In winter the city is at the other extreme with only six hours of sunshine, the temperature drops to well below freezing and its streets become almost deserted.

If you are visiting in winter then there are many museums and art galleries where you can discover Finland’s rich history and creativity. Once you’re all cultured out you can head to one of the city’s many cafes, some of which retain the same décor and menu from when they first opened in the 1930s, while others offer a modern and trendy alternative.

The Lakeland

A great place to visit in summer, Finland’s Lakeland region is full of lakes, rivers, locks and canals. Its remote location means that there are miles of unspoilt nature to enjoy and stunning scenery that will stay in your memory forever. There are lots of activities to enjoy in this part of the country; those who enjoy hiking will love exploring its forest trails and hills, while those seeking a bit more excitement can have a go at white water rafting or head off mountain biking.

This region also has a lot to offer in the winter months, with skiing being a big attraction. If you’re looking for more offbeat activities try dog-sledding, snowmobiling, ice-fishing and cross-country skiing.

Lapland

One of the most famous parts of Finland is Lapland. Stretching far into the north of the country and hundreds of miles above the Arctic Circle, Lapland is a wilderness that enjoys an extremely brief summer and a very long, cold winter. This beautiful and isolated region is one of the few places in the world where visitors can see the Northern Lights in their full glory, plus it offers unique experiences such as watching reindeer races across frozen lakes.

Getting there: You can either fly directly into Helsinki airport or travel by ferry into the city. From there you can either get a connecting flight or travel by train to other parts of the country.

Written by Derin Clark, a writer, editor and blogger

London by cybaea via Flickr (Creative Commons)

London is a great city to visit. Where else can you spend the morning hunting for goods at Camden Market and then rub shoulders with the well-heeled taking afternoon tea at The Ritz? It has thousands of years of history, but also a modern, thriving art scene. There is only one drawback to London; it’s expensive. Regularly making the list of the top ten most expensive cities in the world, it is guaranteed a trip to London is going to cost you.

Although there are no ways of getting around the fact that this is a pricey capital, most travellers would agree it’s worth the price. The good news is that there are some ways of making your money go further. So if you’re planning on visiting London soon here are some budget-friendly tips that will help both you, and your wallet, enjoy your trip:

Free admission

Before leaving home it is a good idea to research which museums and galleries are free to enter. In London you’ll find that many of the top attractions are free so ensure that these are at the top of your to see list. If you’re a student bring along some evidence of the fact, as this will sometimes help you to get cheaper ticket prices for those attractions you do have to pay for. It is also a good idea to research London’s top attractions before you go, usually by doing this you will be able to read other’s recommendations about which are worth the entrance fee and those that should be avoided.

Local transport

When you’re in London instead of depending on expensive taxis, use the public transport to get around. The London Underground is a quick, safe and convenient way of travelling and all major tourist sites have stations close by. You can look at buying tickets for the Underground using websites like Direct Rail, before you leave so you know roughly how much it will cost you. Alternatively, consider taking part in London’s cycle hire programme. This scheme allows locals and tourists to rent bikes which can be left when finished with at any docking stations located around the capital. Not only is it a cost effective way of getting around, it will also provide you with a unique perspective of the city, plus its good for the environment as well.

Eating out

Eating out in London will be expensive, especially if you stick to the main tourist areas. However, once you head away from the main touristy districts prices will start to drop. Brick Lane, for example, is a great area if you’re in the mood for a curry, plus the competition between restaurants means that you will get a better deal. Again, a bit of pre-travelling research, such as checking out London online guides like Time Out London, will provide you an idea of the best budget places to eat.

Special offers

What many travellers overlook is the potential to snap up special offers. Sometimes restaurants and bars will advertise these outside their venue, in which case make a mental note when you’re passing and head back there later. You might also be able to get special discount offers on admission tickets to London attractions, get online and check out discount websites to see what offers are available and if you qualify.

Travel out of season

By avoiding London during summer and around Christmas you’re likely to get better deals on hotels, flights and entrance fees. Also try and find out when the UK holidays are, for example throughout the year schools will have short breaks and you’ll often find that prices will rise during these weeks.

Written by Derin Clark, a writer, editor and blogger