Although exotic and spectacular, Bali is surprisingly a not so expensive travel destination. It’s actually budget-friendly, if you know how to plan and you do it ahead. The ongoing waves of tourists visiting the island did not make the prices go up, luckily. Seasoned visitors say that $50 a day is good enough if you’re committed to enjoying Bali. Here’s what you need to pay attention to for staying within the budget:

The transport

Apart from flights (which you must book in advance), every region in Bali will require you to find an affordable means of transportation, because you’ll be visiting around. Taxis are convenient, but also the most pricey. To spare your budget, you could rent a motorbike, which can be only $3 per day. Also, it’s fun. If you’re not inclined to drive yourself, then opt for a motorbike with a driver.

The accommodation

Bali hotels are for the rich. Hostels and other places for backpackers are cheap but can be such a nuisance. Instead, why not choose private villa accommodation, since prices can be as low as $11 a night? If you’re bringing a group of friends along, you can all stay within the same house, as long as you pick the correct bedroom count. Bali luxury villas Seminyak offers are ideal for those with a taste for comfort and style, so if you’re going to Seminyak you must consider those.

Eating out

While hotel restaurants treat guests to delicious local dishes, like spicy noodle soup or the amazing martabak pancakes, street food is also recommended to the curious. This is incredibly cheap – you can eat well with less than $2. Don’t be shy and visit a warung as well – this is the generic term for local Balinese restaurants with smaller prices than the hotel ones. Stay away from European-owned or other such venues, because those are pricey.

Is the spa worth it?

If you’re in for a spa treatment, start with a massage house. The expense is minimal (around 6$) and is worth it. One hour of massage is definitely rejuvenating. Of course, the more you add to it (herbal essences, oils etc.), the more expensive it becomes. Stay away from spas situated within facilities such as a luxury hotel.

Beach activities

Who can stay away from surfing, parasailing or other beach and water sports in Bali? The weather conditions and the whole setting are marvelous after all. Even better, you can negotiate the price, especially if you’re opting for more of the kind or if you’re not alone.

What to avoid

Besides what was already mentioned, there are several other temptations that can waste your hard-earned money. One of them is the overpriced cocktail, latte or even beer or water bottle.  Then, souvenir shops and markets may make you spend more than planned; make sure you have a clear idea of what you want and resist the impulse to buy more. Concerning flight tickets, book anything related early on. Any late purchase from the airline may cost you more. Buy everything online in advance.

Before departure, remember to check how much your bank charges for ATM withdrawals and credit card usage. Tourists, who forget this detail, are later shocked to see they have much less money in the bank than expected.

Known as Australia’s cultural capital, it’s no surprise that Melbourne’s love of art and design has extended to its city streets. Whether you stick close to the CBD or venture out to the suburbs, there is no shortage of amazing artworks to see on a visit to Melbourne.

See why Melbourne is quickly becoming one of the world’s most famed graffiti destinations with our guide to the city’s best street art.

Hosier Lane

The city’s quintessential laneway when it comes to floor-to-ceiling murals and big, bold tags, Hosier Lane is a must on any street art itinerary. While its central location opposite Federation Square make it prone to crowds, the ever-evolving artworks that adorn its walls are still more than worth a look.

Union Lane

Part of Melbourne’s ongoing initiative to cement its position as the arts capital of Australia, the city commissioned dozens of talented artists to transform Union Lane into a living outdoor gallery. Constantly changing to include new artworks, this inner-city street art display is one of the best in the CBD.

Johnston Street

Nestled in the up-and-coming arts hub of Abbotsford, Johnston Street isn’t just a haven for street art. While its outdoor pieces are amongst the most spectacular in Melbourne, its proximity to a number of galleries, cafes, boutiques and studios make it the perfect starting point for an all-round culture crawl.

Chapel Street

The first port of call for savvy shoppers staying in Melbourne, this trendy retail precinct also happens to be a mecca for street art enthusiasts. Whether you peruse the colourful pieces found in ‘Aerosol Alley’ or window shop along the main drag, this fashionable borough has a type of art to suit every taste.

Croft Lane

One of the CBD’s best-kept secrets, the narrow thoroughfare that is Croft Lane explodes with vibrant hues both day and night. Take a trip to this back alley in the daylight before doubling back after dark, when the soft red glow of string lights overhead offer an entirely new perspective.

ACDC Lane

While it may glean its name from world-famous Aussie rock band, ACDC, this charming laneway is more famous for its street art than it is for its musical muses. Less crowded than some of the city’s other hotspots, visitors to ACDC Lane can catch a glimpse of amazing, street-style portraits without having to fight for photo space.

Enviably located in the heart of Melbourne’s bustling CBD, Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens offers the perfect base to lose yourself amidst the city’s laneways and alleys. Plan your stay today and discover the city’s most amazing street art from the comfort and luxury of a Melbourne hotel.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Paris for travelers, it’s one of Europe’s most visited cities and its attractions and monuments have thousands upon thousands of tourists coming each year to capture a selfie with the Mona Lisa or post with the Eiffel Tower. Trip4real, the peer to peer startup that’s making waves around Europe (having recently been named one of Europe’s hottest travel startups!) has expanded into Paris. It’s aim is to connect travelers from all over with local people from a city. Why? Because isn’t travel all about getting a little closer to a distant culture?

So now visiting Paris with local insiders means you can find the hidden gems in the city that’s full of the usual tourist traps. Why not take the time to go off the beaten path and try something a little different?

Having a picnic in a Parisian forest

Who knew Paris had a forest? Having a picnic in a forest, near a castle where the kings of France once lived does sound like the most idyllic thing in the world. And it probably is. Take yourself with insider Loreto to La Bois de Vincennes, known for its natural beauty and wonderful verdant greenery. Next to the forest is the impressive and regal Chateau de Vincennes, home to former royalty of France. A little class during one’s picnic is never a bad thing, right? Allons-y!

Make crepes like a local

Crepes. Delicious, delicious crepes. Crepes are always a good idea. Whether full of luxuriously melted chocolate and strawberries or stuffed with cheese and ham, these light pancakes are an absolute delight. Thank you France. Cuisine plays an important role in any culture so why not learn to indulge a little by taking a class with Leroy, crepe master? After all, it’s one skill that will definitely help you should you be stuck for dinner ideas. You’ll be one step closer to being Parisian. Voilà.

Shop in the city like never before

Shopping in Paris is a serious thing. You have all those world renowned brands whose home is found within the city of light. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent… you’ve heard of them all before. And, frankly, who really has the kind of money to shop in such opulence? That’s where thrift stores come in. Paris is full of them and taking a tour of its various flea and vintage markets is something that every traveler should do. And, hey, you might even find a Chanel for a fraction of the price. Not bad, huh?

There’s more to Paris than Mona Lisa

It’s true. Paris is full of art. It’s the birthplace of one of the most famous art movements of the 20th century, Impressionism, and the works of Monet, Renoir and Cézanne can all be found within the famous museums of Paris. But, it’s always fun to go and discover really cool, up and coming art in the city. In Le Marais neighborhood, there’s galleries galore that house art that you won’t find in the typical museums. A private tour of this neighborhood with a local art aficionado like Victor is something that will take you to new levels of culture. A must.

Make new friends & hit the town

One of the coolest things to do in Paris is heading out with a local who will show you their favourite bars. Bars you never thought existed. Le Comptoir General, for example. A brilliant bar but unknown to many travelers, a local’s secret, if you will. Yannick, a local from trip4real, invites travelers to join him and his friends for a journey through Paris’s nightlife. Discover neighborhoods, learn about the history of Paris, enjoy the flowing conversation and have a few glasses of wine. You’ll leave Paris feeling more local than when you arrived. A good plan, certainly.

And that’s only a few things to do in Paris for travelers. Truly off the beaten path, one of a kind experiences that you’d definitely want to tell your friends about. And who said Paris had to just be the Arc de Triomph and Le Louvre?