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Saudi Arabia is swiftly enhancing its hospitality industry, featuring some of the most opulent hotels worldwide. In Jeddah, a key location on the western coastline, upscale hotels are offered at competitive prices. A highlight is the Voco Jeddah Gate, situated just outside the present downtown district. As the nearby region transitions into a business and commercial hub, the Voco Gate continues to be an outstanding deal. Rooms are priced at $150 per night, equipped with amenities such as a kitchen, washer-dryer unit, spacious accommodations, and an impressive breakfast buffet.

The Voco Gate boasts a variety of amenities, including several swimming pools, outdoor hot tubs, a large fitness center, and optional women-only areas in accordance with Saudi cultural practices. Guests can relax in a central lounge that offers coffee and mocktails, a wedding venue, conference spaces, and large event halls. The breakfast buffet is especially remarkable, featuring an extensive range of local and international cuisines, with numerous stations providing a selection of on-demand dishes and an impressive choice of breads.

In summary, the Voco Gate in Jeddah presents a fantastic lodging option, with prices anticipated to increase as the surrounding region develops. Travelers are encouraged to capitalize on this chance to enjoy luxury at a reasonable cost.

If you are embarking on a global adventure, embracing the nomadic lifestyle, or simply seeking the most advantageous accommodation deal while on holiday, comparison shopping can significantly impact your nightly costs. During a road trip, you will want to find the most affordable motels that offer cleanliness and comfort. For trips to international cities, locate the least expensive hotels that are ideally situated for exploration. Backpackers may look for guesthouses and hostels where they can connect with fellow travelers.

The approach to searching for hotel rooms can differ based on the locale and financial plan, yet in every scenario, dedicating a little more time to research can lead to considerable benefits.

I fully support the idea of booking an apartment if I’ll be staying in one spot for an extended period, but there are plenty of instances where passing through makes a hotel room the preferable option. Additionally, while renting an apartment can be beneficial for those requiring a kitchen or traveling with family, often it can be more economical and convenient to reserve a hotel room, eliminating concerns about key exchanges, luggage storage for early arrivals, or cleaning before departure.

If you possess more funds than you know what to do with or your employer covers your expenses, you might not need to worry much about hotel rates while traveling. However, when paying from your own limited budget, employing the right strategic approaches can lead to more affordable hotel options, effectively freeing up cash for other vacation expenses.

I personally book my own hotel accommodations every month or two while traveling, especially during transit when I will only need a place for a night or two. I have discovered numerous tips for locating the cheapest motels that I would feel comfortable staying in and budget-friendly rooms in cities worldwide almost every time I travel.

A common error made by infrequent American travelers is the misconception that the rest of the globe operates like the USA, where chain hotels and motels are predominant. In regions like Asia, Latin America, and Europe, there are far more independent hotels and resorts, alongside chains such as B&B HOTELS, which provide hundreds of reasonably priced options across France, Germany, and Italy.

Do keep in mind that all the cost-saving strategies mentioned below may not apply during peak festival weekends, holiday seasons, or simply high tourist periods. If you lack flexibility in your plans and haven’t kept your travel options open, there won’t be much you can do to reduce your rates. You will be paying premium prices by default. Otherwise…

1) Utilize a Hotel Aggregator Service

After years of heavy promotion by Trivago through TV commercials, many people have realized that room rates are not consistent across various booking platforms like Expedia, Priceline, and official hotel websites. Regardless of how many times a company claims you will always get their best price, discrepancies in pricing across sites are frequent.

While searching, many of the “options” are actually just different divisions of the same company. It’s essential to view them all for comparison.

I frequently observe variances of 10-20% when conducting searches on Trivago or HotelsCombined, and sometimes the differences are even more pronounced. On one occasion, I booked a room in Mexico where the price on Booking.com was literally half of what I found on Hotels.com. Conversely, there may be times when this could work the other way around. Consistently comparing is crucial, and these sites facilitate that process. The same property will appear at varying prices, as demonstrated in this screenshot.

I previously checked Hotwire often as well, which is great when you don’t have a particular hotel in mind and are simply seeking a bargain. This approach works especially well for last-minute bookings when hotels are eager to fill their partially vacant properties. However, it seems to be declining in quality. I have managed to snag some fantastic deals this way at hotels that I would have overlooked at full price in the past, but currently, the options are limited in most areas.

There is recourse available if you’re working with a significant hotel chain. Companies like Intercontinental Hotels Group and Marriott supposedly match lower prices found elsewhere if theirs are higher. Usually, you will need to fill out a form to claim that difference.

Occasionally, an independent hotel will also match lower rates listed elsewhere, but you must invest time in locating a front desk manager or reservations agent to discuss it. (Refer to the section later on negotiating in person or via phone.)

You will often find that two Priceline-owned companies offer the broadest range when it involves international travel. Agoda tends to be the best for guesthouses and hotels in Asia, while Booking.com provides the most options for Latin America and Europe. Both come with a solid review system that I find quite reliable. For hostels

This piece regarding locating digital nomad rentals and local housing for durations of a month or longer is penned by the author of the leading book on living abroad: A Better Life for Half the Price. The content was last revised in December, 2024.

Nowadays, finding a short-term rental for a week or two is quite straightforward. Securing a rental for a year isn’t overly challenging once you arrive. However, the option in between can prove a bit more difficult. Even though a growing number of individuals can work remotely from their laptops, the local accommodations available for stays of one to three months are still not ideal or plentiful.

I frequently receive a question, at least monthly, about my residence in Guanajuato or regarding other locations featured in my living abroad guide, often drawn directly from blog comments:

Could you suggest a place to stay for 30-60 days? Thank you.

No, I genuinely cannot. Apologies. I’m neither a real estate professional nor a property owner, and I work full-time. I cannot take on the role of your assistant in finding local rentals for a month or two. I can indicate where to search for affordable accommodations for a month or more, but the rest is up to you.

If you’re looking for a nice place to stay at a fair price anywhere in the world, it will require some effort on your part. However, I do have some suggestions.

If your budget is substantial, it’s quite simple. Just visit vacation rental websites like Airbnb or Vrbo, select a suitable place that won’t empty your wallet, and you’re all set. Many that aren’t a primary residence offer a lower rate for monthly rentals compared to weekly ones. I regularly do this just to gauge what the top end of the market looks like.

In locations like Tirana or Chiang Mai, it can still be quite a deal. However, in Geneva or Singapore, the scenario shifts significantly if you’re attempting to find a reasonable apartment for a couple of months.

If you’re not wealthy, you’ll need to dedicate some time to discover the ideal rental for one to three months. Here are your avenues for finding local accommodation for a month or longer.

1) Begin with the basics: vacation rental platforms, monthly pricing

If you’re pressed for time, desire a broad range of choices, have a flexible budget, and prefer to arrange everything from your couch with your laptop or tablet at hand, simply head to a vacation rental platform such as VRBO or Airbnb and reserve something. Certainly, you’ll be paying significantly more than the market average, but it’s incredibly convenient. If your time is exceedingly valuable, just go ahead and secure exactly what you seek.

If you explore beyond these well-established platforms, numerous regional agencies focus on long-term rentals, preventing you from encountering listings for a weekend and for two months at the same property. I used a service that caters exclusively to Bansko, Bulgaria and secured a fantastic apartment for €260 for an entire month, then about €300 the following year, with an additional fee of about €17 for electricity, billed afterward.

My choice was somewhat of a luxury to gain extra space. Many locals I encountered were paying around €200 a month, which is quite low for their highest living expense in Bansko. Check the agency’s current listings here.

It can be beneficial to explore local Facebook groups or co-working spaces to see if something similar exists in the location where you

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I have traveled to Hungary three times now, across three distinct decades, giving me a solid understanding of the travel costs in Budapest, Hungary, both historically and currently. My initial visit to Hungary was during the 2000s, my second occurred in the 2010s, and I made my third trip in October of 2024. I also spent the longest duration on this recent visit (17 days), allowing me to gather some precise and up-to-date expenses for you.

This nation has faced inflation as everyone else has, but its currency has consistently depreciated against the U.S. dollar. Therefore, if you are drawing from a dollar account and spending in Hungarian forint, you will find it quite favorable. The same goes for euros: Hungary is a member of the EU and the Schengen Zone, yet it has never adopted the euro. In 2012, I exchanged 230 forints for a dollar; as of now, the rate hovers around 400 to the dollar.

I will delve into specifics regarding everything, but based on my 17-day stay in Budapest, including a few additional trips, my impression is that prices for numerous goods and services have remained relatively stable. However, some have significantly increased over time, particularly in restaurants and hostels. Fortunately, grocery prices are still quite reasonable if you cook at home, and Hungary is among the cheapest wine-producing countries globally. Beer prices are also quite reasonable.

Another significant deal is public transport, particularly local trains and trams, even more so if you stay long enough to utilize a monthly pass like we did.

What essentials do you need for a trip to Budapest? Suitable clothing for the weather, of course, travel insurance, and a way to communicate and use your phone. Our T-Mobile service functioned decently, though it wasn’t always lightning fast, and the map app occasionally lagged during our walks. It was adequate, but you may wish to acquire an eSim for Europe if you have a different carrier or desire faster speeds.

And, of course, make sure to have the Google Translate app: this language is quite challenging to grasp even a few phrases and pronounce them accurately. Thankfully, the level of English proficiency continues to improve, especially among the younger population.

## Travel Costs in Budapest: Transportation

Purchasing a single metro ticket in Budapest will range from $1.15 to $1.80 depending on your travel duration and whether transfers are involved. Nearly no one who isn’t a tourist buys individual tickets, as a monthly pass for all services is roughly $23. Despite not staying for a full month, we definitely got our money’s worth from that option. You can reach nearly all your desired destinations using trams, subways, or buses, providing complete coverage with that ticket and your own two feet.

If your stay isn’t long, a 72-hour pass costs under $14 if you’ll be moving around frequently. Alternatively, the Budapest Card also covers public transportation.

The Budapest metro is fantastic too. There’s a charming original line, the oldest in continental Europe, and riding it offers a fun experience seeing the old stations and trains. It’s barely underground and takes you to Hero’s Square and the impressive Ethnography Museum.

The other lines are deeper and more modern, with certain stations being particularly striking (see the image I captured in one of them above). The trains run frequently, are modern and well-kept. We also rode a few trams and two local buses, the latter taking us to Memento Park, which is challenging to access otherwise.

Additionally, we took two side journeys using Hungarian trains. One was to Szentendre on what was essentially a Soviet-era suburban commuter train, while the other was a more extended trip to Eger. The first ride was about $2 round trip per person, and the second was $7 round trip each.

I must mention that our train ride TO Budapest was fantastic. We traveled from Prague on a nearly seven-hour Regiojet train, which was very comfortable, with waiters delivering food and drink orders from an app, and 500ml Pilsner Urquell beers were just €1.25! The train fare itself cost €41.50 each, including seat selection.

A taxi from the airport to the city center may cost as much as $35, but the reverse trip is half that amount. There is a dedicated metro train from the airport that represents a much better option. In general, you can navigate the city center by cab for $4 to $10. The base rate is 1,100 forint, and it’s an additional 440 per kilometer afterwards. Thus, a 5km journey should cost you approximately $8.25. Getting from the center to Buda Castle should be about that price.

After an eight-year interval,

**The Hazards of Spinner Suitcases on Rough Terrain**

In the center of a lively Spanish colonial city, two fatigued travelers find themselves in a scenario all too well-known to experienced wanderers. Resting on a bench, they look disheartened and weary, their large suitcase lacking a wheel. The man, soaked in perspiration, has been hauling the bulky luggage over cobblestone paths, discovering the hard way that 4-wheel spinner suitcases are poorly suited for irregular surfaces.

This situation is common in historic locations like Guanajuato, Mexico, where sidewalks are frequently made of flagstones, cobblestones, or pavers. Traversing such terrain with a 4-wheel suitcase can be a tedious task, particularly when stairs come into play. Travelers often find themselves grappling with their luggage, frequently opting to use just two wheels or carrying the suitcase entirely.

**Spinner Suitcases: Ideal for Smooth Travel**

Spinner suitcases, featuring their streamlined design and four wheels, are perfect for smooth surfaces such as airports and hotels. They move effortlessly, making them suitable for vacations that involve minimal transitions between locations. However, for journeys that necessitate walking through historic city streets or utilizing public transportation, a suitcase with two large wheels is a more sensible option.

**Obstacles in Global Destinations**

In many international areas, particularly in Southeast Asia, sidewalks are not engineered for wheeled suitcases. They are often occupied by parked motorbikes, street food vendors, or displays of merchandise. In Vietnam, for instance, sidewalks can transform into an obstacle course, complicating suitcase maneuvering.

In developing nations, the lack of infrastructure comparable to the American Disabilities Act indicates that sidewalks can pose challenges for those with wheeled luggage. In Africa and various Caribbean islands, sidewalks might not exist, with locals carrying their belongings on their bodies or heads.

**Selecting the Appropriate Luggage**

For travelers who prefer not to utilize a backpack, choosing the right suitcase is essential. Brands such as Osprey and Eagle Creek provide sturdy luggage with lifetime warranties, created to endure the demands of frequent travel. Two-wheel suitcases equipped with Rollerblade-style wheels are advised for their strength on uneven terrains.

**Avoid Excessive Packing**

Overstuffing can heighten the difficulties of traveling with a suitcase. Heavy baggage can be hard to manage up and down stairs, especially in cities with restricted elevator options. Travelers are encouraged to pack light, opting for versatile clothing and laundering when necessary.

In summary, while spinner suitcases are stylish and practical for certain adventures, they may not be the most suitable option for journeys that involve rugged terrain. Travelers should take their itinerary and destination into account when choosing luggage to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

Do You Understand the Optimal Times for Purchasing Travel Equipment? The Date on the Calendar Can Significantly Impact Your Wallet

Certainly, you can obtain high-quality travel equipment and renowned outdoor apparel for your adventures. The trick lies in acquiring it at the right moments, not just two days prior to your getaway.

I observe numerous individuals journeying with unreliable suitcases, bulky coats that fail to protect against the weather, and outfits that aren’t suitable for traveling with merely a carry-on. (If your carry-on is so heavy that you struggle to lift it into the overhead compartment alone, you’ve overpacked. Adjust your packing to avoid causing delays during boarding.)

Many of these travelers, if placed in REI or MEC during peak travel season, might exclaim, “These prices are too steep for me.” The reality is, you needn’t pay retail prices if you exercise patience and understand when to shop.

You don’t need to settle for such pricing to acquire decent travel equipment, backpacks, and clothing. You merely need to purchase these items during periods of low demand, when shoppers hold the advantage. This moment happens to be as I compose this — late September. Summer getaways have wrapped up, back-to-school shopping has concluded, and the weather will soon begin to cool down across much of the USA and Canada. It’s currently clearance season in retail.

This isn’t the sole opportunity for fantastic savings, however. There are multiple periods recognized as the top times to purchase travel gear. Whenever stores need to clear out the previous items to introduce new stock, significant discounts are prevalent.

Brands such as Columbia, Patagonia, and North Face release new styles at least biannually, and if you acquire the previous styles as these new ones debut, you can uncover remarkable deals. Have a look at this report on one of my preferred travel apparel brands and obtain a discount at their site: Craghoppers.

These discounts are appealing, yet not infrequent. You can uncover similar offers from many other travel clothing brands if you search for “sale” or “clearance” in their navigation, particularly during transitional seasons.

Here’s a link from the sale section at Backcountry.com. You can snag fantastic gear that’s simply last year’s shade (and possibly a few grams heavier) for a third of the original price. Or if you’re heading somewhere warm while the retailer is experiencing cold, capitalize on that!

So What Are the Optimal Times to Purchase Travel Equipment?

If you’re after the latest and trendiest times to buy travel gear, it’s when the new 800-page edition of Vogue is released in spring and fall. You’ll have access to the newest and most fashionable in “this year’s trendy shades.”

That’s also when the discounts begin to appear to eliminate current inventory. Click on these links for examples of sales occurring as I write this, as we transition into fall, shifting from warm weather gear to autumn and winter items. If you read this later, and the link redirects you to a homepage, look for a tab labeled “Outlet,” “Bargain Bin,” or “Sale.”

Explore the deals at REI

Check out the clearance section at Backcountry.com

The second major turnover occurs in the spring when jackets are slashed to rock-bottom prices to sell them and bikinis make their debut in stores. Logically, this should commence around May, yet it truly starts gearing up as early as February — peak ski season. If a winter item isn’t performing well, they’ll recognize it by that point, and discounts intensify as the spring thaw approaches.

By late March and April, both physical and online outlets will be unloading base layers, goggles, and beanies for the cost of a six-pack of craft beer.

There are also smaller key moments where deals appear abundantly, typically coinciding with shopping holidays. Labor Day triggers sales due to timing, as do Thanksgiving, Father’s Day, or President’s Day.

Purchasing Travel Apparel Direct Can Be Surprisingly Affordable

In addition to the online stores I mentioned earlier, note that many brands operate their own shops and some are quick to discount slow-selling items. This doesn’t indicate there’s anything wrong with them. Generally, it just means a new style or color is replacing the previous ones. These travel clothing brands follow a similar cycle as fashion brands and face comparable pressures to introduce new offerings each season.

Simply asserting, “Our travel shirt is incredibly popular so we’re not making any changes” doesn’t suffice for most brands, particularly if they belong to a large corporate group. To secure new orders, they must present buyers a new iteration. This might not make immediate sense, but it’s the reality. (This is

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