I accept that picking a hostel accommodation means doing away with the conveniences most of us take for granted in a hotel room. But with the low price we pay per night at a hostel which is usually less than half the rate of a decent hotel, existing without a bath tub and room service is not that bad after all.
However, you should know that hostels range from the barest essentials to luxurious rooms that can put any budget hotel to shame. So, don't just resolve for anything less than you can afford. Make sure that there is no better deal available before you book your reservation.
One of the biggest considerations in choosing a hostel is the cost. It should allow you to save no less than half the money you will pay for a hotel room. However, just because the hostel is bargain-basement doesn't mean it's good value for the money. As a visitor, you need to put a premium on your comfort and safety during your stay in the hostel. Think of it as your acting sanctuary during your holiday.
I have a list of non-negotiables when deciding upon a hostel room. These represent the services and facilities that must be offered by any hostel I am considering.
First, an air-conditioned room is a must particularly when you are traveling in places with a moderately hot and humid climate. If you are used to sleeping in an air-conditioned room don't dare try a windowless hostel room with only a fan for ventilation. Your efforts at adapting may be well based but nonetheless futile. In addition an air conditioned room is also less likely to have as many bugs as might be found without this average affluence.
The rooms should be clean. Check out the online reviews from former guests to find out how the cleanliness was rated for the hostel you are considering. Hostel guests can be pretty open and above-board with their reviews and if you have found at least 3 or more of the same type of comments, you are better off believing them.
If you have some extra cash to splurge, pick a hostel with private en-suite rooms. These are rooms with their private toilet and bath. You can still reap the benefits of your privacy without paying full hotel prices for it.
If you can only afford a dorm room, select a room that accommodates no more than 4 guests. Anything more than 4 in a room dramatically increases noise and security risks and frankly your comfort.
Next, the hostel must offer free breakfast and a common kitchen. Complimentary breakfast means one meal less on your expenses and a communal kitchen will enable you to purchase cheaper food from the market and do cooking on your own if you are so inclined.
Personal lockers should also be available where you can store your valuables. This is particularly important when staying in a dorm. The hostel should also have 24-hour security or at least be located in a safe and secure neighborhood.
If you need to be constantly on-line, invest in a hostel that offers without charge internet or Wi-Fi service.
Finally, the hostel should be strategically positioned as to allow you easy access to the area attractions. I usually pick a hostel close to a bus stop or a train station. With a good map, you can altogether do away with taxi cabs and spend much less on public transportation and still enjoy your sight seeing!
This travel tip is brought to you by BookCentralCoast.com.au, the specialists in Central Coast Accommodation for all your NSW Central Coast accommodation needs.
Showing posts with label central coast accommodation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label central coast accommodation. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Marvelous Wurzburg Situated On Germanys Romantic Road
Wurzburg sits at the start of the Romantic Road. Personally, I think it is the best introduction to what the route has to offer.
Unlike the towns further down the route, Wurzburg does not immediately assault the senses. Rather, it enables the tourist to get hold of his or her bearings and enjoy the scenery in a laid-back and relaxed pace.
Wurzburg's attractions are centered on the town's architecture dating back to the Romanesque time. Other times are also well represented and there are excellent examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo architectures.
My first stop was the Residenz which was wonderful. Despite its gigantic size, the structure seemed to appear tasteful rather than than just colossal and overwhelming. It was built in 1720 and contains more than 300 rooms of Baroque and Rococo designs.
You have to see the grand staircase which defines the term "grand" to the letter. While being amazed at the sheer size and beauty of the staircase move your gaze to the vaulted ceiling and be even more amazed at the stunning fresco above - which is believed to be biggest of its kind.
Just a walking distance away from The Residenz is the Hofgarten, a perfect location for a filling lunch and a timely pint of German beer.
The Marktplatz or the Marketplace is another favorite of mine. Here you can see the Gothic Church of Marienkapelle which dates back to the 1400s (although its facade was added in 1751). Within the square is the Library and the Tourist Information Center - but what I found most appealing was the line of stalls where vendors offer their products of fruits and cheeses as well as a bright display of colorful flowers.
After the Maktplatz, I suggest visitors head to the hill where The Marienberg Fortress is situated. It stands sentry over of the entire town and is considered one of Wurzburg's most legendary structures.
The oldest part of the fortress dates back to the 11th century whilst the other parts are closer to the 17th century. The fortress is now transformed into a museum and the entire hill is transformed into one big park ideal for picnics. There are a few beer gardens where you can sip on a local beer while you experience the beautiful panorama.
You can also view the Marienberg Fortress from the town and the best place to do so is in the Alte Kranen or The Cranes, located at the end of the promenade down the river.
Whilst there, drop by The House of Franken Wines where you can try and purchase from a collection of 100 different Franken wines - I purchased a few bottles myself. You can also take a boat for a cruise at the Alter Kranen and enjoy the stop-over at the Baroque Gardens in Veitshchheim.
Yes, Wurzburg is also famous for wines. It is in fact a part of Germany's famous Franken wine growing area. I specifically enjoyed my visits to many wineries and took more than a few sips of their admirable white wines. Delicious!
The best visit was to the oldest Weinhaus in Wurzburg, the Stachel Courtyard which dates back to 1413. We enjoyed a banquet of wonderful food with excellent wine in the magnificent Rennaissance courtyard. The atmosphere was beautiful and irresistible, well worth every travelers time.
After Wurzburge, we're off to Weikersheim!
This travel tip is brought to you by BookCentralCoast.com.au, the specialists in Central Coast Accommodation for all your NSW Central Coast accommodation needs.
Unlike the towns further down the route, Wurzburg does not immediately assault the senses. Rather, it enables the tourist to get hold of his or her bearings and enjoy the scenery in a laid-back and relaxed pace.
Wurzburg's attractions are centered on the town's architecture dating back to the Romanesque time. Other times are also well represented and there are excellent examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo architectures.
My first stop was the Residenz which was wonderful. Despite its gigantic size, the structure seemed to appear tasteful rather than than just colossal and overwhelming. It was built in 1720 and contains more than 300 rooms of Baroque and Rococo designs.
You have to see the grand staircase which defines the term "grand" to the letter. While being amazed at the sheer size and beauty of the staircase move your gaze to the vaulted ceiling and be even more amazed at the stunning fresco above - which is believed to be biggest of its kind.
Just a walking distance away from The Residenz is the Hofgarten, a perfect location for a filling lunch and a timely pint of German beer.
The Marktplatz or the Marketplace is another favorite of mine. Here you can see the Gothic Church of Marienkapelle which dates back to the 1400s (although its facade was added in 1751). Within the square is the Library and the Tourist Information Center - but what I found most appealing was the line of stalls where vendors offer their products of fruits and cheeses as well as a bright display of colorful flowers.
After the Maktplatz, I suggest visitors head to the hill where The Marienberg Fortress is situated. It stands sentry over of the entire town and is considered one of Wurzburg's most legendary structures.
The oldest part of the fortress dates back to the 11th century whilst the other parts are closer to the 17th century. The fortress is now transformed into a museum and the entire hill is transformed into one big park ideal for picnics. There are a few beer gardens where you can sip on a local beer while you experience the beautiful panorama.
You can also view the Marienberg Fortress from the town and the best place to do so is in the Alte Kranen or The Cranes, located at the end of the promenade down the river.
Whilst there, drop by The House of Franken Wines where you can try and purchase from a collection of 100 different Franken wines - I purchased a few bottles myself. You can also take a boat for a cruise at the Alter Kranen and enjoy the stop-over at the Baroque Gardens in Veitshchheim.
Yes, Wurzburg is also famous for wines. It is in fact a part of Germany's famous Franken wine growing area. I specifically enjoyed my visits to many wineries and took more than a few sips of their admirable white wines. Delicious!
The best visit was to the oldest Weinhaus in Wurzburg, the Stachel Courtyard which dates back to 1413. We enjoyed a banquet of wonderful food with excellent wine in the magnificent Rennaissance courtyard. The atmosphere was beautiful and irresistible, well worth every travelers time.
After Wurzburge, we're off to Weikersheim!
This travel tip is brought to you by BookCentralCoast.com.au, the specialists in Central Coast Accommodation for all your NSW Central Coast accommodation needs.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
How To Spot And Prevent A Tourist Con
I have always been an exponent of befriending locals when on a trip because it brings opportunities for a more meaningful experience with an unfamiliar locality and culture.
However, this mindset should be coupled with alertness to avoid scams and swindling schemes that are usually run by con-artists lurking behind the cloak of an exceedingly affable and helpful local.
There is no hard and fast rule on identifying a straightforward offer of help from a bogus act to pull off a scam. The best that one can do is to be familiar with the different ploys that swindlers set up to carry out a con.
Every tourist should understand that con-artists are only interested in money or valuables that they can take from unsuspecting travelers. They make use of different ways to obtain or receive their spoils but their methods can be divided into 3 categories.
First, target oblivious victims and pick their pockets. Second, target vulnerable individuals and employ forcefulness and intimidation. Third, target naive and trusting travelers and con them into acquiring inexpensive goods for a very expensive price.
You have to understand that con-artists are experts on their chosen craft. Meaning, they are very good at what they do. So, don't expect to catch them while they are pulling a con because the odds are against you. What you can do instead is to avoid being a victim of one, first, by not looking like one of their targeted victims and second, by not falling into their traps.
Pickpockets will need to get near you to have access to your pockets and they put on some diversion to shift your attention on something else other than your valuables.
Here are some of the diversions employed by pickpockets. They throw something on the ground in the hope that you will bend down and pick it up so that they can easily pick your pockets or a person walks into you, followed by a profuse apology, whilst his or her accomplice picks your wallet and someone pretends to have found bird droppings or some form of grime on your clothes and he or she kindly cleans it up while at the same time feeling for your wallet and freely picking it up when found. To avoid pick pockets, wear a money belt. Thieves won't succeed if they have no wallets to pick up in the first place.
Avoid hold-ups or aggravated assault by not placing yourself in a situation that will bring about the opportunity. Avoid dark and lonesome alleys. Hang out only in public places where help is easily available and be wary of invitations to private and quiet places.
Good bargains are one of the highs of traveling. Unfortunately, theives know this too well and profit on the traveler's yearning for inexpensive local product to make some easy cash.
The scenario involves an innocent or a professional-looking individual who approaches travelers and offers free advice that a nearby outlet sells coveted merchandise (usually valuable jewelries or gems) for extremely discounted prices.
If the tourist shows interest, an offer for a free ride to the store follows and once you get there they won't let go of you until you have purchased something at a highly increased price.
Before you travel, equip yourself with valuable knowledge on common frauds and scams perpetrated in the areas you are visiting. You can easily identify a con if you know what signs to look for. Be as careful as you would at home in protecting yourself. Being a visitor does not give you special imunity from thieves!
This travel tip is brought to you by BookCentralCoast.com.au, the specialists in Central Coast Accommodation for all your NSW Central Coast accommodation needs.
However, this mindset should be coupled with alertness to avoid scams and swindling schemes that are usually run by con-artists lurking behind the cloak of an exceedingly affable and helpful local.
There is no hard and fast rule on identifying a straightforward offer of help from a bogus act to pull off a scam. The best that one can do is to be familiar with the different ploys that swindlers set up to carry out a con.
Every tourist should understand that con-artists are only interested in money or valuables that they can take from unsuspecting travelers. They make use of different ways to obtain or receive their spoils but their methods can be divided into 3 categories.
First, target oblivious victims and pick their pockets. Second, target vulnerable individuals and employ forcefulness and intimidation. Third, target naive and trusting travelers and con them into acquiring inexpensive goods for a very expensive price.
You have to understand that con-artists are experts on their chosen craft. Meaning, they are very good at what they do. So, don't expect to catch them while they are pulling a con because the odds are against you. What you can do instead is to avoid being a victim of one, first, by not looking like one of their targeted victims and second, by not falling into their traps.
Pickpockets will need to get near you to have access to your pockets and they put on some diversion to shift your attention on something else other than your valuables.
Here are some of the diversions employed by pickpockets. They throw something on the ground in the hope that you will bend down and pick it up so that they can easily pick your pockets or a person walks into you, followed by a profuse apology, whilst his or her accomplice picks your wallet and someone pretends to have found bird droppings or some form of grime on your clothes and he or she kindly cleans it up while at the same time feeling for your wallet and freely picking it up when found. To avoid pick pockets, wear a money belt. Thieves won't succeed if they have no wallets to pick up in the first place.
Avoid hold-ups or aggravated assault by not placing yourself in a situation that will bring about the opportunity. Avoid dark and lonesome alleys. Hang out only in public places where help is easily available and be wary of invitations to private and quiet places.
Good bargains are one of the highs of traveling. Unfortunately, theives know this too well and profit on the traveler's yearning for inexpensive local product to make some easy cash.
The scenario involves an innocent or a professional-looking individual who approaches travelers and offers free advice that a nearby outlet sells coveted merchandise (usually valuable jewelries or gems) for extremely discounted prices.
If the tourist shows interest, an offer for a free ride to the store follows and once you get there they won't let go of you until you have purchased something at a highly increased price.
Before you travel, equip yourself with valuable knowledge on common frauds and scams perpetrated in the areas you are visiting. You can easily identify a con if you know what signs to look for. Be as careful as you would at home in protecting yourself. Being a visitor does not give you special imunity from thieves!
This travel tip is brought to you by BookCentralCoast.com.au, the specialists in Central Coast Accommodation for all your NSW Central Coast accommodation needs.
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