Affordable Comfort

When it comes to sunshine, you can’t go wrong with the South of France. Canet-en-Roussillon is a little seaside town near Perpignan. Never heard of it? That’s a good thing – neither have the throngs of tourists that flock to the big-name resorts. Grand Large beach is a huge stretch of golden sand that practically demands total relaxation, while the beachfront promenade is perfect for morning jogs and afternoon strolls. And if you fancy a change from contemplating the horizon, switch it up with a trip to the Canet-Saint-Nazaire Lagoon – it’s quieter, cooler and ideal for gentle lakeside walks.   July is all about night markets and street performances. The ibis Styles Perpignan Canet-en-Roussillon hotel makes the perfect base for an affordable holiday in July, with free parking, an outdoor pool and a gym. And if you want to explore the region, you can be in Perpignan in just 10 minutes.

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Palace courtyards and old neighbourhoods are cheap to visit and full of atmosphere. Some palaces have modest admission charges for the buildings, while grounds and surrounding areas are free to walk. Time your visit for a guard-changing ceremony or a weekday morning to avoid crowds. Nearby Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong let you see traditional houses and craft shops without spending much.

Start your day at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest and most recognisable of Seoul’s five grand palaces. Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy wandering the courtyards and gates at your leisure. If you’re curious about daily life in historic Korea, the nearby National Folk Museum provides some fascinating insights.   From here, walk to Bukchon Hanok Village. This residential area is known for its preserved hanok houses and narrow lanes. It’s a working neighbourhood, so keep noise low and follow local signage. If you’re up for a gentle climb, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the tiled roofs.

Summer in La Rochelle is all about simple pleasures that feel just that bit more special – strolling along the fishing harbour as sailboats return, finding a shady spot beneath the pines by the beach, lingering over fresh seafood on the Old Port.   From ibis Styles La Rochelle Centre Les Minimes, everything is within easy reach. It’s a 15-minute walk to the historic centre with its iconic towers and shaded streets, and just another 15 minutes to stretch out on the sands of Minimes beach.

This is how to enjoy Dubai on a budget, from affordable stays and cheap eats to free attractions, metro tips, and easy ways to save.

Here's how to plan around your flight times. Short layover? Stay near Changi. Full day or more? Head into the city and keep your plans close to MRT stations.

It’s impossible to discuss the most beautiful cities in France without mentioning Albi, with its distinctive red-brick architecture and UNESCO-listed episcopal city – just the spot for a June break with family or friends. Affordable ibis Styles Albi Centre Le Theatro sits in the historic heart, and from there, you can stroll in gardens surrounding the Berbie Palace, admire the frescoed interior of Sainte-Cécile Cathedral and catch the colourful works of Post-Impressionist artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec at his namesake museum. Come evening, have a drink in the hotel’s rooftop bar and toast your holiday with panoramic views over the Red City.

Start with an IC Card such as Suica or Pasmo. These can be used across trains, subways, and buses, allowing you to tap on and off without needing to calculate fares. This helps avoid paying for incorrect tickets, prevents overpaying on short trips, and makes it easier to move between different lines without needing to buy multiple tickets each time.