Affordable Comfort

Less than two hours on a train from Paris lies Bourgogne – the Burgundy wine region, home to dry red pinot noirs and crisp white chardonnays. Discover the local nectars on the 80-km Route des Grands Crus from Dijon to Santenay. The route passes through over 30 villages, taking in the Meursault, Pommard and Nuits-Saint-Georges appellations along the way. Post-harvest and pre-pruning, the vineyards are swathed in morning mists and soft sunshine, creating a mystical atmosphere.   Come for a city break in November for the Hospices de Beaune wine auction. The iconic event has been held on the third weekend of the month for over 160 years, and the town comes alive with traditional parades and gourmet markets. Book a stay at the ibis Beaune Centre hotel to experience the festivities to the full – it’s just a five-minute walk from the Hospices.

Woodland trails in the Hardt forest, Colmar’s weathered timber-framed houses and vineyards settling into dormancy – Alsace stands out as a must for an autumn escape in France. ibis Styles Colmar Nord, decorated around a vineyard theme, makes a well-located base for exploring La Petite Venise and the surrounding villages.   Just a 15-minute drive away, the medieval village of Riquewihr offers a first taste of the festive season at the Féerie de Noël Christmas decoration shop. Further south, Eguisheim hosts its annual mushroom festival in late October, with exhibitions, forest walks and a truffle market. The day ends with a convivial meal under a marquee, where mushrooms take centre stage. A seasonal favourite is pasta in a rich forest mushroom sauce – hard to resist, and perhaps the highlight of your budget autumn holiday in the region.

Some of Nairobi's most memorable experiences cost little or nothing. These attractions are ideal starting points for exploring the city on a budget.

On budget holidays in October, enjoy mild weather and golden light on France’s sun-drenched plateaus, coastlines and mountainous regions. Whether you’re planning a family break or a romantic getaway, France in autumn is decked out in her finest colours.

Before the day-by-day, there’s one tip that will save you the most money: eat like a local. Japan's convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart, sell genuinely good onigiri, hot oden, sandwiches, and coffee from around ¥150, and they're located on almost every corner.   Local bakeries such as Donguri (famous for its chikuwa bread) do a filling breakfast or lunch for under ¥500. Save your yen for one standout Sapporo meal a day, whether that is a Susukino ramen or a Nijo Market seafood bowl, and cover the other meals cheaply so you can comfortably stay at the lower end of your daily budget.   Around Sapporo Station, the basement food halls of Daimaru Sapporo are another good option, with takeaway sushi, bento boxes, and local sweets that are easy to take back to your hotel.

Your first day focuses on South Mumbai, the city’s historic core, where many of its most recognisable landmarks are located.

Start your day early with a visit to Diriyah, the birthplace of the Saudi state and one of Riyadh’s most important cultural sites. Located on the outskirts of the city, this UNESCO-listed area offers a fascinating introduction to Saudi Arabia’s early history and political foundations.   The main highlight is At-Turaif District, the historic core of Diriyah. This area was once the original seat of power for the Al Saud family and has been restored to reflect traditional Najdi architecture. As you walk through the district, you’ll see restored palaces, mosques, and courtyards, as well as exhibitions that explain the rise of the First Saudi State and its role in shaping the country’s identity.   If you have time, explore Bujairi Terrace, the main viewing and leisure area for the historic district, located just across from At-Turaif. Here you’ll find walking paths, viewpoints, and a range of cafés and restaurants facing the mudbrick architecture of Diriyah. Grab a quick coffee or breakfast here to fuel up for the rest of your Riyadh itinerary.

Foodies take note: September is the perfect time to discover Lyon’s famous gastronomic traditions. Mushrooms appear on market stalls, and the grape harvest heralds the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. Staying at ibis Lyon Part Dieu Les Halles is perfect for discovering the city’s culinary heritage as it’s opposite the legendary Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse – nicknamed the “belly of Lyon”. At this iconic gastronomic hub, you can sample regional specialities like cured pork sausages, savoury pike dumplings and cervelle de canut, a vegetarian dish made with herb-seasoned fromage blanc.

Your first day focuses on Kuala Lumpur’s modern core, covering its most recognisable landmarks and nearby neighbourhoods.