How to plan a budget friendly trip to Manali

One of the most well-liked tourist spots in India is Manali. Everyone enjoys visiting Manali at least once in their lives. Whether on a lone quest for inner peace and adventure, a backpacking trip with your besties, or a honeymoon getaway with your significant other, Manali and its mountains will never cease to captivate you. The budget-friendly trip to Manali will ensure you get a taste of the area's well-known tourist attractions, and its friendliness will compel you to return. It is the most popular vacation spot for first-timers and regular tourists who frequently travel here use the Manali taxi service. Here is a budget-friendly travel itinerary for Manali.

Budget friendly travel option

By Bus: This is the least expensive and fastest way to get to Manali. The greatest time to take a bus is after 9 PM because you won't miss the light of day. An average state bus will only cost you Rs. 800, but you will have to make some compromises in terms of comfort. A Volvo luxury bus will cost you between Rs. 1200 and Rs. 1500 per person.

By Air: The closest airport to Manali, Kullu Manali Airport (Bhuntar), is reachable by direct flights at reasonable rates, and you can generally find discounts on flights. Since there aren't any commuting services like Ola and Uber in this area, you can rent a car in Manali when you get there to get to your accommodation.

By Rail: There is no direct rail that goes to Manali. Manali's closest railway station, Jogindernagar, connects the mountain town to several significant cities. You can also go to Manali by train from Chandigarh and Ambala. From the railheads, you can opt for either buses/taxi services in Manali.

Tips and tricks for an unforgettable budget trip to Manali!

Hostels staycation



When travelling on a budget to Manali, it is best to stay in hostels because hotel rates will be higher. You will get the opportunity to engage with other guests while staying at the hostel and be amazed by the cultural diversity and ethical standards. Any hostel stay would start at Rs. 250.

Food

To make your 3 to 4-day vacation to Manali on a budget more enticing and refreshing, you must try the local cuisine. You will pay INR 400 daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Check out these Manali specialities to awaken your taste buds: khatta, sidu, babru, trout, patande, bhey, aktori, and tudkiya bhat.

Rent a vehicle for travelling

One of the best options is to rent a bike because it is less expensive. Depending on the sort of bike, you'll pay anywhere from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1500 a day. Alternatively, you can pay between Rs. 1500 and 2500 per day OR about Rs. 400 for a one-way trip from Old Manali to New Manali from an affordable Manali taxi service (approximately 2 to 3 km).

Budget friendly tourist attractions for Manali trip

Mall Road



Manali's Mall Road is the busiest tourist destination for visitors to Himachal Pradesh and is frequently referred to as the city's centre. There is plenty to keep you busy for the day on Manali's Mall Road, which is well-known for its street shopping explorations and is bustling with a variety of activities.

Visit the Nyingmapa Buddhist Temple before continuing down the Mall road. It has the ideal fusion of architectural styles and vibrant tones to capture on camera. The main shrine's focal point is the Sakyamuni shrine. The Tibetan-style crafts on display are simply amazing, and they make the ideal gift that will fit the bill and not detract from your low-budget trip to Manali.

Winter Carnival

How about an affordable carnival? You're correct, of course! Winter Carnival is one of the best destinations for your inexpensive trip to Manali. Manali, one of the most exciting tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, gets ready to ring in the new year with aplomb and celebrations each year around New Year's Eve.

Himachal Winter Carnival is the event's official name and is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive and exciting cultural experiences. The Manali Winter Carnival, the biggest tourism occasion in Himachal, promotes regional culture and winter activities to draw visitors during the slow winter season.

Old Manali

The tourist path crosses the Manalsu River bridge into Manali's "Old Manali" neighbourhood to see a different side of the town. The village's unusual charm will make you feel like you've entered another world. Visitors, especially lone travellers, who frequently praise the city as a place to unwind and relax. Old Manali is among the best places to visit on a limited-budget trip to Manali.

The Jogini Falls

Jogni Falls, another name for this magnificent cascade, is located 7.5 kilometres from Manali's bus terminal and 4 kilometres from Vashisht Temple. From the Vashisht temple, a 1.5-hour climb will take you to the waterfall. The entire stroll is gorgeous, offering breath taking vistas of Manali.

Solang Valley

Solang Valley is one of the incredible places to visit in Manali on a tight budget and is located between Beas Kund and Solang Village, 13 kilometres from Manali. The adventure activities in the Solang Valley, such as skiing, river rafting, and paragliding, are truly unique experiences.

Temple of Vashisht and Hot Springs

This 4,001-year-old temple, which lies 5 kilometres from Old Manali, is devoted to the ancient Indian sage Vashisht, who served as Ram and Lakshman's guru. This temple is well-known for its hot springs, which are revered and said to have healing effects on the skin. Both men and women have their own private, Turkish-style bathing cubicles.

Temple of Hidimba

Three kilometres from Old Manali, in the cedar-covered Dhun Giri Forest, you'll find a historic cave temple constructed in 1553. It is dedicated to Hidimbi Devi, a character in the Indian epic Mahabharata and the wife of Bhima. This temple is open every day from 8 AM to 6 PM, and there is no entrance fee.



Make sure to find a package deal for river rafting, bungee jumping, paragliding, and so on, rather than a single one if you're feeling adventurous or wish to try some of the sports. When compared to paying for individual sports, package deals give you more for a lower price. Manali's lush green valleys and adventure sports will elevate your mind and soul and are worth every penny.

Note: The pictures in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the Creative Commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

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9 Tips for Safe Low Budget Travel

Travel is a fantastic thing. It’s a great way to see more of the world, enjoy different cultures and experiences, and learn more about yourself and the world around you. But travel can be very expensive, and so it’s not something that we can all afford to do as much as we’d like to. The good news is that while you may not be able to go to the most popular or exotic destinations if you are on a tight budget, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy travel, without taking risks to your safety to save money. Here are some of the best tips for safe, low-budget travel.

Avoid Peak Season

Peak season is a more expensive time to travel, no matter where you are going. Flights, accommodation, and even activities once you arrive are more expensive at specific times of the year. Peak times usually include school holidays, high summer, and Christmas. Traveling outside of these periods can be significantly cheaper, and even moving your trip forward or back a week can make a massive difference in the price.

Avoid Tourist Hotspots

Tourist hotspots are typically places that are popular with specific groups, especially families, or places with lots of well-known tourist attractions. Staying away from these is an easy way to save a fortune on everything from accommodation to eating out and getting around. Staying away from tourist attractions can also mean that you get a more authentic experience and a chance to enjoy the local culture because everything hasn’t been changed to suit tourists' needs and wants.

Do Your Research

Avoiding tourist hotpots is a fantastic way to save money. But, sometimes, the tourist hotspots are the safest areas. They tend to have good healthcare services, and plenty of help if you need it. If you are going to head outside of the most popular destinations, you need to prioritize your own safety. Before booking, do some research into the area, the accommodation, and anything else that you may need to stay safe, and don’t stay somewhere cheap if you are worried about safety.

Travel Light

Nowadays, when we book flights with budget airlines, hold luggage is rarely included. You might think that you are getting a great deal until you add luggage options. The best way to avoid these extra costs is to travel light, if possible, fitting everything that you need into a cabin bag.

Shop for the Best Deals

One of the best ways to save money on travel and related expenses is to look around for deals, instead of just buying the first thing that you see. Compare flights and accommodation, use cashback apps and services, and look online for things like luggage and accommodation. Never buy anything without looking for a deal, offer or discount first.

This is also true when you arrive at your destination. There will be many providers offering the same excursions, activities, and souvenirs. Make sure you shop around and compare prices, and don’t be scared to haggle a little.

Book in Advance

When it comes to booking accommodation, flights, or package deals, we can often make the biggest savings by booking last minute. But it’s still worth booking in advance, especially around Christmas and other times when there might be large sales. However, booking the activities that you want to do when you arrive is almost always cheaper if you can book them before you leave home.

Fly Midweek and at Night

The most popular and sought-after flights are at the weekend, during the day. Most people would rather avoid flying very early in the morning, or during the night if they can, and flying midweek can make booking time off work more difficult.

If you are in a position to fly during the week and don’t mind flying at night, this can be significantly cheaper. Just make sure you factor in travel to the airport, which can be more expensive during the night.

Cook Your Food

Eating out is a wonderful treat and one of the parts of travel that most of us enjoy the most. But heading to a local market and cooking your own food is cheaper, and a great way to learn more about local produce and learn a new recipe to take home.

Walk Everywhere

Another big expense can be traveling around when you arrive. Try to walk as much as you can, or if this isn’t possible, look at travel passes for local public transport.

Instead of seeing your budget as a setback, see it as an opportunity. When we travel on a budget, we often visit places we might not have thought of if money wasn’t a consideration. We meet more local people, we learn new skills, and often, we enjoy a more well-rounded experience. As long as you stay safe, traveling on a budget can be a glorious adventure.

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Planning your Budget Trip: Travelling to India in 2021

Once the world got locked down due to the pandemic in 2020, travellers have had to stay at home and say goodbye to exploring the world. And that too for a significantly long time. But, things are changing. Now, adventure seekers who have been fully vaccinated can continue to explore the world… though there are some things that travellers have to keep in mind such as social distancing, wearing a mask, and may be paying a slightly higher price for some products and services. 

Tourism in India is on the uptick and many states have opened themselves to fully vaccinated travelers while offering them the safest of environments to explore the charms of this diverse nation. This opening of tourism channels is especially very appealing to budget travelers as discounts, upgrades and freebies are being offered all around and which makes it very affordable and incredible to visit India in 2021. Using any airline like Air India, you can safely land there and begin your fun exploration. Below are some handy tips to explore India in 2021 in a cost efficient and safe way.

Backpack



You have to pack your luggage as simply as possible. Lesser kilograms means that you don’t have to pay for extra baggage fees and it is much easier to carry around, especially on a hike or in cities that involve a lot of walking.

In addition to packing simple, you need to pack smart too. In addition to your main bag or suitcase, you need to have a small daypack. This daypack carries your essentials, valuables and documents and it should be on your person at all times. This allows you be super flexible with your travel plans, while it mitigates all theft and loss of belongings. You can simply leave your larger baggage in the hotel cloak room or at a friend’s place and travel for a short trip with just your daypack. May be, even go on a weekend motorcycle trip.

Food



India has a huge food scene with a wide variety of regional cuisines and yummy treats. While the world over knows some iconic Indian foods, the traveler to India will discover that each state has different specialties and they are all super affordable. You don’t have to look at high end restaurants and five start hotels for tasty and healthy food. Instead, one should look at street foods, traditional restaurants that locals throng to, food walks that are offered in many Indian cities and may be look at home cooked food in case you are staying at a homestay or if you have been invited to someone’s home.

Plan beforehand

In order to save money while you are traveling to India, it might be prudent to plan your itinerary in advance. Advance booking might get you some additional discounts. And the chances of you facing some additional expenses might be limited thus allowing you to enjoy your holiday in peace. 

Safe accommodation



Accommodation costs make up a significant portion of the travel costs of the budget traveller. Luxury hotels have increased their room rates in the post covid era. Even some mid-range hotels and homestays have hiked their prices. Guest houses or apartment rentals might be a better choice these days. They offer safety, freedom and they are cheaper these days. Many such properties can be found on AirBnB. Personally, I would recommend traditional homestays, backpacker hostels and Airbnb to budget travelers for a wholesome experience that doesn’t burn a hole in their pocket.

Use cards, digital wallets instead of cash

Pick pocketing is quite common in the busy areas of Indian cities. You could become a victim if you do not know how to handle your money in a busy environment. Credit cards and digital payment avenues such as Google Pay, Paytm or PhonePe come in handy as alternate sources of payments. In the post covid area, many shops and destinations across India have started accepting digital modes of payments.

Dressing consciously

It is best to dress like the locals so that you don’t stick out like a sore thumb and call for unwanted attention. While modern forms of clothing are quite common in major Indian cities, it might be better to dress conservatively in case you are visited rural India or if you have been invited to an Indian home or an Indian family event. Simple and comfortable local clothing will help you beat the elements while embracing local fashion.



Tips: Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. This will help you avoid any untoward incidents and allow you to enjoy your holiday to the fullest. And do remember to wear your mask in case you are in a crowd or in a confined public space. Socially distance yourself where possible.

Good Luck!

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An Exciting New Way For You To Travel Big On A Small Budget

When I was growing up, my family hardly ever went on vacation. We took national trips once every couple of years. But before I left home, I’d never been abroad.

As soon as I started making my own money, I decided that that would change. I went away as often as I could, touring fantastic destinations I had always wanted to visit. And then, as my responsibilities grew, I began to understand why organizing trips was so hard for my parents.

Nonetheless, I have continued to travel, mostly by finding deals on cheap hotel rooms and using budget airlines. It sometimes gets uncomfortable, but I can never ignore the travel bug.

While looking for discounts for my last trip, I found a website called Roomer, whose clever concept is very exciting.

Taking advantage of the industry


Roomer bases its service on a simple premise. Hotel cancellations are inevitable, and they're bad for everyone. They happen so often, that they impact the entire travel industry. As many as 220,000 hotel rooms are cancelled every day - and that’s in the US alone!

This is why most hotels have frustrating “no refund” policies. But even though they don’t give refunds, they still lose out.

A large proportion of a hotel’s revenue comes from the money that patrons spend when they're already there. Food, drinks, entertainment, and service, are all factored into their gross income. When the patrons don’t come, that revenue is lost.

Roomer takes advantage of this fact, to make remarkable deals a reality.

A hotel-marketplace for cancelled rooms


When searching for hotel room deals, I came across Roomer’s hotel-marketplace. They had some crazy discounts there, on rooms of a very high quality. There were price cuts on reservations from 50% to 85%. Some of the highest cuts were on 5 star hotel rooms.

It works on the above premise. Since hotel bookings are non-refundable, people who have to cancel might as well try and offload their bookings, even if they have to take a huge cut. Roomer provides the platform to sell these bookings to bargain-hunters.

They post these reservations on their website, allowing potential buyers to search or browse for their ideal hotel room.

Avoid the logistics nightmare


Roomer is good for the travel industry because hotels want to be filled up. This makes the logistics possible. You may know how difficult it is to change the name on a reservation. With Roomer, that’s not something you have to worry about. They get in touch with the hotel, and organize everything - to the seller’s, buyer’s, and the hotel’s benefit.

If you're worried about sharing your credit card details with a stranger, you can rest easy knowing that all payment is done through Roomer’s secure system. You won’t ever give your details to the seller, or even know who they are.

And, if you ever need to, they're easy to contact. Any problems you may have are dealt with promptly. They're not scared to take on responsibility, and won’t fob it off on you.

Exclusive hotel deals


When you search for hotel rooms on Roomer, you'll find a range of options in almost any locations. This is partially due to Roomer’s mutually beneficial partnership with hotels around the world.

Since hotels want Roomer to succeed, they provide exclusive deals even on hotel rooms that have not yet been reserved. Therefore, you can use Roomer as a super-cheap bookings site if there are no cancellations at your destination.

The great deals, the ease of access, and the great customer service have contributed to Roomer’s rise in popularity. They're growing such a big fan-base that they were named one of USA Today’s top 3 travel websites/apps.

My dream destinations are now readily available  
It’s a lot easier for me to travel now than it ever was for my parents. I can find great deals all around the world, and the opportunities are endless.

Roomer provides a really exciting way to travel. It’s definitely worth it, and will be over and over again.

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Subrosa Station: Comfortable Budget Hotel in the Sultanahmet Area of Istanbul

If you are a tourist to Istanbul, you are bound to stay either in the Taksim or the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul as they are close to all the key attractions. On my first visit to Istanbul, I stayed in the Sultanahmet area at a hotel called the Subrosa Station. I stayed at this budget hotel for 3 days and 2 nights and the below is my review of this hotel based on this recent experience of mine.

1) The hotel has great location. Situated just 200m from the Sultanahmet tram station and short walking distance to the Blue Mosque, Ay Sofya, Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern, this place is close to all the main attractions of Istanbul. And since the tram station is located close by, all the other places are also easily accessible.

2) The hotel has comfortable rooms that offer heating/cooling, attached bathroom with hot water and great wi-fi.

3) The people running this guest house are great people who are always happy to answer the various questions that the travelers have. They also speak good English.

4) There are many restaurants near the hotel, but most of them are very expensive as they cater primarily to the tourists. If you walk a bit further, you will find authentic and cheaper local restaurants.

5) The hotel is also close to the grand bazaar area and the spice market in case you are interested in shopping.

6) If you have an evening bus, this hotel allows you to use their common room, wi-fi, toilets and also provide you with access to a luggage storage room.

7) In terms of access from the airport, you can do a combination of metro and tram (if you are coming from Attaturk airport) or get a bus (if you are coming from Sabiha airport)

8) Even though the hotel is located right in the middle of the busy area, it is awfully quiet in the night and ensures good sleep. The only problem is the early morning call for prayer, which you can hear almost from everywhere in Turkey.

9) The standard rooms cost about 40 Euros. They don’t offer breakfast or any other meal. But, they offer hot tea, coffee and water all through the day.

If you are looking for a good budget hotel in the tourist hub of Sultanahmet, you should give this place a try. It is simple, clean and comfortable.

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