A holiday in South Africa could be loads of fun. Especially when the Northern half of the world is suffering under a thick layer of snow, South Africans are relaxing on wide open beaches enjoying the African sun. South Africa is also one of the most affordable tourist destinations in the world and perhaps the only one offering first world facilities at third world prices.

Self-catering holidays are very enjoyable and affordable options when you visit South Africa. The country has numerous top quality resorts where there’s fully fitted chalets for rent a prices that you will never find in the Western World. Our family recently rented chalet near the resort town of Hermanus in the Southern Cape which even had the latest model delonghi oven in the modern kitchen!

There’s a variety of car rental firms at Cape Town International Airport. You will need a credit card to rent a car from all of them, although in town there’s a couple that rents out older cars for cash. Always check out the car’s body in the presence of a company representative. Otherwise you will be liable to pay if they find scratches or dents on the car when you return it.

If you’re traveling with a baby, try to get a car that’s fitted with a britax car seat. This will not only ensure baby’s comfort, but also his safety. The additional cost of this is minimal compared to the advantages to be gained from having it.

Then head out of town with the N2. On the way you will pass the seaside towns of Strand and Gordon’s Bay on your right, before ascending Sir Lowry’s pass. There’s a lookout point at the top of the pass from where you have a magnificent view of the Cape Peninsula and False Bay right below you. On the other side of the mountain you will enter corn and apple country. There are many apple farms producing for the export market near the town of Grabouw.

A hundred kilometers from Cape Town you will enter the lovely seaside resort of Hermanus. Here you can find numerous self-catering resorts. Settle in and start to explore the beautiful surroundings. There are many restaurants overlooking the ocean near the town square. There’s also a flea market where you can buy clothing and artifacts made by local artists. You will also run into hawkers walking around offering watches for sale. I once bought a men’s sport watch from one of the that lasted exactly three days!

If you don’t have fun in the Hermanus area, you have only yourself to blame. The scenery is beautiful, the people are great and the numerous restaurants mean you can eat out at a different place every day. There are also boat trips and a visit to one of the surrounding towns is very interesting.

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If you are itching to plan a trip to the New York City area and think that it will break the bank, think again. Save on your trip by staying in a cheap New York hotel. The following are some affordable NYC accomodations that offer a number of benefits, including: great locations, a number of amenities, and reasonable room rates. Review some of these suggestions and make your trip to NYC more affordable.

The Maritime Hotel
Designed in 1966 for the National Maritime Union, this modern hotel overlooks the Hudson through large porthole windows that accent the clean, modern design and give this hotel a distinct look. The rooms were designed to be compact and comfortable. All of the furniture is built in so that you have everything you need in a small space. The décor is reminiscent of IKEA meets Pier 1, providing clean lines and warmth at the same time. This place provides so many great benefits, including Italian and Japanese restaurants, an awesome downtown location, and a 10,000 square foot terrace. If you’re looking for a twin sized bed, though, keep looking. It’s ‘queen only’ here.
363 West 16th St
NY, NY 10011

Incent Village House
Dating back to 1841, this hotel is located in the quaint Greenwich Village and is surrounded by many preserved historic landmarks. There are 13 suites and studios, the largest can accommodate up to 4 guests, and 10 have working fireplaces. Most of the suites here include the following: a kitchenette, AC, TV, private bath, and a coffeemaker. The décor, including cozy fireplaces, grand pianos, and satin covered couches, will transport you to a Dickens novel. Located next to Chelsea and the trendy Meatpacking District you will have have plenty of places to go out and explore.
32nd 8th Avenue
NY, NY 10014

Room Mate Grace
Located in Times Square, you will be hard-pressed to find a more stylish deal. The hotel, inspired by youth hostels, boasts modern conveniences that any tech-head would love. There are 139 rooms with free wi-fi, flat screen TVs, DVD players and iPod docks. Described as “fresh, modern and whimsical” it draws a hip crowd that appreciates the nightly lobby DJ, 24 hour coffee bar and pool that has underwater music and a “swim up” bar. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Grand Central, Rockefeller Center, and MOMA are within walking distance of the Room Mate Grace. This is a great hotel in a great location for a great rate!
128 W. 45 St
NY, NY 10036

Gershwin Hotel
The Gershwin sits like a paper mache building of someone’s dreams in Manhattan. You won’t miss the brilliantly red exterior with dramatic, circus-like lights and awnings. Located a block away from the Empire State Building and near 5th Avenue shopping, clubs, and the Flower and Fashion Districts, you will have plenty of sightseeing right out your door. Offers all of the basics plus a multi-lingual staff, discount parking, irons, and safe boxes. Just in case you don’t find enough to do outside of the hotel, there is an on-site art gallery and a rooftop sun deck for relaxation. Rooms range from basic bunks to suites, there is something for everyone and it is all priced to book.
7 East 27th Street
NY, NY 10016

Chelsea Savoy
Situated in busy Midtown and sporting a wall of celebrity guests who have stayed there, this hotel is actually cheap. This hotel might not be the trendiest in town, but it is known for its excellent, helpful staff and cleanliness. If you’re searching for a great place to stay, the Chelsea Savoy will definitely be attractive. It’s clean, in a good neighborhood, and rooms are relatively inexpensive~The Chelsea Savoy will appeal to people who want a neat, nice hotel that is in a fine area for a reasonable price~If you’re looking for a nice place to stay, the Chelsea Savoy will definitely be appealing. It’s neat, in a fun neighborhood, and rooms go for an affordable price~For those seeking out a clean, nice place to stay that’s in a safe neighborhood, the Chelsea Savoy will be appealing~The Chelsea Savoy will appeal to people who want a nice, clean place to stay that’s in a great neighborhood for an inexpensive price~For an reasonable rate, the Chelsea Savoy is a good hotel that’s nice, clean, and in a good neighborhood}. If you would rather spend your money on the town rather than a fancy, schmancy hotel, then the Chelsea Savoy is a tried and true winner.
204 W. 23rd St.
NY, NY 10011

Read more about cheap hotels in New York City. Also, make sure to visit www.allny.com, your one-stop-shop for all-things New York. Get advice on planning your trip, research activities and things to do, read about popular restaurants, and get advice on traveling within the city.

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