Shoestring Budget Travel Magazine by Shoestring Travel

summer 2019

shoestring budget travel magazine

embracing

VAN LIFE

the new nomads

48 HOURS IN EUROPEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOST POPULAR CITIES NYC ON A BUDGET | SRPRS.ME THE FESTIVAL EDIT 1

ON THE COVER

SPECIAL 28 - 49

contents

van life

conten ontents contents Contents conten ontents ntents content

shoestring

BUDGET TRAVEL MAGAZINE VOLUME 001 | SUMMER 2019

home

6 THE BEST NORFOLK BEACHES 10 VENICE OF THE EAST

48 hours in

14 AMSTERDAM 16 DUBLIN 18 BUDAPEST

the festival edit

22 WHY YOU SHOULD SWAP THE LADS HOLIDAY FOR A FESTIVAL INSTEAD 24 THE BEST FREE UK FESTIVALS

van life

28 THE NEW NOMADS

away

the compass

60 TRAVEL TRENDS

IMAGE PIXABAY

50 SRPRS.ME 52 WHAT TO DO IN WROCÅ&#x201A;AW 54 NYC ON A BUDGET

shoestring BUDGET TRAVEL MAGAZINE VOLUME 001 | SUMMER 2019

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Holly McLaren CONTRIBUTORS Georgina McLaren Kathryn Dunnill Henry Lewis Hattie Bettridge Laura Kidd THE NEW NOMADS with thanks to

Pages 6 - 9

Danny Thurston Jordan Bentley Gary & Bec of www. we-who-roam.com Dylan, Kallie & their family Sparky Hazard Andrei & Su Ling of youandme.lost Andi & Kathi of salty.roamers Sam of tallmaninavan COVER IMAGE Jordan Bentley Fill your feed with inspiration @shoestringtravelmag

Pages 28 - 49

For all enquiries please email shoestringtravelmag@gmail.com Pages 50 - 53

from the

EDITOR

here’s something about stepping off a plane in a new country that just feels different: You’re on the same floating sphere as you always have been, but the air feels different. The way the temperature warms your skin feels different. It all feels different. Perhaps it’s the excitement of adventure or maybe it’s the pay off from saving hard to get there. For whatever reason, it’s a feeling unrivalled by anything else.

However, recent studies have shown that more and more of us Brits are opting for staycations at home instead. With a rise in political insecurity (thanks, Brexit!) and less disposable income, it’s hardly a surprising turn for travel trends (more of which can be found on p.60).

Being on a budget doesn’t mean confining yourself to boring trips. Speaking to those creatively embracing new ways of travelling, our Van Life feature (p. 28 -49) is a celebration of how being on a budget can open up a whole new world of opportunities. Maybe that’s how being on a budget should be looked at – not a restriction of what you could do, but an opportunity to be more resourceful, resilient and creative with your travel. From road trips to rowboats, there’s always an alternative to

conventional methods and you never know, you may just happen to like a change. We are entering a new chapter in sustainable, economical travel and I, for one, am excited to see where it takes us.

HOLLY McLAREN editor-in-chief

beach LIFEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A

With an increasing number of Brits opting for staycations over traditional holidays, Holly McLaren explores the best Norfolk beaches to give you that Mediterranean feel on a minimal budget.

The Norfolk coast is renowned for its sandy beaches, tranquil seas and idyllic wildlife. From seals to movie sets, you’ll find it all here.

HOLKHAM The Holkham Estate produly boasts one of the vastest stretches of sand in the country.

Recently voted ‘Best Beach in the UK’ by a pannel of travel writers, it’s not hard to see why. Four miles of white sand, dappled with Whether you’re after a glorious seashells are free family trip to the coast, or to be explored before you prefer a stroll along a quiet reach the bay. beach with the dog, Norfolk The Holkham beaches are You can often walk along really does have it all. dog & horse friendly and are also popular spots for bird watchers too. An abundance of wildlife can be admired by those visiting in summer. Boasting over 45 miles of unspoilt coastline, no other district in the country has more blue flags than the East. Recipients of the flag means that the beaches are both completely clean and safe.

the coastline from beach to beach, opening up a world of possibilities for those with a sense of adventure.

norfolk

MUNDESLEY Quiet and idyllic, Mundesley’s sandy beach is lined with cliffs. Perfect for families wanting to escape the bustle of more popular resorts. It’s blue flag status also means it’s safe to swim, perfect for those wishing to take a dip. Mundesley is also home to the UK’s smallest museum - a quaint Maritime Museum that is also used as a coast gaurd look out.

Film fans may also recognise it as the beach that Gwyneth Paltrow walks along at the end of Shakespeare in Love.

BEACHES ON A BUDGET PARKING Parking by the seafront can often be crowded and is definitly pricey. Your best bet is to source out parking facilities further away from the beach and enjoy the walk. Lots of costal towns also have ‘all day’ car parks which can be a lot cheaper than paying by the hour.

To access the beach, you have weave your way through a towering pine forest - but it’s worth it. The view once you get to the other side is unrivaled. Miles of golden sand are lined with colourful beach huts, which provide refuge from costal winds. Many are available to rent over the summer months, but can set you back a pretty penny. There’s enough beach to set up camp happily without feeling crowded, so a wind breaker and a couple of deck chairs would do just fine. Like the rest of Holkham, the beach is dog-friendly and you’ll often see a few pups sporting beachy waves after a dip in the sea. The sea itself is a fair distance from the pine-

tree lined beach entrance, however the tide does come in to the sand dunes that sit proudly midway down the beach. GREAT YARMOUTH One of the great beaches of the Victorian era, Yarmouth is a strange hybrid of Vegas lights and palm tree shaped slushie cups. Whilst it’s a far cry from the serene nature of most Norfolk beaches, there’s a certain charm about it hidden somewhere inbetween the 2p machines. HUNSTANTON Sunny Hunny is one of the only east coast beach to be blessed with a western facing coastline. This shelters it from the sea breeze, making it perfect for sunny days by the water.

ENTERTAINMENT Many beach resorts have an arcade of two, which can be fun, but also mean sinking money into them with little return. Instead, why not take some bats and a ball? Rounders and cricket make for fantastic beach sports and are a great way to keep active on an otherwise relaxing trip.

WINTERTON Accessible by a singletrack road, Winterton is a family favourite, thanks to the baby seal cubs who call the vast beach their home. A must visit for anyone visiting the Norfolk coast in springtime.

BEACH HOPPING Thanks to it’s uniterrupted coastline, Norfolk is ideal for walking from beach to beach and town to town. Why waste petrol when you could explore 45 miles of coast by foot?

IMAGES: BY AUTHOR

WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA Located just a stones throw away from Holkham beach (and part of the Holkham Estate), Wells is one of Norfolks finest beaches.

FOOD Like trains, airports and venues, prices by the beach tend to be higher because, well, they can be, With little competition, many beach towns are able to capitilise on tourism. To avoid paying an arm and a leg, take your own food instead. Cool boxes are perfect for drinks in the hot weather and allow you greater freedom in where you want to set up camp along the shore.

Venice OF THE EAST As sea levels rose, the holes left by peat diggers swelled with water, changing the landscape and creating the Norfolk Broads. With ancient villages and settlements based around the former peat digging area, the Norfolk Broads make this particular area like Venice of the East.

There are, in fact, more miles of waterway than its Italian counterpart AND Amsterdam, both of which are renowned for their boat friendly landscapes.

you could experience them?

There are many companies, notably those based in Wroxham, that offer boat hire by the hour, day, week or (in some cases) more. This makes Norfolk the From small two man boats perfect area for people to yachts capable of housing wishing to find a little bit an extended family, there is of mainland Europe back something for everyone. home. Once you set sail, there are For those wanting to explore many places along the idyllic these vast waters, boat is by water “roads” to moor up far the best option. Due to and explore all that Norfolk’s marshy fields and endless quaint villages have to offer. woodland surrouning much There are many riverside of the broads, accessing pubs that offer food & drink it by car can be difficult. till late that can offer some Of course there are towns respite if some of your crew situated a long the riverside, should need it. but why observe them when For those after a pub lunch on the water, The Bridge Inn at Acle is ideal. Both dog & family friendly, mooring is free to customers. With a large beer garden and a large selection of Norfolk & Suffolk ales, it’s the perfect place to embrace the best bits of the quaint county. Sunday roasts and pub grub are also available for those of you who have worked up an appetite playing Captain for the day!

WORDS: GEORGINA MCLAREN IMAGE: © ACME, CRISTOBAL PALMA PHOTOGRAPHY | PIXABAY

12th Century Britain looked a lot different to today’s Britain. The East was one of the most densely populated areas and a need to source new fuel saw the peat digging industry take off. It was an unpleasant but lucrative industry, which lasted for two centuries.

Standard Day Boats are available for hire from £20 per hour or £126 per day via www.broadstours.co.uk

The Broads at Horsey

amsterdam IMAGES budapest 12

dublin

F I R E

48 TITLE PAGE

From hard crime investigations to eating leftovers, we all know that the first 48 hours can be crucial. The same can be said for visiting a new location, especially if that first 48 hours is all you have. Fancy taking on some of Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best loved hot spots? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got the first 48 covered. IMAGES PEXELS | HOLLY MCLAREN

Is the place of fairy tales, albeit slightly more Grimm Bros than Disney. An intricate maze of back streets and canals, Amsterdam offers everything you’d hope for and more. The city, famous for it’s Red Light District, attracts over 4.63 million tourists every year - and that’s before you count the 16 million day trippers who don’t fancy resting their heads in the

capital of the Netherlands. With an increase in British tourists over the last few years, thanks to its lax cannabis laws and cheap flights, it’s the perfect destination for a slightly offbeat weekend break.

Touchdown

options.

WORDS: HOLLY MCLAREN IMAGES: © GENERATOR HOSTELS | PEXELS | BY AUTHOR

AMSTERDAM

Once you land, I cannot stress enough how important it is to avoid the taxi rank outside the airport. Airport officials (who don’t look official at all) will point you in the right direction, but you’ll quickly be intercepted by independent taxi firms who will charge you a small fortune for a ride.

It’s a quick flight, no longer than one and a half hours, so going budget really is Going by rail is your best the best option. Rynair and option. Tickets from Schiphol Easyjet both offer low priced

Located in an old zoological uni building, the Generator Hostel is a hostel unlike any other. With bespoke furniture and possibly the funkiest wallpapers known to man, nothing about this feels budget. The building itself backs onto Oosterpark, a gorgeous park with ponds, play areas and picnic ammenities. It’s conveniently only a 5 minute walk from the Natura Artis Magistra Zoo, the oldest zoo in the Netherlands. The walk into the centre of Amsterdam takes about half an hour, so get familiar with the tramlines, or you could alternatively rent a bike and

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H o s te l , A m

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From around €10 p /h You can pick up a boat tour pretty much anywhere along the canals. There’s no better way than to explore the city, which has over 165 canals, with nearly 1300 bridges. The best are often driven by locals, with a fountain of knowledge to keep you entertained. Other ways to get around include pedal boats, bike hire and beerbikes, or even just by foot.

Natura Artis Magistra Zoo Entry €21.50 One of the oldest zoos in Europe, it also offers an aquarium and planetarium, which has a showing every hour. Home to over 900 species of animals, you can walk through a lemur garden, go to the ‘savannah’ or spend some time in the butterfly house. Whatever route you take, there’ll always be more to see.

Nightlife Pass €10 The nightlife pass is a must have for those ready to truly embrace the city that never sleeps. The pass offers free

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Sex Museum Entry €4 The red-light district is probably one of the biggest tourist attractions in Amsterdam, and how better to fully explore Amsterdam’s illustrious sexual history than the Sex Museum?! With super cheap entry, you can get round the museum in well under 45 minutes, but it’s a memory that will stay with (or haunt) you forever.

Museumplein Free The perfect place to kick back and relax, Museumplein is home to some of the cities finest musuems and a gorgeous park. It’s home to the ‘IAmsterdam’ letters, it’s the perfect photo opportunity. A couple minutes walk away from Vondelpark, Amsterdam’s answer to Hyde Park, it’s the ideal location to spend your final hours.

Canals

Where to stay

What to do

entry and shots to multiple bars across the city.Perfect for those wishing to bar hop, it also boasts free entry to Club Escape, located in Rembrandtplein. The pass also comes with loads of great offers, such as 2-4-1 and Uber discounts.

Airport to Amsterdam Centraal cost less than €5 and get you from A-B. Once at Centraal, you can get the tram to pretty much anywhere. A man I met while trying to find directions once pointed me towards tram line 5, as it’s incredibly easy to slip on and off without paying a fare (soz Amsterdam tram company). 48 hour tram tickets cost €12.50, whereas single day tickets cost €7.50 for unlimited travel during 24 hours.

48 hours in...

live like the locals

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h t D i s tr i c t

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Ireland is often romanticised, with tales of magical little men and lucky plants that exist amongst it’s vast green lands. Ed Sheeran famously met a girl outside a bar on Grafton Street, the same street that guy from The Script apparently proposed on. Shock alert: there are no bars on Grafton Street. There’s also no leprechauns and a lot less ginger haired people than you’d imagine. The ‘luck of the Irish’ however? Well, there’s only one way to find out.

Touchdown

Travelling from Birmingham, you can get return flights for as little as £30. Flights take a little over an hour and there are around 15 a day.

DUBLIN

Airport navigation is super easy, however it isn’t connected by railways. It’s the only ma jor European Oscar Wilde once said that ‘with freedom, books, airport without rail access but it is well connected by flowers, and the moon, who could not be happy?’. busses. You can get the The Irish-born poet could not have written a Airlink 474 bus route into sentence more perfectly suited to it’s capital, the city, which stops all over Dublin. Quiet and unassuming, Dublin is a capital the city and runs frequently throughout the day. like no other.

48 hours in... Finding a place to stay (especially at short notice) is harder than you’d think. The streets of the city are scattered with hostels and hotels, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a vacancy. Claiming to be the most central hostel in all of Dublin, Spire Hostel gets bonus points for location. The low-price accomdation also boasts free extras for travellers passing through, including breakfast, wifi, a city tour and social events

Another alternative is Kinlay House. Established over 25 years ago, the budget hostel has near perfected their offerings. Free wifi, breakfast, walking tours and later check out are great for those with odd flight times. Situated in the heart of Temple Bar, it’s the perfect place to stay if you’re after a true Dublin experience.

What to do

in colourful paints and shapes. If you have a spare hour or so, it’s well worth hunting out James Earley’s art on the Blooms Hotel.

River Liffey Free Flowing through the city centre, this iconic river is home to equally notable bridges. The Ha’Penny Bridge, who’s name originates from the toll that it previously collected, is adorned with love locks and wouldn’t look out of place in Paris.

The party vibe comes at a price, and unfortunately, it makes staying in Dublin on the pricier side. However, there are loads of alternatives to sinking a pint at local bar that are just as fun. It is a city full of art and quirky sights that will keep you entertained for hours as you explore.

e Te m p l e B a

Trinity College Free It’s absolutely free to walk round the grounds of Trinity College, Ireland’s most recognisable educational institute. Alumni include Samuel Beckett, Bram Stoker and Jonathan Swift. The grounds make the perfect back drop for an afternoon stroll.

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n y B ri d

Temple Bar Free One of the most iconic areas of the city, Temple Bar is known for it’s lively spirit. Much of Dublin has embraced street art, with buildings adorned

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fit

WORDS: HOLLY MCLAREN IMAGES: PEXELS | BY AUTHOR

Where to stay

on Saturday evenings, making it the ideal spot for solo travellers and party animals alike.

You can often fall into the trap of thinking that Budapest is just another party trip destination but it’s really far from the truth- You will barely see any rowdy revellers. Budapest is beautiful and has a lot of Gothic architecture as well as the Danube river flowing through it. The city is easy to get around with public transport, the food and drink is very affordable and there is plenty to do!

Touchdown

You can get flights from London Stansted to Budapest for as little as £17.99, which is cheaper than a meal deal at Dominoes. Alternatively, if you fancy the scenic route, you can get the train. This is a lot more expensive at about £80, however it allows you

more freedom for visiting other countries en route. The most convenient way to get into the city centre is via bus link, which are abvailable right outside the airport. It will cost you about €35.

Where to stay

Budapest is a city that is able to cater to all

budgets. Thankfully, due to the influx of stag parties, gap year travellers and solo adventurers, hostels and hotels are highly competitive. When staying in budapest on a budget, it is reccomended that you stay in Terézváros, one of the smallest yet most densely populated neighbourhoods in Budapest. Located on

BUDAPEST 18

WORDS: KATHRYN DUNNILL IMAGES: BY AUTHOR | PEXELS

48 hours in... the Pest side of the Danube, it’s a hive of activity. Less than one kilometre to the city centre lies Good Vibes Hostel. The hostel is close to everything you’d want to see on your trip from the city’s top sights and ruins bars, to the thermal baths and Chain Bridge. With

both

private

and

shared accommodation, it has the ability to cater for all. However, there are multiple districts to choose from meaning that there is something available for everyone, regardless of budget and interests.

What to do

Shoes on the Danube Memorial Free The shoes represent Jews shot by local fascist groups. The memorial has been designed so well you’d think they’d just dipped shoes into molten metal and let them set. It is small in the grand scheme of Budapest sights, but arguably has the biggest message.

Buda Castle Free Buda Castle is a short walk away from Fisherman’s Bastion and is also where you can find the funicular. The grounds are free to enter, but most of the buildings charge small fees. The funicular can be very expensive. Don’t be fooled by the ‘group ticket’ as it’s only for children between 10-15 years of age which is bizarre!

Heroes Square & City Park Free The park is lovely and peaceful on in the early morning and there are plenty of museums to walk around if you had the time. The park also houses the Széchenyi Thermal Bath but you would probably want to consider the weather before planning a trip to them.

THE

festival

WORDS: HOLLY MCLAREN IMAGE: PIXABAY

EDIT

There’s something about a festival atmosphere that you can’t quite replicate anywhere else. Whether it’s the mud adorned wellies that you traipse around in or the lack of fresh fruit and nutrients for three days running, nothing else compares. There’s a sense of unity with the thousands of people around you - you all know you have something in common that has led you to whichever retired farm grounds you’re standing in. However, it’s not just muddy music festivals that are special. The UK hosts thousands of small, local and niche festivals every year. Rich in diversity and accessible for all, you never know what you might find.

LADS HOLIDAYS ARE SO LAST YEAR...

8 reasons to fest instead

Some people think that lads holidays are equivalent to the independence of your first festival. Frankly, some people are wrong. Knee-deep in mud, sleeping for three hours (max) and drinking for breakfast to combat your hangover, British festivals can do a number on it’s attendees. Anyone who has experieced the likes of Reading & Leeds knows it’s not an experience to be taken lightly, and that there are many things to consider before stepping into the grounds; Which campsite provides ample entertainment, whilst still being quiet enough to sleep but close enough to the arena to not get lost? How many pairs of socks will I truly need? And how can I smuggle in a litre of Glenns to avoid paying £9 for a vodka coke? All fair and valid questions, but also all part of the fun. It’s these problem solving challenges that make festivals a rite of passage; a coming-of-age check point, if you will. Still not convinced? THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Seven days straight of drinking and hungover sunbathing can get a bit tedious. However, festivals have a wide variety of stages and activites, meaning that it’s pretty much impossible to become bored.

IT’S OVER IN THREE DAYS There’s nothing quite like sharing a room with your best mates and realising you could never live with them. From annoying habits to personal space issues, festivals have the luxury of only lasting a weekend.

FASHION Getting ‘bikini-ready’ is so 2015, but it doesn’t mean there isnt a lot of pressure with sunny holidays. Festivals on the other hand allow you to look like an absolute ragamuffin and no one will bat an eyelid.

YOU GET YOUR MONEY’S WORTH A festival ticket typically costs the equivalent of seeing four or fiver acts seperately. With hundreds of acts over mutliple stages and days, you will easily see triple that number

discover new music that you wouldn’t have heard otherwise. These new favourites often will become the soundtrack of your festival experience.

THE FOOD Who wants a greasy kebab on the side of the DISCOVERING YOUR road after one too many NEW FAVOURITE BAND spanish cocktails when you It’s also a great way to could have some of the best street food around? Festival food vans can be pricey, but it’s always top quality - festivals often charge a hefty rent to the trucks, so you know you’ll be getting the best of the best.

WORDS: HOLLY MCLAREN IMAGE: BY AUTHOR | PEXELS

LIFE LESSONS From holding your bladder for 12 hours to pitching a tent, festivals are the breeding ground of valuable life lessons.

YOU COULD LOOK AS HAPPY AS THIS.

Free UK festivals you cant miss

Bristol Balloon Fiesta

THE BEST FREE FESTIVALS IN THE UK

Festivals can sometimes come with a bit of a hefty price tag. From paying artists to ensuring the safety of attendees, they’re not cheap to run. However, the UK proudly boasts hundreds of free festivals perfect for the whole family. Whether you’re after a muddy field and an indie band or something a little more insta-worthy, we’ve got a run down of the best free festivals on offer in 2019.

WORDS: HOLLY MCLAREN IMAGES: © SIRCARRINGTON VIA WIKIMEDIA | BY AUTHOR | PEXELS

Godiva Festival

5-7 July The holy grail of free music festivals, Godiva fest is named after the Lady that famously rode nude around the centre of Coventry on horseback. Just as bold, Godiva festival is recognised as the UK’s largest free family festival. Based in the city’s historic War Memorial Park, the three-day event offers great live music, family entertainment, international food and drink, craft village and children’s fun fair This year is bound to be no exception, with headliners such as Busted having already been announced.

Coventry Moto Fest

1 & 2 June Another on the list for Coventry, the MotoFest is one of the biggest free motor festivals in the UK, with a range of fast-paced track action, where much of the ring road and city centre will be taken over by supercars, rally cars and classic motors. It’s central location and easy transport routes mean that Coventry is the ideal place to host such a festival - not to mention that Coventry is also the UK home of the motor car. From state of the art Tesla’s to well-loved vintage cars, there is something here for everyone. There’s also live music, activities and hundreds of stalls, meaning you don’t have to be a car nut to attend.

Bristol Balloon Fiesta

WORDS: HOLLY MCLAREN IMAGES: © SASASTRO VIA FLICKR | © ROSSOGRAPHER VIA GEOGRAPH | BY AUTHOR

8 - 11 August The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons, attracting over 130 hot air balloons from across the globe. You can watch the balloons take flight at dawn and dusk as well as night-glows, where balloons light up the night sky in time to music. Sponsored by Classic.FM, watching hot air balloons at sunrise to classical music is something that has to be seen to be believed. The mass ascents in the morning mean getting up early - they aim to start at 6am - but it’s well worth it. The Ashton Court grounds are open all day to the public, with trade stands and food stalls, meaning there’s no need to skip breakfast. They also have display shows throughout the day, where balloons are inflated but do not take flight - these can include a giant Bertie Basset, a vintage Virgin airways plane and a fire hydrant, just to name a few.

Out There Festival

14 - 15 September Held in Great Yarmouth, a seaside town with a rich circus history, the Out There Festival brings you some of the world’s finest circus and street arts performers. Typically attracting more than 50,000 people, the festival blends iconic international acts and the finest UK performers with massive amounts of community participation, family fun and lots of hands-on things to do. IMAGE CREDIT: SASASTRO VIA FLICKR

Culture Night Belfast

20 - 21 September Having just celebrated it’s tenth year, Culture Night Belfast is a cultural celebration and a colourful showcase of the very best of Belfast. With over 250 family friendly free events, happenings, exhibitions and performances in the spaces and places throughout the city, there truly is something for the whole family.

the NEW nomads

With an increasing number of people chosing alternative methods of travel, shoestring meets those adopting ‘van life’. AS TOLD TO Holly McLaren

IMAGE PIXABAY

“

I NEVER PLANNED ON BUILDING A VAN and I never thought it would look the way it does. There was a time that it was just a mattress in an empty van. I ‘finished’ building the van about three times, however I kept having ideas and bringing them to life. I never wanted to finish because I had so much fun building it.

I am also lucky to have two [of my] best friends living The freedom [is what here in new Zealand, so I appealed to me the most], could stay at theirs while waking up knowing you building the van, which have the world at your feet - made the process a lot especially in a small country easier. like new Zealand, where the landscape is so diverse. You The key feature for me is can go from a hip surf town, the memory foam mattress. to the rock mountains so It’s what makes this camper quickly with no hassle, while van feel like a home. At finding the best camp spots night, when you’re warm in in and amongst nature. A the blankets, the fairy lights hotel or hostel rarely offer are on and you’re watching your favourite Netflix show, that for budget travellers. surrounded by the beautiful New Zealand nature… it BUILDING THE couldn’t feel more homely. I DREAM love that feeling. Building the van was such an exciting time for me. I knew that I wanted the wooden HITTING THE effect inside - that’s all I ROAD could picture when I was I would be so limited without thinking about the finished the van, only being able to project. stay in travel-friendly towns. My van started off very basic in my head... I never planned on it going this far

I’d be googling what to do in a town or city, but now I can just drive and see what I can find in nature. Thanks to

Danny Thurston @ danny_thurston

Van Toyota Hiace 1991

Since November 2018

Starting Point Tauranga, New Zealand

Current Location Waihi Beach, New Zealand

IMAGES: DANNY THURSTON

“In my head, I was happy with the idea of a car and hostels. The idea [of travelling in a van] was put into my head by my friend Shae. Two days later, I saw the van in Tauranga, It looked a bit beaten up and tired, but I had to try to make this vision come to life and that’s when the journey started.

this, I have come across the best waterfalls and beaches - I see them on the map and just drive. It’s given me the opportunity to explore these locations. If you’re travelling by bus then you won’t be able to experience them so vividly. Camping in these locations are the nights I will remember forever. You can’t just camp anywhere in New Zealand, as its illegal to freedom camp, however if it’s in a discrete location and nobody else is being affected, I don’t see the harm - just leave a place how you found it. It’s a such a unique experience then and those are the nights I live for.

When the fairy lights are on, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re watching your favourite Netflix show and are surrounded by the beautiful New Zealand nature...

I LOVE THAT FEELING

OVERCOMING THE OBSTACLES There are two main problems a lot of people run into at some point during their van life experience. The first (and hardest) is loneliness. I have always been good with just my own company, however after I was joined for three weeks by my friend Olivia, I had a really hard time adjusting back to just being in my own company once she left.

IMAGES: DANNY THURSTON

Spending every minute with somebody for three weeks straight to then having nobody is something I really struggled with. I decided that I needed to camp in busier places and, after a few days of being down, I had met some amazing people and I was back to being me again. Around every corner and on every camp site is a conversation so you’re only lonely if you choose to be.

so much stronger being in WORDS OF that environment. Van life is definitely a make or break WISDOM My advice would be just do situation for couples. it. That goes for whatever you’re planning or dreaming CRUNCHING THE of doing: Do it.

NUMBERS

I find budgeting really easy in the van, as fuel and food is the biggest expense. You don’t have much else to worry about. I enjoy Hiking and just exploring so that doesn’t cost much.

The second is the intensity of van life. This is particularly true for those travelling in couples or with friends. I met Olivia in Bali and we decided to travel the south Island together for three It’s been an investment, weeks. instead of paying for travel The little things build up a and accommodation along lot quicker - it’s hard to have the way, it’s a big hit at a break from each other the start, however when it while living so closely, and comes to selling the van I we found ourselves arguing will get a nice figure back over pointless things. and then it would have However, when we looked at saved me thousands. Living where we were and realised in the van long term, as how lucky we were to be some travllers choose to experiencing this together do, would certainly save a and it made our friendship lot of money in regards to

It sounds basic but it’s always the hardest part. Once you’re out of your comfort zone, you’ll be surprised how quickly you learn, adapt and grow. The more you step out of your comfort zone, the bigger it grows and the easier all aspects of life get. You’re afraid to do less, meaning you can jump into new experiences with no anxiety giving you a more enjoyable life altogether and when things do go wrong - which they will - you’re able to just chill out. It’s probably happened to someone before, and there is always a friendly face happy to help.”

IMAGES: JORDAN BENTLEY

IT’S THE FREEDOM I LOVE THE MOST Jordan Bentley Bluvie

@ jordanbentley__ www.bohobentley.com

Van Vauvhall Movano Medium Wheel Base

Since

“Travelling in a van appealed to me more than other forms of travel because, not only do I have my home and possessions with me wherever I go, It’s also my studio so I can do my work in the most beautiful places. You also see so much more on the road, and get more of a feel for a place when you travel in a campervan.

April 2017

Starting Point Eastboune, UK

Current Location Andalusia, Spain

You can park in the most stunning places, whether it be on the coast, next to mountains, lakes or even cities. Whatever you fancy, you can go with the flow. If

the weather’s not that great or if you’re ready for a new adventure, you can move on at your own leisure and speed.

It’s the freedom I love the most, being able to pick and choose wherever we want to go and having the comforts of our home as we go.

THE JOURNEY SO FAR We ([my boyfriend] Luke and I) now live full time in Bluvie, after packing up our house and placing all our belongings into storage back in Wales. We will be travelling around Europe for a whole year before we have to return for Bluvie’s annual MOT. So far Bluvie has taken us firstly around UK where it all began, I then took my best friend Rosie with me around Ireland and Scotland before the conversion was finished and when we had it completed, Luke and I hit the road to Spain and Portugal last year. This year we left from the UK on a ferry to France, then headed through Spain to Portugal, and we are now exploring southern Spain. We are loving it so far... Andalusia is so beautiful.

BRINGING BLUVIE TO LIFE We bought her from a van dealership in Eastbourne, UK in April 2017 as an empty shell, her former life was a working van, so I was glad to give her a new lease of life. We had her converted by the amazing Campervan Craftsman, Joe Clarke, who I found through Ebay, where he was selling one of his newly converted camper vans, and I fell in love with his work. Joe converted Bluvie to the beautiful camper she is today, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where our wonderful journey began. The conversion was completed in three months and was finished in January 2018, just before Joe left for New Zealand, where he now lives and converts campers. We were lucky being his last UK clients. The one thing I was set on having, was a fitted bed, heating system, lots of storage, a hidden portaloo and solar panels. We had our electrics fitted by our friend and electrician Rob Allsopp who did an excellent job and also did our solar set up. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been amazing to be able to charge up our laptops, camera gear, mobile phones and be completely self sufficient wherever we go.

FUNDING THE FANTASY I [don’t find living in the van] hard at all, the only thing that is difficult at times is maintaining the van, it can be quite costly when things need fixing. Our last MOT cost nearly £1000 so it hasn’t been cheap, but it’s worth it. I am definitely more money wise since living full time in the van and becoming nomadic. Budgeting has definitely become easier, and we give ourselves a weekly amount to spend. Most of our costs are on food and fuel.

IMAGES: JORDAN BENTLEY

We cook our own meals and don’t stay in campsites so that saves us a lot of money. My advice to anyone who would like to live this lifestyle is to work hard and save. We worked hard for a year, saving until we could afford the van and conversion of our dreams. Before I bought my van I hired one in Spain to test it out. It was a VW T5, and after staying in that I knew I wanted a high top roof as I kept banging my head every time I got out of bed, and I knew that I wanted a fixed bed as the fold out one was a pain after a while.

thing we’ve ever done and i’ve never felt so free and able to live the life I want. And always remember that that if you want something you will achieve it!

we feel so strongly about pollution and the damage it does to our environment and the animals.

If you’re going to camp somewhere, please be kind to the land and leave no CLEAN BEACHES, trace. We see so much used CLEAN CONSCIOUS toilet roll and plastic littered On Earth Day, Luke and I everywhere, it’s awful! did a big beach clean up, and the amount of rubbish It’s no wonder some of the and plastic we collected locals get angry (but that’s was crazy, but it was great a whole other story)! We’ve to leave the beach cleaner heard that peoples tyres than how we found it. have been slashed from

So my best advice would be to try before you buy, get a feel for a van and what your needs are and then do some research, on what vans suit your needs. It may take time getting there like it did for We tend to do this locals, so we’ve had to avoid us, but once you have it its everywhere we go now, as certain areas which is a shame. “ amazing! It’s been the best

Gary & Bec @ we_who_roam www.we-who-roam.com

Van 2008 Mercedes Sprinter 315CDI

Since January 2018

Starting Point Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

Current Location Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

WE ALWAYS HAVE SOMEWHE RE WHERE WE FEEL WE BELONG “We love adventuring and exploring, but we’re also homebodies - the idea that after a long day out we can retreat to a place that is our home, our space, and not some motel room or backpackers, was the biggest draw [of van life]. We can take our home wherever we go this way, and we always have somewhere where we feel we belong.

and room to move inside the van. We could have fitted in a lot more storage if we really wanted to, but the open feeling was not something we were willing to sacrifice. We also wanted a TV as watching movies together has always been one of our favourite ways to unwind at the end of the day.

The everyday things you never thought about before PRACTISE MAKES (like taking a shower, going PERFECT to the bathroom) suddenly We did the entire conversion become the big things. ourselves in our mates backyard over the course Finding places to sleep each of 12 months (whilst both evening is probably the working 6 days a week!) - it trickiest part of van living, was exhausting but worth it especially in very built up in the end. We didn’t have areas where sleeping in your any prior DIY experience, we vehicle is frowned upon. just figured it out as we went. We’re both perfectionists, so every decision was a ANYWHERE CAN BE nightmare, but it meant the HOME result was even better than Despite the vans size, we’ve rarely felt restricted on we’d hoped. where we can go. Cities are We knew from the start we the trickiest, but we’re not wanted a fixed queen sized usually big city folk anyway bed, lots of bench space and prefer places with less

IMAGES: GARY & BEC @WE_WHO_ROAM

Big Red

“TAKE A CHANCE, AND IT MIGHT JUST TURN OUT TO BE THE BEST THING YOU’VE EVER DONE.”

IMAGES: GARY & BEC @WE_WHO_ROAM

people, so it’s not usually an When that happens one of issue. us might go for a walk, or go fishing, or one of us might Living in the van has meant read a book whilst the other we can experience places at watches a movie. times that a regular traveller might not get to witness, EXPERIENCES OVER like watching the sunrise at a usually busy tourist spot, EXPENSES or waking up in snow, or on Our expenses are certainly a lot less thanks to no rent top of a mountain. or utility bills, but obviously The van always feels very fuel bills do add up!

saved about $17,000 just from not paying rent.

DIVE IN

If you’re thinking about it, DO IT. Take a deep breath and dive in. It might turn out to not be for you, and that’s okay, you gave it a go, but what’s worse is not going for it and always regretting it. It sounds clichéd but you only have one life, and it’s welcoming, but sometimes not there so you can play it we need a short break from In the time since moving safe.” into the van, we would have each other!

Dylan, Kallie, Lincoln & Zephyr Nelly

@ civilian.life

Van 1984 Nissan Civilian (22-seater bus)

Since July 2018

Starting Point Adelaide, Australia

Current Location

THERE WILL BE SET BACKS, HARD TIMES AND SACRIFICES BUT IT JUST MAKES THE GOOD TIMES THAT MUCH BETTER

Adelaide, Australia

With vanlife, your life is all that more flexible. Travelling costs are cheaper as we are completely self-contained, so we are able to utilise free camps. With doing so we don’t have to work, and this appealed to us as we wanted to spend as much time as possible with our kids (Lincoln and Zephyr, 4 months) growing up.

We’ve managed to visit places we otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford. You still have a few

IMAGES: DYLAN & KALLIE BERGAMASCHI

“We returned from a holiday to Canada and Hawaii and got the instant travel bug but how is travelling possible cost wise? We went from both working full time, renovating a home we never spent time in and trying to find the time to spend with our toddler (Lincoln, 4). We quickly found the usual society norm wasn’t for us which led us to purchasing the bus.

regular bills and a surprise expense every now and again but there is much less coming in and going out which makes it much easier to manage. Travelling in a bus gives you so many more options and the flexibility of places to visit. We often found ourselves moving on from locations that we really looked forward to and staying in places we didn’t expect, and the bus allows us to do that.

SELF-SUFFICIENCY IS KEY We love that the bus is completely self-sufficient where we live off grid, this meaning we have never had to plug into another power source but the sun.

Living in the bus has made us realise how little possessions you really need when you get to experience raw wholesome places that make your heart feel so full.

we decided to spend the summer indoors. In this situation we were lucky enough to have a spare room at Dylan’s parents’ house. To be honest if we take a break from the van, We have truly become our we actually miss the vanlife better selves living in the more than ‘normal’ life. bus. Luckily for the first couple of You become more aware months we were able to use of your surroundings, our pull-out table as a bed environment and the impact frame for Zephyr’s bassinet. you have. From this we have learnt to be as sustainable Now that he’s out grown as possible and minimize the bassinet we are our possessions. dreaming up new ways to accommodate another little body which isn’t easy but NEW PASSENGER its not impossible either and ON BOARD we love a challenge. We have recently taken a two month break from We believe kids become the bus as we welcomed more cultured and aware our Newborn Zephyr and through travelling, they it was so hot in Adelaide,

learn from play and what they see. Vanlife offers a life full of adventure, sharing, community, and we get to watch them flourish and grow in this environment. [The best part of sharing this experience with them is] seeing the world through their eyes and opening up their minds to the world that surrounds us. So far we have travelled the whole East Coast of Australia, covering 11000kms. Our time in the bus has bought us closer together as a family and taken us to places we couldn’t even imagine, [such as ] Daintree Rainforest. We packed up our home, quit both our fulltime jobs and just went for it. There will be set backs, hard times and sacrifices but it just makes the good times that much better. One of our favourite sayings is ‘less comfort, more life’ and it’s all the more relevant with families. Do it! Honestly nothing is stopping you.”

IMAGES: DYLAN & KALLIE BERGAMASCHI

THIS LIFE IS ALL ABOUT GETTING USED TO LIVING WITH LESS & BEING HAPPY ABOUT IT

@ vancognito

Van 1990 Ford OKanagan

Since Summer 2014

Starting Point Portland, Oregon

Current Location Eugene, Oregon

This is actually our second van, the first was a standard 1989 Ford Econoline. We purchased it from someone who did the conversion himself, so it was a little rough, but it was home. We took that van all over the country and really learned a lot about how to live with less. This past September we upgraded to our current rig which is a class b which is basically an rv on a van body.

our things, and being in close quarters. At least we can rent storage space to help with one of those issues, the other is a little more complex. In an apartment when your significant other is driving you crazy you can go to another room. In a van, not so much. So I think just learning to have someone in your personal space all the time was the hardest adjustment. My advice for other people looking to get into van life is to rent a van for a week and see how it goes. This life is all about getting used to living with less and being happy about it. Go through your house or apartment and really think about each item you own. Do you absolutely NEED it? If not, then donate it or sell it.

Once you’re left with your absolute necessities, then rent a van for a week and go on an adventure. You might find that a lot of the “stuff” you thought you needed isn’t really needed after all. Once you get back home, The hardest adjustments do the whole process again, have been scaling down and then get your van.”

IMAGES: SPARKY HAZARD

Sparky Hazard & Dusty Dybevik

“We chose to build a home on wheels because we were sick of paying so much in rent every month. In Portland Oregon studio apartments can start at 1,200 a month which is just absurd to me. We are both 38 years old and we decided that we should be enjoying our lives to the fullest, not slaving away at work just to blow it all for a roof over our heads We are big fans of alternative ways of living and even living on a boat for a while, but van life is still the best.

IT’S ALWAYS BEEN A DREAM OF OURS... IT WAS WORTH DREAMING ABOUT!

@ youandme.lost

Van Kia Pregio 2004

Since July 2018

Starting Point Sydney, Australia

Current Location Gold Coast, Australia

Living in a van is cheap, ecological and gives us alot of time to spend outdoors. Showering [can be] tough at times and sometimes our morning routine takes extra long because we need to find public toilets or showers. Washing dishes can also be teadious but it really depends on what you decide to cook.

After Adelaide we headed to magical Melbourne and stayed to work for a while. Our parents joined us to do the Great Ocean Road and to go to Sydney once again. We reminisced all the places we saw when we Get a big tank for water started our journey many would be one. We’d rather months back. have spent the time we used filling our tiny ~10 litre It’s always been a dream of tank doing something nice. ours and it was definately worth dreaming about. Also get a good solar kit!”

IMAGES: ANDREI & SU LING @YOUANDME.LOST

Andrei & Su Ling

“We bought our baby in Sydney and drove up the east coast of Australia to Cairns. We then headed to Adelaide through the outback (and Uluru).

IT JUST PERFECTLY SUITS OUR NEEDS FOR LESS & WE LOVE THAT WE ARE SO FREE

Andi & Kathi @ salty.roamers

Van 1990 Ford OKanagan

Since October 2018

Starting Point Austria

Current Location Portugal

ocean, with our surfboards, and loved the idea of having a home. We’ve both been backpacking two years with no “home“ before that. And we knew we wanted to continue traveling. It was We always stay close to the just the perfect solution for ocean so we spent a month us! in southern Portugal and Spain before we explored Moving around in a tiny Morocco for 10 weeks space with two people [is beginning of this year. the hardest adjustment]. You have to be careful Since we are back in with opening a drawer or Europe we are in Portugal something when the other again. We simply love it one is close. Also the toilet, here. In between, we work it is constantly breaking… as freelancers and Kathi but apart from that we as a yoga teacher and we really enjoy it. It is very spend most of our time in convenient in comparison the water or outdoors. to backpacking! It just perfectly suits our needs for less and we love that we are so free and meet lovely like minded people.

Good preparation and take time to find the right car. Think of what you need and build according to that, not to what you think looks good.

We wanted to be able to work and travel, close to the Functionality is key.”

IMAGES: ANDI & KATHI @SALTY.ROAMERS

“First Andi was in the Van by himself, and when Kathi joined we started to really work on our own projects, which has been going good.

@ tallmaninavan

Van Ford Transit

Since July 2018

Starting Point Baltimore, MD

Current Location San Francisco, CA

“I left Baltimore with my van partially built, and a whole bunch of tools and parts jammed inside including my solar panel. I’ve slowly been building in various driveways, farms, parking lots, and everywhere in between.

I spent six years in the United States Air Force seeing the world... I built a van to see America. The hardest adjustment is finding places to park, but when you figure it out, it becomes easy.

I then headed West and For anyone that is thinking now Its time to finish the about moving into a van, do van and explore this coast it!”

IMAGES: SAM @TALLMANINAVAN

Sam Ausden

I SPENT 6 YEARS IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE SEEING THE WORLD... I BUILT A VAN TO SEE AMERICA

SRPRS.ME x shoestring

Wrocław WORDS & IMAGES HOLLY MCLAREN & HENRY LEWIS

shoestring tried & tested SRPRS.ME so that you didn’t have to - but it may just make you want to!

There’s always been something about chosing a random flight at an airport that has appealed to me. The spontaneity, the freedom or perhaps just the thrill of a gamble all lend themselves perfectly to SRPRS.ME trips. Taking the pressure of planning away from us, SRPRS.ME are a dutch company who let you choose your dates, airport and desired reigon of Europe but nothing else. Using a scratchcard, you find out your destination at the airport!

weather in England. We deduced pretty early on we weren’t going to the south and hoped we’d be futher away than the west.

open, but hoping our hotel booking details would be sent through electronically instead once we landed. Thankfully, our boarding passes weren’t electronic, so we had a slightly more ‘traditional’ grand reveal. We peeled back the top of our envelope slowly and saw...

Arriving at the airport, slightly burry eyed from our 4am start, we realised that we had made a detrimental mistake. We had our little black envelope, with our booking details in it, but had Wrocław forgotten to bring along our scratchcard! With this in mind, we were quite glad it We like to think of ourselves had been left to somebody as intelligent people, but for a good half an hour, we else. thought it was an alternative We had checked our We sent a frantic email spelling of Warsaw. We weather forecast and it to HQ, knowing it was too were wrong - but incredibly seemed to align with the early for their office to be excited.

Aparthotel Bike Up

Finding our hotel was a mission to say the least. Hidden down a back ally, we ended up walking round the block a few times and were greeted with what looked to be like an apartment block still in construction. However, we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been more pleasantly surprised when we entered our room. It had a crisp, loft appartment feel to it, complete with a huge bed and quirky accents, including step ladder side tables and a light fitting made from an old bike frame. Tucked in the corner was a modern kitchenette, allowing for cosy mornings in bed with cheese toasties. Windows filled an entire wall, but the black out blinds let us sleep in peace, ready for a day of exploring. With the city centre only a 10 minute walk away, we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have chosen any better ourselves.

Once we had got our bearings, we decided to text Aleks, a friend of ours who had grown up in Poland, for suggestions of what to do Instantly, she told us we had to go and see the Panorama of the Battle of Racławice.

A momunteal 360 degree painting, you are surrounded by a battle taking place during the Kościuszko Uprising. The art is mixed medium, meaning the foreground is comprised of real trees, carts and other details. It is truly a one of a kind painting and one of the few preserved relics of it’s kind from the 19th century. Entry only costs 30PLN (just

over £6) and also gives you access neighbouring museums, including the National Museum. Another recommendation was the Old Town Market Square. The medieval market square is one of the largest in Europe. However, the quaint buildings make it seem a lot cosier than it is. One of Poland’s less known delicacies is ice cream. Rivaling that of the Italians, it’s creamy yet elastic texture is unlike aything I’d ever had before. During our stay, we frequented Amorino’s, which is right on the corner of the Market Square. Whilst there, you probably will have already noticed the little gnomes lurking about. What started as a show of solidarity Orange Alternative, an anti-Soviet resistance movement born in Wrocław that helped topple Poland’s oppressive communist regime in the 1980s.

There are now hundreds dotted around the city, from gnomes riding lions to cheeky desert thieves smuggling cake from Amorino’s to beer-bellied drunk gnomes having a lie down outside bars. They

are, perhaps the perfect emobdiment of Wrocław cheeky, charming & fun yet strong, resilient and full of character. Wrocław is a city that was made to be exploredThere’s something fun and interesting round each corner, and, if not, there’ll definitely be a gnome or two!

NEW YORK

There’s something magical about New York. While many would agree that it is, in fact, a concrete jungle, it somehow feels like that’s how it was always meant to be. The hustle and the bustle of the city that never sleeps is infectious, meaning even a short trip can be filled to the brim with activities. The desirable location comes with a price, though. The cost of living in Manhattan was 138.6% above the U.S. average in 2018, making it the most expensive city in the country, according to a Kiplinger survey. This is naturally reflected in the prices tourists will pay for the privilege of experiencing this adult playground.

WORDS & IMAGES HOLLY MCLAREN

However, that doesn’t mean it’s off limits to those travelling on a budget. Once you’ve got your airfare and accommodation sorted, there’s plenty of ways to live your Chuck Bass lifestyle on Dan Humphrey’s budget.

shoestring have rounded up our favourite cost-efficient alternatives to the NYC tourist staples.

TRADE: ELLIS ISLAND FOR: A SUNSET BOAT TOUR The best way to view Lady Liberty is from the water and a sunset tour makes it all the more special. If you walk towards the harbour, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll come across an abudance of touts trying to flog tickets. The later it is in the day, the more likely they are to do a discount price, because every bit of commision helps. With on board bars and a great group of friends, a sunset boat tour around this iconic monument will easily be a highlight of your trip.

TRADE: BROADWAY FOR: A COMEDY CLUB It’s no secret that Broadway is pricey, even with discounted tickets on the day of shows. Just a stones throw away on Times Square is Carolines, an icnoic comedy club which has hosted every one from Kevin Hart to Ricky Gervais. Tickets start relatively cheap, but often come with a two drink surcharge - which still makes it over half the price of a Broadway show! TRADE: CITY TOURS FOR: SIGHTSEEING IN TIMES SQUARE One of the best things about New York is how much there is to discover. Every block holds a new charm, experience or opportunity. Times Square is a must see - although it’s pretty hard to miss! The best views (and busiest crowds) come at night, but it’s well worth the bustle to see it in all it’s LED glory.

TRADE: THE ROCKEFELLA CENTRE FOR: A ROOFTOP BAR 230 Fifth boasts one of the best uninterrupted views of the empire state building. Paired with some well priced cocktails, free entry and rooftop igloos to keep you warm, it’s only natural to channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw. If you’re after a more chilled out scene, there are plenty of Irish bars dotted throughout the city. Carragher’s Pub is dedicated to Liverpool FC legend Jamie Carragher and is full of memoribilia to make you feel at home.

TRADE: GALLERIES FOR: STREET ART New York is full of street art. Visually interesting and offering a dynamic take on an otherwise concrete city, it turns the buildings into art galleries themselves. The World Trade Centre Memorial has some of the cities most vibrant visuals that are definitely worth the trip downtown.

S E C A P OM

WORDS HOLLY MCLAREN IMAGES PIXABAY

From Bali to Bangkok, South East Asia dominated last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s travel trends. With a rise in eco-conscious travellers and time being on as much of a budget as money, shoestring brings you the travel trends to keep you ahead of the crowds. 60

micro-trips

PURPOSE Over half (56 percent) of all globe trotters believe that they have learned invaluable skills from their travels. From work placements to bucket list checking, a belief system of experience over material items will see an increase in travellers with purpose.

Eastern Europe

There’s something incredibly alluring about spontaneous weekend breaks and city trips. The affluent, jet-setter lifestyle it portrays feels so attainable yet so out of reach. It’s the ‘I shouldnt be here’ thought process that makes them so enjoyable. With Ryanair flights from Stanstead as cheap as £4.99 across Europe, why not skip the artisan coffee for a week and book flights instead? Go straight from work on Friday, get a late flight in on Sunday and make all your co-workers green with envy.

More often than not, despite being slightly longer flights from the UK, Eastern European destinations are significantly cheaper than their western counterparts. This is true for flight prices, accommodation and general spending money needed. Paired with less tourists and gorgeous architecture, it’s the perfect form of escapism. Budapest, Hungary is already fast becoming Brits best loved cheap get away, but for those wanting something a little different, try Poland or Maldova.

EXPLORE

MAXIMISE

The destinations you need to book ASAP

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never

THE BEST BUDGET DESTINATIONS YOU’VE

THOUGHT OF WORDS HOLLY MCLAREN

Morocco, Africa

With flights from London as cheap as £8.99 (Ryanair), Rabat is the perfect getaway. The capital is vastly cheaper than popular Marrakesh, but offers charm, a Kasbah and a picturesque beach.

Rabat, MOROCCO

Serbia, Europe One of Europe’s best kept secrets, Serbia has everything to ensure un unforgettable trip. The streets of Belgrade are filled with restaurants, while the river boasts bars on water. Whilst there, Drvengrad is well worth a visit. The entire village was built by a Serbian film maker for a film and has since become a recognised community.

Ukraine, Europe Fast becoming one of the most popular places for budget European travellers, Ukraine has all the charm of Poland without the bustle. If you’re on a shoestring, you can get by for as little a £15 a day, including accommodation.

Lviv, UKRAINE 62

IMAGES PIXABAY

Belgrade, SERBIA

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