Tag: Accommodation

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Germany in May

In Europe, May is probably the most beautiful month of Spring. Sure, the weather is not reliable, but the warm and sunny days are gorgeous, allowing for outdoor activities and exploring the cities.

Weather & temperatures

May falls during spring, which is know for being pretty unreliable when it comes to the weather. But , the flowers are in bloom, the parks are green and the days are warmer and longer.

The best way to prepare for this weather is to pack layers. And don’t forget an umbrella or a waterproof coat.

Sample temperatures

Berlin avg high 18C; avg low 7C
Dusseldorf avg high 18C ; avg low 8C
Frankfurt avg high 18C ; avg low 8C
Hamburg avg high 16C; avg low 7C
Munich avg high 17C ; avg low 6C

>>read more about Weather in Germany

Flights and accommodation

May falls during spring when the prices for both airfare and accommodation start to go up in spring although they aren’t as high as during the summer. It’s still a good idea to make the reservations some months in advance.

Things to do

Kick off the start of the grilling season in Europe with Labor Day (May 1), a public holiday when everyone loves to spend time in nature. You can pack a picnic basket or just enjoy a day at the beer hall with friends.

Or, you can put on your walking shoes and explore Munich at your own pace. Do some people watching, visiting some churches and soak up the atmosphere.

>>read more about Things to do in Munich

Head to Bonn on May 5 for Rhine in Flames, a festival during which the Rhine valley is illuminated by fireworks.

Or go to Hamburg for the annual celebration of the harbor (3 days festival in mid-May). The festival features dragon boat races and a parade of historic ships.

By the end of the month make sure to be Berlin for the Carnival of Cultures , a four day street fair with exotic food and drinks and of course, parties. The highlight is the parade on Sunday when you can see colorful costumes.

And while here you can take a walking tour of the city, walk by the Berlin Wall, visit a museum or spend time in the park.

>>read more about Things to do in Berlin

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Germany in April

April falls during spring, an excellent time to visit Germany. The weather gets warmer , there are spring festivals and Easter celebrations taking place.

Weather & temperatures

Even if the weather is a bit cold (still), as soon as the sun comes out, the locals go to the parks to enjoy the new season. Spring is generally a time when the weather cannot be predicted and April makes no exceptions. It can turn from sunny to rainy in no time.

The best way to prepare for this weather is to pack layers. And don’t forget an umbrella or a waterproof coat.

Sample temperatures

Berlin avg high 12C; avg low 2C
Dusseldorf avg high 14C ; avg low 5C
Frankfurt avg high 13C ; avg low 3C
Hamburg avg high 11C; avg low 2C
Munich avg high 11C ; avg low 2C

>>read more about Weather in Germany

Flights and accommodation

The prices for both airfare and accommodation start to go up in spring but they aren’t as high as during the summer. It’s a good idea to make the reservations some months in advance, particularly if you want to travel during Easter (when the local kids have their Spring break).

Things to do

Almost during the entire month of April , Frankfurt is home to the Spring Fair , one of the largest folk festivals in the region. It dates from the 14th century when it was a medieval market. Today it’s famous for the rides and roller coasters. The fireworks are interesting, too.

Also in Frankfurt, take advantage of the Long Night at the Museum (Apr 21) to visit the city’s museums and art galleries with a single ticket (during the night, of course).

The next week (Apr 28) it’s time for the Long Night of Music in Munich, where you can go to various concerts during the entire night using a single ticket (€15 euros).

>>read more about Things to do in Munich

For five days in April (Apr 18 to 22) , Cologne is home to the Art Cologne, the country’s leading art fair. You can see sculptures, paintings, video art, photography, etc.

You can also plan to visit Berlin an take a walking tour of the city, walk by the Berlin Wall, visit a museum or spend time in the park.

>>read more about Things to do in Berlin

Should you plan to visit Germany for the Easter 2013, plan your vacation between March 30 and April 1 (of course, longer if you have available time). Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays so expect everything to be closed (but you can certainly enjoy some time in the nature or walking in the cities).

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Germany Planning a Trip Things to Do Transportation

Germany in June

June is the first month of summer, the most popular time to visit Germany. The weather is warm , the festivals are in full swing and the tourists aren’t avoiding the country. It’s an exciting time to plan for outdoor activities, too.

Weather & temperatures

The days are long and sunny. But summer also means the rainfall is high, so pack an umbrella if you travel in June. The warmest weather is in Southern Germany.

Sample temperatures

Berlin avg high 21C; avg low 11C
Dusseldorf avg high 21C ; avg low 11C
Frankfurt avg high 21C ; avg low 11C
Hamburg avg high 19C; avg low 10C
Munich avg high 20C ; avg low 10C

>>read more about Weather in Germany

Flights and accommodation

June kicks off the most expensive time to visit Germany. The prices for both airfare and accommodation start to go up in June and won’t come down until September. To get the best rates, book the flight and accommodation some months in advance.

Things to do

In early June (until June 10, 2012), Halle an der Saale is home to the Handle Festival, which pays tribute to the German composer. You can listen to international musicians playing his work.

But while you are here, don’t miss visiting the Giebichenstein Castle, located on a hill above Saale river. There are also remains of two fortifications to see and many wonderful churches. The city is located just 177 km from the capital of Berlin.

>>book a flight to Berlin

If you prefer to visit Berlin, make sure to be here for the longest day of the year (June 21) when the Fete de la Musique takes place in the city. The festival offers every type of music you might want to hear.

Or stay longer – until the end of the month – to attend the Berlin Gay Parade. The festivities take place in the district of Schoeneberg and in Tiergarten park.

If you are looking for “tamer” activities in Berlin , take a walking tour of the city, walk by the Berlin Wall, visit a museum or spend time in the park.

>>read more about Things to do in Berlin

If you have rock music in mind, then head to the race track in Nuerburg during the first weekend of June for Rock am Ring Music Festival. It is the country’s biggest open air festival. There’s also a castle – Nürburg Castle – dating from the High Middle Ages to visit while here. The city is located 174 km from Frankfurt and 127 km from Dusseldorf.

You can plan to explore the Black Forest during June. Rent a car to have flexibility and visit the old towns within the mountain range, such as: Calw, Haslach and Altensteig. You can see the superb waterfalls or plan to hike in the mountains. There’s a picturesque wine route from Baden-Baden to Weil am Rhein, which is worth the time, too.

If you prefer to visit a city, then Munich is another good choice. Visit a beer garden, check out the museums, do some people watching or see the city from above.

>>read more about Things to do in Munich

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Germany

Cheap Hostels in Hamburg

Accommodation can certainly make or break your stay in Hamburg ; plus, it’s the second biggest expense after the flight. Some travelers need just a clean room and clean bathroom, while others want other perks. Thankfully, hostels range from basic to boutique hotel like places and anything in between.

And you don’t need to stay in the middle of nowhere either. Many hostels are located close to transportation hubs or close to the important sights. Plus, the prices won’t break the budget. There are plenty of areas to choose from in Hamburg, but St Georg and Altona are excellent choices to start your search.

If you don’t want to share the room with 10 other travelers, there are always private rooms to choose from. Guesthouses, inns and budget hotels are also listed on hostel booking websites and many of them only offer private rooms (sometimes with private bathrooms, too).

Many hostels offer a shared kitchen which is an excellent way to save money paid for food, while the common rooms are the best place to meet fellow travelers.

While you can find the words “youth hostel” in the name, it doesn’t mean you have to be a certain age to stay here. Of course , if you are underage, you are required to be accompanied by an adult.

Book the hostel bed / room in advance, particularly if you travel during the high season (July, August, December). But in general, booking in advance brings some discounts.

Price wise, expect the beds to be slightly more expensive than those in Berlin. A twin room starts at €60 per night in mid-June 2012 in a hostel located in the center of Hamburg, while a bed in a 6-beds dorm starts at €14.90 per night in the heart of St Georg.

Search this interactive map of Hamburg for hostels or use the widget above to book your stay.

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Germany

Cheap Hostels in Berlin

Gone are the days when hostels were basic places to stay, generally in sketchy locations and sometimes without running water. Nowadays, many hostels resemble small boutique hotels, complete with shared kitchen.

And you don’t need to stay too far for the historical sites, either, because in all cities, Berlin including, hostels can be found in excellent locations and the prices are decent. Of course, the further from the sights you stay, the cheaper the room/bed , but you’ll most like be close to at least a public transportation stop.

But location is the key and can make or break your vacation, especially if you stay for several days in Berlin. Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte (with Alexanderplatz at its center) are excellent choices for your stay.

If you don’t fancy the idea of sharing your room with 4 (6, 8, or 10) other travelers, you can stay in a private room. Many hostels offer such rooms now and they often used by couples or families who don’t want to pay too much for accommodation.

While some hostels might still “youth hostel” in their name, gone are the age restrictions. Although if you are not an adult (18 years old), you need to be accompanied by one.

Especially if you travel during the peak travel season (July, August, December) make sure to book the hostel stay in advance. And even if you travel during the low season, booking in advance generally brings some discounts along.

Guesthouses, inns , apartments and budget hotels are often listed on hostel booking sites, offering the same facilities and similar prices. Many hostels don’t charge for towel or linen but the breakfast is often not included (still, you can order breakfast and pay for it on the spot).

Price wise , you can find a bed in a hostel in Alexanderplatz for just €8 per night (in mid-June 2012) , but a private room can cost up to €70 per night (and depends on location). The more nights you book, the more chances to find discounts.

Search this interactive map of Berlin for hostels or use the widget above to book your stay.

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Germany

Cheap Hotels in Hamburg

The hotel is the second most important expanse during any holiday (the airfare comes first, of course). Choosing the right hotel for you can make or break your stay in Hamburg . You can choose vibrant areas, with a lot of bars and hotels, or opt for more relaxed, quiet areas.

Where to stay in Hamburg

Altona is a varied neighborhood, located west of Hamburg’s centre and bordered by the Elbe River. The nightlife is bustling and you can find restaurants serving international cuisines. Harvestehude is a quiet area located just north of Hamburg’s centre, while Rotherbaum is filled with pubs and bookshops. Hohenfelde is not posh but it’s close to the center and is excellent for exploring the city.

Saint Georg is also close to the center and offers plenty of boutiques, cafes and bars. Saint Pauli, or the Red Light District, is the center of the nightlife and is filled with bars, clubs and cabaret stages.

Some hotels in Hamburg

Hotel Stadt Altona

Located in Altona, just a 5-minute walk from the Reeperbahn S-Bahn Station, the hotel offers free underground parking, bars and free wi-fi in public areas. All rooms have private bathroom and TV. In June 2012, a double room is €58 per night. Breakfast is €7.

Hotel Heimhude

The hotel is located in the district of Harvestehude, close to the Alster lake. All rooms have free wi-fi. Breakfast is included in the room price. In mid-June 2012, a double room is €110 per night.

Hotel Budapester Hof

This hotel is located in center Hamburg and offer free wi-fi in public areas. All rooms have private bathrooms and cable TV. Breakfast in included in the room rate. In mid-June 2012, a double room is €59.

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Hamburg, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.

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Germany

Cheap Hotels in Berlin

After the airfare, the hotel is the second biggest expanse during a vacation. Choosing the right hotel for your style can make or break your stay. Some people don’t mind staying further from the center but it’s a must to have good transportation available, while others must stay close to everything. Location always determines the room price and that is true in the case of visiting Berlin , as well. Of course, the more facilities, the higher the room price will be.

Where to stay in Berlin

Berlin is huge and it’s impossible to even think you can cover it on foot. Using the U-Bahn and S-Bahn is a must, so you are better off with looking for a hotel located near public transportation stations.

Prenzlauer Berg, located in the in the borough of Pankow, is where you can find plenty of pubs, cafes, restaurants, galleries , a good nightlife and good hotels. Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, also in the former East Berlin, are cheap and interesting areas to stay in as well.

Mitte, the most central borough of Berlin , is another good choice for a stay but expect more expensive hotels here. But you’ll be close to pretty much all the tourist sites. Alexanderplatz, in center Mitte, is a transportation hub and a good choice for short stays.

Some hotels in Berlin

Arte Luise Kunsthotel

This 3-star hotel is located in Mitte, just 10-min walk from the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building and Friedrichstrasse Train Station. All rooms have wi-fi and the bathroom is either private or shared. The hotel offers a restaurant and a courtyard terrace. In June 2012, a double room (private bathroom) costs €109 per night.

easyHotel Berlin Hackescher Markt

The budget hotel is located in Mitte, in the vibrant Hackescher Markt district. All rooms have AC and private bathrooms with shower. Wi-fi and satellite TV are available on request. The hotel is just 10-min tram ride from Prenzlauer Berg district and the Friedrichstraße shopping street. In June 2012, a double room costs €45 per night.

Hotel Pension Intervarko

The guest house is located in the Prenzlauer Berg, just 2 tram stops from Alexanderplatz Square. All rooms have TV and there are shared bathrooms on the hallway. In June 2012, an economy double room costs €44 per night.

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Berlin, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.

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Accommodation Argentina

Cheap Hotels in Mendoza

Mendoza is the center of the Argentine wine industry, located in the desert Cuyo region. It is also the gateway into Aconcagua, one of the highest mountains in the world, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and climbing.

The city is generally noisy because of the traffic, so if you are looking for a quite area, search for hotels between Plaza Independencia and Park San Martin. In the eastern part of the city you can find the cheapest options for hotels.

There are quite a lot of hostels for those looking for the cheapest options, but you can also find mid-range and luxury hotels in Mendoza.

During the low season, expect to pay from US$24 per night for a double or twin room in a 2-star hotel , while in a 3-star hotel , for the same room type, you’ll pay from US$55 per night (and you’ll be 1 km from Plaza Independencia). By the end of the high season (April), expect to pay from US$34 per night for a double room in a 2-star hotel and from US$60 per night in a 3-star hotel (near San Martin Street). Should you plan to visit Mendoza in the summer (November), expect higher prices : from US$50 per night in a double room in a 2-star hotel and from US$65 per night in a double room in a 3-star hotel (close to the Airport).

Generally speaking, if you want to save money plan your visit during the low season. Spring and Fall are excellent times to come to Mendoza. If you must travel during the high season book in advance and take advantage of the discounts offered online.

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Mendoza, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.

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Accommodation Argentina

Cheap Hotels in Bariloche

Bariloche is the gateway into Patagonia, a scenic city tucked between lakes and the Andes. Most visitors come here to enjoy the nature and many are looking for places to stay outside the city limits.

There are plenty of hostels for those looking for a cheap place to stay – and many of them offer stunning views of the area – but there are also budget, mid-range and luxury hotels for those looking for something different.

In most cases, you’ll find that hotels located in the city center – or close to it – might cost less than hotels located outside the city, especially if they offer panoramic views of the area.

During the low season (April to June), expect to find double rooms with shared bathrooms from US$21 per night and apartments (for 2) from US$30 per night. A double room in a 3-star hotel wills set you back from US$35 per night. During the high season, expect to pay from US$26 per night for a double room with shared bathroom. In a 2-star hotel, double rooms start at US$45 per night , while if you choose a 3-star hotel, expect to pay from US$90 per night.

Make sure to book your hotel room in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the high season (either summer or winter).

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Bariloche, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.

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England

Cheap Hotels in Birmingham

Birmingham is located in the West Midlands and according to local authorities it’s the second largest city in England after London. A former industrial and commercial city, Birmingham is getting a new life lately, offering great shopping and excellent cultural experiences.

Accommodation in Birmingham ranges from hostel, guesthouses to fancy hotels. Regardless of what style you prefer, it’s a good idea to stay close to the city center, or at least within walking distance of public transportation.

Price-wise, expect to pay from £47 per night in a double room in a 3-star hotel , close to the Birmingham New Street Rail Station, in early summer. But, if you look carefully, you’ll be able to find better deals , especially if you book ahead of time. Don’t check only the booking websites, take a look at the hotel’s website , too (if they have one).

Search this map to find cheap hotels in Birmingham, or find even more hotel options by searching with the widget above.