Most frugal travelers find themselves chowing down in fast food chain restaurants in a bid to save cash. These international food giants don’t just create food that’s bad for your waistline; it’s also generally unsatisfying. So why see the world while eating the same old junk you do at home? Instead try the street food sold in your travel spot’s marketplaces and roadside karts. You won’t believe how good it tastes, or how little it costs! In this article we round up some of the best street food around the world.

Asia is credited for starting the street food craze, and this continent’s nations still produce some of the best. Bangkok is considered by many as the ultimate vacation spot for street food gourmands. Its marketplaces have vendors serving up local delicacies like fish curries, pork sugarcane skewers, and more. Make sure to leave room for the battered banana fritters for dessert!

Ho Chi Minh City’s street food is influenced by traditional Vietnamese culture and the French colonial forces of the early 1900s. It’s not unusual to find savory pho soup, spring rolls, and the stuffed pancakes called banh xeo sitting alongside little pate sandwiches! Wade through the fake designer handbags at the Ben Thanh Market to find some delicious Vietnamese street food treats.

In Hong Kong the nightly Temple Street markets are a great place to find dinner. You can feast on hot pots, curried fish balls, and fresh fried seafoods for a pittance. The pungent tofu and offal dishes aren’t for the faint hearted, but they’re great options for adventurous palettes.

Turkey is Europe’s street food center, and you’ll find more than doner kebabs there. While these are delicious, you’ll enjoy many more exotic treats like the flaky borek pastries, the pretzel-like simit, and the baked potatoes called kumpir. Ask the vendors to fill these starchy vegetables with ketchup, pickles, sausage, and olives and you’ve got a complete meal!

Turkey’s influence on street food can be felt as far afield as Germany. Use a Turkish style doner kebab or the fried ketchup and curry-covered sausages called currywurst to wash down a pint of that famous weizenbier.

Even America is catching on to the street food trend. Los Angeles is credited with bringing this style of food to the United States. The city’s food trucks offer an exciting range of dishes including dim sum, grilled cheese melts, and Southern fried chicken and biscuits.

The blend of cultures in Austin, Texas has give birth to some unique fusion food like fried-chicken waffle tacos and Korean inspired kimchi fries.

Chicago’s strict laws prohibiting cooking on carts haven’t stopped the city’s street food vendors. A concord of trucks assembles at Lincoln Park on Tuesdays and Ethyl’s Beer and Wine Dive on Thursdays. Locals come from everywhere to sample the meatballs, naan bread sandwiches, and Southern mac and cheese cleverly prepared from previously cooked ingredients.

Those horror stories of travelers contracting gastro and other nasties from street food can be daunting, but don’t let them scare you. While this is fast food, it’s smart to look for the longest lines. Certain vendors are popular for a reason, and it’s generally worth waiting a little while to find out what that is.

Street Food in Vietnam

It’s also smart to stash a plate and eating utensils in your bags. Illness can be spread when these implements aren’t properly washed, so taking your own is a good way to cut the risks. In cities where the locals do it, such as Istanbul, this precaution is a must. Disease can also come when fruits and vegetables are washed in unsanitary water. If you wouldn’t drink a city’s water avoid anything with an edible skin, and stick to foods you can peel like bananas and oranges.

Keep your wits about you but remember to have fun. That’s what eating street food is all about!

FRUGALMONKEY.COM is the place to look for travel deals, online travel guides, work abroad advice, and other travel resources.

Don’t overpay for airline tickets, cruise vacations, hotels, rental cars, and other travel related expenses. It’s possible, if you have a little knowledge and ingenuity, to find discounted airfares, great cruise deals, low price travel packages, and cheap hotels online through consolidators, travel auctions, and airline websites, where you’ll find weekly airfare specials or efares.

• Learn how to travel on a budget
• get tips for saving money on last minute travel, and
• Utilize free online locations guides: Mexico Travel, Australia Travel, Argentina Travel, Greece Travel, Hawaii Travel, South Africa, and Alaska Travel. (new country travel guides added all the time)

Are you ready for a long-term adventure abroad? FrugalMonkey.com is the place find out about working abroad and working vacations. College students, recent graduates, retirees, and people bored with their current jobs are perfect candidates to work abroad.

• Teach English abroad in Japan, South Korea, the Czech Republic, and in other exciting locations around the world. Make money and travel at the same time! Teaching ESL and EFL is rewarding work.
• Work on a cruise ship as a summer job or a full-time career. Cruise jobs are a great way to meet people, develop superior people skills, and earn good wages and benefits.
• Start a career in the hospitality industry and pursue resort jobs. Beach resort jobs and jobs at lodges, spas, ski resorts, and luxury hotels are plentiful with employees in high demand. Large hotel chains offer the opportunity to transfer between properties (think: Hawaii, to Florida, to Mexico, and beyond).
• Get in touch with your philanthropic side, build your resume, and travel at the same time. That’s what you’ll be doing as a volunteer abroad. Whether it’s with the Peace Corps or a volunteer placement agency, the opportunities are everywhere.

Make the most of what FrugalMonkey.com has to offer. Look through our extensive travel guide sections to learn about specific countries. Our content was written by people who live in or have extensive knowledge of each country.

Then learn how to save money and get travel deals using the many insightful tips provided. Don’t buy those airline tickets or book a cruise until you have done your homework. Save on travel! Pocket the savings for use on your trips.

Travel Deals >>>

A long soak in a jacuzzi and a luxurious massage sounds like the sort of vacation experiences out of the reach of frugal travelers. But why should budget conscious tourists miss out on all the fun? This article introduces you to several spa resorts that cost a lot less than you’d think.

If you’re looking for a cheap spa vacation, it’s worth taking a trip to Asia. Indulgence is a way of life here, and it doesn’t cost a lot. In Japan they even offer spa experiences in their hostels! You’ll find Spa Hostel Khaosan in Beppu, a friendly Japanese city renowned for its natural hot springs and picturesque beach. The shared dorms and private rooms are pretty plain, but chances are you’ll spend most of your time winding down in the hostel’s own hot spring bath. That natural pool is definitely worth the measly $33 US you’ll pay for the cheapest room.

For a little more money you can stay at Banpu Resort and Spa, an idyllic spot located on Thailand’s Koh Pu Peninsula. The word resort makes us think of big bucks, but its log cabins start at just $40 US a night. If the sea and garden views aren’t enough to relax you then try taking a dip in the pool. You’ll pay a little extra to indulge in the Thai massages or reflexology sessions, but your muscles will argue they’re worth the splurge.

More expensive again but still not unreasonable is Febri’s Hotel and Spa in Bali. Its rooms start from $77 US, but your dollar buys a lot including access to the Jacuzzi, steam room, and sprawling swimming pool. If that calm water feels a bit tame for you, the famous South Kuta Beach is only a short walk away.

Asia really has the market cornered on affordable spa experiences, but Samai Center Hotel-Spa in Ecuador is a great option for anyone wanting to stay a little closer to home. From $70 a night you can experience all the good vibes that radiate from this eco-friendly resort. Its wooden lodges are made from organic materials, and its restaurant serves local seasonal fare, including many items grown in the onsite veggie garden. The resort runs many workshops designed to give you a new lease on life, from Feng Shui classes to meditation programs.

And finally, if you can afford the flight it’s worth checking it to Spa Lodge Backpackers in Rotorua, New Zealand. Just like Spa Hostel Khaosan, this friendly hostel makes use of the hot springs its city is famous for. The natural geothermal spa will do wonders for your aching muscles, especially after an action packed day of extreme Kiwi adventures! Dorm rooms start at around $20 US, and the hostel even offers discounts for weekly visits in winter!

So don’t dismiss that spa getaway out of hand. If you do your research and plan ahead, it could cost a lot less than you think. Just remember to consider the costs of the treatments, as they can add up quickly!

The United Kingdom is steeped in history and culture, but it’s also known for its steep accommodation! However a stay in Old Blighty doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Trade the Old Dart’s big city hotels and luxury highrises for these more affordable British accommodation options.

There are few places that offer better British hospitality than its bed and breakfasts. Prices vary wildly depending on the standard of the B&B, but you’ll generally pay less than a comparable hotel. Your hosts typically operate their business out of their own home, so they tend to go the extra mile to keep the residence in peak condition. They also tend to be more accessible and knowledgeable about the local area than the average hotel employees. Don’t be afraid to ask them about affordable tourist attractions and restaurants in the UK. These tips are the kind of insider knowledge that’s never printed in the guidebooks.

After a good night’s rest you’ll be treated to a traditional English breakfast. Think freshly baked scones, bircher muesli, poached fruits, and a traditional fry-up with eggs, bacon, sausages, and black pudding. This morning meal is usually generous, so don’t be surprised if you’re still full when lunch rolls around.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the house rules before you book in to any bed and breakfast though. While hotels invite you to come and go as you please, many bed and breakfasts are a bit stricter. It’s not unusual for B&Bs to lock their doors in the evening, so they may not be the best choice for party animals!

If you want more freedom then camping may be the way to go. It’s a perfect way to soak up the country’s glorious countryside and save a bundle of cash. Pitching a tent in The Grampians, The Cambrian Mountains, or The Midlands will generally cost you less than a tenner. If you’re a fan of camping you already know its downsides, which you might even see as advantages. While it can seem romantic to sleep under the stars, the weather can turn bad without warning. The facilities are also shared, which can mean lengthy waits or an opportunity to make friends. It all depends on your point of view.

If roughing it in the wilderness doesn’t sounds like your cup of English breakfast, then glamping may be a good alternative. This new trend is like camping but with more of the “glam” creature comforts of home. The tents are much more luxurious, with couches, plush beds, and even functioning bathrooms inside. Many glamping grounds do away with tents altogether and instead use revamped camper vans or traditional Yurt huts. They’re still a bit rustic, but they provide enough indulgence to satisfy city slickers.

Holiday cottages are the perfect option for groups of friends or large families. Renting a house in Cornwall or Northumbria sounds lavish, but it’s a lot more affordable than you might think if divided between all parties. And remember that the money buys you the privacy and freedom rarely afforded on vacation.

The UK's most famous clock, Big Ben

Remember though that unlike other accommodation options, in a holiday cottage you’ll need to fend for yourself. There are no friendly hosts to cook your breakfast, and no maids to make your bed or scrub out the shower. Tending to those domestic duties can put a damper on any vacation. However cooking meals is a great way to cut those holiday costs.

So where will you stay in England? It’s smart to do your research before you set off to decide which affordable accommodation option will best suit your needs. Whatever you decide, it’s great to know that a vacation in Great Britain doesn’t have to cost the earth.

We’ve waxed lyrical about the fabulous Smartphone apps that make traveling much simpler, but don’t forget about your high tech cell phone’s other features. Your brand new iPhone or Android phone has many other practical perks that make it the perfect traveling companion.

When you travel with a Smartphone you’ve always got a digital camera in your pocket. That’s a real blessing for anyone who’s ever missed capturing a chance animal encounter or unexpected meeting with a celebrity. But the appeal of a Smartphone camera goes beyond that convenience. These inbuilt shooters are much better than the grainy cameras in old fashioned cell phones. Most of the new models have a resolution of eight megapixels, which is comparable to many of the standalone digital cameras you’ll buy. They also make it easy to share your vacation snaps with friends on Facebook and Twitter in an instant. Bye bye messy computer cables!

When those still snaps just won’t cut it you can probably use your SmartPhone as a video camera. Most new models have a built in 1080p HDMI camcorder so you can shoot footage of a fun night out or a quiet sunset. It’s also pretty easy to edit your recording from your phone and then send it to Facebook or YouTube. Your online friends will be so jealous of your adventures! The resolution of these phone camcorders is so good that you can happily watch your vacation videos on your television at home without any loss of quality.

Why wrestle with oversized tourist maps when you’ve got a GPS in your phone? Even if you’re lost, most Smartphones will know exactly where you are thanks to apps like Navigator and Google Maps. And even better, they can help you get to where you want to be. Just type in your destination, be it your hotel or that hot new restaurant, and your phone will plot the quickest route.

How many times have you wanted a pen and paper to jot down phone numbers, reminders, or vacation memories? There’s no need to scrounge around in your knapsack anymore because you can take notes on your Smartphone. Use the keyboard or voice recorder to make notes and then e-mail them to yourself to deal with later.

Every road trip needs a soundtrack, and your Smartphone has that covered too. Forget your MP3 player or Discman if you’re really stuck in the past. These days tech savvy travelers have their entire music collections on their Smartphones. And if your own collection isn’t exhaustive enough you can even stream more tunes from the internet. Just remember to beware of those global roaming fees! Listen to your music via personal headphones or plug your system into a hire car stereo and let everyone else enjoy your playlist.

And let’s not forget those apps that make navigating any unfamiliar city so much simpler. They’ll tell you where to eat and stay, clue you in on all the hottest nightspots, and even help you find the nearest restrooms. These handy applications are the next best things to having local friends!

Did you realize that your Smartphone could do all those nifty things? Most of us spend so much time on our apps that we forget about all the other benefits of these gadgets. While they cost more than the old fashioned cell phones, buying all of the individual devices that do the same jobs would quickly clean out your bank account. Then there’s the added advantage of traveling much lighter. With airlines forever upping their excess baggage fees, that’s something all frugal tourists can get behind!

As the world is winding down after the festive season, Australia is looking forward to its next celebration. The country marks Australia Day on January 26, the anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet of British settlers in 1788. Events take place all around the country, but none are as colorful as Queensland’s cockroach races.

It’s not as glamorous as the Melbourne Cup, but a day at this offbeat sporting event will also cost you far less than taking in Australia’s premier horse race. Spectators at the Story Bridge Hotel swap their champagne for schooners of beer and dress in shorts and thongs, or flip flops if you prefer, rather than cocktail dresses. The races have been run at this pub just outside Brisbane since 1981, a year when legend says Daz, Hawthorne, and Igor, or Gor to his mates, were arguing about whose suburb had the largest cockroaches. Bringing their insects to the pub was the only way to settle the matter, and racing the roaches seemed like the next logical step.

Make sure you’re there at 11 am to get a prime viewing position amongst the 7000 strong crowd. A gold coin donation will secure you a spot in the tiered seating around the track. It might seem strange to start drinking before noon, but this is Australia after all. A few cleansing ales are just what you need to appreciate the spectacle of the sport. The actual races are run on a vacant plot next to the pub. There a four-meter wide square with a circle within it serves as a miniature race track for the cockies. Their stable is a big bucket, and names written on their back help the punters keep an eye on the action. Once the creepy-crawlies take to the track they can cross the circle in any direction they please, and the first to do so is declared the winner.

There are usually 14 races on the day, and you can BYOR (that’s bring your own roach) or buy one at the pub for a fiver. If your six-legged stallion is one of the first three to cross the line you’ll win a trophy and prizes. There’s a charity component to the event as well, with funds raised benefiting Variety, a non-profit group that works tirelessly for sick, disadvantaged, and disabled children.

While most champions are celebrated there’s no joy for the winners of this sporting event. Just like the rest of his competitors he’s unceremoniously sprayed once the race is run. However his name will live on as part of the Cockroach Hall of Fame, alongside other champions like Osama Bin Liner, Cocky ‘N’ Bullwinkle, and Crawl Keating, named after former Prime Minister Paul Keating.

The races are the centerpiece of the celebrations but there are still plenty of other activities to entertain locals and tourists alike. The title of Miss Cocky isn’t quite as prestigious as Miss Australia, but it nets the winner a $200 pub voucher, which will go a long way towards the evening’s drinks. The stakes are even higher for the Best Stable Costume Comp. Teams wearing their wackiest getup have the chance to win a $2000 party at the Story Bridge Hotel. There’s a $10 registration fee, but if you take out the title it’s worth the initial outlay. Bands and DJs are also on hand to entertain the masses, and there’s a dunking machine if the Queensland heat gets too much for you.

The party lasts well into the night, as all good Australian parties do. You’re likely to wake with a fuzzy head but also some great memories of one of the most unique sporting events Down Under.

We were all dreaming of a white Christmas, but now the holiday is over the chill of winter is beginning to grate. So why are you putting up with it? A vacation in Greece is a great way to escape the cold, and with plenty of free attractions it won’t cost as much as you think.

Admittedly Greece does have a little ice and snow during winter, especially near the mountains. But the country’s Mediterranean climate ensures you’ll enjoy a mild heat along the coast. Rainfall is also minimal, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to soak up some sunshine and see all the country has to offer.

Fine weather is ideal for exploring the Monastiraki Flea Market, which runs every Sunday. The city’s flea market is famous for its curious mix of fresh produce, jewelry, and handicrafts. It’s the perfect place for finding presents for loved ones and souvenirs to remember your stay. Just remember that while it’s free to browse, those purchases can add up! Visit before 11 am in the morning to avoid the swarming crowds.

Leaving the markets so early will also give you time to see the changing of the guard ceremony at the Greek Parliament building in Syntagma Square. At 11 am sharp every Sunday you’ll see the Evzone guards come from their camp at Irodou Attikou Street and take their place at the building. There they’ll stand motionless as they protect their president.

While you’re enjoying some culture it’s worth taking in some of Greece’s free museums. Athens has some of the best, including The War Museum and the quirky Popular Musical Instruments Museum.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Greece without visiting its historical sites, but admission fees to these key attractions can add up. However popular sites like The Acropolis, The Roman Agora, Kerameikos, and Olympeion offer free admission on special days. Visit on March 6, April 18, May 18, June 5, Sundays between November and March, and Greek national holidays to see the sights for nix.

While you’re at the Acropolis don’t forget to check out Plaka, the oldest region in Athens. Cars aren’t allowed to drive down its streets so they’re perfect for strolling. It’s also refreshing to dine at an al fresco café without hearing the rumble of engines!

If a lazy stroll doesn’t sound challenging enough then consider hiking to the top of Lycabettus Hill. It can be tough going, particularly when the sun is at its hottest, so it’s a trip best made early in the morning or as night falls. The 360-degree view of Athens below makes the challenging walk feel worthwhile. Just remember to take your camera with you for some snaps of the vista!

Greece has several beautiful beaches, but unlike many countries some are private and charge an admission fee. However if you know where to go you can still enjoy your sun, sand, and surf for nothing. Vouliagmeni and Kavouri, both located on the Attica coastline half an hour’s drive from Athens, are some of Greece’s best. Make sure you stay until dusk to watch the sun setting over the sparkling Aegean Sea.

Greece loves a party, but a night on the town can drain your finances, especially if you’re indulging in cocktails. For a quieter alternative consider spending an evening at Mars Hill, or Areopagus as the Greeks call it. Religious tourists make a pilgrimage here to see the spot St. Paul the Apostle preached. In later years it was the site of meetings by The Council of Nobles and the Judicial Court. Today it’s a great spot for admiring the lights of the Parthenon as you share a bottle of wine al fresco.

So why spend a lot of money in Greece? These free attractions should keep you busy on your Mediterranean vacation!

When we think of France we immediately imagine sipping expensive glasses of champagnes, dining in Michelin-star restaurants, and shopping for high end couture. But a journey to this European hot spot doesn’t need to clean out your bank account. We recently wrote about affordable Parisian experiences for couples in love, but with this article we’ll examine the ways anyone can save in this romantic country’s capital and beyond.

France has some of Europe’s most beautiful hotels, but using them will cost you a pretty penny. Make your Euro go further by choosing hostels instead. Some are the dirty and rowdy establishments many people think of when they hear the term, but you’ll find value at those that are part of the Youth Hostel Association Network, or FUAJ. These hostels have clean and modern rooms and most even offer complimentary breakfasts. Those establishments don’t skimp either; you can likely look forward to nutritious yogurts and flaky croissants. Dormitory-style rooms are the cheapest, and a great way to make friends. However if you value your privacy and space you can always indulge in a private couples or family room. Alternatively you can find camping facilities at some of the regional hostels. What a great way to commune with nature and save a few bucks! A FUAJ guidebook will help you find the network’s hostels whether you’re in France’s cities or enjoying the countryside.

France’s SNCF trains are reliable but fares can add up without some careful planning. Look out for Europasses and other discount travel cards to avoid costly tickets on the day of your journey. Day tickets are another good alternative if you’re planning a lot of short trips. These passes allow you to catch all the buses, metros, and trams you like in a 24-hour period.

With transport sorted it’s time to see the sights. If you’re under 26 you can see them for less with an international youth travel card. Prices for the card vary according to your country, but it’s generally equivalent to the cost of a movie ticket. It’s worth that initial outlay to enjoy discounted entry to big attractions including the Eiffel Tower. Young people can also enjoy cheap student tickets to concerts and operas. A city guide or some searching online can also tip you off to free gigs, festivals, and open-air concerts.

The Eiffel Tower, Paris

After a busy day of sightseeing you’ll need to fill your belly. While those gourmet restaurants are alluring, frugal travelers know they can enjoy a great meal without spending a lot of money. Steer clear of the touristy eateries and look for the places that locals frequent. Keep your eyes peeled for places with wise old waiters and without English menus.

And never underestimate a picnic. You can find baguettes, cheeses, and other gourmet delicacies for less than you’d expect at a French farmer’s market or grocery store. Take your swag to one of the country’s beautiful parks and soak up the atmosphere. It’s probably better than the vibe of a stuffy restaurant after all!

A summer getaway to a European city with stunning views and Mediterranean weather sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? And expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. Forget Rome and Spain’s Basque Region; your Euros will go much further in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon.

Strolling about the city’s winding back alleys, its quaint museums, and majestic Gothic cathedrals, you’ll wonder why more people don’t make the journey. The city is a bit of a European secret, with all the history and culture of the other capitals without the hefty prices.

Lisbon is easily accessible by air road, sea, and rail. If you’re short on time, flying is the best way to travel. You’ll find the cheapest rates to Lisbon Portela Airport using one of the many flight comparison websites. The airport is just four miles north of the city, so it’s easy to reach your hotel once you touch down. If you’ve got more time up your sleeve you could enjoy the countryside from an Intercity train or your hire car. International cruise ships also dock in Lisbon, but that option will leave a nasty hole in your bank balance.

Once your travel arrangements are sorted you’ll need to think about where to stay. So many frugal travelers book the cheapest place they find, but if you’ve got a little extra money it’s worth doing your research. Often the difference between a one-star hovel in the old town and a four-star room in the chic Marques de Pombal district is as little as $25US. If you’ve been slumming it in hostels around Europe, a plush bed in Lisbon can feel like heaven!

Lisbon’s taxis are also reasonably priced when compared to the rest of Europe, but those fares can still add up. The city’s public transport systems are both affordable and efficient. Buses and trams criss-cross the city, taking tourists to the city’s main attractions. If you don’t mind feeling like a sardine in a can you’ll appreciate the speed and low fares of the metro. And you’ll enjoy the scenery as you cross the Tagus River on the ferry.

Walking is always the cheapest option though, and Lisbon is small enough to make this feasible in most cases. Many locals also speak English, and they’re so friendly that they’ll point you in the right direction if you lose your way. The city is quite hilly though, so you might want to work on your fitness before you leave. The challenging trails are perfect for burning the calories from lunch though!

When money matters, leave Via Augusta behind and head to the back streets. The restaurants here are much more affordable than the ones you’ll find along the main tourist strip, although you’ll still need to watch for sneaky extras. Waiters will often put bread and cheese on the table, but these tempting tidbits aren’t free. They look delicious, and the cheese always is, but resist the temptation if you want a cheap meal. If you’re not very hungry forget the restaurants and cafes and head to a bakery instead. These eateries offer an array of affordable and tasty savory snacks.

Once the essentials are sorted it’s time to have some fun. Lisbon has plenty of free and close to free ways to occupy your time. It doesn’t cost a lot to soak up some culture at the city’s museums. While admission is always affordable, you can visit the Museum of Ancient Art and National Tile Museum for free on Sunday mornings. If you’d like to do things more leisurely, the Gulbenkian Museum has free admission on Sundays from opening to close.

Admission to the National Palace of Sintra is also free on Sundays. This 13th century castle is the best preserved in the country. You don’t need to be an architecture buff to appreciate the Moorish mosaics, the majestic domed ceilings, and some 72 coats of arms. And if you haven’t had your fill of breathtaking buildings you can take in the Jeronimus Monastery and Belem Tower.

I can’t promise you won’t spend money, but it’s free to browse the Feira de Ladra. This famous flea market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays near St Vincent de For a Church. It’s fun to peruse the eclectic mix of items, and a great place to find affordable souvenirs.

The National Palace of Sintra, Lisbon

And it’s always free to spend time lounging on the beach. You’ll find several stretches of sand along the coast between Lisbon and Cascais. Guincho has an international reputation for enviable surf, while Carcavelos is family friendly. If you travel a little further from the city center you’ll find secluded Adraga Beach, regarded as one of the best in Europe. It’s worth the journey to soak up the romance of this unspoiled paradise.

So whether it’s sun and sand or a cultural adventure you’re after, you’ll find it for less in Lisbon.

Paris is the known as the city of love, but you won’t feel as smitten once you empty out your bank account. If you want to keep the love affair alive skip the escargots and in-room massages and try some of our romantic, and budget-friendly, Parisian experiences.

The Bois de Boulonge is a green oasis hidden on the western outskirts of the city. Its parklands are perfect for a picnic lunch, and woodlands ideal for exploring. You can also hire a row boat for just a few Euros and wile away the hours on the water.

For more greenery, stop off at Luxembourg Gardens. The 25-hectare space can get a bit crowded when it’s warm, but it’s always relaxing to admire the flowers and fountains. Once you’ve worked up an appetite visit one of the left bank’s chic cafes for coffee and cake.

Resist the temptation to jump on one of the luxury boats that sail the Seine. You’ll have almost as fun staying on dry land and walking by the river’s banks. Make sure you visit near twilight, to see the mood enhancing sunset and twinkling city lights.

The Ile Saint Louis near Notre Dame is another great spot for walking. This tiny island is home to charming boutique stores, great restaurants, and hip nightclubs. If you can’t afford to splash out on a meal you can fill the gap with Berthillon, an ice cream treat that’s not found anywhere else in the world.

The Sacre Coeur Basilica must be romantic; its name means sacred heart after all! The views from the top of this beautiful 19th century building should be enough to set anyone’s heart fluttering. Visiting around lunchtime gives you an excellent opportunity to stop off at Montmartre when you’re done. This village’s quaint cafes serve up simple but delicious food for less than you’d pay in the capital.

A night at the opera or theater is quintessentially French, but also expensive. For a more frugal option consider an evening at the movies. Paris has plenty of historic movie theaters which take you back to Hollywood’s golden age. In summer you can also catch a romantic open-air screening of a cult classic or new blockbuster at the Parc de la Villette.

The Eiffel Tower, Paris

And of course no article about Paris’ most romantic parts would be complete without mentioning the Eiffel Tower. Sure it’s clichéd and overexposed, but you’ll forget your inner cynic when you’re taking in the views. You can save money by opting for the stairs over the lift and choosing to stop at the second floor. Visit around sunset and marvel at the views as Paris changes from day to night.