Exploring The Allure Of Holiday Getaways In Italy

BY  Barsha Aug 16, 2023

There's something magical about the snowy mountainside that can entice even the most reluctant of travelers to take a chance and experience the exhilaration of skiing. And when it comes to skiing destinations, few places compare to Les Deux Alpes in southeastern France.  In this article, we'll explore the top four reasons why you should visit Les Deux Alpes for your next ski break. 4 Reasons To Visit Les Deux Alpes During Ski Break Situated right at the center of the French Alps, Les Deux Alpes offers breathtaking views, endless slopes, and an abundance of activities for all levels of skiers. Reason 1: Extensive skiing terrain One of the biggest draws of Les Deux Alpes is its extensive skiing terrain. With over 220 kilometers of slopes, skiers of all levels will have plenty of runs to choose from. From gentle beginner slopes to challenging black runs, there's something for everyone. The resort also offers off-piste skiing for the more adventurous skiers, with opportunities for heli-skiing and ski touring.  The resort is also known for its high-altitude skiing, with runs reaching up to 3,600 meters. This means that skiing is possible even in the late season, making Les Deux Alpes a popular destination for spring skiing. Don’t forget to book your ski pass at Erna Low in order not to waste your time waiting in long lines. Reason 2: Great for families and beginners  While Les Deux Alpes offers plenty of challenging runs for experienced skiers, it's also a great destination for families and beginners. The resort has a dedicated beginners' area with gentle slopes and ski schools for all ages.  The ski institutes provide a range of lessons, from group lessons to private lessons, which is relatively easy for everyone to gain knowledge at their own speed. The resort also has a range of activities for non-skiers, including snowshoeing, ice skating, and tobogganing.  There are also child-friendly activities, like a sledding area and a snow garden, making Les Deux Alpes a great choice for families with young children. Reason 3: Apres ski and nightlife Les Deux Alpes isn't just about skiing - it's also one of the most awesome Alpine Apres-ski resorts. The resort has a range of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs catering to all tastes. Whether you want to enjoy a quiet drink after a day on the slopes or party until the early hours, you'll find something to suit your mood.  One of the most popular apres-ski activities in Les Deux Alpes is ice skating. The resort has a large ice rink that is open throughout the day and into the evening, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes. There is also a range of restaurants and cafes around the rink, serving everything from hot chocolate to cocktails. Reason 4: Stunning scenery Finally, Les Deux Alpes is known for its stunning scenery. Located at the heart of the infamous French Alps, the resort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.  There is also a range of activities for those who want to take in the scenery, including snowshoeing and guided mountain walks. One of the most popular activities in Les Deux Alpes is a ride on the Jandri Express cable car.  Tips To Keep In Mind While Visiting Les Deux Alpes  Who doesn’t enjoy a holiday with their favorite set of people at Les 2 Alpes? The snow across the glacier and cannons surely make you refreshed and energized. But there are certain factors one should keep in mind while traveling to Deux Alpes. Shortlist The Places You Wish To Travel Visiting a ski resort is fun, but not everyone in your group will agree on a common plan. Different people would want to travel to different parts of the city. Hence, in order to avoid confusion and conflicts, prepare a list beforehand. Hand out the list of common places everyone will visit collaboratively to each group member. This way, each one of you can enjoy without worrying about individual interests. Catalog Skiing Needs People with their personal cars and ski equipment have no worries about storing the boards, skis, and shoes in their trunks. But what about the rest? They might want to try new skis. The skis technology never stands still- a titanium and carbon plate adds extra speed to the ski. Choose an all-mountain freeride ski if you wish to travel off-piste.  In case you are a technical skier, rent an additional sharp-carved ski. Maximum hotels have preset agreements and collaborated with ski rental companies offering extra discounts. Check Out Fun Things To Do In Les Deux Alpes It’s time to spice things up a bit. This step is also important to determine the individual interests of each group member. Les Deux Alpes offers everyone a range of entertainment zones. Check them out here: Ice Glider Who doesn’t love to drive bumper cars? But would you dare to drive them on icy ground? This activity might charge you around 5 euros for 5-6 minutes, and only two people are allowed in a single Ice Glider. Also, it is open from 4 pm to 10 pm on Thursdays. Bowling At 12 Place de L’Alpe de Venosc, you get bowling with six lanes. A maximum of 8 players in each lane can play, which makes advance booking highly significant. The cost is somewhere around five euros for each person in the game. There are also darts and air hockey, along with a minibar.  Wrap Up Winter sports holidays are totally fun for your physical and mental well-being. And when you visit Les 2 Alpes, fun is guaranteed. Make sure you take note of the aforementioned tips to make your stay a pleasurable experience.  So, this was all about it. I hope you liked the article which guided you all the way through ski holidaying in Les Deux Alpes. Don’t forget to share your experiences with us. Happy reading! Read Also: Taco Bell Breakfast Hours: When Does Taco Bell Serve Breakfast? You Won’t Believe The Best Things To Do When In Fiji! Romantic Weekend Breaks Scotland

BY  Sibashree Oct 22, 2025

“The cats protect the city from mice, and in return, the people feed them.” The local shopkeeper told me as I was walking toward a dozen cats sitting on the stone steps at a locality near the Old Town. On a backpacking trip to Kotor, Montenegro, I found cats on the ancient walls, in cafes, and everywhere! Stretching their bodies in the Sun and with their purrs, they indeed looked like the guardians of the city. And it is them who made me feel at home. However, it’s not just the cats that make Kotor in Montenegro an ideal budget travel destination for backpackers. It now features in the second spot as one of the most underrated budget backpacker destinations by Bamba Travel. Its medieval streets, historic architecture, hiking routes, and seafood offer the most affordable travel options for backpackers. Also, it is a less-crowded place than most hotspots in Western Europe. Is there more to a Kotor Montenegro budget travel experience? We will figure out the answer in this blog. We will also talk about how to reach Kotor, Montenegro, the modes of transportation for moving around and more. Let’s plan a trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Natural Beauty Of Kotor, Montenegro Speaks: Understanding Its Location  Another vivid memory I have of Kotor is how I started my hike to the Kotor Fortress before sunrise. I was halfway up, and nature was getting ready to be bathed with the first rays of the Sun. The chirpings of birds and that smell, a mix of the scent of an oven after a cake is freshly baked, and the dew-drenched leaves created an ambiance that was inexplicable. Nevertheless, a local shepherd offered some cheese and rakija (homemade brandy), and we talked about life. Then, the Sun illuminated the entire Kotor Bay. Now, if not this, what is magic for a backpacker or traveler? Now, thanks to the unique natural location of Kotor, Montenegro, you can encounter many such magical experiences. Located in the Bay of Kotor, Kotor is a coastal town of Montenegro, and it is a part of the Kotor Municipality. It sits between the Adriatic Sea and the Dinaric Alps and has a mountainous terrain. How To Reach Kotor, Montenegro? How Tourists From Different Parts Of the World Can Visit Kotor?  The easiest way to reach Kotor is to travel to the Tivat Airport. Located at a distance of around 7 km, it is the closest to Kotor. You have to travel the remaining route by local transport. Podgorica Airport (40 km) and Dubrovnik Airport (44km, Croatia) are the two other airports near Montenegro. You will get flights from major European cities to these airports, and buses also run from neighboring countries such as Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina to Podgorica and Kotor. Furthermore, you can travel from Belgrade in Serbia to Podgorica in Montenegro and from Belgrade in Serbia to Bar in Montenegro. In addition, if you are traveling from Italy, you can take a ferry from Ancona on Italy’s eastern coast and take a ferry to Bar in Montenegro. You will have to make a journey of around 13 hours to reach your destination. Flights, Trains, Buses, And Other Modes of Transportation  For a backpacker, it’s a must to explore the Bay of Kotor in a boat. This boat takes you to many nearby towns and villages. However, for me, the trip to Perast was the highlight of these boat trips. The village has fewer than 300 people, and the quaint village offers some of the grandest views. Furthermore, if you want to move around and explore Kotor and its nearby localities by road, you will get car rentals, taxis, and shuttles. Why Is Kotor Montenegro, Budget Travel So Popular Among Backpackers?  While Greece and Croatia get all the attention on big tourism platforms, Montenegro in the Balkans is emerging as a favorite of the budget backpack travelers, thanks to the steady numbers. According to a report published by the International Trade Administration on 20th May 2024, tourism contributes 30% to Montenegro's GDP. Furthermore, the country is planning to boost its tourism prospects with a great focus on the following areas. Ecotourism  Cultural Tourism  Rural Tourism  Furthermore, another report published in ReportLinger suggests that the number of tourists to Montenegro is likely to reach 3.4 million by 2028. This is again a 2.8% rise from the number of 2.9 million tourists in 2023. Also, the tourism revenue is expected to reach $95 million by 2028. Now, in this scenario, Kotor is emerging as a sustainable tourism gem after a successful sustainability assessment by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The Port of Kotor in Montenegro, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and the Municipality of Kotor have done a successful assessment of the city. Vladimir Jokić, Mayor of Kotor, has commented, “As the Mayor of Kotor, I am pleased to say that Kotor is one of the few cities in the region that has undergone an important sustainability assessment process as a tourist destination. Together with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and CLIA, we brought together various stakeholders from public life to gather their input. All participants from public life, city government bodies, state authorities, universities, the civil sector, the economy, and entrepreneurs took part in this process. The assessment results provided us with a clear insight into the impact of tourism on our city, which will help us develop effective strategies for sustainable tourism – that is, how we should move forward regarding tourism.”  So, Kotor today is a benchmark in sustainable tourism in the European region, and it is a budget-friendly travel destination among tourists for the following reasons. 1. Affordable Accommodation Options, Including Hostels And Guesthouses  Kotor has plenty of budget stays, from cozy guesthouses run by local families to hostels right inside the Old Town. Many include free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and kitchen access. Prices start at around €10–€15 per night during the off-season, and you’ll often meet other travelers sharing tips over morning coffee.  2. Stunning Natural Beauty With Mountains And The Adriatic Sea  Kotor sits where the rugged Dinaric Alps meet the calm Adriatic Sea. Whether you’re hiking up to the fortress or just wandering the waterfront, every corner feels like a postcard. The Bay of Kotor, often called Europe’s southernmost fjord, is perfect for swimming, kayaking, or just soaking in the sunset.  3. Rich Cultural And Historical Heritage In The Old Town  The Old Town is a maze of medieval lanes, Venetian palaces, and stone churches dating back to the 12th century. Walking here feels like stepping back in time and the best part is that exploring them is absolutely free! You can easily spend hours admiring its architecture and lively squares without spending a cent.  4. Numerous Free And Low-Cost Attractions  Many Kotor Montenegro activities are budget-friendly and free. Strolling along the Marina is the most relaxing experience I had at Kotor, Montenegro. Furthermore, the entrance fees to the museums and cathedrals here are very few. You need to just pay a few dollars. Overall, the magic of Kotor lies in exploring the city on foot or by boat the Kotor Bay. 5. Easy Access To Hiking Trails Like The Ladder Of Kotor  1350 Steps! Yes, you have to climb 1350 steps to complete the Ladder of Kotor hike. However, climbing up so many steps is a rewarding experience as the panoramic views of the city and the surroundings are breathtaking. 6. Budget-friendly Local Cuisine And Street Food  Kotor Montenegro food is comforting and simple, an extension of the simplicity of the city. I fell in love with sell burek or the savory pastries here. The filling in these pastries will remind you of your mother or grandmother who can create the biggest magic on the plate with the simplest ingredients. Furthermore, the family-run taverns or konobas here served the best grilled meat and seafood at the most affordable price.  7. Proximity To Other Balkan Destinations  You can easily include visiting places such as gems like Budva, Podgorica, or Dubrovnik in your Kotor Montenegro itinerary. Regional and international buses are available during the daytime and nighttime to explore these places on a budget. 8. Friendly Locals And A Welcoming Atmosphere  Montenegrins are hospitable, and language is never a barrier here. Many people here speak English. Especially the younger ones are well-versed in the language. So, it does not matter whether you are visiting Kotor for the first time or the last time. You will connect easily. 9. Vibrant Backpacker Community And Social Hostels  Kotor Montenegro hostels are beyond budget-friendly accommodations. These turn out to be the local social hub for solo travelers. Many of these hostels focus on activities such as:  Hiking Trips  Group Dinners  Local Events  Pub Crawling  So, you make new friends and earn new experiences with the locals guiding you. 10. Opportunities For Volunteering And Work Exchanges  Are you a digital nomad? Or, are you staying longer in Kotor? Many cafes, hostels and eco-projects in the city offer work-exchange programs or volunteer services. Explore platforms such as Worldpackers and Workaway to explore the listed job opportunities. Furthermore, there are many hostels and cafes where you can work for a few hours and get free accommodation and food in return. I have found several such listings on Worldpackers. You will have to work for 20 to 24 hours a week and have to shoulder working at receptions, administration, cleaning and housekeeping. You will get a shared dormitory and one meal in exchange for these services.  How To Plan The Kotor Montenegro Budget Travel For A Week? A week in Kotor can cost as little as $300–€400. Here is a quick breakdown. Montenegro Budget Travel Expenses Cost Breakdown Accommodation in Hostels $15–$25 per night Meals $5–$10 per meal at local eateries Kotor Montenegro Transport $10–$20 for buses and local travel Tours and Entrance Fees $5–$15 Total Average Daily Cost $35-60  Top Budget-Friendly Hostels In Kotor, Montenegro  Have a look at the table below for the list of budget-friendly hostels in Kotor, Montenegro. Staying in a hostel is one of the cheap ways to travel to Kotor Montenegro for backpackers.  Hostel Name Address Highlights Google Maps Montenegro Hostel 4U Bokeljskih brigada bb, Kotor • 30 Seconds from the beach• Great social vibe• Rooftop terraceClick HereHostel Pupa Njegoseva 254, Suranj, Kotor • Near the bus terminal and Old Town• Cozy common area Click HereOld Town Youth Hostel Stari Grad 284, Kotor • Inside Old Town• Party-friendly• Great for solo travelersClick HereHostel Centrum Stari Grad, Kotor • 2-minute walk from Old Town gate• Communal kitchenClick HereMontenegro Backpackers Home Old Town, Kotor • Great location• Excursions available• Well-equipped kitchenClick HereGuesthouse STEP Near Old Town, Kotor • Terrace Hiking • Access Budget-Friendly Click HereKotor Nest Coliving Kotor, Old Town • Ideal for digital nomads• Modern amenitiesClick Here Is Visiting Kotor Montenegro, Worth It?  I was walking through Old Town and stumbled upon a group of elderly men playing traditional Montenegrin music on guitars and accordions. Locals stopped, clapped, and danced spontaneously. They even invited me to join in. I learnt the local dances right there on the cobblestones. Now, this is the spirit of Montenegro, it’s about living life to the fullest and understanding the magic of minimalism. Furthermore, the main attractions such as the St. Tryphon Cathedral, the town of Perast, the Blue Cave, the Bay of Kotor, and the City Walls allow you to soak in its cultural heritage, history, and scenic beauty on a budget. Is Kotor, Montenegro, Struggling With Overtourism? Yes, like Venice, Barcelona, and many other major European cities, Kotor, the “Unsung” coastal beauty, is also struggling with the perils of overtourism. The rising number of cruises to the city is leading to this problem. As a result, the locals are now advocating for higher entrance fees. So, discussions are going on about raising the entrance fee, which is 1 Euro. This is justified because housing costs are rising due to the increase in tourism, and there are also environmental concerns. And it is not just homeowners who are worried about these growing numbers. The local shopkeepers and NGOs who work for community development and environmental issues are also concerned by the sudden boost in tourism. During my trip, I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Mandic, an environmental activist in the city. She said, “Hundreds of tourists are visiting the city every day. They are writing the city’s future, which will be irreversible.”  The Municipality of Kotor and the local tourism authorities will monitor the numbers to maintain the pristine charm of the coastal town. Montenegro Budget Travel: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Montenegro budget travel. 1. Are 4 Days Enough For Kotor, Montenegro?  Yes, 4 to 5 days are enough to explore the city of Kotor in Montenegro. You can walk through the Old Town, enjoy a boating tour in the Bay of Kotor, visit the nearby towns, and explore local life by having food at the family-run taverns in Kotor. 2. Is Kotor Or Budva Better?  Kotor and Budva both places are beautiful. However, Kotor is less touristy with its quaint cafes and the medieval Old Town, which stands as the eternal witness. Furthermore, Kotor is more suitable for budget-travelers as walking, hiking, cycling and biking are the best modes of knowing this city of Montenegro.  3. Which Language Is Spoken In Montenegro?  Montenegrin is the language of the people of Montenegro. However, Montenegrin is a part of the Serbo-Croatian language variety. So, it is similar to other languages such as Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian.Furthermore, many people here, especially the younger ones speak in English.  4. Can You Drink Tap Water In Montenegro?  Yes, you can drink tap water in Montenegro. Furthermore, you will find fresh water springs around Lake Skadar and in the mountains. Furthermore, food in Montenegro is also checked in labs to ensure complete safety. 5. What Are The Common Crimes In Kotor? Burglary and theft are the most common crimes in Kotor, Montenegro. Along with pickpocketing and snatching of purses, these crimes also include theft at ATMs. Furthermore, these crimes increase in number during the peak tourist season or the summer months.Also, organized crimes, especially the ones related to drug smuggling, are quite common in Kotor. In fact, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report “Montenegro-UNODC Strategic Partnership Framework (2024-2029),” “..., organized crime in Montenegro is mostly related to drugs smuggling. Montenegro is part of the ‘traditional’ opiate route from Afghanistan to Europe, or so called ‘Balkan Route’. In terms of trafficking routes, heroin is thought to come via road to Montenegro from Albania, Kosovo or Serbia and travel further towards Croatia and other European countries. 6. What Is The Best Time To Visit Kotor, Montenegro?  The summer months of July and August are the peak months for visiting Kotor in Montenegro. However, for budget friendly travelers, November to February is the ideal time for a visit to Kotor. Despite rainfall being a factor, these are the months for skiing and watersports in nearby mountains. Also, with the number of tourists being fewer in these months, the accommodation charges are lower than in the peak season.On average, your daily expenses in these months will be around $5 less than the peak summer months.

BY  Sibashree Apr 28, 2025

This time, I was on a 2-day Paris travel and was working on how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting the thriving tourism scene in the city. I did my case study on the hotels near Opera Paris France, to get the entire picture.  I also had the opportunity to meet the leaders of Citadines Apart'hotel Opéra Paris, which The Ascott Limited operates. They shared their insights and observations with me. Paris had a footfall of 11.2 million during the Summer Olympics of 2024. The success story with great numbers continued as Paris consolidated the Olympics’ success for the rest of the year.  This boost in the number of tourists has further facilitated growth in the hospitality sector. The French hospitality sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.34% from 2023 to 2028.  However, these two booming industries are also bearing the wrath of overtourism in the city.  So, there could not be a better time to delve deeper into how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting tourism so far. Also, we need to talk about how they respond to minimize the impact of overtourism with sustainable practices.  Best Hotels In Paris: Working And Growing With The Tourism Industry Of The City The best hotels in Paris are beyond tourist accommodations. With luxury in mind and an upscale shift, these hotels are influencing the spending patterns of tourists.  France was the most-visited country in the world in 2024, with an unbelievable footfall of around 100 million.  Now, a large number of these tourists look for accommodations in luxury hotels. With their hotel expenses and overall luxury spending increasing, the city gains revenue.  This approach aligns with what Nathalie Delattre, the French Minister of Tourism, stated in response to the anticipated tourism boom in France for 2024.  “We need to work to increase the average each visitor spends and get our visitors to stay longer.” The impact of hotels in Paris on tourist spending patterns extends beyond the standalone tourism and hospitality industry. It’s about the overall GDP and economy of the city.  But the “luxury experience” here is not to scare you if you are a tourist. It does not mean that you cannot visit Paris within a budget. It’s true that Paris, as a travel destination, is somewhat expensive, and accommodations are pricier than those in similar setups in other countries. However, the city offers a diverse range of hotel tariffs. A Shared Market Space Creating Discord Between The Hotel And Tourism Sectors? A shared market space!  This has been one of the biggest challenges for the top hotels in Paris, as they collaborate with the tourism industry to boost the city’s economy.  Now, services like AirBnb are offering more flexibility in booking and better pricing options. So, of course, there is the “price sensitivity” factor. Additionally, Airbnb is eager to seize opportunities, as it did during the Summer Olympics in Paris last time.   Airbnb was the official sponsor of the Paris Olympics, and it played a significant role in the 44% surge in short-term rental bookings in 2024 from the summer of 2023.  Also, Airbnb was direct when it approached the visitors of the Paris Olympics to avoid the “touristy side of Paris" and book short-term rentals on the “Paris-y side of Paris.” Moreover, Airbnb, through the “Airbnb500 Travel Grant,” offered discounts to tourists visiting Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics.  Now, with discounted pricing and Parisians willing to give up their accommodation on rent through Airbnb, many hotels in Paris have suffered.  "The rate discounting that's happened, the occupancy levels, they're definitely being suppressed and compressed by the short-term rental market, without question.”Blake Reiter, Director of Research, Lighthouse Having said that, the best hotels in Paris have been able to keep their presence strong as they cater to the group of tourists seeking a high-end experience.  Additionally, city officials have introduced restrictions on short-term rentals to prevent Airbnb and similar businesses from causing significant harm to the hospitality industry.  Moreover, in November 2024, France approved an “Anti-Airbnb Bill” to control the increase in vacation rentals.  So, the threats of a shared market space have become less for the best hotels in Paris and other parts of France.  Overtourism In Paris: How The Best Hotels In Paris Respond To It? The best hotels in Paris had a slow start in summer 2024. However, with the Summer Olympics inching closer, occupancy rates in these hotels increased despite challenges from Airbnb and other short-term rental services.  During the summer Olympics, the hotel occupancy rate in this area reached 84%. Of course, there was revenue growth with a higher occupancy rate, discounts, and non-refundable rooms for tourists.  Still, the housing industry could not avoid an accommodation crunch, hygiene issues, safety threats, and other impacts of overtourism.  A sustainable collaboration between the best hotels in Paris and tourists is crucial. It will minimize the environmental impact and enhance the overall quality of life in the city.   For example, The Ascott Limited's sustainability program has helped me understand how the best hotels in Paris are doing it right. They are trying to minimize the impact of overtourism on the city’s environment and natural resources. Showing Commitment To Sustainability The Ascott Limited is sincere about taking care of the environment. Also, it has earned the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Committed status.  Moreover, Ascott Limited aims to achieve GSTC-Accredited Body certification for its global portfolio by 2028.  The sustainability program, known as “Ascott CARES,” is based on five fundamental pillars, and those are: Respect Alliance Community Environment  Supply Chain Also, Ms. Beh Siew Kim from Ascott has mentioned that sustainability has always been a key priority for the business. “The Ascott Limited aiming to have all their properties certified by GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies by 2028 where applicable* is a testament to how serious they are committed as an organization to environmental and social responsibility. We applaud Ascott’s leadership and vision in prioritizing sustainability, and I am confident that their efforts will set a benchmark for others in the sector to follow.”Randy Durband, CEO, The Global Sustainable Tourism Council With Ascott Limited as an example, the best hotels in Paris are also redefining the tourism landscape. They are also trying to fight overtourism by building a sustainable future.