Seeking solace amid the financial gloom? If you're looking to save money on holiday, you could find the global economic crisis working in your favour
1. Book an apartment
You might have to make your own bed, but at least you can lie in as long as you like. Increasingly, savvy travellers looking to offset the falling value of sterling are increasingly considering a holiday apartment rather than a hotel.
The economic slowdown has also seen a torrent of properties originally bought as investments or second homes flood on to the holiday lettings market. And many of the established websites specialising in holiday apartments have upgraded their offerings in recent months, presenting potential renters with the range of accommodation and level of functionality they've come to expect when searching for hotels. In short, there's never been a better time to rent a holiday apartment.
Marie and Jamie Dean from Hackney in east London rented an apartment during a trip to Tokyo over Christmas. They found a third-storey apartment in a residential block in Ebisu for £600pw (including a "hidden" cleaning service charge), a quiet neighbourhood just two subway stops away from glamorous Shibuya Crossing. Staying in an apartment saved them money not only on accommodation, but also on overall living costs.
"We ate out quite a lot," says Marie, "but enjoyed being able to cook our own meals, too, making the most of trips to local markets and food halls."
Staying in an apartment also allowed their trip to alternate between "one day exploring and the next day chilling", a godsend after a 14-hour flight, and gave them more space to relax and get a feel for neighbourhood.
They say you do have to think carefully about the area you choose - hotels tend to be near transport connections, nightlife etc, though not all flats will be - but they would definitely do it again.
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