Maldives is a stunning bungalow complete with waiter serving drinks on a private terrace overlooking white sand and turquoise waters. Will you have to brake your saving to chill out in Maldive?
Q: I am thinking about taking a week's holiday in the Maldives but have a tight budget. Do you know of any cheap places with charm where a lone traveller can find some peace and quiet. Thank you, Jai
A: The familiar image of the Maldives is a stunning bungalow complete with waiter serving drinks on a private terrace overlooking white sand and turquoise waters. Not a place for budget travellers, then. But your question fired my curiosity, so I did a little research.
Most of the Maldives' hundred or so island resorts offer accommodation in bungalows or villas on a half-board, full-board or allinclusive basis with a selection of in-house restaurants. Places for under US$200 (Bt6,740) a night are considered budget check out Summer Island Resort, Giravaru Island Resort, Embudu Village, Eriyadu Island Resort and Central Hotel, near the airport.
Many hotels don't mention the room rate on their websites, but most are listed at www.HotelMaldives.com. Remember to factor in the cost of the transfers between Hulule Airport and your resort - that can be between $100 and $250 depending on the mode transport.
Good luck!
Q: My friend and I are interested in architecture and plan to visit Spain and Portugal this November. We have 20 days - where are the best sights? Somkanae
A: You won't be able to see everything in the time available. If I were you, I would stick with Spain for this trip, then visit Portugal on the next one. However, if you don't mind travelling quickly and often, 20 days is enough time to see the highlights - even the ones not on the tourist trail.
In Spain, a good idea is to start in the north with Madrid and Barcelona then make your way to Andalucia in the south. Madrid's wonders run from ancient classical to eye-opening contemporary architecture. For the latter, check out the Caixa Forum by Herzog & Meuron and the Museo Reina Sofia by Jean Nouvel. Traditionalists will prefer the Museo del Prado though a huge new wing has just sprouted from its row of grand columns.
For a taste of the capital's growing bohemian scene head to the old Jewish quarter of Lavapies, which is being transformed by a multicultural and arty mix of residents. Not far away is the Chueca neighbourhood and the Fuencarral shopping street, a good spot for people watching. The Gran Via - nicknamed Madrid's Broadway for its early 20thcentury multi-storey buildings is the one street you shouldn't miss (visit the Movistar cell-phone store), while a tour of the Royal Palace and the view from the Templo de Debod and Hotel Urban are other attractions to consider if time permits.
Barcelona is famous for the playful, organic visions of Gaudi especially the Sagrada Familia church, whose anthilllike spires draw more tourists than any other sight in the city. And before heading south of Madrid, other destinations worth the trip include Bilboa for the Gearhy museum, Leon for its magnificent mediaeval cathedral, Salamanca and its gorgeous Plaza Major, and Segovia's castle and Roman aqueduct.
The South has two breathtaking cathedrals Sevilla's is one of the world's finest examples of gothic and baroque styles while the height of Moorish architecture can be seen in the eighthcentury Great Mosque of Cordoba, now a Roman Catholic place of worship. The Moors also left behind the aweinspiring Alhambra Palace in Granada, while the walled port city of Cadiz is packed with a thousand years of architectural sights.
The "Eyewitness Travel Guide to Spain" is the best place to look for more ideas for your trip.
If you do get to Portugal, Porto is a superb place to visit. Don't miss the Casa da Musica, the capital's futuristic concert hall. Just to the north and worth the trip are the Leca Swimming Pools - seabathing lagoons built into the rocky shoreline of the Iberian Peninsula.
A good tip if you have the money is to stay in Portugal's pousadas, upscale historical hotels considered by some the "living architecture" of the country.
Have a great trip!