What budget for activities and outings Wales?
Most museums and castles charge admission. The average charge for a castle is £15. Reduced rates are available for minors. And for younger visitors (under 5), admission is often free. Many ruins, on the other hand, are open to the public.
In general, for each establishment, it's cheaper to buy your ticket online.
You can take advantage of the hiking trails for a sporting outing without spending a penny. For water sports such as boating or rafting, a minimum budget is required. Here are a few practical tips for a successful hike:
Take along a map and compass. For example, the paths in the Brecon Beacons still lack signage. So remember to take a map. A compass is also useful, as fog can roll in very quickly.
Stay on the trails. Most of the time, you'll be walking on private property. You have access to the marked trails, but you're not supposed to leave them.
Don't trust the weather. The weather can change extremely quickly. It may look dry, but the trails can still be muddy. Take appropriate footwear.
Respect the environment. Close gates behind you to prevent animals from escaping.
The cost of living is similar to that in France. Don't forget to check the exchange rate before you leave. Card payments are accepted almost everywhere. ATMs are easy to find if you need them.
The Poundland chain of stores sells everything for £1.
There's something for everyone: many concerts are free, especially in pubs.
What budget to eat Wales?
Pubs generally serve food at reasonable prices. Count on average £15 for a dish.
In general, the cheapest thing you can buy is a pint of beer.
In Wales, service is not necessarily included in the bill. If it's marked " service not included ", it's customary to leave a 10-15% tip for the waiter. Don't forget it! Otherwise, as in France, the tip you leave depends on your goodwill, bearing in mind that it's not customary to leave a tip in pubs.
What is the budget for accommodation Wales?
The big international hotel chains are present in the major Welsh cities, Cardiff and Swansea in particular. Otherwise, there are smaller, independent hotels of varying quality, often relatively expensive and rated from 1 to 5 stars. Please note that each en suite room has its own bathroom.
Charming hotels have proliferated in recent decades. The most impressive are undoubtedly those occupying castles or listed buildings of notable architectural or historical interest, often decorated with antiques or high-end traditional furnishings.
Hostels offer a more economical alternative to hotels and B&Bs. The range is vast: from central locations in the heart of Cardiff to the most remote in the mountains of Snowdonia, from simple and inexpensive hostels to trendy and fashionable...
Independent hostels abound in most towns and cities in Wales. Their services match or exceed the quality of YHAs.
YHA (Youth Hostels Association)youth hostels offer accommodation with no age limit, in rooms that are often shared and single-sex. Some have rooms for families. Others also offer very inexpensive meals and a variety of leisure activities. They are accessible with a membership card valid for one year. To obtain your card, visit www.yha.org.uk.
University residences. Student residences are only open to tourists during school vacations (Christmas, New Year, Easter and June to September). Rates per night range from £12 to £20, including breakfast. They also offer weekly rental accommodation, as well as a variety of leisure activities.
Most campsites are open for six months of the year (usually Easter to October). Tourist resorts often offer camping facilities, sometimes even in fields that have been converted by farmers. Tourist offices can tell you how to find these sites; everything seems perfectly organized. The quality of services offered by campsites falls into five categories. Larger areas often have a section for campers, as well as facilities such as swimming pools, games rooms, tennis courts and television. Be discreet if you're wilderness camping, and if you're asked to leave, don't ask, just do it. In rural areas, camping is often possible on arable land with the permission of farmers.
For alist of camping areas, visit www.pitchup.com or coolcamping.co.uk.
Travel budget Wales and cost of living
Generally speaking, living in Wales is a little more expensive than in France (except for restaurants) and a little cheaper than in England (the cost of local living in Cardiff is 20% lower than in London, for example).
Gratuities: In Wales, service is not necessarily included in the bill. If the words " service not included " appear on the menu, it's customary to leave a 10-15% tip for the waiter. Don't forget it! Otherwise, as in France, it's up to you how much you tip , bearing in mind that it's not customary to leave a tip in pubs.
Haggling: Not a widespread practice in Wales: fixed prices are... fixed. So there's no point in trying to negotiate in the stores. The exception, of course, is flea markets.
