Posts by author Jessie Festa

Jessie Festa

Jessie Festa, a New York native, is a world traveler who is always looking for a new adventure. She stays active through dance, hiking, and cycling and loves nothing more than her backpack. Follow her travels around the world and the Big Apple on her blogs, jessieonajourney.com and epicureandculture.com.

close-up of piano
Rock out in the lounge of the Backstage Hotel.
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most interesting and quirky cities, so why not opt for a hotel to match? Tourism keeps rising, but there are still plenty of hotel deals if you know where to look. Whether you want to sleep on a boat, immerse yourself in art, sleep in a futuristic neon cube or » Read more
Hostel Domus Civica exterior
Venice's Hostel Domus Civica is a haven for unfussy travelers during the summer.
For those looking to travel to Venice, Italy, on a budget, one of the largest expenses you’ll have to tackle will be your accommodation. While it’s not always easy to find cheap sleeps in Venice, the city does offer some inexpensive accommodation options that are generally well located, and some even have a canal view! » Read more
The view from the rooftop terrace at the Albergo del Sole, near the Campo de' Fiori.
When choosing the right place to stay on a budget in expensive cities like Rome, location sometimes takes a back seat to price. This isn’t always a great strategy, however. While a far-flung hotel may be initially inexpensive, if its location is inconvenient, you may end up spending too much money (or time) on transportation. » Read more
Gimmelwald, Switzerland
The Swiss mountain village of Gimmelwald overlooks the UNESCO world heritage listed Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn. Photos by Jessica Festa
“Do you mean Grindelwald?” This is the common response I receive when telling people about my favorite Swiss destination of Gimmelwald. While not many people have heard of it, it’s more because of its remote location than its lack of offerings. Located in the Bernese Oberland, the tiny mountain village sits at an altitude of » Read more
Tarifa, Spain
Tarifa, Spain offers budget travelers history, adventure, beaches and great food. Photos by Jessica Festa
While Barcelona and Madrid get all the hype, Tarifa, Spain is a worthwhile destination for any Cheapo looking for adventure, culture, history and relaxation. The narrow streets of the city center make it almost impossible for cars, allowing for a laid-back pedestrian town. For those looking to experience the lesser-known side of the country, here » Read more