Destinations for low-budget travel

Highly popular destinations are not always overtoured, contrary to widespread belief. Sunrises and sunsets at the beach, with some candlelit al fresco dinners and the yacht cruises…

Well, if you are a travel buff, you know how the story goes; lots of memories made and lump sums of money spent, right? But not travelling at all out of budget scares? Now that’s a horror story because you know, if you never travel at all, you will never get to see the moon from the other side of the world. Many people kill those travel plans once they check out hotel rates.

As a resident (and lover) of the Coast, I still like to take mini vacays locally, which have brought my feet to some of the most amazing treasure troves, as well as indeed affordable spots. Sometimes all you need is somewhere decent to lay your head at night as you enjoy the destination.

Mini travelling is something I do due to work, and also, as a writer, get some space, time and the quiet I need to get to actually do some writing. Keyword being ‘quiet’. As a young mum, this becomes a rare word in my vocabulary. The noise stops when everybody is in bed, and you still have a lot to do before literally collapsing for a few hours, and you are up again.

You take a leave break and you are even more exhausted than rested, so, occasionally, I fake an urgent trip, book myself in an affordable hotel and get the peace I truly deserve. I make sure the location is not far, just in case I have to run back home.

It is one of these mini getaways that landed me at the gates of El Casa Suites, Nyali, courtesy of my partner in the very crime, Sasha. The hotel is located on Links Road, just behind the Premier Hospital. After checking out my options, I felt sorry for the people who keep postponing their trips to Mombasa with the budget excuse. I got myself a fully furnished room, with double beds, for Sh5,000. Quite a spacious, fair bathroom, and a kitchen area fitted with a fridge, cooker, microwave and all the utensils I would need for self-catering. Well, I have no business cooking when going on my guilt trips (even though I feel, deserve it).

When staying in small hotels like this, my super factor is normally serenity and silence. And yay! The house rule here is; no smoking or drinking in the hotel. It might seem extreme at first, but if you are here to relax and be productive away from home, that shouldn’t be an issue. According to the CEO, this rule is in line with his strict religious guidelines (Islam). This is not a problem to them, as he mentions there are more religious guests and families anyway.

There are two-bedroom apartments as well, which can accommodate a maximum of six people, at a price of Sh8,000. You can also get an extra mattress on request. This would be ideal for a low-budget family getaway. The space is big enough for children to freely move around and play (I’m planning for the next trip already).

My favourite bit was the restaurant. Though small, it felt homely; well lit and with a nice TV area for children. I noticed the hotel boss constantly hosting meetings there as well. The menu is mostly Swahili, with a bit of Italian. À la carte meals are priced reasonably; no meal exceeds Sh700.

For locals looking for a new eatery experience, the restaurant is also open to outside guests. So, you can come enjoy the Sandato (spaghetti Bolognese), which is special here. That’s my latest find for a low-budget traveller.