We've got two fantastic guides for you intrepid internet explorers, both of which have many suggestions that are 100% cost free! Firstly, to London to check out some of the fun to be had, then we also take a look at some of the indispensable smartphone apps that'll have you glued to your phones for deals, information and even inspiration!

Read on and discover how you can afford to have some extra fun this festive season...

by Janine Pounder
If you are anything like yours truly, you have no doubt taken full advantage of what London’s nightlife has to offer. But if that double shot of vodka or last lager has left your wallet a little lighter than you care for…DON’T PANIC! Pull yourself from your mattress weary-eyed traveller and pop a paracetamol, for I have complied a list of 10 things to do in London-FOR FREE!

1. Head to the Bedford
This building holds as much history within its walls as it does upcoming talent. The Bedford, originally a hotel built in 1830 hosts an assortment of free music events. Having brought The Clash and U2 into notoriety in the 70’s, The Bedford has won numerous awards and serves great food and ale!

For more info visit: www.thebedford.co.uk

2. Covent Garden
Do you have a taste for theatrics? Visit Covent Garden, the quaintest corner of London. Pavements are platforms for street performers to showcase their talents. If you are a tea lover you can visit Covent Gardens many picturesque cafes, or busy yourself with free attractions such as the Theatre Museum and Photographers Gallery.

For more info visit: www.coventgardenlife.com

3. Walk along the Thames
Get your boots on and take a stroll down the River Thames. Along this idyllic route you will encounter some of London’s most notable landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge. If you feel adventurous you could follow its 215-mile route and see where it takes you!

For more info visit: www.visitthames.co.uk

4. Abbey Road
Made famous thanks to the Beatles last recorded album in 1969, Abbey Road is situated between Camden and Westminster. Now classed as a Grade II listed building (along with Abbey Road Studios), strut your stuff over the crossing and remember to wave to the webcam!

For more info visit: www.abbeyroad.com/visit

5. Southbank
The cultural centre of London, Southbank holds an array of events, exhibitions and attractions. Better still, many of the events are our favourite word…FREE! Check out the website and take a look at their free fun-packed informative line-up.

For More Info Visit: www.southbanklondon.com

6. Christmas Pudding Race!
Would you like to see a crowd of crazy Londoners dressed as Christmas decorations, Santa’s elves and other such festive characters? If so make your way to Covent Garden on December 3rd for the Great Christmas Pudding Race! Raising money for Cancer Research, teams tackle and trip over obstacles while balancing a Christmas pudding on a trey!

For more info visit: www.xmaspuddingrace.org.uk

7. Speakers' Corner
A home to social thinkers and activists, Speakers Corner has been frequented by many renowned names such as Karl Marx, George Orwell and Marcus Garvey.
Do you have something to say? Head to Hyde Park where Speakers Corner is still providing a platform for all those who want to be heard.

For more info visit: www.speakerscorner.net

8. Ghost Walks
London is renound for its spooky spectres and grizzly serial killers. Now a free online resource has become available to help you retrace the steps of the notorious Jack the Ripper and hunt for famous phantoms!

For more info visit: www.walksoflondon.co.uk

9. Take a Free Tour
New London Tours share their passion for the city they love by giving you travellers a guided tour (and here’s our favourite word again) for FREE! Follow the footsteps of famous Londoners such as Winston Churchill and take in the sights of Westminster Abbey. Tour guides live off the tips of the generous; so spare a few pounds if you can!

For more info visit: www.newlondon-tours.com

10. Be on TV
Have you ever wanted to take a trip to the BBC studios? You can now do one better and get directly involved. Click onto the website below and you can be in the audience on a TV show. This could be your moment of fame!

For more info visit: www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tickets

by Vanessa Hazelton
Wherever we happen to be at the moment, we cannot help knowing that we could be elsewhere, so there is less and less reason to stay anywhere in particular.’ Bauman, 1998

Very true. Due to boredom of being perched behind a desk, many opt to embrace the backpacking lifestyle. Due to globalization, long-term international travel on a budget has become accessible, and as it has become easier an increasing number of us choose to travel. Traditionally, the tools of the trade have been guidebooks and word-of-mouth. Well, technology has caught up. The explosion of digital resources for backpacking in the past few years has been enormous. A plethora of information is available at the press of a button through forums, social media networks and websites.

The 'app' is a fairly new, yet useful string that has been added to the technology bow. There are thousands of quirky and helpful apps to download, many of which are free!

Everyone who embarks on traveling has their own preferences of how to backpack – that’s what makes us individuals. So, we have decided to compile some fitting apps to suit your backpacker style. Hopefully one of these will be APP-licable to you! (‘Scuze the pun!)

The Thrifty Backpacker
Hostel Hero – Book bargain hostels easily on the go and view ratings and maps. Available offline so it is absolutely free! Free!

The Gambler
Priceline Hotel Negotiator – Pay what YOU want to for a hotel. Bid on the hotel you want to stay in and discover instantly if it is accepted or not. Free!

The Intrepid Backpacker
US Army Survival Guide – Chapters on fire making, shelter creating and food finding. An SAS – style guide to help you battle your way through the wilderness.

The Hungry Backpacker
Food Spotting – Find tasty dishes as well as tempting restaurants in your area. If you like something, take a photo, give it a rating and pop it up. Free!

The Social Butterfly
Gowalla – Check in and review places you have visited. Create virtual passports, follow pre-planned trips, share your snaps with friends, and earn rewards. Free!

The App Lover
WiFi Finder – So roaming rates won’t cripple your bank balance! Get directions to free WiFi and download the directory to browse at your leisure offline. Essential when feeding your app addiction! Free!

The Culture Fiend
World Customs and Cultures – Ponder the local customs and culture of the countries you visit. A list of every country and their flag appears for you to browse. Free!

The Organised Backpacker
Packing Pro – Plan what to pack from scratch, enlist expert help to provide suggestions based on your trip type and remind yourself of any last minute prep that needs doing before you go!

The Stargazing Backpacker
GoSkyWatch Planitarium – Receive magnified pictures and incredible information about any constellation you point your phone at!

The Considerate Backpacker
Flashlight – Light up your life with this handy app. Useful to prevent fumbling through dark hostel rooms at the crack of dawn and an evil glare from roommates. Funkier lights such as strobe lighting, S.O.S and yin-yang are also available. Free!

All available from the App Store.
What are you waiting for? Get apping!

Backpax Magazine is celebrating its 11th anniversary this year! As a small, hard-working team, we’re passionate about expanding your horizons whilst you explore the UK. Printed 3 times a year, in March, June and September, our goal is to introduce you to the many fabulous places the UK has to offer – from the bright lights of big cities to the wonders of the countryside, from hip hang-outs to quirky off-track discoveries. Get going and explore it for yourself!