Attracting millions of visitors from across the globe each year, the event (which actually occurs at the end of September, despite its name) is packed full of tasting, dancing and raucous Bavarian-style partying!

As the world's biggest beer festival, there's really nothing quite like it but it can be a little expensive and overwhelming, so here's our tips on how to get the most out of this Oktoberfest.

1. Getting there on the cheap

   With low cost airlines regularly connecting Munich with most other European cities, it's easy to find a flight to suit your budget. Booking well in advance (or sometimes right at the last minute) can produce further savings but a bit of research and price comparison goes a long way towards finding a great deal.

2. Budget accommodation

   Luckily there are plenty of good, cheap Munich hostels concentrated in the city center within stumbling distance of the Oktoberfest site at Theresienwiesen. However, as the festival is so popular with travelers and backpackers, the quality hostels always fill up fast, so it's advisable to book early for the best value.

3. Beat the crowds

   The scale of Oktoberfest can seem daunting at first, with thousands of people packed into the 14 tents filling up the tables. Heading down to the site at lunchtime (especially on weekdays) can offer some welcome peace and quiet to complement your pint. It tends to get busier and busier throughout the day so arriving early also helps you stake out some space for the rest of the evening's partying!

4. Be prepared

   Unfortunately it's not possible to take your own food or drink into the festival, and inside prices have soared thanks to the captive audience, with dinner working out particularly pricey. Eating a hearty breakfast can help line your stomach and cut down on costs, and you could even enjoy a cheaper pint or two before entering the festival as well!

5. Budget realistically

   No matter how you approach it, Oktoberfest can work out rather pricey, even when staying in a cheap hostel and trying not to buy over-priced meals. Although great quality, the same six breweries are responsible for supplying the beers every year and they've pushed up the cost of a liter to around €8. So if you come expecting to splash out a bit - and budget accordingly - then you'll be well equipped to fully experience the atmosphere and merriment of this unique event!

1. Find Accommodation Nearby

   Although there are plenty of cheap hostels in London, if you're just visiting the city for the carnival, booking a bed in the vicinity of Notting Hill eliminates the hassle of using public transport along with the crowds.

2. Avoid High Prices

   Once the carnival begins, there's a huge captive audience in the area that encourages local shops (and residents) to sell food and drink at vastly inflated prices. Purchasing supplies in advance from a supermarket near your house or hostel can really help save not just cash, but also the time it takes to queue!

3. Be Prepared

   Notting Hill Carnival can be a long day out and it's so busy that it becomes quite difficult to quickly buy water or food as the afternoon wears on. Taking some soft drinks and sunscreen will help you stay healthy. Also try and wear comfortable shoes for standing around, and avoid strappy sandals or flip-flops because of the amount of glass and metal that always ends up on the streets.

4. Keep Your Belongings Safe

   The busy, shuffling crowds create a pickpocket's heaven so try not to take jewelry, superfluous valuables or lots of cash along to the event.

5. Head Out to The Edge

   There are many fun tastes and sounds to sample across Notting Hill thanks to residents setting up speakers and small stalls in their front gardens, but the best atmosphere is usually found towards the edges of the carnival. Along with the added benefit of more dancing space and cheaper prices, this is where the more alternative revelers and sound-systems tend to gather.

6. Locate the Toilets in Advance

   It's a good idea to try and find some toilets in person or at least on one of the official maps (there's always some floating about at the start) as there's never quite enough for the crowds. Expect long queues either way - or pay to use the bathroom in someone's house!

7. Arrive and Leave Early

   Getting to the carnival before the main hordes descend is a great way to get your bearings and find your friends. Similarly, leaving a bit before the end can avoid the rush to exit the area around 10pm.

8. Don't Rely on Your Mobile Phone

   With so many people in a small area trying to get in touch with each other, mobile networks are quick to play up or stop working altogether. Instead, try to set up a meeting place for when one of the group gets lost.

1. Be the first to book accommodation.

Edinburgh hostels have a number of great cheap beds and rooms scattered across the city center but the popularity of the festival with backpackers means the best (and most affordable) places always fill up fast!

2. Search for discount train tickets in advance.

Although the most cost-effective way to get to Edinburgh from the rest of the UK is by bus (London from £10 return), the journey is pretty slow and uncomfortable. Train companies also offer cheap fares when they're booked before the day of travel (the earlier, the better).

3. Take a friend along to the Half Price Hut.

On the corner of Waverley Bridge and Princes Street (by Princes Mall), there's a half-price ticket booth for the fringe which offers does 2-for-1 deals for many shows on the day of performance. If none of your mates want to go, you're bound to meet someone at your hostel with similar interests who'll be happy to split the costs this way!

4. Arrive early.

From the opening weekend (August 3/4) through to the middle of the second week, the festival is at its quietest and, when there are only small audiences booked in, there are often great discounts to be had. Hanging around outside one of the big theatres like The Pleasance can be a great way to get cheap (or even free) tickets when organizers hope to fill up seats at the last minute.

5. Knock the sellers down.

When you're offered a deal, investigate the possibility of an even cheaper one! It's always worth asking…

6. Check out snippets of over 100 shows at Fringe Sunday.

On 10th August 2008, the Edinburgh Meadows hosts a day of cabaret, theatre, music dance and comedy - all for free! This busy day is the largest free event of the Fringe Festival and includes a farmers market and a host of family-friendly fun.

7. See top comedians on the cheap at Amnesty International's Stand Up for Freedom gigs.

Although most of the low-priced shows involve fun but alternative stuff, the charity's two sponsored late-night shows on 6th and 13th August include such illustrious names as Ed Byrne and Jo Caufield and are a bargain! What's more, proceeds go directly towards Amnesty International's human rights work.

8. Hit the streets!

The central section of the Royal Mile becomes one big, lively street-theatre throughout August, with acrobats, entertainers and musicians all entertaining the crowds that flock to the city. Head to the National Galleries Complex for everything from fire-eaters to Peruvian pan-pipes and a truly festive atmosphere.

9. Visit Arthur Smith's Arturart gallery on Queen Street for just £5.

During the Fringe this museum is packed with silly installations using two-way mirrors and CCTV from top names such as Stewart Lee, Jo Brand, Tim Vine and Harry Hill. It was awarded the if.comedy panel prize in 2007 and is definitely worth a visit.

10. Work for your living!

The numerous pubs and restaurants around Edinburgh are always keen to take on visitors for casual work throughout the festival to help with the massive crowds. With a few nights work behind the bar the festival could end up costing next to nothing! And, with late openings and a constant buzz around the city, it's entertaining as well as a job.

1. Stay

   At the 5 Rama Nine 54 Hostel for a staggeringly low $3 a night.

2. Take

   The opportunity to pamper yourself for less with a traditional massage at Wat Pho Massage School (2 Sanamchai Rd).

3. Eat

   Freshly caught and freshly cooked seafood at the Rut & Lek Seafood Restaurant, Yaowarat & Soi Texas.

4. Drink

   A $10 cocktail 656 feet above the ground at Vertigo, the bar atop the trendy Banyan Tree Hotel.

5. Dance

   With your glow sticks at The Club, 123 Khao San Road.

6. See

   The city's culture by boat.

7. Explore

   The klongs and wats of Thonburi.

8. Watch

   The crowds from the open spaces of Lupini Park.

9. Shop

   Bangkok's alleyways and stalls for some bargain street fashion.

10. Walk

    Along the Khao San road in the evening.

Bangkok Hostels rank among the cheapest in the world. A boat ride away from the Old Town and city center, you can swap the tourist haunts for the local side of Bangkok at 5 Rama Nine 54 for a tiny price.

Unlike their sleazy international counterparts, Thai massage parlors offer real (and quite tough) treatments based on the principles of yoga. A block from the Palace and a frequent haunt of its Royal residents, Wat Pho can make you feel like a king or queen for a little under $10.

Serving awesome dishes from grilled giant shrimp to crab stir-fried in its roe, Rut & Lek has a simple open-flame cooker and a typically roadside location. Take a couple of friends and try as many dishes as you can! Dinner for three including beer comes to under $25.

Leave dusty clothes and cheap stays behind for an hour to sip an elegant drink with the best view of the city. However, peeks over the side at the sheer drop to the traffic below are not for the faint-hearted!

A throwback to when trance music and old-school ravers ruled the Khao San road instead of today's chart tunes, a small entry fee will provide an enjoyable night of psychedelic visuals, cheap Thai whiskey and a taste of Bangkok's clubbing scene in its prime.

A Sunday cruise up the Chao Phraya River will cost you less than $10 and includes stops at the Bang Sai's Royal Folk Art Centre and the famous Summer Palace at Bang Pa-In.

Across the Chao Phraya River lies the historic district of Thonburi which retains some of the tradition that Bangkok has lost amid its skyscrapers. Home to traditional wooden waterside dwellings, some of the city's finest Buddhist temples and murals and even farms and orchards, it's a different world to the Bangkok of the Khao San road.

This relaxing spot in the heart of the frenzied city is the place to take a break and observe the residents and tourists going on their way. In the evening you may even see an elephant or two roaming the streets when they're bought in by villagers trying to make a couple of bucks amongst the busy nightlife scene.

Around Pratunam is a warren of backstreets filled with tiny shops and street vendors selling well-designed cotton clothes for around $5. Haggling can save you even more money on purchases.

It may be the city's most notorious tourist destination and heavily influenced by this trade but it's worth a visit and a stroll to take in the lively, unique mix of backpackers, locals and every weird, cheap purchase known to man. Ostensibly a free activity, you may find a walk here tempts you into buying a $2 Thai beer or some of those infamous goods.

Much of the city's varied history and architecture can be admired from a simple walking tour, from the "Dublin Spire" built in the millennium to the gothic-style St Patrick's Cathedral and the ancient castle which stands guard above the banks of the River Liffey.

The National Library and National Museum are, surprisingly, free to explore, along with the Colin Barracks and the castle's courtyards and Chapel Royal. If you are in Dublin on a Tuesday, there is also a free tour of the House of Lords which is well worth a visit for anyone interested in the country's troubled politics.

For a taste of Ireland beyond the capital, a reasonable bus ticket and short ride will allow you to enjoy the fifty acres of the National Botanic Gardens. To the south, Sandycove has a renowned bathing spot to tempt brave travelers into the chill of the Irish Sea whilst Killney hill boasts a fantastic (and free) panorama of the city below.

Eating and Drinking

Dublin may be better known for its barrels of Guinness but it still houses some good quality eateries. If you are drawn to a traditional meal, many pubs will offer a variation on "Irish Stew," although recent cosmopolitan influences mean international restaurants are often more affordable.

Another good budget bet is the Cedar Tree off Grafton Street which serves hearty Lebanese fare at a good price, particularly the early-bird special. The set lunch at Ristorante Romano on Capel Street, meanwhile, offers excellent value for money on Italian dishes.

Alternatively, you could pick up lunch from recommended Munchies Sandwich Bar and head to nearby St. Stephens Green. Here you can picnic away from the bustle of the city and enjoy the quiet company of James Joyce's statue and the park's resident ducks!

Nightlife

As a modern, lively city, Dublin also has plenty of entertainment after dark. Temple Bar is renowned for housing more pubs than even the most seasoned drinker can crawl between but it can be uncomfortably crowded during tourist season and its reputation has pushed up the price of a Guinness. For a cheaper drink, nearby Camden Street is a similarly enjoyable night out and sticking to pints and stout can stretch those Euros still further!

Walking through the streets at night, you're as likely to hear traditional music issuing from the door of a bar as pop tunes and, as late licensing means there is little distinction between pubs and clubs in Ireland, adding music to your evening often comes without the inconvenience of paying entry.

Hard-core clubbers may be tempted to experience the Gaiety Theater which becomes an electronic/dance club at weekends. As it stays open till very late and has five floors of DJs spinning beats, it offers surprising value for money. Just remember to pick a hostel with a late curfew to avoid spending the night on a bridge by the Liffey!

Where to Stay

And when it comes to places to stay, Dublin is packed with good, reasonable accommodation, with the prices at Dublin Hostels ranging from €16 for a dorm bed at Kinlay House, to €23 for a rather swanky private room at the Dublin City Bunkhouse.

It's never a bad idea to check out a variety of Dublin hostel photos before deciding on your bed for the night. But frankly, Kinlay House and Dublin City Bunkhouse make an attractive pair, and are right up there with the very best hostels in Dublin, anyway.

As both hostels are centrally located and Dublin itself is relatively compact, it's possible to explore the whole of the city on foot. Which gives you all the more opportunity to soak up its unique atmosphere and save a little extra cash as you do so!

The Belgian capital of Brussels offers the traveler many things - history, culture architecture… However, for many visitors a trip to Brussels is a chance to see some of its internationally-renowned comic art up close.

Belgium's Comic History

Belgium's massive contribution to international comic culture should not be underestimated. A formidable rival to the US Marvel Comics business, Belgium has produced some of the most enduringly popular comic book characters.

Of these one stands out above the rest: Tintin. Written by George Reni - under the nom de plumes, Hergé - the Adventures of Tintin have been translated into over 50 languages around the world, and sold more than 200 million copies.

There are various attractions dedicated to the crime-solving, quaff-sporting reporter across the city. Just off the Grand Place on Rue de la Collin, La Boutique Tintin is a good place to go and buy a book or some related memorabilia, while in 2007 a mural dedicated to him was unveiled at Brussels Midi train station to go with those at Stockel, Porte de Hals and Ribaucourts Metro Stations.

Indeed, the whole city is positively covered in street art, murals and vibrant graffiti - most of which has a decidedly "comic" slant. The best way of seeing this side of the city is to pick up a copy of the "Comic Book Trail" guide from the tourist office.

Within Belgium, though, the longest running comic strip is Spirou and Fantasio, which dates back to 1938 and is still in print today.

Brussels Comics Centre

The Brussels Comics Centre, or Centre De La Bande Dessinee as it is known locally, is one of Brussels most unique and fascinating attractions.

Carefully detailing the history of Belgian and European comic culture in a thorough and entertaining fashion, it is filled with rare and hilarious comic snippets and contributions that will keep any fan entertained for hours.

Luminaries such as the notorious Baden Powell Jije, Victor Hubinon of Buck Danny and Redbeard fame, and Maurice de Bevere - or Morris as he's affectionately known - are just some of the features in its permanent show.

It also has a comic book shop offering a blend of touristy knick-knacks and rare comic collector finds to entertain visitors. In short, comic fans traveling around Europe should be clamoring at the doors of Brussels hostels to get a glimpse of the city's special artistic heritage.

But with so much choice so close to the many hostels in Sydney, here's a small guide separating the prime wheat from the less exciting beach chaff travelers are likely to stumble across in the city.

Palm Beach

One of the most well-known beaches in the city, Palm Beach is a long stretch of faultless sand flanked on one side by lush evergreen bush, and on the other the crystal clear water of the South Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea.

Barrenjoey Beach

Officially discovered by Arthur Philip in the 18th century, this 1.5 kilometer stretch of sand is the lesser known partner of Palm Beach, which is located nearby. Both are within close proximity of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House - and hence the most popular Sydney hostels.

Great Mackerel Beach

Backing onto Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Great Mackerel Beach is generally only accessible by water taxi or neighboring Palm Beach. Surrounded by lush vegetation, it is a great place for backpackers seeking a bit of peace.

Currawong Beach

For tranquility it's hard to do better than Currawong Beach, whose lapping shores are savored by visitors and treasured by locals as an excellent place for couples and families to take some time out from the throng.

Bondi Beach

Perhaps the most popular tourist beach in Sydney, Bondi Beach is renowned the world over for its supreme surf and well-policed waves. Located close to the city centre, Bondi Beach is often the natural choice for new arrivals in Sydney hostels.

Balmoral Beach

Located in the Mosman suburb, the area is as much renowned for its views from the surrounding Balmoral Slopes as for its cool waters and golden sands. However, Balmoral Beach also boasts a number of excellent restaurants.

Avalon Beach

Avalon is most popular among surfers - and rightly so. It enjoys some of the best tides and waves in Sydney, and was also a onetime star of US TV show, Baywatch.

Cronulla Beach

Another great beach for families with children, well-patrolled by lifeguards and with a selection of toddler-friendly rock pools to play in.

Manly Beach

One of Bondi Beach's main rivals for travelers' affections and a great place for travelers to meet each other and exchange travel tips.

Long Reef Beach

The name says it all for this activity hotspot. A 200 meter long stretch of reefs and a good coastal breeze have made this a hotspot for wave-jumping, wind surfing and kitesurfing.

But tourists needn't be religious to enjoy a stay in one of the Jerusalem hostels in Old Town. Neither is this the case for exploring its historical sites that predate many others across the western world.

The Old Town's history stretches back more than 3,000 years, but its most prominent feature is a much more recent addition in the 16th century Ottoman city wall ruins.

Tourists taking the tour along the wall's Ramparts Walk, running from Jaffa Gate to Stephen's Gate can catch a glimpse of Jerusalem's other buildings, from the Temple Mount to their own hostel in Jerusalem.

Christian Quarter

Highlights in the Christian Quarter are the famous Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is where many believe Christ was crucified. Tourists keen can even stay in a Jerusalem hostel along the historic Via Dolorosa route itself.

Also dubbed the way of sorrows, it is supposed to trace the last steps taken by Christ before his crucifixion.

Muslim Quarter

In the Muslim quarter, the most famous architectural piece is the Dome of the Rock, which is one of the earliest pieces of Islamic architecture. Many consider it the Old City's most impressive and awe inspiring attraction, with a golden dome visible from great distances.

Other highlights include the Al-Aqsa Mosque, constructed shortly after the Dome of the Rock, and the Museum of Islamic Art.

Jewish Quarter

This feature is open all year round and marks the western edge of the wall that surrounds Temple Mount. Also dubbed the "wailing wall" it is a point of great spiritual significance for Jews, with many reciting prayers and inserting parchment text into the wall's crevices.

Despite the heat, those venturing out of Jerusalem hostels eager to visit the Western Wall need to be aware that it has a specific dress code demanding that legs, midriff and shoulders are covered. Conveniently, shawls are offered on entry.

James Joyce

Anyone familiar with the work of James Joyce will relish a trip to the setting of many of his novels. Dublin is intrinsically linked to the work of the modernist author. One of his most famous books, Ulysses, is set in a day in the life of the city and several tours and guided walks allow travelers to follow in the footsteps of Leopold Bloom.

Travelers can also visit the Martello Tower in Sandycove where the novel opens. Situated eight miles south of Dublin, the tower is now a dedicated Joyce museum.

Alternative Joyce landmarks just around the corner from practically all hostels in Dublin, include the Custom House which is mentioned in the Eumaeus episode of Ulysses, or the General Post Office in O'Connell Street.

Oscar Wilde

Dublin's other famous son Oscar Wilde has also contributed to the city's tourist scene.

A must visit in the city is, of course, the Oscar Wilde House Museum. Supported by the American College, Dublin, Wilde's birthplace is open to visitors throughout the year and has been lovingly resorted to its Georgian grandeur.

In Merrion Square Park towards the south of the city, visitors can find a statue of the author, who once lived at a house on the edge of the traditional square.

Samuel Beckett

Samuel Beckett was born in the Foxrock area of Dublin and is also regarded as one of the city's most revered exports.

The Samuel Beckett Theater at Trinity College is where the playwright's influence is strongest. The campus theater plays host to a series of annual events including the Dublin Fringe Festival, the International Dance Festival and the Dublin Theater Festival.

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin is a must for fans of all three authors. Not only did Wilde and Joyce study at the institution, so did Stephen Dedalus - the main character of Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.

Other famous names to grace the halls of Trinity College include Jonathan Swift and Dracula author Bram Stoker.

The Oscar Wilde Centre for Irish Writing regularly runs events to celebrate the works of the famed author and playwright, as well as the achievements of new and lesser-known