If you fancy exploring the British Isles there are plenty of ways you can do it without having to spend the budget of a small army. The most conventional would be to stay in hotels or bed and breakfasts, but that's a bit dull really, isn't it?
So what are the alternatives? Well, there are plenty of ways to travel around the country and if you're a tad eccentric perhaps you fancy a slightly less conventional one. Fortunately there are plenty of options out there to please those who like something a little different on their travels. The UK is packed with unique things to see and do, and these modes of travel promise to spice your trip up even more.
Here are seven quirky ways to travel the UK on the cheap...
1) Caravan
OK so caravans aren't that odd but there are some very cool ones you can buy or hire in which to cruise around the country. An Airstream caravan is a beautiful thing, all sleek lines and silver riveted structure. These quirky caravans are a very stylish way to explore Great Britain without having to spend the earth.
"Airstream" by neekoh.fi is licensed under CC BY 2.0
2) Motorbike and sidecar
Lots of people cruise around the UK on a motorbike, but if you're travelling with company and you want to provide an element of comfort to the journey, why not explore on a motorbike with sidecar. Either your companion can sit in the sidecar or they can join you on the bike and you can use the sidecar for your luggage, including a tent if you want a real rugged tour of the country. Sidecar Safaris specialise in this kind of trip in the peak District - just make sure you do it in summer!
"sidecar" by David DeHetre is licensed under CC BY 2.0
3) Double decker bus
Cliff Richard did it in Summer Holiday so why not travel the UK in a double decker bus? Several people have customised old double deckers and they can be transformed into luxury touring buses, with kitchens, living rooms and bedroom spaces. Just beware of low bridges!
"Vintage double decker bus" by Valerie Everett is licensed under CC BY 2.0
4) Campervan
Campervans are the ideal home on the go and a budget traveller's dream. Hiring a campervan allows you to travel the country at your own pace, stopping wherever you like to see local sights or to have a kip if you're tired. An ideal way to travel independently whether you're on the road for a long weekend, a week or months at a time.
"Camper Van" by Beverley Goodwin is licensed under CC BY 2.0
5) Bicycle
If you are the active type then maybe you could challenge yourself to travel the length and breadth of the UK under your own steam. Cycling is very popular at the moment, since the Tour de France came through Britain, so if you love riding your bike why not take it to the next level? As with the motorbike option you will need to take your own tent along, on what could be a real adventure.
"Cycling Yorkshire Dales" by Tejvan Pettinger is licensed under CC BY 2.0
6) Vintage van
As with double decker buses there are some people with old vans that they have transformed from bangers to quirky beauties. A vintage can be decked out with the same way as a campervan, making it a great way to get around the UK.
"Melford Hall Vintage Rally 04-07-2009" by Karen Roe is licensed under CC BY 2.0
7) Boat
If you think about it travelling by land isn't really that quirky at all is it? For an alternative tour of the country you could go by boat, either on the UK's canals on a barge trip, or by sailboat all the way around the coastline. You might even stumble across some Mississippi blues. Now that's quirky...
" LEEDS-LIVERPOOL CANAL @ LEIGH .NARROW-BOAT." by Ronald Saunders is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The UK is such a beautiful place that you don't really need to do anything different to make it worthwhile. But if you do a lot of travelling in our fabled lands then these modes of transport are a sure fire way to mix things up and add an extra bit of spice to your trip. I'm going on the hunt for a double decker bus....