Times are tough. There is a lot of uncertainty out there and people are worried about their future. When there is so much uncertainty, it is quite common for people to put going on holidays on hold.

Yes, it is true the Australian dollar is strong, indeed, the best it has been in a while, and going overseas has become very attractive.

Yet, when you consider a family of 5, for instance, even with the fantastic deals out there, it all adds up and for a one week's holiday in Fiji or Bali with flights, accommodation, meals and any extras, you are not going to get much change out of $5000.

And with all this apprehension about uncertain economic times and political instability it is hard to part with $5000.

But, you've been working hard all year and you are desperate for a break. Stress has set in and you need to get away. But where? When everything seems to be so expensive these days?

Well, there is this spot just about an hour and 40 minutes out of Sydney which is just ideal, and one of the most inexpensive holiday spots I know is Blackheath in the Blue Mountains.

Here you can take your family away for 1 week for a fraction of the cost of going overseas. In fact you can hire a gorgeous, very quaint 2 1/2 bedroom cottage for $100 per night, that sleeps up to 5.

Waragil Cottage is located in a very quiet enclave of Blackheath, only a short distance from Blackheath railway station, and only a 2 minute walk to the popular Blackheath Village.

It has a fully self-contained kitchen. Here you can save by cooking your own meals (no doubt, eating out is very expensive in Australia). Has an open log fire and is spacious with high ceilings and has a fully fenced lovely garden.

Also Blackheath Holiday Cabins work out at about $105 per night and sleeps up to 5 people, as well as Clanwilliam which can accommodated up to 13 people.

All holiday houses are fully self-contained with fully equipped kitchens.

If you are willing to prepare your own meals, basically for about $1000 or a little bit over, including your train fare or petrol, you can have a great holiday in the Blue Mountains.

There is a lot to do in Blackheath. Some of the best known bush walking tracks are in Blackheath, for instance Govet's Leap and Grose Vale.

Without a doubt Blackheath offers some of the best value accommodation in the Blue Mountains.