FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Ecotourism

  • Books and Magazines for Frugal Travelers

    Let’s face it. Frugal traveling takes work. You need to research the best options so that you can get the most bang for your buck.

    Luckily, there are many good references out there to help with this process. Here are some suggestions of books and magazines that will guide you along your journey as a frugal traveler. All of these titles are available on Amazon or many of your other favorite online bookstores. Books Travel Happy, Budget Low Susanna Zaraysky (2009) With over 160 websites and 200 trips, Travel Happy, Budget Low helps international travelers discover how to travel on the cheap in planes, trains, and buses, how to find inexpensive meals, and how to book inexpensive hotel rooms or stay for free with locals. How to Travel Practically Anywhere Susan Stellin (2007) New York Times contributor Susan Stellin provides readers with timesaving tips to navigate their travel planning, including how to negotiate fare prices or how to resolve issues when you are unhappy with your accommodations. A must read for 'cheap' travelers looking to get the most out of their travel experiences. The Rough Guide to Europe on a Budget Rough Guides Series (2010) This multi-contributor volume contains tips for finding the best deals while traveling through Europe, including transportation( by InterRail, Eurail or bus) tips, ideas for what to see and do in each country, current descriptions of the best hostels and budget hotels in Europe, bars in Europe, cafes, cheap restaurants, and European shopping and festivals. This guide is a must read for frugal travelers planning a European vacation. In general, the Rough Guide books tend to be full of great ideas for travelers on a budget. The Little Budget Travel Book David Ning (2009) [caption id="attachment_5136" align="alignright" width="199" caption="These books and magazines will give you plenty of tips on how to make the most of your time and money while traveling."][/caption] A concise guide, jam-packed with general tips for stretching your dollar while traveling. Even if you’ve been traveling frugally for a while, this is worth a read. Live Your Road Trip Dream: Travel for a Year at the Cost of Staying Home Phil White (2008) Phil White gives readers helpful tips for planning the trip of a lifetime on a shoestring budget. A must read for frugal travelers looking to embark on an epic voyage. Secret Hotels: Extraordinary Values in the World’s Most Stunning Destinations Erik Torkells and the Editors of Budget Travel (2007) From the editors of the magazine Budget Travel comes an array of breathtaking lodging options at reasonable prices (most listings are under $200 per night). In general, the Let’s Go series also offers great advice for travelers on a budget. For more information, visit the company’s website at http://www.letsgo.com/. Based in the UK, the graphically appealing Vice Travel Guides offer advice on off-the-beaten path travel destinations. For more information, see http://www.viceland.com/guidetotravel/. Magazines Budget Travel One of the best-known budget travel magazines on the market, Budget Travel provides readers with up-to-date tips on budget transportation, hotels, restaurants and activities in a variety of international locations. For more information, visit the magazine’s website at http://www.budgettravel.com/. Afar Magazine Though not specifically about budget travel, Afar provides suggestions for alternative travel (humanitarian travel, volunteer travel, eco travel) and inspiring articles that will help to shape your travel philosophy. For more information, visit Afar’s online community at http://www.afar.com/.

  • Three Philosophies for Budget Minded Travelers

    Many of the posts on this site focus on frugal travel tips or ways to save money at certain destinations.

    The aim of this post is a bit different: to help frugal travelers identify certain a philosophy/philosophies can guide their overall travel habits (including trip planning, trip enjoyment, and trip sharing). Many portions of these three philosophies also pertain to living a frugal life in general. Enjoy! Slow Travel The slow travel movement is in man ways similar to the slow food movement in that it focuses on environmental responsibility, sustainability, education, knowledge and enjoyment. Slow travel is about taking the opportunity (and the time) to connect to places, people and cultures.  One of the major elements of slow travel is the idea of embracing a “less is more” philosophy. Considering all of the incredible advances in transportation and technology over the past few decades, seeing and doing everything you want on a trip is now easier than ever. However, when you force yourself to stick to a tight schedule you miss the things that you never knew you wanted to experience until you’re in the middle of experiencing them. Moreover, it’s easy to opt for the “best” (translation: most expensive) tourist options out there. Slow travel is about recognizing the beauty in simple interactions and experiences. In addition, it’s about really connecting to the place you’re visiting while respecting local customs. Pay as You Go Travel [caption id="attachment_5117" align="alignright" width="224" caption="Low impact travel (also called sustainable travel or eco travel) is all about taking into consideration how your travel habits impact the environment, ecosystems or the cultures you come into contact with."]lost gardens of Heligan photo[/caption] Whereas slow travel shapes the way we see and experience things while on vacation, pay as you go travel deals with financing travel. When you adopt a pay as you go lifestyle, you make the commitment to stick to certain spending habits (both when you’re on vacation and when you’re not). The major principles of pay as you go travel include saving up enough cash to pay for your entire vacation without having to use a credit card, always paying with cash (or traveler’s checks), never carrying a credit card balance, and (my favorite) borrowing things. That’s right, instead of running out to buy a new travel backpack or suitcase, borrow one from friends or family. It’s amazing how much money the simple act of borrowing can save. Of course, be prepared to return the favor when your friends need to borrow something from you. Low Impact Travel Low impact travel (also called sustainable travel or eco travel) is all about taking into consideration how your travel habits impact the environment, ecosystems or the cultures you come into contact with. Here are some suggestions for reducing your negative impact on the places you travel to and saving money in the process. Limit air travel. Let’s face it… air travel is expensive. It’s also detrimental to the environment. Think creatively and choose vacations that don’t require air travel (instead, go by train, bus, or bike). If air travel is the only way to reach your destination, consider limiting your air travel to once every other year. Embrace public transportation. Instead of renting a car (also not the best option for the environment or your pocketbook), research what types of trains, metros or bus systems are available at your destination and plan to use those. Keep it local. So many of us are itching to jet off to exotic locals that we forget about the beauty of our own backyards. Think creatively about travel opportunities close to where you live. Go camping, rent a place or do a house swap with someone in a nearby city. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much money you save on transportation costs.

  • Visiting Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior on a Budget

    If you’re looking for a cheap, stress-free getaway surrounded by nature, consider a trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota.

    Whether you choose to spend your time dining on the cheap in delicious local eateries, sampling local beers, hiking along the miles of inland trail, kayaking, surfing (no joke!) or simply strolling the shore of Lake Superior, a visit to the North Shore is sure to be a relaxing escape from the realities of everyday life. How to get there: Duluth, Minnesota (the first big city on the North Shore), is an approximately 3.5 drive from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul (a straight shot up interstate 35W). Duluth does have a regional airport, but flights here are more expensive and fewer than those arriving at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP). I would recommend flying into MSP, spending a night in the Twin Cities, and renting a cheap car for the scenic drive up to the lake. [caption id="attachment_5030" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Enjoy the the natural beauty of the sun setting over Lake Superior."]Lake Superior vacation photo[/caption] Where to stay: In addition to hotels, resorts and cabin rentals in all price points along the North Shore, there are several privately owned and state park campgrounds that are perfect for travelers on a budget. Wherever you end up staying, make sure you reserve a spot early, especially if you are planning to visit during the peak tourist months (May- October). If you’re traveling by plane and don’t want to bring a tent, sleeping bags and other gear (fishing or hiking gear, for example) with you on the plane, it’s relatively easy to find places to rent gear in Minneapolis/St. Paul or on the North Shore (in Duluth or Grand Marais). Check at the visitor’s centers in Duluth and Grand Marais for the most recent information on rental spots. Here are some private, municipal campgrounds that are popular with tourists: Knife River Campground 218-834-5044 This medium-sized campground (30 tent and trailer sites with hookups) is located on the western side of the Knife River. Penmarallter Campground 218-834-4603 This campground is known for its large RV (with hookups) & tent sites. Each site as a fire pit and picnic table. Penmarallter is located midway between Duluth and the city of Two Harbors . Burlington Bay Campsite 218-834-2021 Located in Two Harbors, this campground is located on the shore of Lake Superior. There are 20 tent sites and 93 trailer sites (with hookups). Golfers will enjoy the municipal course across the highway. Lax Lake Campground 218-353-7424 Located near Gooseberry Falls State Park, Lax Lake Campground and resort has sleeping rooms, cottages, cabins, and tent and trailer sites with hookups for rent. The compound also has a spacious lodge with laundry facilities and a game room. What to do: My favorite things to do along the North Shore include hiking, kayaking, gallery browsing and eating. For more information on hiking the North Shore trails or the famous Gunflint Trail, see http://www.northshorehiking.com/. There are a variety of spots to rent kayaks in both Duluth and Two Harbors (ask at the visitor’s center in each city for the most recent information). Every August, Two Harbors hosts a kayak festival, which is fun for the whole family http://kayakfestival.upnorthmn.net/. Sivertson’s Gallery http://www.sivertson.com/ has locations in Grand Marais and Duluth. The gallery features a large array of sculptures, paintings, paper goods, jewelry and accessories (silk scarves, etc.) from Minnesota and Wisconsin artists. Where to eat: There are some great options on the North Shore for frugal foodies. The Angry Trout Café, located in Grand Marais, serves a variety of fresh fish dishes in a casual atmosphere overlooking the lake. The best breakfast on the North Shore can be found at the Duluth Grill. Don’t be fooled by its Denny’s-like exterior, this place is definitely foodie-friendly (be sure to try the red flannel hash -- grated and spiced carrots, potatoes and beets). If you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene, Duluth is your best option. Fitger’s Brewhouse often has live music to be enjoyed along with good food (and beer, of course!) at reasonable prices. Red Star serves up drinks from a full bar and has a nightclub vibe (both are located in the Fitger’s complex). At the other end of town, check out the live music, full bar and reasonably-price wood fired pizzas and tap beers at the Clyde Iron Works Restaurant (located in the renovated Clyde Iron Works factory).

  • Stay Somewhere Unique in the Hunter Valley – Eco Friendly Accommodation in New South Wales

    We all want to stay somewhere unique, so why not Somewhere Unique in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country?

    This originally named eco-resort is just two hours away from Sydney, Australia, but it feels like it's a world away from the big smoke. Somewhere Unique is the perfect place for a romantic getaway, as there are only two private retreats set on 20 acres of bushland. Each is fully self contained, so you need never leave your room, but if you do want to venture out the township of Wollombi is only a few minutes' drive away. The villas have been cleverly designed with four distinct areas. There's the pleasure zone, with its plush king-sized bed, valley views, and reverse-cycle air conditioning and ceiling fan for comfort. Few things calm you like a good night's sleep, but the relaxation zone ensures you stay chilled when you're out of bed. The large bath is perfect for soaking with that special someone. The private bushland views mean you'll be in no rush to leave the tub, but when you do the thick cotton towels and plush bathrobes will be waiting.earth plant The entertainment area is state of the art, with a stereo system, LCD TV, DVD player, and iPod dock. The comfy lounge and gas log fireplace are perfect for enjoying the selection of DVDs and CDs provided. The villas are lovely, but don't forget to step outside and enjoy the private deck and courtyard. Each retreat has its own gas barbeque for cooking up a feast, or you could hop on one of the bicycles provided and enjoy dinner at one of Wollombi's famous cafes. A stay at Somewhere Unique is reasonably priced for such private pampering, with rates starting at $220 per night. This rate includes a complimentary bottle of local wine, chocolates, a breakfast hamper, and use of bicycles, picnic gear, and entertainment provisions.

  • Eco-Friendly Indulgence in Daylesford – Green Romance at Frog Hollow Estate

    For a romantic Aussie getaway that won’t hurt the planet, consider a stay at Frog Hollow Estate in the Victorian country town of Daylesford.

    The former gold mining town, located 115 kilometers north west of Melbourne, is becoming a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy life at a slower pace.

    The streets are lined with fine dining restaurants and cafes, and the stores full of original fashions and quirky homewares. You can indulge in a mineral bath or spa at the local retreats, or a few choice drops in the nearby Macedon Ranges and Sunbury wine regions. That is, of course, if you want to venture out of Frog Hollow. This eco-friendly estate was once a stone and timber workshop, but today it enjoys spoiling its guests without harming the planet. The hot showers use collected rain water, and the appliances and eco-friendly lights green power. All villas are equipped with a corner spa for luxuriating with your love, a cosy gas or wood fire for snuggling up at the end of the night, and air conditioning for the summer. With all this romance in the air, it's unsurprising that the folks at Frog Hollow Estate love a wedding. The staff will happily take care of the arrangements, including accommodation for your guests, leaving you free to attend to more important matters. You might even like to return to reminisce on your first anniversary! Accommodation at Frog Hollow Estate in Daylesford starts from $250 a night and includes a gourmet hamper, featuring the best local produce, on arrival.

  • Our Jungle House, Back to Basics Eco-Friendly Accommodation in Thailand

    Thailand’s Our Jungle House invites travelers to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities and get back to nature.

    The setting of this eco-friendly accommodation could not be more idyllic. The resort is set on 25 acres of private rainforest near Khao Sok National Park. These parklands, majestic with their limestone peaks, are a thriving habitat for Thailand’s tropical flora and wildlife. The sounds of the native animals, including lemurs and civet cats, only add to the atmosphere of Our Jungle House.

    Our Jungle House’s bungalows and tree houses were built to complement the surrounding rainforest rather than disturb it. All natural building materials were used and environmentally-friendly practices made the Jungle House the area’s first green resort.Lodging sign with arrow

    The rooms are neat but not overly luxurious, delivering guests what they need without the frills. Many tourists may be disappointed by the lack of air conditioning, but there are fans to help keep you cool. The lack of hot water is also disappointing, but at least drinking water is made available. The mosquito coils and nets also come in handy during summer. Free WiFi is also on hand so you won’t feel completely cut off from civilization!

    The resort’s staff are friendly and attentive to all your needs. You need not worry about a language barrier either, as staff members are trained to speak English and German.

    As the resort is somewhat isolated, you’ll probably enjoy many meals at Our Jungle House’s restaurant.

    The cooks specialize in authentic Thai cusine, but fussy appetites and young children are not forgotten. The menu also includes vegetarian dishes and western options including fried chicken, spaghetti, and homemade French fries. If you'd like to venture out, the resort has vans, cars, and motorcycles available for hire. A cheaper alternative is to use the public buses. Staff can provide free transport to the bus stop, so you need only pay a small fare. There's plenty to do around the resort though, whether you'd like to laze on the nearby River Beach, explore the surrounding area on your own, or enjoy one of the organized activities. These tours include jungle treks on the back of elephants, canoe excursions down the Sok River, scuba diving, and nighttime wildlife safaris. Our Jungle House may not offer much in the way of luxury, but its back-to-basics accommodation might be just what you need to recharge your batteries.

  • Eco-Friendly Private Acommodation at Lamai Homestay in Rural Thailand

    Travel off the beaten path with a stay at Lamai Homestay.

    This eco-friendly guesthouse is located in Ko Pet Village, a rural rice community in the heart of north-east Thailand. This is the ideal getaway for travelers looking for privacy and peace and quiet. With just three-bedrooms, the guesthouse has space for just six visitors to bunker down. The mud-brick eco-rooms are modest, but clean. Each is comfortably furnished, and two have air-conditioning to cool the rooms in summer. There is a hot shower with a Western-style water closet located just outside the rooms. The homestay's garden grows bananas, mangos, papayas, and custard apples and visitors are invited to pick the fruits straight from the trees. As the rooms do not have their own kitchen facilities, guests are invited to use the outdoor barbeque and eat in the gardens. There is also a splashpool for resting tired feet after a long day sightseeing. The staff at Lamai Homestay encourage travelers to immerse themselves in the local community. They can arrange tours and activity packages, such as a silk spinning and weaving courses and bamboo and raffia crafts classes. Guests who prefer to observe can see local farmers working on the rice paddies or silk and cotton weavers handcrafting clothes and rugs. It's also a short trip to the majestic Khmer temples of Pimai, the archaeological site of Ban Prasat, and Khorat City. Lamai Homestay is located 90 minutes from Khon Kaen Airport. From there, travelers are encouraged to catch a train or a bus to reduce carbon emmissions. The guesthouse's staff are happy to collect guests from the train station at Bua Yai or the bus stop at Sida on their arrival.

  • Green Thailand Stay at Evason Eco-Friendly Resort in Phuket

    Luxury and an eco-friendly ethos go hand in hand at Evason Resort in Thailand’s tropical paradise, Phuket.

    It was even built inside the unused shell of an old building, making its creation the ultimate in recycling! The 64-acre property was designed to make the most of Phuket's natural surrounds. It's set amongst tropical parklands and gardens, while the luxury suites capitalize on the views of the nearby Andaman Sea. The deluxe environmentally friendly accommodation focuses on sound waste and water management, energy efficiency, and social responsibility. The resort has its own environmental staff member, who oversees the property's organic gardens and energy consumption, and liaises with the community about environmentally-friendly practices. The rooms are located in five low-rise buildings scattered around the resort's gardens. There are 260 rooms in all, ranging in price from the standard guest rooms to the honeymoon villa at Bon Island. Each has a private balcony, while most have a unique open-style bathroom. [caption id="attachment_3258" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A pool villa at Evason Resort in Phuket, Thailand"]Resort in Phuket Thailand[/caption] There is so much to do at Evason that you don’t really have to leave the resort. You can take a dip in one of three swimming pools, play volleyball or tennis, unwind in the spa, or browse the WiFi-equipped library. If you do feel like venturing out you can take the shuttle bus to Phuket Town or Patong Beach, or explore the area at a more leisurely pace with a bike tour. Evason is family-friendly, but you don't need to have the rugrats hanging off you all the time. The kids club is designed to give mom and dad some private time, with activities and games for four to 12-year-olds. Evason was South-East Asia's first Green Globe certified resort, and the recipient of the Wild Asia Award for Responsible Tourism in 2006.

  • Swim with Whales in Tonga – South Pacific Adventure with Gentle Giants of the Sea

    Many coastal tourist destinations around the world invite visitors to swim with seals and dolphins, but you’ll need to travel to Tonga if you hope to swim with whales.

    The South Pacific nation is known as The Friendly Islands, and its humpback whales are just as genial as the natives. More than 160 of the marine mammals return to Tonga's calm waters each year to mate. They stay there until their babies are born, nursing them in the warm Pacific waters before returning to polar oceans. WhaleSwim is Tonga's premiere whale experience company. Owner Rae Gill was inspired to create the business after meeting her first humpback whale off the coast of the Dominican Republic. Along with a team of conservationists, a marine biologist, and wildlife photographers, she leads three, four, seven and nine-day snorkeling tours. This crew of ecotourism experts ensures the expeditions are run with whale conservation in mind. During the tours you'll learn a lot about the humpback whales, both from the guides and from your own up-close interaction with them. You'll hear their famous songs through a hydrophone on the tour boat, and take home video footage of your time on the tour as a souvenir. This is the kind of footage you'll want to show your friends! [caption id="attachment_3007" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The magnificent humpack whale"]The magnificent humpack whale[/caption] The tours are a little expensive, with the short three-day option costing $600 AUS. However, with expeditions restricted to a maximum of 12 people, and five on the photography expeditions, you are guaranteed to receive a quality experience. This price also includes airport transfers, all meals and accommodation at the Hilltop Hotel and Blue Lagoon Resort. WhaleSwim Adventures conducts tours between late July and the middle of October.

  • Eco-Friendly Treehouse Rooms at India’s Vythiri Resort

    The treehouses of Vythiri Resort in North Kerala, India, capture the magic of childhood for the environmentally conscious world.


    The resort has two treehouses in 500 acres of private forest. The rustic elevated dwellings have two stories, with each floor housing a double room. Each has a bedroom, a bathroom, and a terrace which allows you to appreciate the view. At 90 feet above the ground, this vista is pretty incredible.

    You access your treehouse using a primitive elevator fitted with a sack of water for a counterweight. It takes around 15 minutes for the water to fill, but in rural India no one is in a hurry. The basic facilities mean there is no electricity either, but the kerosene lamps cast a romantic glow over the rooms. Contemporary luxuries aren’t completely forgotten though. The hot water showers and flushing toilet should please those who appreciate mod cons.

    The buildings are designed with green practices in mind. The integrity of the trees is preserved, with no nails actually penetrating the bark.

    The eco-friendly resort’s grounds are so large you could easily spend a few days exploring. If you want to rest your feet, the resort’s friendly elephant Ammu will give you a ride. He only asks for bananas as payment! If you’d rather relax you can take a dip in the swimming pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or feast in the resort’s traditional restaurant.Lodging sign with arrow

    The resort is isolated, but staff are happy to collect guests from the city of Vythiri in their all-terrain jeep. It’s pricier than many accommodation options in India, but that added cost buys you a unique accommodation experience and all the luxurious solitude of the great outdoors.