Family Vacations

It’s time to start planning your summer travels. If you are looking to travel domestically this summer, why not head to the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul)? This urban, cosmopolitan area is a veritable mecca for arts and nature lovers. Here are some ideas for how to spend your time while you’re there. The best part is that they’re all inexpensive (most are free).

For many of us the arrival of children signals a change from luxury vacations to more modest trips. Perhaps the expansion of your own family is what brought you to the Frugal Monkey blog! We’ve already looked at ways to save money on family vacations, but conserving the bank balance isn’t the only thing we […]

The Great Lakes are some of the most impressive U.S. natural wonders. However, they are usually only considered a “destination” for people who live nearby. Here is an overview of each lake and reasons why you should venture to one of their shores for your next frugal adventure.

I am an advocate of U.S. road trips as a cost-effective and adventurous way to spend one’s summer vacation. One of my favorite things to do while I’m on the road is to enjoy the variety of “natural wonders” the U.S. has to offer. Here are some of my top picks for you to check out the next time you find yourself on the road and in search of some natural beauty. Many lodgings in these areas fill up quickly for the summer months, so I recommend planning your natural getaway in advance

There’s nothing worse than getting sick while on vacation. Not only does it eat into your relaxation and discovery time, it can also be a drain on your budget. Depending on how severe your illness is, you could end up spending a large portion of your travel budget on medication and/or hospital fees. Of course, there are much better ways to spend your hard earned cash while traveling! Here are some suggestions for staying healthy while traveling.

Australia’s historic ships and naval heritage are celebrated at the Australian National Maritime Museum. The museum’s galleries feature important documents and other relics from Australia’s maritime history. You can explore these displays at your own pace or join a free guided tour. The interactive touch screens in the museum’s foyer give times and information about […]

What I’ve found during my multiple cross-country road trips is: (1) They are always more fun than I anticipated they’d be; (2) It’s easy to be frugal if you stick to a budget; (3) The trips rarely go as planned. Spring is almost here, so now is the time to start planning your late spring/summer adventures. Here are some tips for making the most out of your road trip.

If you’re looking for a frugal, 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.

One of the most expensive aspects of travel is lodging. Hotel stays can really start to add up after a week or two. There are many alternative lodging options available to help frugal travelers cut costs. Of course, one of the cheapest of these is staying with an acquaintance, friend or family member (because it is usually free). It’s true that host/guest expectations can vary widely depending on relationships, work schedules, and numerous other variables. Here are some general tips to assure that your stay goes smoothly and improve your chances of being invited to come stay again.

It’s no secret that the City of Lights is also one of the most expensive in the world. Never fear, frugal travelers. With a bit of creativity, it’s possible experience all of what Paris has to offer on the cheap. Here are some suggestions.