FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Tips

  • Get Walking on Your Next Vacation

    Most articles about frugal travel focus on finding cheap flights and navigating public transport. But there’s a much cheaper way to get around your next holiday hotspot. It doesn’t take a lot of preparation or planning. In fact, you can do it right now. Just grab a pair of sensible shoes and start walking!

    Why We Love Walking

    One of the key advantages of walking for frugal travelers is the bottom line. You can walk anywhere for free! That’s logically true, but practicality’s another matter. It’s best to stay close to the heart of the city with its facilities and attractions if you’re planning a walking vacation, especially if you have kids in tow. This can be more expensive, but you’ll likely recoup these savings with your reduced transport costs.

    Walking also lets you really experience the flavor of your destination. It allows you to stop and appreciate the streets around you, rather than watching them whizz by from a bus or train window. If something piques your interest, you can divert from your path and explore. You’ll likely discover local secrets that aren’t on any tourist map and have more opportunities to mingle with the residents.

    The average holidaymaker tends to gain five to 10 pounds sampling those breakfast buffets and local delicacies, but walking can help you buck that trend. It’s a very accessible form of exercise that’s much easier to incorporate into your vacation regime than a session in the gym.

    Walking won’t just benefit you though. It’s also great for the planet as it’s one of the few types of transport that leaves no carbon footprint! Even if you’re not an ecotourist, you’ll appreciate your efforts to keep the air clean as you breathe it in on your walking adventures!

    Make the Most of Your Walking Vacation

    A pair of sensible shoes is essential for any walking tourist. They needn’t be sneakers, but they should have arch support and flat soles. Running shoes, hiking boots or sandals, or even a well-made pair of dress shoes can work well. It’s important to consider the type of walking you’ll do though. Something as simple as a pair of flip flops will suit walks around the city, but hiking boots are essential if you plan on hitting the trails.

    While walking is ideal for spontaneous travelers, there’s merit in planning a route. This will ensure you see points of interest and don’t get lost. It’s a good idea to take a tourist map with you on your travels, as they have attractions, bathrooms, and restaurants clearly marked. Find them at your hotels, tourist information centers, and tourist attractions.

    walking_awayAn oversized handbag might be fashionable, but it’ll quickly lose its appeal after a day on your feet. We suggest only packing the essentials in your pockets or a small cross-body bag. Just make sure there’s space for a bottle of water, especially you’re vacationing during summer. It’s easy to dehydrate on a day outdoors, particularly if you’re tackling challenging terrain.

    With the right attitude and preparation, days spent walking can be the highlight of any vacation.

  • Seven Ways to Enjoy Meaningful Vacations on the Cheap

    Saving money on vacation doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the experience. Read on to discover ways you can conserve your finances and enjoy an enriching trip.

    1. Spend More Time in Fewer Locations
    Many travelers want to cram as many locations as they can into their vacation, but this approach isn’t necessarily the most enjoyable, or the most economical. You won’t have time to really immerse yourself in your destinations, and you’ll spend a lot of money in transit. When you slow down and smell the roses you’ll start to shift from acting as a tourist to one of the locals. You’ll learn about a city’s true beauty. You might even earn a discount for staying in your accommodation longer!

    2. Talk to the Locals
    Talk is indeed cheap. In fact, it’s free! Chatting to the locals is one our guilty pleasures when we’re vacationing. It’s a great way to discover the best restaurants and other hidden gems. You might even make a new friend! Asking someone for their advice or directions is a great way to break the ice. If you’re traveling abroad, make an effort to learn a few key phrases too. Even if your pronunciation is off, the residents will respect your attempts!

    3. Try the Local Food
    Life is best lived when you get out of your comfort zone. You can have meals from global takeaway chains any old time. You’ll save money, and perhaps even discover a new favorite, if you eat the local cuisine. What you’ll find on the tourist strip is likely to be a watered down, tourist-pleasing version, so make sure you dine a couple of streets away from the main drag. Street food from local markets and vendor carts is another great option. These affordable dishes are cooked right in front of you, so they’re always fresh and delicious.

    4. Get Up Early
    Many of us feel that sleeping in is part of a vacation, but when you do you’re not getting bang for your buck. Becoming an early riser ensures you make the most of your time away. You’ll get the jump on the other tourists and enjoy your destination without the crowds. Gentle early morning light is ideal for travel photography, and a sunrise is always a little more beautiful than a sunset!

    5. Walk Your Way Around a City
    You can miss so much en route to tourist attractions and other local sites. Setting out on foot ensures you don’t miss the pieces in between. It’s a great way to absorb a city’s atmosphere, find new places to explore, and it’s always free! We love to set out without a plan and see where our legs take us.

    6. Travel Light
    Traveling light doesn’t just help you avoid excess baggage fees. It also allows you to travel without feeling weighed down. It’s liberating! When you save some space in your suitcase, you’ll also have room for a few affordable souvenirs and gifts for family and friends back home.

    Tourists7. Make it a Working Vacation
    A working vacation allows you to stay in your destination longer and really become a part of the community. You’ll get to know the locals and their culture, and you might even some learn some new skills you can use later in life. Making a wage doesn’t just give you the luxury of time. It also frees up a bit more cash so you can feel more comfortable making the occasional splurge.

    As you can see, traveling frugally isn’t just for misers. It’s also for tourists who want to get the most from their vacations.

  • How to Fight Jet Lag – Vacation Without the Fatigue

    Few things can slow you down on an overseas vacation like jetlag. A nasty case of fatigue can see you bedridden and wasting your valuable time abroad. Here are a few handy tips that will help you feel bright eyed and bushy tailed throughout your international adventures.

    Your battle against jet lag begins before you even set off. Many swear by pre-travel sleep deprivation. They feel this tactic will help them sleep on their travels and arrive feeling well rested. Unfortunately all it will do is kickstart poor sleeping patterns. It’s difficult to get quality sleep in transit, so it’s better to leave well rested. This will help your body compensate for any sleep lost on your journey.

    Changing your sleeping patterns before you leave is one common practice that has some merit. If your work schedule allows, you can gradually shift your routine to match your destination. Remember to change your eating habits too and you should barely notice a difference when you touch down.

    Booking a flight with an international stopover isn’t just a way to see another destination and save on the price of your airfare. It can also help combat jet lag. Even a short stopover can help you feel rejuvenated. All you really need is enough time to take a shower or a swim, eat some quality food, and kick back. It really does recharge the batteries!

    Don’t get complacent once you board the plane. Your fight against jetlag isn’t over yet! While you’re in transit you’ll want to drink, drink, drink. We don’t mean that complimentary alcohol or caffeinated beverages either. These tempting drinks can actually disturb sleep and exacerbate jet lag symptoms. Downing water isn’t very exciting, but it’s the best way to avoid dehydration.

    You’ll need something to go with those beverages, and we suggest choosing something full of carbohydrates. Pasta and rice dishes send a shot of tryptophan to the brain, where it’s turned into sleep-inducing serotonin. Once your body is flooded with this relaxing natural chemical, you’ll find it easier to sleep on a cramped cattle class cabin. Thankfully carb-laden dishes are often part of airline menus!

    It’s difficult to enjoy restful slumber while traveling, even if you’re in a carb coma, but you can do a few more things to improve the quality of your catnaps. Eyeshades and earplugs can help block out the sights and sounds of the cabin. Natural remedies like melatonin or valerian can also help you doze off, but avoid stronger medications. These can inhibit your ability to adjust to a new sleeping regime.

    You’ve touched down and you’re feeling fine, but it’s no time to get smug. While it’s tempting to harness all that energy and hit the bars, it’s important to maintain your regular sleep schedule. Getting less sleep than usual is a recipe for fatigue. We’re not saying that you can’t party hard. But if you are raging until the wee small hours of the morning, consider indulging in a siesta during the daylight.

    You can improve the quality of your vacation sleep with the aid of some lavender oil. This mild sedative promotes deep sleep and ensures you’ll awake feeling refreshed. Sprinkle a few drops onto your hotel pillow and let the heady scent weave its magic!

    Girl in bedWe also suggest bypassing your usual morning cereal for bacon and eggs or a Spanish omelette. Eating protein-rich foods will help you feel alert, not just in the morning but throughout the day.

    We all know time is money, so why spend yours sleeping off that jet lag? It’s easier than you think to fight that frustrating vacation fatigue.

  • Stay Healthy on your Next Vacation

    There’s nothing worse than getting sick while you’re on vacation. Instead of seeing the sights, you’ll likely spend time staring at the four walls of your hotel. And it’s difficult to enjoy the local delicacies when you can barely keep a bite down. That unfortunate illness can also eat a sizable hole in your finances, especially if you forgot to neglected to buy travel insurance! While a hospital stay can cost you an arm and a leg, even seeing a doctor and purchasing simple medications can be pricy. There’s no fool proof way to stay well, but following our tips will help you minimize the risks.

    Your healthy holiday practices should start the moment you leave home. Stock up on nutritious snacks so you won’t be tempted to gorge on all the wrong things. Fresh fruit, nuts, jerky, and wholegrain snack bars are all ideal options. Just remember to finish the fruit before you enter another country or state, as you may not be able to take the treats across the border. Make sure you also pack a few bottles of water. Flying is particularly dehydrating, but driving long distances isn’t much better on your system! If you’re flying, make sure you get plenty of rest to avoid jetlag at your destination. If you’re driving, take regular breaks to ensure fatigue doesn’t set in.

    Once you touch down it’s time to slip on your walking shoes and explore your surrounds. It’s not just a great way to become familiar with your destination; it’s also a sneaky way to enjoy some exercise. Wearing the right shoes will allow you to walk further and ensure you don’t damage your feet. They need to be in tip-top condition for more sightseeing after all! We suggest taking the business card for your accommodation with you on your journey; if you wander too far or get lost you can simply hail a cab for the return leg.

    While you’re out and about, it’s time to replenish your snack stock. Keeping some nutritious goodies on hand at all times will keep your energy levels up while you’re out and about. It’s also much easier on your wallet to buy snacks from a store in bulk than impulse high-calorie items on the go. Remember to buy some bottled water too, as water from the faucet may be unsanitary in some locations.

    Friendly locals and hotel staff can point you in the right direction of your destination’s dining delights. Eating in these recommended establishments will minimize the risks of food poisoning and upset tummies.

    If you’re a gym junkie, it’s smart to stay somewhere with one on site. It might mean you’ll need to splurge on a hotel rather than a hostel, but this can be cheaper than paying for short-term gym membership. If you can’t afford the extra, remember to utilize your natural surrounds. Swim in the ocean, hire a bike and cycle the city’s streets, or hike its mountains. Just make sure you follow our hiking safety tips if you plan on hitting the trails! Maintaining your regular workout regime is the best way to ward off disease.

    Girl jogging near Bondi BeachThat doesn’t mean you should overdo it though. While staying healthy is important, so is enjoying your vacation. Allow yourself some time to unwind, and make sure you indulge in a few rich desserts. That balance is the key to enjoying a healthy and happy vacation.

  • Finding the Best Backpack – A Guide for Backpackers

    Backpacking is a great way to see the world without spending a lot of cash. Many backpackers spend plenty of time researching the right hostel and tracking down the cheapest fares, but neglect the very thing that defines their travel style: the backpack. The right one will help you move from place to place quickly and comfortably. The wrong backpack though can feel like an anchor weighing down your vacation. In this article we’ll help you find your perfect backpack.

    If you’re backpacking, trust us when we say that only a backpack will do. Traditional suitcases and duffle bags are awkward to carry over large distances. Wheeled luggage can be difficult to move through crowded thoroughfares and bumpy cobbled streets. However backpacks are easily transportable, even when they’re packed to the brim. But which one will suit you?

    Backpacks fall into two major categories: top-loading and front or panel-loading backpackers. The top-loaders have a drawstring opening at the top, which is covered by a flap for extra security. They were originally designed for hikers, but adopted by many backpackers who enjoyed the support they provide. As their main compartments use drawstrings, you can cram them full without worrying about breaking zips. These backpacks also tend to be lighter and more ergonomic than their front-loading peers. However the top-loading design isn’t ideal for packing and unpacking, as you need to pull everything out to reach what’s near the base.

    Front-loading backpacks are similar to the ones we all wore in our school days. They make packing and unpacking a breeze, but their zips can cause problems. These closures can break, and rain can penetrate if you’re caught in a downpour. They also aren’t as supportive or contoured as top-loading backpacks, which can be troublesome if you’re traveling any distance on foot.

    No matter which style you prefer, it’s important to choose the right size. So many beginner backpackers go large and struggle to carry all the items they’ve packed “just in case.” A bag of around 50L should suit most travelers. It might cause you to travel lighter than usual, especially if you’re planning a long vacation, but a backpack any bigger will become a burden. If you’re unsure what to take, consult our handy backpacker’s packing guide. Keeping your pack’s size down will also ensure you don’t get slammed with pesky airline fees!

    Look for backpacks with plush, padded shoulder straps and hip belts. Your backpack should be lightweight, as it’ll only become heavier once it’s packed with your travel essentials. Any zips should be tough and waterproof if possible. An array of pockets is also useful for stashing the items you’ll need to access quickly. Good ventilation is a bit of a luxury, but you might feel it’s worth the extra expense if you’re planning a summer getaway.

    Three BackpackersWe also suggest consulting the staff at a specialty outdoors store to ensure your new backpack fits just right. These stores can often weight the backpack to help you make the most informed choice. As each pack is created a little differently, we suggest trying on several in your quest to find the perfect backpack.

  • A Frugal Guide to Traveling with Friends

    Last week we offered our tips for taking a solo vacation. If the freedom and independence of traveling alone didn’t excite you, perhaps setting off with a group of friends would suit you better. If so, read on. This week we’ll look at ways to get the most from traveling with your closest pals without breaking your budget.

    Exploring the world with some good mates can be a recipe for good times or a touring nightmare. Traveling can be stressful, and when tensions run high we tend to turn on our nearest and dearest. We can’t promise that our advice will make your vacation stress-free, but it will help you minimize the drama.

    There’s plenty to consider before you even set off, starting with choosing your travel companions. We recommend keeping the group small. For every extra person that joins your group you add more opinions and potential for conflict. Set off with a group of more than four at your peril!

    Once you’ve settled on your party, it’s time to pow wow. Most conflict comes when people’s expectations aren’t met. Chatting about travel styles before you leave can minimize the drama once you arrive. Discuss money matters. As a frugal traveler, you won’t want to plan a getaway with someone who insists on throwing cash around on the best of everything. By the same token, if your potential travel pal is an absolute miser, he might bring the rest of your group down and limit your own enjoyment.

    Then there are interests to account for. Are there shopaholics or culture vultures in your party? And will you want to do the things they want at your destination? Eating styles are also important to consider. This isn’t just a matter of budget, but taste too. Picky eaters, vegetarians, and vegans can be difficult to cater for, especially in certain locations. It’s also important to consider whether you’re traveling with early risers or night owls, and party animals or lounge lizards. Unless your vacation styles mesh, you may find yourself spending money on things you ordinarily wouldn’t, such as gourmet meals or boozy nights out.

    Finally, think about the personalities of the people you’re traveling with. We’re generally on our best behaviour in social situations, but while traveling our flaws can become magnified. If there’s something about your friend that irks you, you can rest assured that niggle will become a major problem by the end of your trip.

    If you haven’t been scared off from setting off with your pals, it’s time to make concrete plans. Choose a destination you can all agree on, and make sure everyone pays their share up front. This is the easiest way to ensure no one is stuck with anyone else’s bill, and a massive dent in their own travel budget.

    Continue to keep your finances separate throughout the trip, where possible. It’s too easy for someone to feel they’re paying the lion’s share. On the occasions where you can’t split bills, such as eating out, make sure you settle the debt the same day.

    Your space will be limited, particularly if you’re staying in a hostel or small hotel, so remember to pack light. Consult your friends and ensure you’re not doubling up on things like guidebooks and travel scales.

    Create a schedule, and stick to it. Some people prefer a more spontaneous style of traveling, but planning it a great way to ensure a trip with friends runs smoothly. Remember that your time traveling is limited. Being where you say you will, when you will, ensures none goes to waste. It’ll also make sure you don’t waste money on tickets for travel or attractions, as rescheduling these can be pricy.

    However, the best laid plans can go astray. When you’re traveling with a group, it’s important to stay flexible. That might mean compromising at times, but doing so with a minimum of fuss is important for keeping the peace.

    Remember to communicate throughout your vacation. Speaking up is the easiest way to ensure a small problem doesn’t turn into World War III. These exchanges might not always be pleasant, but if you apologize for any harsh words they need not ruin your vacation.

    TouristsAnd finally, don’t be afraid to take some alone time. You don’t need to be joined at the hip throughout your travels. Splitting up and enjoying some solitude can be the key to keeping everyone in your party sane!

  • A Frugal Guide to Traveling Solo

    We’d all love to enjoy traveling companions when we set off on our next adventure. But coordinating the schedules and budgets of your nearest and dearest can be trying. Don’t let your pals hold you back from discovering the world. Just read on to learn our tips for traveling solo on a budget!

    A positive attitude is the key to enjoying your solo voyage. And there are certainly plenty of reasons to smile when you’re setting off on your own. Firstly, when you’re the only one to consider, you can call all the shots. You can see what you want, eat what you want, and do it all on your own schedule. No more worrying about finding restaurants to suit your vegan pals, picky eaters, or more affluent friends. No more whining about early morning starts or accommodation that doesn’t quite meet their standards. And none of that drama that invariably comes when people in the group disagree! Don’t be surprised if your solo voyage is far less stressful than any trip you’ve take with your mates or family members!

    Without worrying about others, you’ll have time to really focus on what you want out of your vacation. You can take in your surroundings, content in the knowledge no one will pull you away to see the next thing. You also have the opportunity to exist without the preconceptions of others. We all act a certain way when we’re around people we know. Traveling alone is a great way to find your true self.

    It’s also a rare opportunity for personal growth. Without others to rely upon, you’ll find yourself becoming more self-sufficient. You’re likely to be challenged, as travel plans rarely run smoothly, but overcoming setbacks will make you stronger and more confident.

    When you travel solo you’re also more likely to meet new people. Groups of tourists tend to isolate themselves from others, enjoying their own company without paying much attention to those around them. In contrast, solo travelers are much more approachable, especially to other vacationers enjoying their own solo adventure. The experiences you have with locals and other tourists will make your stay truly memorable.

    Of course we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the drawbacks of traveling solo. You’ll need to be prepared to eat many meals alone, and that can be uncomfortable, particularly in a restaurant. If this bothers for you, look for European and Asian-style eateries with communal tables or opt for street food on the run. Thankfully both these options tend to be kind of your budget!

    You can also find yourself feeling alone if you’re in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language. On occasions you might struggle to find people that understand you, particularly if you enjoy traveling off the tourist path. Hostels and pubs are usually cultural melting pots, so they make great hang outs if you’re feeling isolated.

    Don’t be surprised if a little loneliness creeps in too. It can be tough eat an amazing meal or see an incredible sight without someone else to share it with. In these instances, remember your smart phone. Sometimes posting a photo to your social networking site of choice is all it takes to feel a little more connected. Just make sure you avoid those hefty cell phone fees!

    If the drawbacks haven’t turned you off, read on to discover our tips for making the most of your solo vacation. Forget the hotels and opt for hostels instead. The communal atmosphere helps keep the loneliness at bay. They’re also one of the cheapest forms of accommodation, which is important when there’s no one else to share the costs. Many also have planned activities like walking tours and pub crawls. Participating in these are affordable ways to see the sights and meet other travelers.

    No matter whether you’re in your accommodation or venturing out, it’s important to be bubbly and outgoing. Introducing yourself to others with a big smile is often all it takes to kick-start a friendship. This can be difficult for introverts, but pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will pay dividends. Buying some cheap beer to share or cooking meals in the hostel’s communal kitchen are good tactics for starting conversations if you’re shy.

    Girl Taking a Photo on Cell PhoneBut there’s more to solo travel that simply staying social. When you don’t have someone else to look out for you, it’s even more important to think of safety first. Don’t walk around isolated places at night alone, and keep your guard up at all times. Project an air of confidence and take extra safety measures with your money and other valuables.

    And above all, have fun. Traveling solo can be a wonderful and affordable experience for anyone with the right attitude!

  • Stay Money Safe in Europe – Tips for Avoiding Scams

    Europe doesn’t have the bad boy reputation of some nations in the Middle East and Asia (read this article to learn how to avoid scammers in Bangkok, Thailand). However, it’s still important for international travelers to keep their wits about them. Failure to heed our money safety tips could be a costly mistake!

    Violent crime isn’t common in Europe, but it still has its fair share of criminals. While you’re you’re unlikely to be mugged for your cash and possessions, you could find your pockets picked by one of the continent’s cunning thieves. There are a few ways to avoid becoming a victim though. Wherever possible, avoid crowds. Busy subway cars and festivals provide a prime opportunity for pickpockets, as they can get close to people without causing alarm.

    If you can’t avoid a mob, make sure you keep your guard up. That rule applies if you’re out of crowds too. Pickpockets often work in pairs, with one person acting as a diversion while another nabs your stuff. Never become complacent with your possessions either. Sit your bag in your line of vision while dining out or waiting for public transport.

    If you’re particularly concerned, consider investing in a security handbag or backpack. These are typically made from slash-proof fabrics and feature tamper-proof zips. A money belt worn underneath clothing or a fake wallet designed to fool pickpockets are two more great security options.

    You’re not safe when you get back to your accommodation either, especially if you’re staying in a dorm-style hostel room. Make sure you lock up any valuables to deter sticky fingers.

    More high-tech theft is also on the rise in Europe. This type of crime is so advanced that it’s difficult to do much about. However, there are still some measures you can take to protect your vacation budget. Using cash or traveler’s checks will protect you from the credit and debit card skimming scams that are gaining popularity. If you must use plastic, opt for credit as it’s easier to contest any fraudulent transactions. If you’re using a debit card to retrieve cash from an automatic teller machine, cover the keypad when you enter your PIN. Some thieves set up cameras to record this information, but they won’t score your details!

    Taxi drivers aren’t the most honest workers in Europe, particularly in Eastern nations. They perceive tourists as naïve and wealthy, and they often try to take advantage. Make sure you book a taxi through a reputable firm rather than simply hailing one on the street. The cabs that park at taxi stands also tend to be honest, although you may still find the occasional bad apple. Ask your driver what your journey should cost before taking off. Compare this with estimates you’ve gained earlier from local friends or accommodation staffers. Refuse to ride with a driver who claims his meter is broken. Some merely refuse to turn it on, and overcharge their passenger at the journey’s end.

    An overpriced fare isn’t all you have to worry about though. Some unscrupulous taxi drivers have been known to target tourists’ possessions. Keep your bags with you in the back seat, rather than the trunk, to avoid losing your cargo. You also shouldn’t let a taxi driver change your travel plans. Some may claim to be helpful by suggesting clubs or restaurants, but they’re likely to earn a commission from these establishments on the side.

    After a few drinks it’s easy to drop your guard. However many scammers prey on intoxicated club goers. That pretty girl might not be hitting on you because she’s dazzled by your wit. She could be part of one of the most common scams in Europe. She’ll flirt and entice you to her favorite bar or restaurant, where you’ll happily agree to buy her drinks. What you won’t learn until you receive the bill though is that those drinks are costing you hundreds of euro a piece. By the time you learn this that hottie will be nowhere to be seen, but you will find a few burly barmen demanding that you pay up. So don’t be a sucker; ask how much each drink costs when placing your order. A similar scam is also common at strip clubs, so make sure you have your wits about you on your boozy boys’ nights out.

    Keyboard with three money keysNo matter what scam or unsavory person you hope to avoid, it’s not smart to show your wealth. You might be proud of your designer clothes and high-tech electronics, but these items will make you a target. Also stick to well-trafficked, well-lit areas and walk with confidence. The more self-assured you appear, the more likely you are to avoid becoming a victim and keep your money safe in Europe.

  • Etiquette for Couchsurfers – Tips for Free Travel Trend

    Couchsurfing is a great way to see the world without spending a lot of money. But as with many new traveling trends, the etiquette and expectations can be confusing. In this article we offer our advice for being the kind of couchsurfer that will be welcomed into any home.

    In case you weren’t up to speed, couchsurfing sees generous souls opening their couches, beds, floors, and homes up to tourists. With 2.2 million people in 237 countries registered as members of the couchsurfing e-hub couchsurfing.org, it seems the world has embraced this traveling trend. Through this site members connect and e-mail back and forth before bunking down in the real world.

    Couchsurfing etiquette begins before you even set off for your vacation. It’s important to complete your online profile on couchsurfing.org or a similar website with honest responses. Detail your likes and dislikes, and always include a recent photograph. Make sure to keep this profile up to date to ensure your prospective hosts know what they’re going to get, and to ensure you find people you’re compatible with.

    It’s also poor form to send impersonal e-mails to prospective hosts en masse. Instead choose the hosts you want to stay with carefully and send them a customized note. This message should outline your shared interests and the dates you hope to travel.

    A couch at someone’s home isn’t simply a substitute for a hotel bed, so make sure you don’t just sleep and run. People who accept couchsurfers want to share their culture with you, and to learn about yours. They’re sharing their space with you for free, after all, so they deserve to get something back. Make sure you spend time with these people to make it worth their while. Arriving with a gift, particularly one that represents your culture, is also a nice touch. Coffee table books, handicrafts, or local wine or beer, where culturally appropriate, are some good ideas. Don’t spend a lot of money though; a gift should be a small token of your appreciation.

    During your stay make sure to observe the house rules. Take your shoes off at the front door, don’t come home too late, and ask before inviting any guests back to the pad. Clean up after yourself and volunteer to assist in household chores. Drying the dishes and cooking a meal for the family can go a long way.

    It’s also important to remember that unlike the employees in a hotel lobby, your hosts have things to do beyond serving you. They’ll need enough time to prepare for your arrival, so don’t contact them at the last minute. It’s also polite to avoid late night and early morning phone calls. Make sure you’re conscious of any time zone differences when you do make contact.

    Girl sleeping on couchAnd finally, don’t outstay your welcome. Couchsurfing might offer a free room, but staying any longer than a couple of nights is generally not the done thing. Remember to leave positive feedback about your host on the couchsurfing website once you depart. This online gesture of good will is often the only payment that couchsurfer hosts require.

  • Honeymoons for Cash-Strapped Newlyweds – Spend Less on Romantic Vacation

    A honeymoon is the perfect way to unwind after the stress of planning a wedding. But after sinking so much money into the big day, who has the budget to go large? The good news is that you don’t need to. With that special someone by your side and a great idea, even a budget friendly honeymoon can feel romantic.

    State and national parks aren’t just for day trips and hiking expeditions. Many have historic lodges and cabins nestled amongst the wilderness. Staying there is a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Awakening to the songs of native birds makes a welcome change from the hum of traffic or a blaring alarm clock! The affordable accommodation also generally allows visitors to use the park’s facilities for free or close to it, so your entertainment is sorted too. Make sure you pack your walking shoes for hiking, or explore your surrounds by bike or canoe. That is, if you can drag yourself outside your lodge!

    Many newlyweds on a budget reject resorts, but if you choose your location carefully these lavish holiday spots can be surprisingly affordable. Reject Caribbean and Latin American hotspots and settle for somewhere a little closer to home. As these resorts don’t enjoy the regular tourist foot traffic, their rates are generally far lower. And if you’re holidaying close by, you won’t need to spend money on air fares! That will allow you to sink a little more on the hotel room and sparkling wine! And don’t forget the entertainment either. Many resorts have tennis courts, golf courses, swimming pools, spas, nightclubs, and restaurants, so you need never leave the grounds.

    If those resorts are still out of your price range, consider enjoying the hospitality of a bed and breakfast. These welcoming family homes often cost half the price of a resort, and always have breakfast included. If you sleep in and fill up on your morning meal you might find you’re not hungry until dinner time, which is another budget saver. They’re generally located off the beaten track, so staying in one offers a great opportunity to destress and focus on your new life partner. If you feel uncomfortable flaunting your newlywed status in front of your hosts and their other guests, look for B&Bs with cabins located away from the main house.

    If you’d prefer to keep moving, why not try a road trip? While these vacations can bring any relationship issues to a head, newlyweds should find they don’t mind getting lost together. And with the rise of GPS technology, we can no longer blame anyone’s poor map-reading skills! Exploring a new part of the world together can be incredibly romantic, especially if you have the right CD soundtrack to accompany you. Take your time and break up the driving by discovering the small towns along your path. Country towns generally offer affordable accommodation, or you could really get in touch with your surroundings and pitch a tent!

    Hands making a heartA cruising vacation is another great way to see the world without spending a fortune. You’ll need to make some compromises like taking a smaller room and sailing with a budget liner like Carnival or Royal Caribbean, but these money-saving decisions are easily forgotten once you’re on the high seas. The crowds and children you’ll find can cramp the style of some couples, but if you enjoy a party atmosphere a cheap cruise shouldn’t be overlooked.

    While these vacations are all ideal for newlyweds strapped for cash, they’re also perfect for longstanding couples seeking a little downtime. So why not leave the kids behind and take a little time for yourselves?