FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Tips

  • Avoid Food Poisoning on Vacation – Tips for Safe Eating Abroad

    When you’re traveling on a budget you’ll invariably forgo those Michelin-star meals in favor of street food and cheap takeaways. Many of these inexpensive meals can be unexpected culinary marvels, but if you’re unlucky they could also leave you spending much of your vacation in the bathroom. Read on to discover how best to avoid food poisoning on the road.

    Unsanitary water is one of the biggest causes of food poising abroad. In many parts of Asia, South America, and Africa you can’t simply rely on getting safe drinking water from a tap. Bottled water is a necessary expense for staying hydrated when abroad. Make sure you always check the seals to ensure you’re getting just what you pay for. It’s also smart to consider unexpected ways you could consume local water, such as ice cubes, washed fruits and vegetables, or cutlery and plates. To be on the safe side only accept drinks without ice, eat whole fruits with protective peels, and keep a stack of paper plates in your backpack!

    Street food is one of Asia’s great joys, but it can also be a source of food poisoning. It’s much safer to eat freshly cooked meals than anything that’s just been warmed through or served cold. Many of these dishes are prepared earlier in the day, and left to sit for hours. Look for vendors with kitchen and refrigeration facilities in plain sight for extra peace of mind.

    Street Food in Vietnam
    Street Food in Vietnam

    Refrigeration is also a concern in Asia’s mobile ice cream stalls. Many don’t have the best freezers, and eating their desserts can make you ill. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the frozen treats at cafes and supermarkets.

    Some Asian nations also have incredible seafood, but unless it’s live you can’t be sure of its freshness. Only indulge if you can choose your crustaceans and fish from a tank.

    Of course nothing is certain, but if you follow our tips hopefully you’ll keep your health, and some money in your wallet, on your next vacation.

  • Backpacking for Adults – Hostel Vacation Tips for Grown-Up Travelers

    With all of us feeling the fallout of the financial crisis, backpacking isn’t just for college kids anymore. Don’t let the youth hostel tag scare you off; these budget accommodation options are perfect for anyone looking for a cheap place to lay their head.

    However adults shouldn’t run headlong into booking their first hostel holiday. There are a few points to consider when backpacking as a grown-up.

    While costs are always a consideration, older backpackers shouldn’t pick their hostel on price alone. The quality of the rooms is important, as is the location. Proximity to night clubs and bars is probably less important than it was in your youth, but you’ll probably want to be near public transport for easy sightseeing. Also do your research to ensure you’re not staying in a seedy part of town.

    Choosing a private room over a dorm is an important splurge as middle age settles in. You can probably do without the funky smells, rowdy roommates, and all night parties! Not all private rooms are created equally though. Some have ensuites, but many do not. You’ll probably pay an extra $10 a night for your own bathroom, which is enough for a coffee and a pastry each day. What would you rather spend your money on?

    A backpacking holiday calls for traveling light, but there are a few extra items older hostel hoppers may wish to bring. That smell that lingers around young backpackers generally comes from skipped showers. Hostels rarely provide shampoos and soaps, so unless you want to join the great unwashed you’ll need to bring your own. A pair of earplugs takes up little space in a suitcase, and ensures those all night binge drinking sessions don’t interrupt your sleep.

    Hostel_Celica
    Staying in a hostel is a great way to save money and meet other frugal travelers.

    While you’re there, make sure you take advantage of the hostel kitchen. These are often quiet as young people survive on snacks and cheap take outs. You can create a gourmet feast on a budget with some fresh produce from a local farmer’s market or delicatessen.

    And finally, remember that hostel life is all about community. While you might not make lifelong friends, it’s important to smile and strike up conversation. You might even learn about a local gem you haven’t discovered yet!

  • Save Money in Expensive Cities – Vacation on the Cheap in Holiday Hot Spots

    Many frugal travelers reject international hot spots like London, Paris, and Sydney in favor of more budget friendly alternatives like Thailand and Mexico. But it’d be a shame to let life pass you by without ever visiting your dream location. The good news is, you don’t have to. So long as you can save the airfare, our handy tips can ensure you save money once you arrive.

    Firstly consider the time you’ll travel carefully. Vacationing in the peak season may offer the best weather conditions, but if you don’t mind a chill you could save some serious cash.

    It’s a bit boring, but creating a budget is the secret to avoiding a vacation blowout. Consider a reasonable amount to spend each day, and then stick to it. Write down your expenses each day to ensure you’re staying on track. You could even find you’ve got some extra spending money at the end of your trip!

    Once you’ve arrived, you’ll need somewhere to lay your head. It can be tempting to stay in the thick of the action, but the most expensive accommodation is generally in the heart of any city. Research the local area before you leave and consider staying on the outskirts to save some extra cash.

    You might be on vacation, but you’ll save money if you spend your time living like a local rather than a tourist. Cook some meals in your hotel room and spend time absorbing the culture rather than frequenting high priced tourist attractions. While you’re soaking up the atmosphere, why not strike up a conversation with a local resident? This is a great way to discover the best value restaurants, affordable accommodation options, and the local gems not listed in the tourist brochures.

    Make sure you travel off the tourist path too when your tummy rumbles. You’ll satisfy your hunger for less by avoiding the city’s usual dining options. When traveling to a foreign country, steer clear of eateries with English menus. Some of Europe’s best value restaurants are in its back streets, and Asian street food is always cheap and delicious.

    piggy bank worldAnd finally, don’t reach for your wallet to keep yourself amused. Big cities always have an abundance of free entertainment, from national parklands and hiking trails to museums, art galleries, and historic sites. If you’re lucky you might also stumble across a free festival or concert. And remember, it’s always free to window shop. Perhaps thanks to our money-saving tips you can even indulge in a few souvenirs!

  • Cattle Class in Comfort – Painless Economy Flight Tips

    A long haul flight in economy isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. You know you’ll save serious dollars by choosing the budget air option, but it’s hard to avoid looking enviously at the movers and shakers settling in to the business and first class seats. However traveling cattle class need not be as painful if you follow our simple tips.

    Make sure that you dress for comfort rather than fashion. Unless you’re an A-lister you won’t be greeted by paparazzi, so you don’t need to dress to impress. Choosing layered clothes is a smart option, as you can simply peel off clothes if the heat’s too high, or add a sweatshirt if you’re feeling a chill. And ladies, make sure you stash your stilettos in your luggage. A comfortable pair of sneakers or ballet flats will serve you much better.

    Don’t go overboard on the extras. While travelers are technically allowed to take some carry-on luggage and a personal item on board, you’ll feel less cramped if you forgo one or both. The less cargo you carry, the more room you’ll have around you.

    No matter how cramped your space, deep-vein thrombosis is a very real concern for travelers, especially on international flights. It’s important to keep moving to avoid the condition. Simple exercises like rotating your ankles and raising your knees can be very valuable. You should also try to walk around the cabin every half hour to stretch your legs. Staying hydrated is also a great way to stave off deep-vein thrombosis. Take a bottle of water with you, and limit caffeinated and alcohol drinks. As an added bonus, keeping your fluid up will help you stay energized!

    Distractions are also key to minimizing flight discomfort. A friend to talk to or a good book to read (on an eReader to minimize bulk of course) will help the hours fly by. If you’re lucky you’ll also have free in-flight entertainment like movies, television programs, and games at your disposal. And if there’s nothing else around to distract you, why not drift off to dreamland? It can be tough to take a really restful sleep in economy class, but indulging in forty winks is a great way to pass the time. It should also help stave off the jet lag once you land!

    And don’t forget about the snacks. A rumbling stomach can make any flight seem much longer, and more uncomfortable. Depending on your carrier food items may cost a small fortune, so it’s smart to carry some with you. Snacks with a low glycemic index like nuts, popcorn, and fresh fruits and vegetables will satisfy you for longer.

    Departures Flights SignNo one wants to spend more money than they have to, but opting for a seat with extra legroom can be a great compromise between regular economy and business class. For around $40 extra you’ll have enough space to stretch out. This can be a godsend if you’re tall or embarking on a lengthy trip.

    By following our advice you should arrive at your destination feeling a bit fresher and pain free. And you’ll do it with some extra spending money!

  • Top 10 Free Road Trip Apps – Best Smart Phone Travel Programs

    In this modern world it seems there’s an app for just about everything. In the past we’ve looked at 10 great apps for general travel, but there are so many nifty programs that we had to revisit the topic. This time around we’re turning our focus to the best free apps for road trips.

    Despite rising fuel costs, the road trip remains the friend of most frugal travellers. The journey typically costs less than air travel, and it’s easy to get around once you reach your destination. While you’ll want to take your partner and perhaps the kids along, a Smart Phone armed with these apps is another essential traveling companion.

    GoogleMaps
    This app is such a travel essential that I’m surprised it didn’t make our first top 10 list. However perhaps it was better saved, as it’s perfect for road trips. It’ll pinpoint your location, even if you don’t know quite where you are, and then tell you how to reach your destination. You’ll probably make most use of the driving directions, but don’t overlook the public transport and walking instructions. These functions are perfect for sightseeing once you reach your destination.

    BestParking
    BestParking is a must for frugal travelers who enjoy urban vacations, as it displays the most affordable and most convenient parking lots and garages. Anyone who’s been slugged for inner-city parking will be thankful for this handy guide. It’s just a shame that its database is so small. With only 40 American cities and three Canadian ones represented, it becomes useless if you want to travel off the beaten track.

    GasBuddy
    GasBuddy’s another nifty app to help you save. As its name suggests, the program displays the gas prices in the area you’re visiting, so you can decide where to fill up or whether it’s worth waiting for the next town. If you report the prices in your area you can also earn points towards GasBuddy’s regular prize giveaways.

    Pandora Radio
    It’s not a road trip without a killer playlist, and there’s an app to take care of that too. Many desktop users have enjoyed Pandora Radio’s service for years, and now with the advent of its mobile app you can take the site on the road. Amongst its features are the ability to create a QuickMix of your top tunes and stream the sounds of your favorite artists.

    Scout
    Scout takes care of your entertainment needs with a list of free activities and events in your chosen destination. By entering in your personal interests you can make sure Scout finds entertainment that meets your needs. However unfortunately Scout only offers information in American destinations, which is disappointing for anyone traveling abroad.

    Jiwire Wi-Fi Finder
    Hotels and hostels can charge a pretty penny for internet access, but you don’t need to swallow these fees with Jiwire Wi-Fi Finder. This clever app seeks out public Wi-Fi hotspots, including many free internet hubs. If you don’t mind loitering in cafes or libraries to check your e-mail, this is the app for you!

    Instagram
    Instagram is becoming one of the hottest apps online, and it’s perfect for travelers. Leave your bulky camera behind and use this app to capture your vacation memories. Snap away, choose a fun filter to transform the look of your images, then post them to the Instagram website to create a vacation photo diary. You can also share your pictures with friends on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr to update them on your adventures.

    Where Do Kids Eat Free Today?
    As its name suggests, this clever app helps families cut the cost of vacation meals. Its convenient search engine shows restaurants and eateries in your location serving cheap or even free meals to minors. Again you’re limited to American destinations, but as most families holiday close to home it should meet the needs of most frugal clans.

    The Weather Channel
    This premiere weather app lets you know whether to pack umbrellas or heavy coats for your road trips, and what to wear each day. It pinpoints your location and provides long-term forecasts so you always know what’s ahead.

    Road TripAAA Mobile Apps
    These apps aren’t technically free, as you’ll need AAA membership to download them. However the roadside assistance provided, plus the apps’ features, are enough to encourage most road trip regulars to pay the annual $52 fee. Once you do you can enjoy a range of apps including AAA Insurance, AAA Roadside, AAA Triptik Mobile, and our favorite, AAA Discounts. This money-saving program offers discounts at more than 110, 000 restaurants, tourist attractions, and hotels across North America. Making this range of apps one entry was also a sneaky way to get all of AAA’s clever services in our top 10!

    There really is a glut of useful travel apps so there are likely to be many we couldn’t squeeze into our top 10. What’s your favorite app when you’re on the road?

  • Keep Your Money Safe – Travel Tips for Vacation Finances

    Keeping money safe is one of the chief concerns of any frugal traveler. No one wants to secure the best deals on airfares and accommodation, only to have those efforts wasted when their vacation budget evaporates. While you might encounter pickpockets and muggers on your travels, there are a few tactics you can employ to keep your money safe.

    Your efforts should begin before you even head out the door. Take stock of your wallet and decide what you really need to bring, and what’s better left behind. Some cards contain vital personal information, so taking them with you could do more than cluttering your wallet.

    Then make a photocopy of all cards that have survived your cull and leave the papers with a trusted friend or family member. If your wallet is stolen on your travels you’ll know which cards need to be replaced, and even have the account numbers to make the process run smoothly.

    One clever traveling tactic is to create a diversion known as a dummy wallet. Fill it with expired credit cards, old licenses, and other unwanted pieces of plastic, as well as a small amount of cash. Then if you are unlucky enough to meet a mugger you can simply hand it over, smug in the knowledge that your vital finances are safely hidden.

    A slim wallet or money clip is a great option for carrying a small amount of cash without attracting attention. These slender money holders aren’t as bulky as traditional wallets, so they should escape any pickpocket’s eyes. They’re also not made to hold a lot, so you’re forced to consider what you really need, which puts less financial assets at risk.

    Money belts and other purses worn underneath clothes are also great secure options. As your money is worn close to your body, it’s virtually off limits to pickpockets. And if they’re slim enough and worn with the right clothing, they can be virtually undetectable. Meet a mugger and they might just fall for the dummy wallet without knowing what you’re hiding!

    These days we don’t need to just worry about our cash though. Our personal details are also under threat. Modern credit cards, drivers’ license, and even store loyalty program cards typically contain RFID chips which hold sensitive personal data. If these details were to fall into the wrong hands, you could kiss your bank balance or even your identity goodbye. Several companies now sell RFID blocking wallets which stop the transmission of such sensitive information.

    New Zealand money and calculatorWhile your accommodation may seem secure, that’s generally not the case. There’s daily housekeeping to consider, and if you’re staying in a hostel dorm other travellers will also stop by. Ensure the security of your wallet and any other personal documents by keeping them on your person or stashed away in your hotel safe.

    However, perhaps the most important tools of the trade when it comes to financial security are your own wits. Be aware of your location, its seediest streets, and your surroundings at all times. Withdraw money in secure public places like bank or hotel lobby teller machines, rather than the ones tucked away in dark alleys. Sometimes simply exercising caution and appearing alert can be enough to deter a prospective pickpocket.

  • World’s Best Street Food – Cheap Eats Around the Globe

    Most frugal travelers find themselves chowing down in fast food chain restaurants in a bid to save cash. These international food giants don’t just create food that’s bad for your waistline; it’s also generally unsatisfying. So why see the world while eating the same old junk you do at home? Instead try the street food sold in your travel spot’s marketplaces and roadside karts. You won’t believe how good it tastes, or how little it costs! In this article we round up some of the best street food around the world.

    Asia is credited for starting the street food craze, and this continent’s nations still produce some of the best. Bangkok is considered by many as the ultimate vacation spot for street food gourmands. Its marketplaces have vendors serving up local delicacies like fish curries, pork sugarcane skewers, and more. Make sure to leave room for the battered banana fritters for dessert!

    Ho Chi Minh City’s street food is influenced by traditional Vietnamese culture and the French colonial forces of the early 1900s. It’s not unusual to find savory pho soup, spring rolls, and the stuffed pancakes called banh xeo sitting alongside little pate sandwiches! Wade through the fake designer handbags at the Ben Thanh Market to find some delicious Vietnamese street food treats.

    In Hong Kong the nightly Temple Street markets are a great place to find dinner. You can feast on hot pots, curried fish balls, and fresh fried seafoods for a pittance. The pungent tofu and offal dishes aren’t for the faint hearted, but they’re great options for adventurous palettes.

    Turkey is Europe’s street food center, and you’ll find more than doner kebabs there. While these are delicious, you’ll enjoy many more exotic treats like the flaky borek pastries, the pretzel-like simit, and the baked potatoes called kumpir. Ask the vendors to fill these starchy vegetables with ketchup, pickles, sausage, and olives and you’ve got a complete meal!

    Turkey’s influence on street food can be felt as far afield as Germany. Use a Turkish style doner kebab or the fried ketchup and curry-covered sausages called currywurst to wash down a pint of that famous weizenbier.

    Even America is catching on to the street food trend. Los Angeles is credited with bringing this style of food to the United States. The city’s food trucks offer an exciting range of dishes including dim sum, grilled cheese melts, and Southern fried chicken and biscuits.

    The blend of cultures in Austin, Texas has give birth to some unique fusion food like fried-chicken waffle tacos and Korean inspired kimchi fries.

    Chicago’s strict laws prohibiting cooking on carts haven’t stopped the city’s street food vendors. A concord of trucks assembles at Lincoln Park on Tuesdays and Ethyl’s Beer and Wine Dive on Thursdays. Locals come from everywhere to sample the meatballs, naan bread sandwiches, and Southern mac and cheese cleverly prepared from previously cooked ingredients.

    Those horror stories of travelers contracting gastro and other nasties from street food can be daunting, but don’t let them scare you. While this is fast food, it’s smart to look for the longest lines. Certain vendors are popular for a reason, and it’s generally worth waiting a little while to find out what that is.

    Street Food in Vietnam
    Street Food in Vietnam

    It’s also smart to stash a plate and eating utensils in your bags. Illness can be spread when these implements aren’t properly washed, so taking your own is a good way to cut the risks. In cities where the locals do it, such as Istanbul, this precaution is a must. Disease can also come when fruits and vegetables are washed in unsanitary water. If you wouldn’t drink a city’s water avoid anything with an edible skin, and stick to foods you can peel like bananas and oranges.

    Keep your wits about you but remember to have fun. That’s what eating street food is all about!