FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Travel Deals

  • Six Books for Frugal Travelers

    In the world of digital media in which most of us live, some may have forgotten about the power of a good old-fashioned book. Some of the best frugal travel advice I’ve collected over the years has been found between the covers of the six books listed here, all published within the last 10 years (and yes, you can get some of them on your Kindle, Nook or iPad). All six would make great additions to your travel library.

    The Encyclopedia of Cheap Travel by Terrance Zepke (Infinity Publishing, 2002)

    This comprehensive reference serves as a guide to over 1,000 travel companies, consolidators, agencies, and resources. Advice on planning bargain-priced trips ranging from general sightseeing tours to extreme adventures is also included. It highlights ways to find and book alternative accommodations and how to avoid travel scams. Even though it was published in 2002, much of the information is still very relevant and useful.

    In addition to using the Web, don't forget to consult good old-fashioned books when planning a trip. You may be surprised by what you find.

    The World’s Cheapest Destinations: 21 Countries Where Your Money is Worth a Fortune, 3rd Edition by Tim Leffel (Booklocker.com, Inc, 2009)

    This budget travel guide provides key information on the best bargain-priced international destinations, complete with sample prices and key attractions in each country. The countries that are included here were selected for more than just their price. Each country is “traveler friendly” in that it has an infrastructure able to serve tourists as well as attractions that make it an engaging place to visit on a budget.

    Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts (Villard Books, 2002)

    Author Rolf Potts believes that anyone can take extended time away from their “real life” to travel the world in a cost-efficient manner. The guide includes key information on financing ones travel time, determining destinations and itineraries, adjusting psychologically and physically to time on the road, working and volunteering overseas, managing difficult travel situations, and re-assimilating into ordinary life at the end of your adventure.

    How to Travel Practically Anywhere by Susan Stellin (Mariner Books, 2006)

    Written in an engaging style, How to Travel Practically Anywhere by New York Times contributor Susan Stellin is a useful resource for planning trips and managing problems that arise on the road. This comprehensive guidebook also includes down-to-earth advice on the most useful travel websites, techniques for finding the best deals on and off line, and resources to help you decide where and when to go on your trip.

    Work Your Way Around the World: A Fresh and Fully Up-to-Date Guide for the Modern Working Traveler, 13th Edition by Susan Griffith (Crimson Publishing, 2009)

    The thirteenth edition of this guide for working travelers provides tips on how to find temporary work around the world both before you leave for your trip and while you’re on the road. Organized by country, the guide also includes multiple first-hand accounts from people who have had a variety of experiences working their way around the world—from selling ice cream in Cape Town to working as a film extra in Bangkok. Whether you’re interested in working in the tourist industry, farming, teaching English, childcare or volunteer work, this will be a useful guide for planning your adventures.

    The Practical Nomad: How to Travel Around the World by Edward Hasbrouck (Avalon Travel Publishing, 2007)

    Hasbrouck’s handbook for world travelers focuses on independent adventure how to really get to know a location and its inhabitants. This comprehensive guide includes tips on getting discounted airfares, choosing a destination, types of transportation, what to pack, sample budgets, and dealing with culture shock and things to keep in mind when you come back

  • Student Discounts While Studying/Traveling Abroad

    Many of the years I spent living abroad were when I was either an undergraduate or graduate student.

    I was relatively clueless about all of the student discounts that are available (for flights, museums, ground transportation, etc.) the first time I lived abroad, but by the time I was doing my dissertation research in France, I was a seasoned pro at cashing in on student discounts at museums, theaters, restaurants, on rail passes, flights, you name it. The more I learned, the more money I saved. Here are some general tips and resources for making the most out of student discounts while studying, traveling or living abroad (many of these student discounts also apply to students living in the U.S.).
    • Get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This will open the door to over 40,000 discounts at home and abroad. They partner with various organizations (Target, AMC, Virgin, to name a few) to bring an excellent array of discounts (from spa services to accommodations) to students. The organizations that partner with ISIC will require this specific card in order to get discounts, so it’s best to get your hands on one before embarking on your international journey. Any full-time student in an undergraduate or graduate program is eligible to get a card. If you are a part-time student and you are under 26 years old, there is another discount card you would be eligible for, the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC). The IYTC card offers similar benefits, services and savings to the ISIC card. See http://www.isic.org for more information and to order a card. You can also sign up for their email list to get weekly alerts on new deals in your city/country. [caption id="attachment_5459" align="alignright" width="189" caption="The International Student ID Card will save you money in Paris and other international cities."]Eiffel Tower photo[/caption]
    • Always carry your ID card from your home college/university. To be able to prove your status as an American student, it’s a good idea to have your college/university ID card in your wallet at all times. This, combined with your international student ID card, will be enough proof to garner you all of the discounts for which you are eligible.
    • It never hurts to ask. If a museum, theater, cultural center, etc. does not have student rates posted, it’s always a good idea to ask about them anyways. You never know what they might say, and asking could save you quite a bit of money over the long run. Of course, be prepared to prove your student status by showing your student ID card. Many museums have days or evenings that are free for students, so be sure to ask about those as well.
    • Check out student discounts on flights and vacation packages. There are a number of organizations that offer discounts on flights, accommodations and vacation packages specifically for students. STA travel is a great site to check out for student discounts on airline tickets, rail passes, hotels, car rentals, hostels and tours. I know many students who have found some great package deals for spring break on this site. Other reputable student discount sites include: Smarter Travel, Student Universe, ISTravel, CheapoAir and the International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC). I’ve found quite a few good deals on intra-European flights and rail transportation on some of these sites.
    • Don’t forget about restaurant discounts. There are a variety of restaurants throughout the U.S. that offer student discounts. In addition to discounts on entrées, some places offer a free appetizer or drink for students with an ID. When in Europe, ask if there is a “prix fixe” or set meal price that is lower for students. Again, just because you don’t see it on the menu doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It’s always good to ask.
    • Get the most bang for your buck with other discounts as well. Sites like LivingSocial and Groupon have now gone international. Sign up to get deal alerts from both of these sites that will help you make the most of your budget while traveling or studying abroad.
    • Share the love! Pass along discounts you learn about to students you meet while studying abroad. I am grateful for the many discounts I learned about from other student travelers.

  • Designing a Custom Culinary Tour on a Budget

    There are lots of travel companies out there that charge big bucks for “customized” culinary or wine tours of a specific region.

    A consummate foodie who usually travels on a budget, I frequently drool over the descriptions of these tours while simultaneously starting woefully at my bank account balance. While many of these culinary tours are wonderful experiences, they are, without a doubt, hard on the budget. One day it dawned on me that, with a little planning and foresight, I could plan my own culinary trip. In this post, I give you some tips for designing your own culinary tour on a budget. Besides the obvious financial benefits of designing your own tour, you can truly customize the experience because, well, you’re the tour guide.
    • Choose a destination with a rich culinary culture. This may seem like an obvious piece of advice, but it’s important that you do a bit of preliminary research on various places to determine whether or not the culinary or wine culture is rich and varied enough to base an entire trip on. Of course, places like New York, France, Italy or Napa Valley jump to mind, but there are loads of other options. For example, Spain’s Basque region is home to unique culinary traditions, and many places throughout the U.S. (such as Minneapolis) have become havens for chef-owned restaurants. So, you don’t necessarily need to stray that far from home (which can be easier on the budget).
    • Determine your priorities. What do you want to experience? Are you most interested in where food/wine comes from (the agricultural aspects)? Perhaps you’d like to visit some farms or vineyards. Is restaurant dining your passion? Then you’ll most likely want to spend most of your time eating out. Is cooking your passion? You should concentrate on identifying opportunities for meeting chefs or taking a cooking class or two. Do you like to shop and prepare your own food while traveling? Then you’ll no doubt be visiting local specialty food shops and markets.
    • Ask like-minded travelers to share in the adventure. Culinary travel is more fun (and more budget-friendly) when you can share the experience with a travel partner or a group. Ask some of your fellow foodies to come along with you. Some of the more obvious benefits include being able to share appetizers and a variety of dishes at restaurants (being able to try a lot of different things without breaking the bank) and having someone who can help you remember the name of that delicious wine you tried during your vineyard tour. [caption id="attachment_5444" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Touring a vineyard and attending a wine tasting can be a fun, educational part of a custom culinary tour on a budget."]Travel to Chablis photo[/caption]
    • Research opportunities at your location based on your foodie priorities. Now that you’ve established your priorities, the real research begins. Search for farms or vineyards that offer tastings and private tours. Scour the Internet for restaurant reviews, locations and menus. Identify chefs you’d like to meet (if possible) or cooking schools in the area. Find out what types of specialty food shops or outdoor markets are at your destination. I think it’s helpful to organize this information in an Excel file or some other document. Make note of the opening hours of restaurants and markets and contact information for all of the places you’re interested in visiting.
    • Make reservations far in advance. It’s best to secure reservations for restaurants, tours and classes as far in advance as you possibly can, especially for popular destinations.
    • Be ready to roll with the punches. In addition to bringing your appetite you should also bring patience and a sense of humor. As with any trip, the best laid plans don’t necessarily guarantee 100% success. However, if you look at mishaps/miscommunications as opportunities instead of disappointments, you’ll get a lot more out of the experience. If a restaurant loses your lunch reservations, just think of it as a great excuse to try some of the excellent street food the area is known for.

  • Making the Most of Your European Hostel Experience

    There’s no quicker way to eat up your European vacation budget than by booking an expensive hotel.

    Luckily, there are plenty of inexpensive alternative lodging options in Europe, the most popular of which are the many hostels found in most major (and some smaller) European cities. “Hostel culture” varies from city to city and establishment to establishment, but most hostels offer sparse, comfortable accommodations (and sometimes even a continental breakfast thrown in) for reduced rates. After all, why should you spend the big bucks on a deluxe hotel room if you will be out and about sightseeing most of the time anyways? Here are some guidelines for finding and booking hostels, as well as making the most of your European hostel experience.
    • Start your search early. As is the case with reasonably priced hotels, hostels fill up quickly, especially during the high tourist season. Although I do have a lot of friends who “hostel it on the fly” (booking accommodations a day in advance as they go), I would suggest reserving a bed in advance to give yourself some peace of mind. Helpful websites for finding hostels in Europe include: www.europeanhostels.com,  www.hosteleurope.com, www.hostels.com and www.famoushostels.com.
    • Read reviews, ask around. Before booking your hostel, try to find reviews of it online (the sites mentioned above have reviews for most of their listings). Even better, ask if any of your friends have stayed in hostels in your destination city and ask them for recommendations. There are some hostels that look great on line, but are unsanitary or unsafe in reality. It’s best to avoid this unpleasant experience by doing your research ahead of time. [caption id="attachment_5344" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Staying in a hostel is a great way to save money and meet other frugal travelers."]Europe hostel photo[/caption]
    • Find out the specifics regarding the accommodations. Each hostel is a little different, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into before you commit. Most hostels offer individual rooms with shared bathrooms (located in the hallway), double rooms, quad rooms or “dorms” that sleep 8 or more. Of course, the fewer people to a room, the more expensive the rates are, but sometimes it’s worth it for the guaranteed privacy. Some hostels provide linens (sheets, towels, etc.) and some don’t, so it’s a good idea to ask (especially if  you’ll be traveling from afar and don’t want to or can’t bring your own linens with you. It’s important to understand exactly what you’ll be getting for the price.
    • Find out about the area surrounding the hostel. As is to be expected, most hostels aren’t located in the “swanky” parts of the city. Do a little research on the area in which the hostel is located to make sure that you will feel safe when you’re walking to and from the hostel at night. This is especially important if traveling alone.
    • Enjoy the hostel culture. Hostel “dwellers” are a diverse group, and most are excited to share their travel knowledge if asked. If you’ve just arrived, strike up a conversation with a friendly looking traveler and ask him or her about his or her experience in the city. You’re sure to learn a lot and perhaps even make some friends who will make your trip even more enjoyable. Some hostels have bars or cafeteria-style restaurants attached to them. Hang out in these public places to meet new people and enjoy the hostel culture.
    • When you get home, review the hostel online. Throw fellow travelers a bone and review your hostel experience online. Remember to be honest and include the good, bad and the ugly.

  • LivingSocial and Groupon Offer Great Travel Deals

    Searching for cheap travel deals can be daunting. Luckily, there are some great travel deal websites to help you out.

    Another option is to subscribe to a “deals” list like LivingSocial or Groupon. Both of these sites offer city-specific discounts on various goods and services as well as travel opportunities at amazingly reduced prices. For example, when I opened my email inbox yesterday, I found a travel deal notification from LivingSocial for 6 days, 5 nights at an all-inclusive resort on Grand Cayman for $550. Sound too good to be true? You’ll just have to sign up at one or both of these sites and find out for yourself. As I mentioned above, both Groupon and LivingSocial are city-specific, meaning you’ll only receive deals in the cities you sign up for (except for travel packages, they are offered to everyone). If I’ve already booked a flight somewhere, I always sign up for the Groupon or LivingSocial list in that city. For example, when I visited L.A. last fall, I signed up for the Los Angeles Groupon before I left and was able to score several half-priced meals and 75% off massages for both my travel companion and myself. [caption id="attachment_5202" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Check out Groupon and LivingSocial for great deals on destinations like Grand Cayman."]grand cayman waterfront photo[/caption] How each site works: Groupon With over 35 million users, Groupon serves more than 150 cities in North America and 100 cities in Europe, Asia and South America. The site launched in 2008. Recently, they have begun offering travel packages as a part of their daily deals program. Most travel packages are advertised for a week at a time (as opposed to the daily deals that must be committed to within 24-hours). 1.     Go to www.groupon.com and register for as many cities as you would like. 2.     When you see a deal that you’re interested in, commit to buying it. If enough customers commit to buying the same deal, it’s a go. 3.     Watch for an email from Groupon with your coupon/deal information. 4.     Redeem your deal and enjoy! LivingSocial Similar to Groupon, LivingSocial offers daily, city-specific deals and is an international social buying company. As of September 22, 2010, LivingSocial was serving 89 cities around the world. Lately, they have begun offering travel packages as a part of their daily deals program. Although daily deals are usually only available for 24-hours, the travel “escapes” (as LivingSocial calls them) are available for a week at a time, giving you ample opportunity to discuss with your travel partners. 1. Go to www.livingsocial.com and register for as many cities as you would like. 2. When you see a deal you’re interested in, commit to buying it. As mentioned above you have a bit more time with the travel deals, so find a few people to do it with you. A perk that’s specific to LivingSocial is that if three people book the same deal (this applies to both daily deals and travel), your deal is free. 3. After you purchase your deal, you will be given a link that you can share on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media site you use. If three people purchase the same deal (no matter what the price) through your link, your deal is free. That could mean a free vacation! 4. Watch for an email from LivingSocial for information about your deal. 5. Redeem your deal and enjoy!

    1. Five Affordable Spring Break Destinations

      We’re already well into February already and those of us who live in chilly winter climates (or even those who don’t) are craving a spring break getaway.

      However, many spring break trips quickly add up, leaving our savings accounts depleted (or our credit card balances unreasonably high) for the rest of the spring and summer. But that doesn’t mean you should abstain from your well-deserved escape, it just means you need to think creatively (and frugally). To get you started, here are some ideas for spring break trips that won’t break the bank. South Padre Island, Texas No passports required! This long, skinny island is located just five miles (by water) from Mexico. There are a variety of water-related activities (surfing, jet-skiing, etc.) for the sports-minded. For those who prefer to relax on a beach, South Padre has many to choose from. The island is very tourist-oriented, so there are several affordable, large all-inclusive resorts. However, to make your stay even more affordable, check out some cheap condo rentals and other affordable housing options on the island. Panama City, Florida Even more proof that you don’t need to leave the U.s. to have a great time over spring break is Panama City Beach (Florida), a 27-mile strip along the Gulf of Mexico. If you book a trip here, you’d better be ready to party. Think beach parties with thousands of people, large fruity cocktails and thumping music. During the day, you can lounge on the beach, swim with the dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park, do a little deep-sea fishing, or kayak on Shell Island (a beautiful state-run nature preserve). Panama City’s restaurants feature some of the freshest seafood you can get anywhere (as well as plenty of strong cocktails to was it down with. Puerto Rico [caption id="attachment_4372" align="alignright" width="300" caption="View from a Vacation Rental in San Juan, Puerto Rico."][/caption] A fast 3-hour flight from Miami, Puerto Rico is an affordable and easy spring break destination. Since it’s part of the U.S., you won’t need a passport to enter. San Juan doesn’t have the same “party ‘til you pass out” spring break reputation that many sunny spots do, which is why I prefer it. There’s no shortage of history and culture, and loads of public beaches (even those associated with the hotels along the waterfront are relatively “public”). There are also plenty of excellent restaurants in which to feast on traditional Puerto Rican cuisine or cutting edge culinary creations.  The nightlife scene, especially in the Condado and Old San Juan, is incredibly lively, and there are a variety of bars/nightclubs to choose from. Puerto Rico offers a variety of lodging options in various price points, from 4-star casino hotels to 1-star hostels. Plus, flights (especially for those living on the East Coast) are incredibly affordable. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic For some reason, the Dominican Republic is often over-looked in favor of more “traditional” spring break destinations like Cabo, Cancun or Jamaica. Lucky for you, this means that the DR is still relatively cheap. Puerto Plata in particular has only recently become more tourist-oriented.  This history-packed city is now home to a variety of cutting-edge bars, clubs and restaurants just waiting to be filled with spring break revelers. There are also many types of accommodations, including lots of affordable all-inclusive options. You will need to bring your passport on this trip. Ocean City, Maryland Another no passports required option! Though at first blush it may not sound as appealing as an island destination, there are plenty of reasons to consider Maryland’s coastal Ocean City: miles of shoreline, plenty of opportunities for water sports, some of the best seafood in world and inexpensive accommodations, to name a few. An especially frugal option, especially if you live in the East Coast.

    2. 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/.

    3. 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.

    4. 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).

    5. Communicate on the Cheap: How to Save on Phone and Internet Communication While Traveling

      It’s true. Most of us have a hard time getting through the day without checking our voicemails, updating our Facebook statuses, tweeting about our daily activities, or checking email.

      Media and communication have become an integral part of our daily lives, and that doesn’t change when you are miles away. In order to stay on budget, frugal travelers don’t have to forgo these “necessities,” they just have to be savvier about how they approach them. Here are some tips for continuing to indulge in your daily communication rituals while traveling without breaking the bank. Cell Phones (and alternatives) No doubt you’ve heard horror stories about traveler’s who’ve been hit with roaming fees while making calls abroad and come home to find a massive phone bill waiting for them (Internet fees can be even heftier). Be sure to read the fine print on your cell phone contract (or contact your carrier) before embarking on a trip. If you’re planning on traveling or working abroad, I suggest looking into a pay-as-you-go cell phone. Buy the cheapest phone you can (you’ll only be using it for a while) and simply load it with more minutes as you need them. This will provide you with the flexibility to make calls in the country you’re visiting (to confirm reservations, make plans with friends, etc.). Of course, calling abroad (to friends and family back home) will cause you to fly through those minutes, but it’s better to know how much you’re spending as you go rather than waiting for the killer bill when you get back home. If you can stand the “inconvenience” of using a stationary phone, I highly suggest using phone cards (these can be purchased at convenience stores and magazine stands). Typically, this will be your cheapest option. To avoid hidden fees sometimes charged by international hotels, either ask for clarification up-front from a hotel employee (“Will I be charged extra if I make a call from my room using this calling card?”) or, to be on the safe side, always use a phone booth. I almost always opt for calling cards when I’m traveling abroad. I know I’ll save money this way (and it’s a nostalgic trip back to my pre-cell phone days as a student gallivanting around Europe). If you are able to secure an Internet connection, Skype is also a great option for communicating with friends and family in other countries for free. Simply create an account at www.skype.com and start talking for free. internet cafes photo Internet Free wi-fi is so common in most parts of the world (especially touristy parts) that one can conceivably never have to pay for Internet while traveling. The most convenient thing is if your hotel has free wi-fi (either in each room or in the lobby). If it doesn’t, it’s time think creatively. Perhaps there is a coffee shop in the area with free wi-fi for customers (some hotel concierges will have a list of free wi-fi spots). Is there a public library nearby? Maybe you could hop on their wi-fi. I always bring my iPad with me while traveling. It’s light and portable (I also have it loaded with useful travel iPhone apps to help me save money and time) and I’m always ready to hop on free wi-fi if the opportunity presents itself. I recently read an article about a frugal traveler who was able to get free Internet access on his Kindle -- worth a try! If worse comes to worst, Internet cafés are ubiquitous in most cities. You can pay to hop on (or sometimes access is free with a purchase) for enough time to do what you need to get done. Another option is to purchase a wi-fi plan through a site like http://www.wi-free.com/.