FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Travel Deals

  • Tips for Planning a Long Trip on a Budget

    Planning any trip can be complicated, but details become even more important when trying to organize a longer (multi-week, multi-month) voyage (and doing it on the cheap!).

    While this proposition can seem overwhelming at first, remember that the end result will be worth all of the work up front. It’s important to keep in mind that laying the groundwork by doing a bit of researching and planning will provide for a much more satisfying (and budget-friendly) travel experience. Use these tips to avoid becoming overwhelmed and exhausted during the planning process (after all, you’ll still need plenty of energy for the trip itself!). Put in for your vacation time. While it’s tempting to get caught in planning what you are going to do when you actually get to your destination, it’s important to make sure your “real life” is covered. If you work full-time, find out how much vacation time or personal days you have accrued. The ideal situation is to continue to get paid while you’re globetrotting. If your workplace allows for it, save up enough vacation days to cover your long trip. Also, make sure you put in for your vacation time as soon as you establish your travel dates to make sure you actually get the time off. Develop a plan for your home while you are away. It’s important to think about who will “hold down the fort” (water plants, feed animals, shovel your driveway, make sure your pipes don’t freeze, etc.) while you are traveling.  To avoid the extra cost and nuisance of abandoned house related problems, it may be advantageous to invite a friend to come and stay at your place while you are away to make sure things go smoothly. Remember to stop your mail during the time you’ll be on vacation. You can submit this request whenever you’d like via usps.com. [caption id="attachment_4967" align="alignright" width="300" caption="To avoid stress and extra fees, it's important to get your documents (passport, visas, etc.) in order before embarking on a long voyage."]passport photo[/caption] Get your paperwork in order. This is especially important if you will be traveling to one or more foreign countries. At the very least, you’ll need to make sure your passport is up to date and get a new one if it’s not. If you’re planning to stay in a country for over three months, you may need to acquire a visa (information regarding these documents can be found on consulate websites). Taking care of these details sooner than later will help you avoid stress and rush processing/mailing fees later on. Also, to make sure you have access to your funds while you are abroad, make sure to inform your bank and credit card company of your impending departure. Like stopping your mail, this can be done at any time (they simply enter your travel dates into their computer). Start researching flights early. It’s important to begin looking for flights as soon as you can. This will give you an idea of what options are available to you. Luckily, we have several suggestions for helping you find cheap flights here at Frugal Monkey. The earlier you have your flights established, the easier it will be to book your other transportation (trains, car rental, etc.). Think creatively about accommodations. Next to airfare, accommodations are usually the most expensive part of any trip. If you’re traveling on the cheap, this doesn’t mean that you’ll have to forgo a place to rest your head every night. You’ll just need to think a bit more creatively about where to stay. Check out these suggestions for how/where to inexpensive lodging while on the road. Adopt a philosophy of frugality. This is easier said than done. Living out one’s frugal ideals while traveling is entirely possible, but it takes a bit of foresight. Take a look at these suggestions to stretch your travel dollars further. Enjoy. You’ve worked hard to plan a fantastic trip. Now it’s time to reap the benefits. Bon voyage!

  • 8 Tips for Scoring Cheap Flights

    I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely planning on doing some frugal travel in 2011. There’s nothing worse than shelling out most of your travel budget on flights (I prefer to have a bit of cash to enjoy all the my destination has to offer. If you’re also planning to  travel in 2011, here are some tips for finding inexpensive flights. It may take a bit more effort than just booking the first flight you come across to your destination, but the money you save will be worth it in the end.

    1. Plan travel far in advance. When possible, plan your trips as far in advance as you can. This will allow you more time to monitor airline trends and nab tickets when prices are at their lowest.
    2. Be flexible with dates. If you can depart on a Thursday and return on a Monday, odds are you’ll find better deals than if you are trying to fly on the weekend. On a related note—hold off on making hotel reservations until your flights have been secured.
    3. Consider all of your options. Searching flights using a flight aggregator is a good way to do some initial research and price comparison, but be sure to check the individual airline’s websites themselves. Many major airlines guarantee the best flight prices on their own sites. Moreover, some aggregator sites charge additional fees that can be avoided if you book directly with the airline. Always check airlines known for their low rates like Southwest and Jet Blue. If you are part of a fidelity program (airline miles) at one of these airlines, research blackout dates and see if you have accrued enough miles to fly to your destination (or at least part way there) for free.
    4. Keep the big transportation picture in mind. Think about the non-airline related transportation details of your visit. If you arrive at 10:00am instead of 4:30am, perhaps a friend or relative could pick you up at the airport instead of having to pay for a cab. Or consider the times that public transportation or hotel shuttles run. Be sure to think through all of these details before settling on a flight—this will save you money in the long run. cheap flights photo
    5.     Consider breaking up your itinerary based on flight prices. Depending on where you are going, piecing  together flights from multiple carriers may be cheaper than booking a direct flight. For example, if you are flying from New York to Paris, try to find the cheapest flight you can from New York to Amsterdam (a major European hub) and another cheap flight (perhaps on another carrier) from Amsterdam to Paris. 6.     Sign up for airline email alerts. Most airlines offer the possibility to sign up for destination specific deals on flights. Sites like farecompare.com also offer these types of alerts. 7.     Consider a travel flight/hotel/car package. If you are planning on booking a hotel or renting a car at your destination as well, you can save money by booking them all together as a package. See sites like Expedia and Orbitz for options. 8.     Use a travel agent (or travel savvy friend). I know, this sounds strange. But think about it: travel agents are trained to find the best deals on airfare and vacation packages. If all of this research sounds like too much of a time commitment (or too complicated), consider using a travel agent to do the heavy lifting for you. Another option would be to delegate the research and booking duties to a travel savvy friend or travel partner.

  • Paris (France) on the Cheap

    It’s no secret that the City of Lights is also one of the most expensive in the world. Never fear, frugal travelers.

    With a bit of creativity, it’s possible experience all of what Paris has to offer on the cheap. Here are some suggestions. Where to stay: In addition to checking out alternative discount lodging options (housing swaps, vacation rentals, couch surfing), here is a very abbreviated list of reasonably priced places to stay in Paris. Hôtel Séjour Beaubourg, 36 Rue du Grenier St-Lazare, has clean, bright rooms with private bathrooms and showers starting at 60 euros a night. Hôtel du Commerce is a cross between a hotel and a hostel (only 3 of the hotel’s 32 rooms have a private bathroom and shower). Rooms here go for as little as 40 euros per night. Absolute Hotel Paris is another hotel/hostel hybrid located at 1 Rue de la Fontaine au Roi. There are quad, triple or double rooms for as little as 30 euros per night. Each room has its own bathroom and shower. Hôtel du Nord et de l’Est, 49 Rue De Malte, is a cozy 2-star hotel with rooms starting at 50 euros a night. What to do: [caption id="attachment_4886" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Spend an afternoon strolling through the Luxembourg Gardens (for free!). "]luxembourg gardens photo[/caption] There are a variety of free, interesting things to do in Paris. Keep in mind that most museums offer free or discounted admission prices for children and students (as is the case in other European countries, most museums are closed on Mondays). Here are a couple of suggestions for interesting (free) ways to spend an afternoon. One of my favorite “budget activities” to do in Paris is to pick a neighborhood and simply wander around. This is one of the best ways to really get to know a city’s history and culture. Paris’ oldest neighborhood, Le Marais, is located on the Right bank of the Seine river. This is where you’ll find the oldest private residence in Paris (from the early 15th century), located on the Rue de Montmorency. It’s a wonderful area to stroll around and relatively easy to navigate. History buffs will love the Arenes de Lutece, 47 rue Monge et rue de Navarre (Métro: Place Monge, Jussieu, Cardinal Lemoine), located in the 5th arrondissement. Hours: Daily 8AM - 5.30PM (winter), 8AM - 10PM (summer). This impressive ancient Roman theater is one of two that have survived over the years in Paris (the other being Thermes de Cluny). Spend the afternoon in this lovely archeological park to get away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. Admission is always free. Located in Paris’ 6th arrondissement, the 55-acre Jardins de Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) is free and open to the public. Amidst the impressive landscape architecture comprised of gravel walkways, grassy expanses, and large pools and fountains, you’ll find the French Senate, which is housed in the luxurious Palais du Luxembourg. It’s not just tourists who flock to the Jardins de Luxembourg. You’ll see many Parisians strolling around or enjoying a picnic here as well. Admission is always free. Where to eat: No doubt that Paris is a haven for foodies. See: eating cheaply in Paris. However, you don’t need to fork over the big bucks in a Michelin star restaurant to have a great culinary adventure in Paris. Street vendors selling crêpes, gaufres (large waffles), and long sandwiches made of baguettes are ubiquitous. One of my favorite “foodie on a budget” activities in Paris is buying fresh fruit, cheese, baguettes and a bottle of wine at a local open-air market (or at one of the specialty shops along Rue Mouffetard) and going on a picnic along the banks of the Seine river.

  • Getting There on the Cheap: Tips for Stretching Your Travel Dollars

    A large part of traveling frugally is making your dollars stretch further and identifying alternative modes of travel that allow you to get where you want to go at reasonable rates.

    Here are some suggestions for ways to wisely spend your hard-earned dollars to get the most out of your travel. By following just a few basic guidelines, savvy frugal travelers are often able to go on trips they never dreamed they could afford. Credit Card Miles/Airline Fidelity Programs There are many benefits to having an airline credit card (you can typically check luggage for free and you accumulate miles with every purchase). I suggest really committing to one airline instead of putting your eggs in multiple baskets (it’s harder to accumulate enough miles for a flight this way). Be sure to do some research before committing to one program. Important aspects to research include: ease of redeeming frequent flyer miles, miles needed to travel to various destinations (that you are interested in traveling to), frequency of blackout dates, frequency of flights offered by that airline to destinations you are actually interested in visiting (or at least flights into cities that will get you close to that location), and the details of the credit card itself (annual percentage rate, payment terms, spending limit, etc.). After you find a program you like, use the airline credit card for as much as you possibly can. Paying off the balance in full at the end of each month will ensure that you aren’t paying for your miles (though interest). Courier Flights [caption id="attachment_4881" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Repositioning cruises can be a great way to get where you want to go on the cheap."]cheap cruises photo[/caption] Discounted airfares for air couriers have been around for quite a while, yet few people take advantage of this method of frugal travel. Here’s the gist of how it works: businesses and individuals will often employ a courier to transport a package or document to a certain destination to ensure that it gets there safely and in a timely manner. Large courier shipments travel in the hold of the plane, and the courier keeps the documents to get them through customs with him or her in the plane. Most of the time, the courier’s only task is to deliver these documents to a company representative waiting when he/she disembarks from the flight (typically the courier does not have to deal with customs). To save money, most companies do not hire someone to do this. Rather, they subsidize the cost of the flight for someone who is interested in traveling to the destination of the shipment. To find out more about being a courier, check out this site: http://www.aircourierinternational.com/ Repositioning Cruises Repositioning cruises are a great way to get from one side of the world to another on the cheap. Twice a year, cruise lines move their fleets from locations like the Mediterranean, Asia, Alaska, Europe to the Continental U.S. (and vice versa).  The prices for these cruises are greatly reduced, which presents a unique opportunity for travelers on a budget. For more information on repositioning cruises coming up in 2100, see: http://cruises.about.com/od/cruisedestinations/a/repositioning_3.htm Round-the-World/Multiple Destination Tickets Though round- the- world tickets can take a bit of effort to research and book, they make travel to multiple international destinations more financially viable. These work great if your travel schedule is flexible. There are several airline families that offer these types of trips. For more information on traveling with a round-the-world ticket, see: http://www.roundtheworldticket.com/

  • Traveling to Puerto Rico on the Cheap

    Lacking in vitamin D and in need of a break from the mounds of Midwestern snow we received last winter, my husband and I decided we needed a budget-friendly, sun-filled getaway.

    As we scoured discount travel sites on the Web, we were pleasantly surprised to find deals to several enviable locations. In the end, we decided to go to Puerto Rico for several reasons, not least of which were price and ease. Travel Overview Puerto Rico is officially part of the United States, so you don’t need a passport to enter the country if you are a U.S. citizen (but of course be sure to bring your passport or state issued ID to get through security or rent a car once you get there). Since Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar, there is also no need to change currency or do on the spot price conversions while touring, shopping or grabbing a bite to eat. Nearly all Puerto Ricans speak English, so you don’t have to rely on your rusty high school Spanish to get you through (unless you want to, of course). Getting There [caption id="attachment_4872" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Puerto Rico offers rich culture, tantalizing cuisine and beautiful beaches at reasonable prices."]Barranquitas photo[/caption] Most flights going to Puerto Rico from the continental U.S. leave from either Miami or New York. Getting to these major cities is relatively easy. The in-flight time from New York to San Juan is three and a half hours and Miami to San Juan is only 2 and a half. Because many carriers offer flights to San Juan, prices are typically quite low (in comparison to other warm destinations). We booked our tickets for $350 each in 2009. San Juan’s International airport is located within the San Juan metro area. If you’re planning to stay in San Juan, a cab ride to your hotel won’t be very expensive (and all of the major hotels have free shuttles). However, if you plan on staying further out (like in the surf haven of Luquillo), you may want to consider renting a car. There are buses that traverse the island, but they don’t run as frequently as some travelers would like. Accommodations If you stay out of the touristy areas of San Juan (San Juan, the Condado Strip), accommodations are quite reasonable. We stayed in a boutique hotel in the Condado (a few blocks off of the glitzy casinos that line the beachfront). For $100 per night, we enjoyed a beautiful, clean room, rooftop hot tub and daily continental breakfast. Of course, there are less expensive options the further away you get from the water. There is also a reputable hostel in San Juan (Hosteria Del Mar Hotel San Juan). Eating There are plenty of opportunities to find great “street food” at food carts in San Juan or roadside stalls once you get out of the city proper. Traditional Puerto Rican cuisine is hearty and inexpensive. One of the best places to go in San Juan is Café del Angel (Ashford Avenue 1106, Condado). The spacious but simple two-room restaurant/bar is a favorite with locals. The servers are used to dealing with “out of towners” and are more than happy to describe in detail any dish on the comprehensive bilingual menu. A trip to San Juan would not be complete without a stop at El Hamburger (402 Munoz Rivera Avenue, near the La Ocho beach and surf break), a favorite among surfers and locals. El Hamburger serves up affordable, juicy burgers with all the fixin’s. In addition to classic cheeseburgers and bacon cheeseburgers, El Hamburger also offers an impressive Roquefort burger and some of the best fries I’ve ever had. Wash it all down with a Medalla or a Corona with lime. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the  bill (we never paid more than $20 for two people).

  • Sleep for Cheap: The Key to Finding Inexpensive Lodging Options

    One of the major expenses while traveling is typically lodging. Even “reasonably” priced hotels can cost upwards of $200 per night. Luckily, finding inexpensive lodging is not as difficult as one might think – you just have to know where to look. Here are some suggestions to consider for your next trip.

    Housing Swap If you are traveling with your family or a group, a housing swap can be both economical and very convenient. The basic idea is that you trade houses with someone in another location. Typically, the involved parties draw up a contract that covers use of particular items (cars, appliances, etc.), cleaning fees and damage policies. As traveling families become more budget conscious, this option has become much more popular. There are several websites you can use to facilitate the swap. For starters, check out: http://www.homeexchange.com/ (specializes in international house swaps) http://www.homeforswap.com/ (specializes in both U.S. and international house swaps) http://www.digsville.com/ (has lots of great and affordable listings for U.S. and abroad) CouchSurfing [caption id="attachment_4802" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Laguna Beach Vacation Rental Condos"][/caption] The term was coined by the non-profit group by the same name that connects frugal travelers in over 230 countries. CouchSurfing (www.couchsurfing.org) members host one another (for free) in their homes. According to CouchSurfers I know, these stays provide the opportunity for rich cultural exchanges and they have made connections with individuals living all over the world (who have offered to put them up whenever they’d like).  Think if it kind of like a study abroad “homestay” for adults. Though most CouchSurfers are single people or couples, there are opportunities for families to CouchSurf together as well. Hostels During my backpacking through Europe years, I got to know the Euro hostel scene quite well. Hostels are typically very casual hotels where you can rent a bed in a shared room (some also offer private rooms) and use the shared shower and bathroom facilities. Hostel qualities range from hotel-like to downright shabby and prices can vary from the equivalent of $10USD per night to $80USD per night. Some offer a continental breakfast (included in the price). One of the fun things about staying in a hostel is the variety of people you’ll meet—they are inherently more social places than most hotels. There are many hostels that do not allow children, so make sure you check first if you are traveling with youngsters. Finding out about hostels is much more convenient now than it was when I was “hosteling it” ten years ago. There are a variety of websites that provide international hostel listings and ratings. Check these ones out to start with: http://www.hostels.com/ http://www.hostelworld.com/ http://www.hostelbookers.com/ Vacation Rentals Though typically more expensive than the options listed above, vacation rentals often offer more bang for the buck, especially if you’re traveling with a family or group. With the international real estate market on the fritz, more and more home and condo owners are renting out their properties to make ends meet. This typically translates to great properties for reasonable prices. If you’re traveling with a group of friends, consider renting a house and splitting the price. The savings you’ll see will be amazing. There are many sites online that will help you find a vacation rental in the area you’ll be traveling in a price range that that works into your travel budget. Start by visiting theses ones: http://www.vacationrentals.com/ http://www.homeaway.com/ http://www.vrbo.com/

  • Surfing France and Spain on a Budget

    There are many surfers out there who dream of “surfing the world,” yet perhaps think they can’t afford it.

    To them I say “think again.” With some savvy financial planning and research, it’s possible to take yourself in a surf tour of Western Europe without breaking the bank. Here are some renowned surf spots in France and Spain to consider: Mediterranean Coast (Toulon and Marseilles), France Located in the southwestern part of France, the nearby major cities of Toulon and Marseilles offer some great surf breaks. Major surf championships are hosted in this area each year. It is relatively affordable to stay in either one of these cities. Like most large European cities, there are a variety of lodging options in various price points. There are several hostels in both Marseilles and Toulon, as well as a variety of 1-2 start hotels. It should come as no surprise that many surfers are also fans of couch surfing. I’ve known several people who have had great experiences with this frugal travel practice. Boards can be rented (if you don’t want to ship your own) and supplies purchased at one of several surf shops in the area, including Freestyle Surf Shop in St. Cyr sur Mer, Aloha Surf Shop in Toulon or Massilia Surf Shop in Marseilles. Biarritz (and surrounding areas), France Biarritz is located on France’s western coast (on the Atlantic Ocean). In 1957, surfers from California who were traveling through Europe first discovered the impressive waves of Biarritz and surrounding towns like Saint-Raphael and Saint Jean de Luz. Biarritz’s first surf club was established in 1959, making surfing became a large part of the local culture. [caption id="attachment_4724" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Surf School in Biarritz"]biarritz france photo[/caption] Today, Biarritz is considered one of the unofficial “surf capitals” of Europe. It is possible to rent a board right on Biarritz's main beach, and there are special areas designated for surfers (away from the swimming and lounging crowd). The international Biarritz Surf Festival takes place here each July. Tens of thousands of visitors flock here to witness the big names of longboard surfing do their thing. There are also surf shops located in Saint-Raphael and Saint Jean de Luz that offer rentals and lessons. Because Biarritz is also an upscale tourist area, finding discount deals on travel related expenses (i.e., lodging) is a bit more difficult than in the other areas mentioned in this post, but definitely not impossible. Check out Surf Hostel Bed and Breakfast, for example. Mundaka, Spain The small fishing village of Mundaka (located in Spain’s Basque region) is very popular surf spot. Situated on the Bay of Biscay, Mundaka welcomes some of the largest waves in all of Europe. The surf season lasts from September-February and the water is packed with experienced surfers during this time. Mundaka hosts the Billabong Pro competition each December. Unlike Marseilles and Biarriz (which are both easily accessible by train), Mundaka is a bit harder to get to. It is about 25 miles from the city of Bilbao (the nearest large city). There are also several (inexpensive buses a day that go from both Bilbao and Bermeo to Mudaka. There are several lodging options in Mundaka for surfers on a budget. The Portuondo campground (00 34 94 687 67 00 www.campingportuondo.com) is located near the cemetery on your way in to town. There are three inexpensive hotels in town: Hotel Mundaka (00 34 94 687 67 00), Hotel El Puerto (00 34 94 687 67 25), Hotel Atalaya (00 34 94 687 68 88). There are also a variety of pensiones in the nearby town of Guernika. Enjoy planning (and going on) your more affordable European surf adventure!

  • Tips for Saving Money on Holiday Travel

    Yes, it’s that time of year again. Time to start thinking about all of the (often costly) details that come with holiday travel.


    For a variety of reasons, it’s true that the holidays are simultaneously one of the most joyful, stressful and costly times of year. Here are some tips for keeping holiday travel costs low, which will inevitably help to decrease stress and hopefully increase your holiday joy. Start planning your travel early. Whether you’re flying, driving or taking a train, make sure to start planning your travel early. There are several advantages to doing this. The more you research, the better fares you’ll be able to find. Use these travel deal websites to get you started. See if you can redeem any of your frequent flyer miles for holiday travel (you never know). Also, remember that lots of people ask for time off from work over the holidays. Getting your request for time off early will improve the changes of getting your vacation days (instead of having to take unpaid vacation - which just adds insult to the injury of holiday expenses). Holiday travel tip: When booking flights, make sure you leave enough time for transfers (which make take longer due to increased holiday travel traffic). [caption id="attachment_4627" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Going home for the holidays? Here are some tips to help you get there on the cheap."][/caption] Get creative. Airlines tend to increase prices over the holidays, so get creative in your trip planning. Could you take a few days off on either side of the holiday? This may improve your chances of finding a better airfare. Staying in one location from Christmas through the New Year holiday (if you can swing it) will obviously be cheaper than hopping on a plane for both holidays. Think about moving your holiday celebration by several days or so. Perhaps you could celebrate Christmas on Dec. 22th instead of Dec 25th - your chances of finding affordable airfare will be greater. Holiday travel tip: Book your flight for late or early in the day, not during peak hours. Though waking up early (or staying up late at night) might sound painful, the payoffs are pretty great (shorter lines, less people to deal with, perhaps even more room on the plane). Pack light. Especially if you’re only leaving for a long weekend, try to pack everything you can in your carry-on. This way you can avoid having to pay fees to check your bag. Make sure that your carryon meets the size and weight requirements of the carrier you’ll be flying as well as security requirements (less than 3 oz. bottles of liquid, etc.).

    An additional perk of just bringing a carry-on is not having to worry about losing your bag or having to wait for it at baggage claim (which allows you to get to the celebration faster). Holiday travel tip: In order to pack lighter, think over your clothing for each day carefully. Remember, pants and sweaters can be worn more than once. Rethink your holiday travel habits. Do you always rent a car when you go visit your family? Perhaps you could forgo this luxury this year.  A family member could pick you up from and drop you off at the airport. Perhaps someone you know has a car you could borrow for an afternoon or two when you’re in town. Or if the place you’re going has reliable public transportation, that’s even better. Do you tend to bring a lot of gifts for family and friends when you travel? Perhaps it’s time to rethink this as well.  After all, it’s miserable to try to figure out how to pack all of those gifts in a carry-on. Holiday travel tip: Consider shipping larger items to your destination in advance, or buy small no-fuss items like gift cards for your loved ones. Even better, consider donating to a charity in the name of your friends and family members or doing something special together (a homemade meal, a movie outing with nieces and nephews) while you’re in town. After all, your presence is the best holiday present to those who care about you.

  • Inexpensive New York Art Museums

    Are you an art lover with champagne tastes on a beer budget?


    Planning a trip to New York in the near future? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Some of the city’s premier arts institutions offer “pay what you can” or free entry days/evenings throughout the weekend. Programs like Art in the Parks fund public art installations all over the city. If you schedule it right, you can end up hitting all of these arts venues on their flexible payment or free days. As for other museums in New York, if you are a member of a major museum in your home city, check to see if any of the New York museums you are interested in visiting offer reciprocal membership benefits (free admission). Also, certain museums offer free admission to Bank of America cardholders, so it’s a good idea to ask at the ticket counter. Related: Museums in Chicago and Minneapolis. Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) [caption id="attachment_4603" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Visitors at MOMA"][/caption] 2 Columbus Cir New York, 10019 Tel: (212) 299-7777 Pay what you can Thursday 6-9pm If you’re a fan of functional art (jewelry, furniture, household items, etc.) with great design, then you’re sure to love the Museum of Arts and Design. The museum’s rotating shows feature cutting edge design and historical retrospectives. Bronx Museum of the Arts 1040 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10456 Tel: (718) 681-6000 Free on Fridays (11am-8pm) The Bronx Museum boats an impressive collection of art from Asia, Europe, Central America, South America and the U.S. Expertly-curated rotating exhibitions like the current Urban Archives: Happy Together (selections from the Asian and Asian-American collection) are sure to please. The Guggenheim Museum 1071 5th Avenue, New York 10128-0173, Tel: (212) 423-3500 Pay what you wish Saturdays from 5:15 - 7:45 p.m. (last ticket issued at 7:15) The architecture of the Guggenheim alone warrants a visit, but as long as you’re there you might as well check out the world-class international art collection housed within this impressive structure. From selections from the permanent collection to installation pieces to touring exhibitions, there’s something inside to please virtually everyone. New York Museum of Modern Art  (MOMA) 11 W 53rd St New York, 10019 Tel: (212) 765-3170 Admission is free for all visitors on Friday Nights from 4:00-8:00p.m. (sponsored by Target). It’s best to get there early (before the locals get off work, as only a limited number of tickets are available. Tickets for Target Free Friday Nights are not available in advance. If you’re a fan of modern and contemporary art, you absolutely must visit the famed MOMA. Pieces from their massive permanent collection are always on display, as well as a variety of rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Art in the Parks At parks throughout the city Free Sponsored by the City of New York, the Art in the Parks organization collaborates with a variety of galleries and artists to bring public art to parks across the city. See their website for a complete list of  works on view and their locations. Happy museum hopping!

  • Museum Deals and Public Art: Minneapolis and Chicago

    Chicago, IL

    The Art Institute of Chicago (http://www.artic.edu/aic/)

    Frugal art lovers can get into one of the nation’s premier art centers for free on Thursdays (admission is usually $18 for adults, $12 for students). Are you a Bank of America credit card holder? If so, you can get in for free whenever you like. Simply show them your card at the ticket counter to receive your complimentary ticket. The Art Institute of Chicago also has reciprocity with other large museums around the country. If you are a member of another museum, check on their website to see if you can get free admission that way.

    Highlights: Marc Chagall’s America Windows The Asian Collection The New Modern Wing Millenium Park (http://www.millenniumpark.org/) While you’re in the vicinity, stroll across the street to Millenium Park to take in the interesting public sculptures and installation pieces.  The outdoor concert venue designed by Frank Gehry is definitely worth a peek as well (sometimes the concerts performed here are free, check the website for concert schedules and more information). The best part? It costs nothing to take a walk around Millenium Park. Highlights: Crown Fountain interactive sculpture by Jaume Plensa Cloud Gate (fondly referred to as “The Bean”) reflective sculpture by Anish Kapoor Minneapolis, MN [caption id="attachment_4590" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Spoonbridge and Cherry in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden"][/caption] Walker Art Center (www.walkerart.org) Admission to the world- renowned Walker Arts Center, a contemporary arts institution committed to interdisciplinary programming is free on Thursdays (the galleries stay open until 9:00pm). On the first Saturday of each month, the Walker hosts “First Free Saturday.” Not only is admission to the galleries free that day, there is also quite a bit of free programming and activities for kids and families throughout the museum. In addition to its extensive permanent collection and expertly-curated internationally touring shows, the Walker also hosts lecture, performing arts and film series throughout the year, some of which are free as well. See the calendar on the website for more information. The Walker Art Center also has reciprocity with other large museums around the country. If you are a member of another museum, check on their website to see if you can get free admission that way. Highlights: Dan Flavin’s mimimalist sculptures featuring a unique use of  light Several paintings by Andy Warhol A large collection representing the Italian Arte Povera movement The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden The open-air sculpture garden across the street from the Walker Art Center is one of the most frequently visited spots in Minneapolis. This impressive collection of public art (featuring the famous “Spoonbridge and Cherry” that has become somewhat of a symbol for Minneapolis) is free and open to the public. For schedules and events see www.walkerart.org Highlights: Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen Frank Gehry’s massive Standing Glass Fish in the conservatory Minneapolis Institute of Art (www.artsmia.org) One of the Twin Cities' most impressive arts institutions, the MIA houses a large collection of visual arts from various cultures and time periods. The MIA is particularly known for its extensive collection of Asian art (a large part of it donated by the local Dayton family), period rooms, and regular rotating shows. The admission for the museum itself is free (special shows may require a purchased ticket) and there is a variety of free educational programming (lectures, tours, classes, etc.) for children and adults. Once a month, the MIA hosts a family day with lots of free activities for kids. Highlights: The Asian collection The period rooms (go between October and January to see them decorated for the holidays—a real treat) The newly revamped modernist collection