FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Travel Deals

  • Best Websites for Cruise Vacation Deals

    Is the weather starting to get chilly in your neck of the woods? Perhaps a cruise would really hit the spot but you don’t think you can afford one.

    Think again. There are plenty of cruise deals to be found online, you just have to know where to look. Start doing your research now before the snow falls and you’ll be on cruise before you can say “ship’s ahoy!” Here are some online resources to get you started. Cruise Deals Cruise Deals provides you with the opportunity to search a variety of Caribbean, Alaskan, Hawaiian, Mexican or European cruises at low prices. The search engine allows you to search by date, location, length of cruise and price. You can also see pictures of the cruise ships and locations. Booking can be done online 24-7 or you can call 1-800-866-6414 during normal business hours to book a cruise or ask questions. Orbitz Cruises [caption id="attachment_4530" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Photo Credit: Orlovic"][/caption] This spin-off of the larger Orbitz search engine is where to go to find some of the lowest prices on cruises throughout the world. Go here to find rock bottom prices and last minute deals as well as package deals (include flight and attractions). The search engine allows you to refine your criteria based on cruise location, date, length of cruise, departure port, cruise line and type of ship. Last Minute Cruises If you’re feeling adventurous and have a flexible schedule, then head to Last Minute Cruises for some of the best deals around (you’ll save on average 50-65%). Their extensive search engine will help you find amazing deals on cruises leaving in the near future (you can search by destinations, cruise lines and special deals). Book online 24/7 or call 1-866- 836-6963 during normal business hours to book a cruise. Cruise.com Cruise.com boasts a large database of bargain cruises and special offers across all major cruise lines and in a variety of locations. This is the place to look for package deals and free upgrades. Book online 24/7 or call the “cruise experts” at 1-888-333-3116 during normal business hours to ask specific questions about the deals offered on the site. Cruise Cheap Cruise Cheap allows you to search cruise deals in a variety of locations. They specialize in package deals comprised of a combination of airfare/cruise/land excursion/hotel/cruise upgrades. You can search by destination, cruise line and departure date/cruise length. Book cruises 24/7 online or call 1-800- 543-1915 to speak to an agent. Cruise Critic: Cruises Reviews and News In addition to providing you with the latest news regarding various cruise lines and up-to-date reviews of cruises by actual vacationers like yourself, Cruise Critic offers a searchable database including a variety of cruise deals. Of course, you should also check the big travel sites: Orbitz, Priceline, Expedia, and Travelocity. Keep in mind that going straight to the source (individual cruise lines themselves) may be another effective way to find excellent deals. All of the major cruise lines have websites that feature last minute cruises and package deals. Many of these cruise line also have reward programs that will allow you to go on the cruise of your dreams for much, much less. Here are some suggestions: Carnival Cruises Royal Caribbean International Princess Cruises Disney Cruise Line What are you waiting for? Go for it! Set sail!

  • Los Angeles Happy Hour Deals for Frugal Travelers

    Grabbing a drink and some food on vacation can be a relaxing way to pass the afternoon or a convenient way to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in a while.

    When visiting the City of Angels (and exhorbitant pricing), finding a happy hour spot that fits your budget can be a bit tricky. Not to worry. After reading this post, you’ll have the wherewithal to find a happy hour spot to fit your taste and budget. General Tips: Stay out of super touristy areas. Bars and restaurants on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica or the piers in the South Bay cities of Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach may not be the most cost-conscious options. You never know, some establishments might have some good promotions to lure in tourists, but you’ll typically end up paying more. Also, if you’re interested in going to a certain bar or restaurant (perhaps one your friends told you about or that you read about in a foodie magazine or blog), check their website to see if they offer any deals (1/2 priced bottles of wine on Mondays, 2 dollars off appetizers between 4:00pm-6:00pm, etc.). Filling up on small plates during happy hour can be a great (and cheaper) alternative to a sit-down dinner. Doing your research ahead of time will help you organize your frugal happy hour adventures. Here are some tried and true ideas to get you going: Corkbar (Downtown Los Angeles) 403 W 12th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 http://www.corkbar.com/ The stylish Corkbar offers great happy hour deals ($2 of glasses of wine and select appetizers and small plates). Popular with the downtown professional set. El Carmen Restaurant and Tequila Bar (West Hollywood) 8138 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles This luchador (Mexican wrestling) themed establishment is known for its cheap and tasty margaritas and tequila samplers. Munch on complimentary chips and salsa or order some small plates (discounted during happy hour). Pourtal Wine Tasting Bar (Santa Monica) 104 Santa Monica Blvd. A relative newcomer to the Santa Monica wine bar scene, Pourtal offers a large selection of international wines by the bottle or by the glass ($5 per glass during happy hour) and a variety of small plates for munching. Otheroom (Venice) 1201 Abbot Kinney Blvd This Manhattan-chic, spacious Venice bar offers a wide selection of imported beers and wine as well as tasty small plates. Happy hour deals between 4-6pm on weekdays. The Glendon Bar and Restaurant (Westwood Village) 1071 Glendon Ave. www.theglendonla.com This new Westwood Village bar and eatery attracts local UCLA students thanks to its excellent happy hour prices (from 4-6pm all of the food on the “bar menu” is half off). Chaya Venice (Venice) 110 Navy Street If you’re in the mood for sushi, head to Chaya for their sushi happy hour on weekdays, featuring a variety of inexpensive (and tasty) sushi rolls and $5 specialty cocktails.los angeles martini happy hours Canal Club (Venice) 2025 Pacific Ave, Venice Website Great drink specials and inexpensive food items (sushi, grilled meats, etc.) bring the crowds to the Canal Club for their daily happy hour. Saint Felix (West Hollywood) 8945 Santa Monica Blvd www.saintfelix.net During weekday happy hours, all drinks (beer, wine, and cocktails by the glass) are half off and they offer specials on food. During your time in LA, be sure to ask locals where they go to grab a drink during happy hour. This will give you loads of ideas for places to try on future trips. Cheers!

  • Tips for Saving Money When Renting a Car

    Renting a car is a great transportation option while traveling. It allows you the flexibility to discover your destination at your own pace. For some locations, renting a car is the only way to see everything you want to see during your stay. Granted, renting a car for your entire trip can become rather expensive. Here are some tips for cutting car rental costs while still making sure that all of your transportation needs are covered.

    1. Shop around and compare pricing structures. There are plenty of sites out there like Orbitz.com, Priceline.com or Hotwire.com that offer flight, hotel and car rental deals. Often, you’ll be able to save hundreds of dollars by purchasing one of these packages. The downside is often restricted travel dates. Check out the sites for major rental companies like Hertz or Rent-a-Car and compare their prices with smaller, local companies. Start researching early and keep an information chart to help you organize your information. All of this research will pay off when you book the cheapest possible car.
    2. Size matters. Keep in mind that while renting the smallest car will most likely give you the best gas mileage, it isn’t always the all-around cheapest choice. Many car rental companies offer deals on larger vehicles (especially if they aren’t successfully renting them). However, sometimes renting the smallest car on the lot really is the cheapest choice. It all comes down to seeking out deals and doing your research.
    3. Be specific about costs and document everything. It is important to research all of the costs associated with the car rental (insurance, gas, extra driver fees, etc.). When you reserve your car, make sure you get confirmation on paper (or via email) on what all of the final costs will be. This way if the rental company tries to sneak in extra costs at the counter, you’ll be able to spot them right away. [caption id="attachment_4501" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Renting a car allows you to explore without restriction. Here are some tips for frugal renters. "][/caption]
    4. Organize your trip with your transportation needs in mind. Depending on how you organize your trip, you may be able to survive without a rental car for one or more days of your stay. Plan out your itinerary with your car rental in mind. Renting a car for half of your stay and relying on public transportation for the rest of the trip will cut your rental costs considerably and allow you to really use your time wisely.
    5. “Just say no” to the upgrades and extras. Car rental companies will inevitably try to convince you to upgrade your small two-door to a luxury sedan or SUV with all the bells and whistles. While the thought of rolling in a red convertible may seem tempting when you’re standing at the rental counter, you won’t be as pleased when you see your credit card statement after you get back from your trip. Likewise, instead of renting a GPS system, do you research ahead of time and bring maps. If you can get away with having one driver, this will also reduce extra driver fees. Many car rental companies are now offering the option to pay for a full tank of gas at the outset so that you don’t have to worry about filling up your tank before you drop off the car. Don’t do it. This will inevitably be more expensive than simply topping off your tank before you return your rental.
    6. Know your insurance plan and use your own insurance while traveling. Most car rental companies require you to use their insurance for the actual vehicle. However, if you already carry full liability insurance through your normal car insurance, you can typically use this instead of forking over another $15-$30 per day for liability insurance on your rental. Make sure you do your research beforehand and know exactly what your regular insurance plan covers before you rent a car.

  • Top Websites for Frugal Foodies on the Road

    For serious foodies, deciding where one is going to eat while traveling is just as perhaps more) important than deciding where to stay.

    Thanks to a variety of excellent search engines and review sites, it’s now easier than ever to be a discerning foodie on a budget. Whether you’re hankering for sushi in Paris or Italian pasta in Hong Kong, you’ll be able to find a place to suit your tastes and budget. From finding the best happy hour deals to reviews on new "it" eateries, these sites will help you choose where to wisely spend your hard earned dollars on the road. Most of these sites detect your current location (especially if you’re using a smart phone), which can make browsing listings on the go a snap. In addition, most of these sites have Droid or iPhone travel apps that facilitate your restaurant searching even more. My recommendation would be to choose 2 or 3 you like best and use them interchangeably (or to cross-reference) as you’re planning your trip or on the road. Zagat (www.zagat.com) Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, Zagat’s got you covered. The site’s easy to search database gives you Zagat ratings as well as both professional and customer reviews. Their “dining spotlight” articles on the front page (past articles are searchable in the database) will introduce you to new culinary wonders, some even in your backyard. This site also allows you to book reservations online. Yelp (www.yelp.com) [caption id="attachment_4452" align="alignright" width="229" caption="The author enjoys a meal at Strada in London (UK)."][/caption] Yelp is a broad-based review and opinions site, and their restaurant listings are comprehensive. You can read opinions by actual clients (not restaurant owners or paid reviewers) on various establishments in all price ranges. Though most of Yelp’s listings are for U.S. cities, they do have pages devoted to major European cities like London and Paris. WitU (www.witU.com) WitU is an international database of comprehensive restaurant listings and reviews. Most popular and “latest” restaurants pop up first in the listings. In addition to reading about restaurants, you can also book a table online. UrbanSpoon (www.urbanspoon.com) UrbanSpoon features listings for restaurants throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia and the UK. You can sort findings by price, location, cuisine type and ratings. I always get new ideas of where to eat (even in my hometown) in their “Talk of the Town” section that features restaurants that critics and bloggers are talking about right now. FoodieView (www.facebook.com/pages/FoodieViewcom/95664902435) An attractive and well-designed site, FoodieView features selected listings from major U.S. cities like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, etc. Though their listings may not be as comprehensive as those on some of the other sites, they make up for it in quality of restaurant (and their eclectic recipe database). OpenTable (www.opentable.com) In addition to browsing the site’s large database of restaurant listings and reviews, you can book reservations online using their handy system. If you sign up for their free membership, OpenTable will send you coupons and information on deals at restaurants in the cities you specify. Happy Cow (www.happycow.net) All of you vegetarian foodies out there will be happy to know there is a site that lists all of the specifically vegetarian and vegan restaurants in your area. Happy Cow provides comprehensive vegetarian listings and reviews from around the globe. New York Times Travel Listings (www.nytimes.com/pages/travel/) This is one of my favorite sites to browse while planning my culinary adventures. Each city’s page is filled with professional reviews of restaurants (as well as many other categories) that are searchable by neighborhood and price. Bon appétit!

  • Best iPhone/iPad Apps for Budget Travel

    If you already own an iPhone or iPad, you probably know that you have one of the best budget travel tools on the market.


    Haven’t taken the plunge and purchased your iToy yet? Not to worry. Many international tourist agencies (mostly in Europe) are renting out iPhones or iPads to help you make the most of your visit (if you're heading to Paris in the near future you can rent an iPad near the Eiffel Tower). Here is a list of “must have” iPhone/iPad apps for frugal travelers. What’s even better is that most of them are free! Best Free Apps TripAdvisor (Free) If you rely on the TripAdvisor website for booking hotels, choosing a restaurant, etc. then you will get a lot of use out of the TripAdvisor app (which is quite a bit simpler to navigate than the site). Listings are filtered by price or neighborhood. Priceline Hotel Negotiator (Free) Priceline’s Hotel Negotiator app will help you find travel deals galore. Simply enter a preferred star rating and your ideal rate and watch the search engine lock in a room that meets your criteria. The app uses GPS, which is great for finding last minute accommodations when you miss your train out of Bruges. Mint (Free) [caption id="attachment_4440" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Photo credit: Glenn Fleishman"][/caption] Mint is the perfect way to track your finances while you’re on the way to the airport or sipping a cappuccino at an Italian café. With a mint.com account, you are able to track multiple bank accounts (even from different banks) all on the same page. There’s also a budgeting feature that allows you to set a budget for your trip and see bar graphs that track your spending as you globetrot. Skype (Free) As I addressed in a prior post about how to travel inexpensively, cell phone use abroad can get pretty spendy due to roaming charges and international call upcharges. With a Skype account, you can call for free to another Skype account, anywhere in the world. All you need is a wireless Internet connection. You can also call for extremely reduced rates from your Skype account to a land line. Now you can tell the long version of your travel tales to anyone who will listen without draining your travel budget. Free Wifi (Free) Need to find free Wifi so you can Skype to your heart’s content? The Free Wifi app will help you locate the closest free hotspot, even if you’re not online (thanks to their offline database option). Sudoku (Free) I know, the connection between Sudoku and budget travel may not seem obvious at first blush. Think of it this way: when you’re waiting for your flight, the free Sudoko app allows you to exercise your brain instead of giving your wallet a workout in the duty free store. Currency Pad (Free) Trying to figure out the UDS equivalent of 12,000 Japanese Yen has never been easier than with the Currency Pad. The user-friendly interface and direct links to Wikipedia articles on each currency (for background info) makes this app a must have for budget travelers. AroundMe (Free) A great app for at home or abroad, AroundMe assists you in locating things to do, movie theaters, stores, restaurants, etc. close to your current location.
    GateGuru (Free) The GateGuru app is comprised of searchable directories for 92 U.S. airports and international hubs. Scroll down to find an ATM, a cup of coffee, or a decent meal that won’t break the bank. HazelMail (Free) If you’re like me and normally wind up mailing your postcards after you get home from a trip, then HazelMail is your new best friend. This nifty app transforms your own photo into an actual paper card, adds your custom message and sends it off within two business days. At $1 per card, it’s cheaper than mailing it yourself. Best Inexpensive Apps FlightTrack ($4.99) Whether you’re trying to catch a plane or waiting for your friend to arrive at the airport, FlightTrack’s simple interface will help you arrive on time. Lonely Planet’s1000 Ultimate Experiences ($4.00) I’ll admit it, this app is far from a budget travel necessity, but it is pretty wonderful for the price. It gives you images and brief information about 1000 of the world’s most intriguing places. Like the Soduko app, it will keep you busy in the airport or on the plane so that you don’t end up frittering away your cash on cheesy souvenirs or duty-free merchandise.

  • 8 Tips for Frugal Travel

    Even if you have set a budget ahead of time, it is easy to end up spending way more money than you would have ever imagined on your vacation, especially if you’re traveling abroad.


    Here are some tried and true frugal travel tips to help you enjoy your next trip without breaking the bank. Be realistic with local currency. As soon as you exchange your money, it’s easy to feel like you have a stack of monopoly money in your hands. In addition to reminding aware that you are spending actual money, be sure to come up with a quick way to calculate the exchange rate into your currency (for example, if the exchange rate is 1.345, round that up to 1.5 and multiply every purchase by time and a half). On a related note, before you leave, research what kind of fees your bank or credit card charge for getting cash out of foreign ATMs or for foreign purchases and plan accordingly. Travel with friends. Traveling with friends (or another couple) is a great way to cut down on lodging and other costs. Sharing a large discounted vacation rental (condo or house) with a group of friends can end up being much cheaper than booking a hotel room alone. If you’re your rental has cooking facilities, all of you can go grocery shopping at the beginning of the trip and cook at the house most (or all) nights instead of spending money in a restaurant. And remember, it can be much more fun to travel with another couple or a group of friends! Book a hotel with a continental breakfast (or at least a coffee machine in the room). Most hotels that offer continental breakfasts are not more expensive than their counterparts (i.e. other two-star hotels) that do not. If you have a coffee machine in your room but there is no continental breakfast, scope out the surrounding areas for options. Not having to pay for breakfast and coffee for you and your tribe can really help stretch your dollar (or allow you to spend more on meals out). For meals and shopping, avoid “touristy” areas. Many local businesses prey on tourists’ impulses and, sadly, their confusion by hiking up prices and positioning themselves next to main tourist sites or area. So, even though that crêpe or mini Eiffel Tower may look great, resist the temptation to hand over your euros on the spot. Instead, head to a less touristy area to eat and/or shop there. Not only will it be less expensive, the products and experience will be much more authentic. Remember, picnic lunches are also an inexpensive (and fun) alternative to eating lunch in a restaurant each day. Read out post about eating cheaply in Paris. [caption id="attachment_4411" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Using public transportation is a great way spend less money while traveling."][/caption] Rethink the value of souvenirs. How many times have you purchased an expensive souvenir on a trip and got it home only to think “what I am going to do with this?” That’s the funny thing about being on vacation, we see things we think we “need” to buy that we would never even consider purchasing if we saw it back home. Truth is, many souvenirs are either very expensive (not a great value) or useless (or both). Instead take home local canned goods like jellies or jams, teas and coffees. Each time you enjoy your “souvenir,” it will bring back memories of your trip (and you are sure to use it). Start thinking of your photos and your travel journal as your souvenirs. Chances are, these are the things that will be most meaningful to you years after your trip. Also, don’t feel like everyone at the office or every member of your family needs a “remembrance” of your trip to another country. They’ll be happy just seeing your pictures and hearing your stories. Carry a water bottle and light snacks. Having sustenance on you at all times will help you avoid buying expensive snacks and sodas because your blood sugar is low and you are “desperate.” For health reasons, it’s good to stay hydrated while you’re traveling, especially if you’re doing a lot of walking. Know your cell phone plan. I know many friends who have accrued some major charged on their cell phone bills as a result of making calls or texting from abroad. To avoid these unexpected expenses, read through your cell phone contract or contact your carrier before hopping on the plane so that you understand what the financial implications of calling or texting from abroad will be. Use public transportation as much as possible. Be sure to research the public transportation options in the place you’ll be staying, including reduced rate multi-day/week travel cards. If you know about and feel comfortable with your public transportation options from day one, you’ll feel less tempted to take a cab everywhere you need to go.

  • Browse for Travel Deals Online: Top 5 Travel Deal Websites

    With flight prices on the rise and areas dependent on tourist revenue trying to recuperate costs during this economic downtown, it can be hard to find travel deals. If you’re hankering for an adventure but only have a limited budget, have no fear. There are still many deals to be had, you just have to know where to look. In general, it is easier to find deals if you are somewhat flexible in terms of possible travel dates or are up for a last minute trip. The key is staying aware of what’s out there and booking when the time is right (i.e. least expensive).

    To help you find the best travel deals on the web, here is our “frugal guide” to vacation shopping online. Our advice: use these sites as a good starting point for your research. Take a look at all of them to see what kinds of deals are out there are then, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, start to filter your searches by location and price.

    OneTravel.com: #1 in Travel Deals (www.onetravel.com)

    OneTravel offers comprehensive search engines for domestic and international flights, hotels, car rentals and package sites. A great feature on their site for bargain hunters is the “featured deals” section where you can choose between various categories on the drop-down menu (flights under $200, travel by theme, travel coupons, etc.). Top travel news, featured destinations and travel deals are publicized on in daily blog posts.

    Travel Zoo: The Travel Experts (www.travelzoo.com)

    Travel Zoo helps frugal travelers located reasonably priced flights, vacation packages, car rentals and accommodations in the continental U.S. and abroad. Their “local deals” section is perfect for quick, inexpensive getaways in your region. They also specialize in cruise deals in Mexico and the Caribbean.

    San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Hotwire.com (www.hotwire.com)

    Hotwire allows thrifty travelers to search their comprehensive flight, vacation package, car rental and hotel databases. Many people are away of Hotwire’s unconventional hotel booking system. If you aren’t here’s how it works. You enter the city in which you’d like to book a hotel room (depending on the city, Hotwire might ask you to enter a neighborhood as well). Then, Hotwire shows you the available hotels in that area. Sounds pretty standard, right? Here’s the specifics: although Hotwire tells you the number of stars the property has been rated and the basic amenities, it does not tell you the hotel name until after you pay. I have known many people who have booked hotels using Hotwire and most have been pleasantly surprised by the value.

    Priceline.com (www.priceline.com)

    Priceline has many resources for frugal travelers, including thousands of listings for hotel, car, vacation packages, rentals, and activities. Check out the last minute “pricebreaker deals” for flights and vacation packages that are reduced up to 70%. The “name your own price” feature is good for thrifty travelers who are flexible in terms of travel dates and itinerary. Essentially, you set your price for flights, hotels and car rental (or any combination thereof) and the “negotiator” search engine presents you with a  variety of options. Similar to Hotwire.com, some of the hotels and airlines are not named until after you pay.

    Vayama: International Travel Solved (http://www.vayama.com/)

    If you’re looking for international travel deals, head to Vayama. Their flight, hotel, car and “travel extras” (tours, etc.) search engines will help you discover what’s out there and narrow down your choices based on price. Since they have always focused specifically on international travel, Vayama has a variety of resources and connections to help you get great deals in exotic international destinations.

    Happy deal hunting!

  • General Tips and Best Resources on the Web for Inexpensive Vacation Condo Rentals

    Tired of spending the big bucks on mediocre hotels? Looking for a more personal and flexible lodging option? Going on vacation with several couples or families and looking for a comfortable shared rental? I strongly suggest trying a vacation condo rental on your next trip. Due to the crash in the housing market, there are now more private condo/apartment/guest house/house rentals available than ever before. Some of these properties are rented out by individual owners, and others are management by rental agencies. One thing is for sure, you’ll typically get a lot more bang for your buck if you opt for a vacation rental over a traditional hotel or motel room.

    Top advantages of vacation condo/house rentals:

    • If you are traveling with a group, renting a large condo or house ends up being much less expensive (and typically more fun!) than each getting a hotel room.
    • Vacation rentals often feel more “private” than a hotel or motel.
    • Some vacation rentals include breakfast (similar to a b & b format).
    • Most vacation rentals come with kitchen facilities (or at least a fridge and a hot plate). This allows you to prepare more meals “at home” and avoid spending a lot eating out all of the time.
    • Unlike chain hotels, most people who rent out their condos/houses are somewhat flexible in terms of arrival/departure times.
    • Many people who rent out their condos/houses take a lot of personal pride in their properties and throw in “extras” to make their guests stays more enjoyable.
    • If you travel to the same place each year, it’s nice to establish a relationship with the owner of the rental property. This makes you feel like you have a “home base” when you are planning your next trip there.
    Advice/tips for renting a vacation property: [caption id="attachment_4372" align="alignright" width="300" caption="View from a Vacation Rental in Puerto Rico. In this post I give tips for finding inexpensive vacation rentals all over the world."][/caption]
    • It’s important to do all of the research about a rental location before committing to renting it.
    • Go through a reputable website (like one of the ones I’ve listed below).
    • Be sure to read past reviews about the property/managers/owners, etc. The experiences of past renters will help you decide if this is the type of place that will work for you and your traveling companions.
    • If the owner/manager has not posted any pictures, email them to see if they can send you images of the property. If they refuse, this is usually a bad sign regarding the condition of the rental property you should avoid this rental.
    • Get everything in writing, including special accommodations, rate, length of stay, etc. Both you and the renter should sign the contract and you should each keep a copy for your files.
    • If you enjoy your stay and would like to rent this vacation property again, book early to ensure that you’ll be able to stay there on your following trip.
    • If you enjoy your experience at a vacation rental property, leave a review on the vacation rental site you went through to find this location. This will help your “rental gem” thrive and allow other people to have the same wonderful experience you did.
    • Likewise, if you have a negative experience at your vacation rental, it is important to go online and leave feedback so that the owner/manager knows what to improve for future guests (and so that other renters can be on the lookout for problems or, in extreme cases, not rent this location).
    Top resources for cheap vacations: Vacation Rental by Owner (VRBO) This site allows you to search over 140,000 vacation rentals all over the world (search options are filtered by country, state/district, city and neighborhood). Rental profiles are complete with photos, accommodation information and reviews from past guests. They will send you emails (in you choose) with recent promotions, discounts, etc. for the areas you travel to most. Vacation Rentals This site allows you to search from over 35,000 beach houses, condos, etc. in the U.S. There is a definite emphasis on coastal cities and family-friendly accomodations. There are some great deals to be found in this site.
    HomeAway Vacation Rentals HomeAway is an international property rental site that specializes in more upscale rentals. However, there are still some deals to be found here, especially if you are traveling with a group. Vacation Rentals 411 In terms of selection, this site has less rental listings than the others I’ve mentioned (24,000), but there are some really great deals to be found here. European Home Rentals If you’re planning a trip to Europe, put our tips to good use. There are some bargains to be found, especially if you are traveling with a small group. Happy hunting!

  • Scoopon Travel Deals Website Helps you Enjoy Australian Cities for Less

    You can scoop up some great deals on dining, attractions and services around Australia with new travel deals website Scoopon.

    Just sign up for a free Scoopon membership to start enjoying the saving.

    These savings are pretty outstanding; recently the site has offered a five-course banquet at Melbourne's award-winning Cupido Restaurant for $20, a jetboat ride around Sydney Harbour for $29, and a five-hour deep sea fishing charter excursion on the Australia Gold Coast for $49. The site generally offers discounts of more than 50% on a range of products and services, and more deals are added daily. So how does it work? New offers are posted at noon, with the understanding that a minimum number will be snapped up. If you're interested in what's on offer, just click on the “Buy” button. Once the minimum number of respondents is reached, your credit card is billed and details of your purchase e-mailed to you. If the numbers aren’t reached, there are no charges at all. save on australia travel photo The biggest appeal of these deals, besides of course the money you save, is that you're given plenty of time to use them. You might start looking for offers before taking a getaway, or collect them in readiness for the next school vacation. Currently Scoopon only offers deals in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, but it's early days. If this takes off hopefully we’ll see specials available in all of Australia's major travel spots.

  • Labor Day Holiday Deals | Save Money with Accommodation Packages Across America

    The upcoming Labor Day holiday is the perfect excuse to take a well deserved getaway, with many of America’s hotels offering some great travel deals.

    If golf is your game consider a trip to SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in Marriott Village.

    The Florida resort is offering a package which includes deluxe accommodation and two rounds of golf at either Hawks Landing or Grande Pines for every night you stay. Rates start at $255. Use the code GOF if booking by phone to take advantage of the deal. If you're more of a gourmand than a golfer, head to Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. The resort is tempting budding foodies to join the five-day celebrations of its annual Labor Day Food and Wine Festival. From $292 per night you can enjoy a room in the resort, breakfast in the morning, entry to all seminars, and evening wine receptions. If you hope to impress a mini princess, a night at the Embassy Suites in Dallas is the way to do it. The hotel is offering a Day Out with American Girl package from $139 a night. This price includes a cooked breakfast to start the day, transport to the Galleria Mall, two tickets to enjoy the mall's indoor ice skating arena, and an American Girl doll bed. golfer The Broadmoor at Colorado Springs is another great option if you've got little ones to consider. The resort is offering three and four-night family escapes over the Labor Day long weekend. These deals include your choice of a free horseback trail ride or Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour, bike and paddle boat rental, free movie tickets, free meals for children aged 10 and under, and discounts on other local attractions. If you've got romance in mind consider The Inn at Pelican Bay in gorgeous Naples, Florida. The luxury inn is the perfect place for pampering with its romance package. This includes two days and one night staying in one of the inn's plush rooms, deluxe continental breakfast for two, and a bottle of red wine. No matter where you find yourself come September 6, make sure you remember to take it easy and enjoy all the holiday has to offer!