The South Pacific has a reputation as a luxury holiday destination, with the prices to match. If you don’t want to abandon your dreams of a Pacific getaway but you’ve got a strict budget to follow, consider heading to Tonga.
Category: Travel Deals
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Vacation on a Budget in Affordable Tonga
This island nation has a reputation as the best value destination in Oceania. While those with cash to spare can splurge on deluxe digs, there are a wide range of accommodation for travelers on a budget. There are many affordable options scattered around the islands including Otuhaka Beach Resort in Tongatapu, Paradise Hotel on Vava’u, and SandyBoyz Motel in the capital city, Nuku'alofa. They might not offer the most plush accommodation or all the modern conveniences, but these modest options have everything you really need in some beautiful locations. Travelers from the Northern Hemisphere are eligible for an Air Pass, which allows them to fly between the islands of Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai, and 'Eua for a fixed price. Tourists from the south can save cash by catching the inter island ferries. The sea journey is slower, but more affordable. Tongatapu has Tonga's most extensive bus network, although some buses also run on Vava'u and the tourist centers of Lifuka and Foa in Ha’apai. The bus stops of Tongatapu are marked by the word "Pasi"; elsewhere you’ll need to flag down a bus as you would a taxi. Bus fares are inexpensive, ranging from 50 seniti to T$2. There are many inexpensive activities to pass to your time in Tonga. Relaxing on the sandy beaches and swimming or snorkeling in the oceans around Tongatapu and Ha'apai is an easy way to pass the time. Visitors can immerse themselves in Tonga's history with a trip to the ancient Royal tombs at Lapaha and the Ha'amonga’a Maui trilithon, Tonga's answer to Stonehenge. The natural wonders of Tonga also cost nothing to enjoy. You can hike through the tropical rainforest at 'Eau or marvel at the massive volcanic crater on Tofua Island. One thing's for certain; even if you're not spending a lot of money in Tonga you certainly won't be bored! -
Great Caribbean Vacation Deals!
Imagine sitting back and enjoying the weather during a nice and relaxing Caribbean vacation. You can do this while also cutting down on vacation costs. Here are a few great deals to get you started on what will hopefully be a fantastic vacation!
Expedia Whether you're looking for a package deal, or discounts on flights and hotel, Expedia is often a great resource. They are almost always offering a great discount on vacationing to the Caribbean. Currently, they are offering a deal in which you can take advantage of an instant savings coupon of $300. This deal includes your flight and four nights at the chosen hotel. Valid travel times are from now until December 22, 2010 from anywhere in the United States. In addition, right now you can save up 50% on flights and hotels, by checking out the "Vacation Packages" page, in which several Caribbean deals are shown. Trying to book a flight? It helps to follow this tip to get a good flight! Sandals There are great Caribbean vacation deals to be found with the Sandals Resorts chain. Their current huge savings deal allows you to save up to 65% of costs on your vacation. Current deals allow for a variety of things. Firstly, you have the opportunity to save a ton of money. Some are also offering up to 2 nights free at the chosen hotel. To top it off, some of the deals are even giving away $250 worth of spa credit. As a limited time offer, the resorts is also offering to fly out your companion for free, should you reside in the United States, with a minimum stay of four nights. If you live in Florida, the minimum night stay is three nights. For those of you living in Canada, you'll be given a $300 credit for the companion flier, with a six-night minimum stay. You are given the choice between flying to Sandals Royal Bohemian Resort or the Sandals Emerald Bay Resort. These deals are more suitable for a couple's stay, as the deals apply to a maximum of two visitors. Book It Another, more family-friendly, resource to check out would be Book It. They have amazing deals to choose from, so be sure to swing by the "Caribbean" part of the website. Many of the deals have opportunities for you to save up to 60% on vacations, and can receive great bonuses. One of the current hotel deals is for saving 60% in St. Thomas at the four star Wyndham Sugar Ray Resort and Spa - where kids stay free. Not too shabby! Continue to check back, particularly for their 99 Hour Sales, to keep an eye out for more fantastic deals. A few other places to look when finding deals for the Caribbean would be Cheap Caribbean and Orbitz. Vacationing to the Caribbean can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, so make it easier on yourself by finding a great deal that you can feel great about.
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Enjoy a Cheap Disneyland Vacation
It’s safe to say that when trying to find the ideal destination for a family vacation, Disneyland is often the go-to choice.
It's hard to resist a vacation that includes family fun, great weather and the familiarity of Disney characters. Not only do children love it, but adults enjoy themselves as well - so long as they're not stressed over the cost of the trip. Here are some ways to enjoy a fun and affordable vacation at one of California's biggest (and most loved!) attractions. Plan in Advance Let's face it. Traveling with kids can be hectic - especially when things are disorganized. Make it easier on yourself by planning in advance. While you may want to jump at the first discount you see, holding out for a better deal may be the best way to go. Planning ahead gives you more time to think things through, while also keeping your eyes peeled for a great opportunity. Also, be sure to set a budget, giving yourself clear boundaries while enjoying Disneyland and the rest of California. Of course, it's tempting to buy all that you can while there, so it's important to stay realistic with your budget. This will help keep yourself in check, while also allowing for some indulgence. Find a Great Disney Package There are a variety of different packages to choose from when looking to have fun in the sun at California's Disneyland. However, the key is to try to stick with more reliable and well-known sources when finding Disneyland vacation packages. Among the best places to look when finding great deals is Travelocity. They often offer great packages, so makes sure to frequently return to the site for an update on the latest deals. Here, you'll have to opportunity to find packages that include booking flights and car rentals. In addition, you could also be looking at getting free tickets to the park. Always a plus! Also, be sure to scope out resources such as Kijubi, City Pass, and Magical Travel, which can offer great discounts to the theme park. In addition, check out our article on great travel deal tips! [caption id="attachment_2833" align="alignright" width="221" caption="Save Money on Your Disney Trip"]
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Save on Food
One of the larger expenses during a vacation is the cost of food, even more so when dealing with a larger group of people. Try to find a cheap hotel or vacation home that includes kitchen utilities such as a fridge, microwave, kettle, etc.
Take advantage of this by stocking up on food during your stay. This way, you can save on expensive meals, and replace them with more affordable options. In particular, this is useful for young children, who may be picky eaters. Minimize stress and cost all at once.
Rent a Car
Though there is debate as to whether a rental car or public transport is more cost efficient, having a simple, reliable way to get around in California is priceless. Instead of paying taxi and bus drivers money every time you want to go somewhere, rent your own vehicle.
This way, you have the freedom to go wherever you like at your own pace and enjoy beautiful California on your own time. Aggregators such Kemwel and Kayak are good resources as well as Expedia and Travelocity.
Vacationing to Disneyland doesn't have to be scary. Follow some of these suggestions and you'll be well on your way to having a great time. Relax, and enjoy the magic of Disneyland.
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Kids Stay Free at Club Med
Club Med is synonymous with luxury but it doesn’t mean that visiting the resorts has to be unaffordable. Right now, traveling with your family is easier on your bank account than ever since since kids stay for free.
Who doesn't love a great travel deal? At the four participating resorts, families can enjoy a stress free vacation including great dining options, full open bar, premium accommodations and activities for everyone (make sure you check out the children's clubs devoted to youngsters as young as four months old!). The Club Med Family Plan is for travel between April 10 and December 18, 2010 but needs to be booked before May 3, 2010. The seven-night vacation is offered at the following resorts:- $549 per person in Sandpiper, Florida
- $687 per person in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- $824 per person in La Caravelle and Buccanneers's Creek, The Caribbean
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Save Money On a Vegas Vacation
If you’ve ever seen National Lampoon’s Vegas Vacation or The Hangover, you’ll know that visiting the Las Vegas can be a lot of fun but can also quickly drain your bank account.
Since it is such a popular destination, travelers are constantly looking for ways to save. Here is a collection of resources to make your next trip to Sin City a little more affordable. Vegas.com What better place to find out about all that a city has to offer than to go to its official website? Vegas.com provides information about hotels, flights, car rentals and activities in and around the city. Want to know about all of the shows? This site will give details on showtimes, descriptions and more. Discounts and other savings are regularly added so check this site often! Expedia and Travelocity Both Expedia and Travelocity of these aggregators frequently offer great packages for travel to Vegas and can be a great resource for booking flights, hotel and car rentals in one spot. It’s not always the cheapest option but it’s usually affordable enough considering how easy it will to keep track of all three reservations since they are all in one spot. [caption id="attachment_3425" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Get a Las Vegas Travel Deal"]
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Of course, there are other sites that offer similar options including Priceline and Kayak. Some people swear by Hot Wire since the savings really can be incredible but the major drawback is that travelers cannot pick their own hotels and are stuck with whatever “secret” deal they’ve signed up for. As long as it doesn’t matter where you stay (you can, however, choose the neighborhood, star rating, etc…), it’s a very good option.
Unexpected trip? Check out our last minute trip resources.
Hotels
Finding a decent hotel in Vegas depends a lot on what you’re expecting and, of course, how much you can afford. This is one area, however, that can make or break a trip so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of saving money on accommodations.
Some of the hotels are a little older and the wear and tear is showing (i.e. Circus Circus) but I’ve met travelers who have made a tradition of staying someplace and vow to always return. If you don’t fall into that category, it’s probably a good idea to go with a newer or recently renovated place since each establishment sees thousands and thousands of visitors every year.
One way to still save money is to look on sites like Vegas.com or the actual website of the hotel for deals that include vouchers for free meals, gambling money, spa treatments, show tickets or other perks.
Transportation
I always rent a car when I go to Vegas but that’s because I love to shop (more on that in a bit). I tend to book my car rentals on sites like Hot Wire and I’m often able to get a decent rate.
If you don’t want to rent a car, you can take an airport shuttle to your hotel or grab a cab. Taxis are in abundance throughout the city but if you happen to get stuck in traffic, it could be very expensive.
On the strip, a great way to travel is by monorail. Buying a pass for several days costs very little and it’s easy to get from one place to another – especially if you’ve had a little bit to drink.
Outlet Malls
One of my favorite things about Las Vegas is the shopping. There have been times where I’ve saved enough on certain items that I needed that it more than compensated for the cost of travel. For example, if you live in a colder climate and need a winter coat, you could find the same item for half the price since Vegas is so warm.
There are several outlet malls that I really enjoy and they all have something to offer but the ones I recommend are the Fashion Outlets, Premium Outlets and the Disney Character Warehouse.
Las Vegas really can be a fun place to visit and if you check out any of those resources above, you should be able to enjoy your trip without stressing about money.
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Holiday Travel Deals
If you’re a savvy traveler, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your holiday vacation plans. We recently blogged about how bargain hunting for fall travel is going to be different than the last minute travel deals that were available during the summer, suggesting that if you’re smart, you’ll start looking for those Thanksgiving and Christmas vacation deals now, rather than later.
This is because airlines are cutting back dramatically this fall in terms of flight schedules and they’re facing rising gas prices as well.
What this means for travelers is a raise in holiday flight prices, when airlines know that people will be traveling. Because there won’t be as much available at the last minute like there was this summer, try making your winter vacation plans now, rather than waiting until the last minute. There are a number of great travel deals available that last until the weeks before the turn of the year, making this a better time than ever to pre-plan for the holidays. And, although it may seem obvious, we’ve complied a few easy ways for you to find the best bang for your buck when it comes to winter traveling.
Take your Time
You might find a good deal in the few minutes after reading this blog, but you’ll find an even better deal if you shop around. It is still September after all, which means there is plenty of time for bargain hunting. Start taking a look and experimenting with different travel ideas. By understanding what’s out there now, you will better understand a good deal when you see one.
Look for Packages
Although travelers can expect a peak in airline prices, hotels and rental car agencies are still trying to lure in travelers. This means some of the best deals you can find are in vacation packages offered online or through travel agents rather than booking these elements of your vacation separately.
Check Different Locations
If you’re doing your search online, check a number of different websites. Now might be the perfect time to try new sites like Bing!, and other travel sites that you haven’t tried. The key is to shop around and that means throughout different sites and on different dates and times.
Good luck and tune in for more great holiday travel deals in the upcoming weeks!
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Fall Travel Tips and How to Find Discounted Airfare
If you’ve been reading our blog, you’ve probably noticed our highly focused reporting on summer flight and vacation deals. That’s because this summer was one of the cheapest and best summers for vacationers in years, with a number of flights discounted as much as 60% from previous rates. But now, it’s time for fall and as some articles are reporting, the ways in which to find discounted and cheap airfare will take a slightly different savvy than the way it was done this summer. Take a look!
This summer, it was all about last minute travel deals.
Airlines were so strapped for cash that they would post fares as low as $39 each way in order to entice last minute travelers to book a flight. The same was true for hotels. Occupancy was so low that at the last minute, you wouldn’t face over capacity fares but instead, even cheaper versions of your typical hotel stay. The fall however, will likely be different, so you might need to change up your deal-hunting strategy.
Last quarter, almost all airlines announced that they would be cutting back flights in order to save money, which means less available seats and higher fares. Also, a number of airlines (United, Virgin America, American, and Jet Blue) have already set in place a number of fall deals (flights as cheap as $49) that are available for flights running through December 17. This means in order to get the deal you have to book now, instead of relying on cheap last minute deals. This is especially true around the holidays, when trips are preplanned and flights are booked early in the fall. With the number of flights cut back and the types of deals available now, playing chicken with the airlines just might not pay off like it did this summer. Then again, only time will tell.
For more information on how to take advantage of last minute deals, check out the travel information on FrugalMonkey. Find out about becoming an air courier if you fly often and want to book some seriously low rates. Keep an eye on our blog as we will continue to bring you the best travel deals available post-Labor Day and into the holidays!
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Where to Find Student Travel Deals
Students, you’re already shelling out enough money when it comes to books, housing, and tuition, so don’t get caught overspending when it comes to travel too! College students are among one of the largest percentages of those who travel.
Study abroad programs, long summer vacations, or even a semester off from school provides the perfect opportunity for travel. And, as it turns out, students are the least likely to be affected by the recession.
Student travel has remained strong throughout this most recent travel slum, with schools providing a great avenue for educational and affordable travel. Also, there are some great discount deals for students that you should take note of if you’re a college student thinking about a trip to Patagonia, or a summer vacation to the Greek Islands. Check out how you can maximize your travel potential by cashing in on these great student deals.
Specific travel companies and websites offer discounts to students. Some, like STA Travel only require that you be a student or be under the age of 26 in order to take advantage of their excellent travel deals and programs. For example, right now they are offering roundtrip flights to Paris for as low as $445 for participating students. That is almost a record low for a flight such as this and one hell of away to spend a thanksgiving vacation with college friends.
Another great example of capitalizing on student-discounted travel is through certain airlines. Take for instance the Student Advantage Card; a card that any student can acquire for about $20 a year. This simple act will save you 10% on any American Airlines flight you book when you have the card and are an active student. If you take into account most people spend an average of $320 on a domestic flight, you’ve already recouped this cost after only one flight purchased. American Airlines also offers discounts to students who attend specific participating universities, a discount that can be found from the homepage of their website. Jet Blue, for example, also offers a student discount; eleven percent for any student that has an ISIC (International Student Identity Card). (Those who have this card also will find discounts on the afore mentioned STA Travel website as well.)
United Airlines doesn’t offer any discounts for being a student but, through their College Plus program, participating students who track their mileage through United will receive 10,000 frequent flyer miles as a graduation present.
There are even sites for the parents of kids who are in school. Take the popular UniversityParent.com, where parents can find travel deals to universities and colleges for graduations, sporting events, or even just to see the kids.
By finding ways to save on travel you can end up saving hundreds, if not thousands, in a year. If you’re a student and you’re considering teaching English abroad, or if you want to take a semester off to see the world, do yourself a favor and save some cash by cashing in on some excellent travel deals. By simply being a student you save! Not too shabby.
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How To Find Cheap Flights
We want to hear from you! Have you booked a cheap flight using one of our tried and true money saving techniques? Or, maybe you have found a great site that no one knows about where you have had success in finding really cheap flights, hotels, and other accommodations. Perhaps you just want to share a really great vacation you’ve been on, or a job opportunity that is travel related. We want to hear from you, loyal FrugalMonkey bloggers so pipe up! Tell us where you’ve had the most success in finding travel deals and how you went about doing it.