FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Travel News

  • Frugal Monkey’s Web Wrap – 11 April 2013

    As we haul ourselves to the end of the working week, we can’t help daydreaming about a getaway. We’d much rather be sunning ourselves on a tranquil beach or hiking a majestic mountain range than facing another nine to five. If you have itchy feet too, look to these great travel blogs and articles for inspiration.

    • Best Places to Find Free Entertainment and Cultural Activities in Hawaii @ Go Visit Hawaii – Frugal travellers often resist the lure of Hawaii’s beaches because the tropical state has a reputation for being expensive. However the Go Visit Hawaii blog assures us there are plenty of places in the state to find free entertainment and soak up some local country. We love the way the article clearly lists free attractions from each of the most popular islands.
    • Hole in the Donut – Don’t make us pick just one recent entry that’s wowed us. Frankly everything about this blog makes us want to pack our bags, whether it’s Barbara Weibel’s photos of French artisan cheeses or her tale of leaving behind a successful but soul-sucking career to go backpacking.
    • Jaipur – The Pink City @ Go Backpacking – We love the images of Jaipur in this informative article. The rosy Hawa Mahal and half-submerged Jal Mahal look especially impressive, and we’re sure they’re even better in person. It seems there are enough historical sites in Jaipur to entertain any frugal traveler. After all, it’s often free or close to free to visit such landmarks! This is definitely a city we want to discover more about.
    • Uncornered Market – If your dream destination is one you haven’t discovered yet, Uncornered Market is worth checking out. Rather than visiting popular tourist hotspots, husband and wife team Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott prefer exploring underappreciated offbeat locations. Recent posts showing some major love to New Zealand will inspire you to visit the Land of the Long White Cloud.
    • Free and Affordable Foodie Experiences in the Napa Valley @ Peter Greenberg.com – The Napa Valley is another destination that frugal travelers usually give a wide berth. While the Michelin-star restaurants and high-priced vineyards can drain your finances quickly, Peter Greenberg alerts us to some more money-savvy options that are just as delicious. The thought of Solbar’s slow-roasted pig shoulder, which is made for sharing at $38, is making us drool.
    • Neon_Internet_Cafe_open_24_hoursCelebrating a Greek Easter: Candles & Fireworks @ Europe UpClose – Ruth Kozak reminds us that Easter isn’t all bunnies and chocolate eggs with her look at the Greek traditions alive on the island of Patmos. Now this is a place we want to celebrate the holidays!

    Make sure you share this article via your social network contacts, who are probably struggling through the week every bit as much as you are!

  • Frugal Monkey’s Web Wrap – 27 March 2013

    As we race towards Easter, it’s the perfect time to stop and reflect on the world around us. And for us here at Frugal Monkey, that means taking a look at some fabulous travel blogs! Read on to discover what’s made our latest Web Wrap!

    • Available Light @ Canada’s Adventure Couple – Deb and Dave don’t just know a thing or two about adventure traveling. They’re also very skilled photographers. In the latest in their series of travel photography tutorials, they show us how to make the most of the available light in our locations. Use their tips and you’ll have impressive looking vacation snaps without paying for a professional’s services!
    • Fluent in Three Months – We’re intrigued by Benny the Irish Polygot, a jovial jetsetter who does his level best to learn the languages of his global destinations in the shortest time possible! His latest challenge is learning Polish in just five hours. Can he do it? We’ll be tuning in to find out!
    • The Most Amazing Church I’ve Ever Seen & Can’t Show You @ Wandering Earl – If there was ever a post to pique our curiosity, it’s this one. Church rules forbade Earl from snapping any more than the exterior of the Church of San Juan. Without any photos, he does his best to describe the church’s incredible interior. He does well. And now we want to see it for ourselves.
    • Travel with a Purpose @ Wanderlust & Lipstick – Angela Dollar serves up a travel blog that isn’t afraid to tackle the big issues. She’s an environmentalist, a feminist, and an altruist, and that might just be skimming the surface. Her opinionated posts have such drive; they’ll really make you think.
    • Photo Memories from the Grand Canyon @ Gone with the Family – Lisa and her brood have us wanting to head to Arizona after this photo-heavy post. The images of the rugged American natural wonder are simply stunning, and the bullet-point facts at the bottom of the article are really useful.

    Hand on keyboardIf you think anyone you know would love to read these great articles and websites over the Easter weekend, make sure you share them via our social networking buttons below!

  • Frugal Monkey’s Web Wrap – 15 March 2013

    With the working week winding down, it’s the perfect time to look back at the travel articles and budget blogs that have caught our eyes over the last two weeks. Read on to see Frugal Monkey’s latest online highlights.

        • Go, See, Write – Michael Hodson set off in 2008 with aims of circling the world without ever leaving the ground. Sixteen months later he achieved his goal, but that doesn’t mean he put away his suitcases. Well and truly bitten by the travel bug, Hodson continues to log his adventures in Go, See, Write. It’s better written than many sites in the blogosphere, and its mix of exciting photographers and videos beautifully complement the words.
        • Road Trips – The Ultimate Planning Guide @ Y Travel Blog – When Caz and Craig Makepeace say they’ve compiled the ultimate guide to planning road trips, they mean it. The couple have a young family, so they know how to save money on the road. The packing and pre-departure checklists are also invaluable. Make sure you download our top 10 free road trip apps before you set off!
        • Tourist 2 Townie – In 2009, Gareth was a well-paid marketing director living the American Dream in sunny Southern California. But on one fateful afternoon, “the beer lost its taste and the view lost its inspiration”, so Gareth booked a one-way ticket to Buenos Aires. His travel blog follows his attempts to go from tourist to townie, or to make the transition from ordinary vacationer to part of the Latin American communities he visits. Plenty of videos and frequent updates make this blog worth bookmarking.
        • Maybe This Groupon Deal Wasn’t a Deal at All @ Christopher Elliott – Before you jump on that too-good-to-be-true vacation package, perhaps you’d better read this article. It shines a light on the downsides of popular group buying websites and their deals.
        • Mommy Poppins – New York City can sap your finances, but this great family-friendly blog showcases the Big Apple’s budget-friendly side. It’s targeted at locals, but families visiting the area will find its information invaluable. We particularly like the regular weekend guides crammed with free and fun things to do across the five boroughs.

    Hand with laptopDid you adore these stories and sites as much as we did? We’d love you to share them with your friends using the handy social networking buttons below!

  • Frugal Monkey’s Web Wrap – 1 March 2013

    It’s that time again Frugal Monkey readers, time to shine a spotlight on the best frugal travel articles and blogs we’ve found online. Here are the cyber tidbits that got us talking over the last two weeks.

      • Nomadic Chick – When her desk job and the American Dream started to make her miserable, Jeannie Mark knew it was time to quit her life. Nomadic Chick chronicles her adventures discovering the big wide world and herself. It’s less clichéd than Eat, Pray, Love, with the addition of some amazing global snaps. Her recent photoessay of the spring festival makes us want to pack our bags and head to China!
      • Experiencing Bad Luck When Traveling @ Otts World – Sherry had us in stitches over her story of bad luck hiking the Patagonian trails. We don’t want to give away too much, but this tale will have you singing duct tape’s praises too. We’ve never thought of it as a travel essential before, but we won’t be leaving home without it from now on!
      • The Top Natural Destinations in China @ Travel Tales From Asia – We love natural wonders here at Frugal Monkey because they’re so affordable to see. Often you can rock up for free; the most you’ll ever pay is a couple of dollars for admission to a national park! Blogger Sarah moved to Asia in the 1980s, so she really knows her stuff. The image of the Nuorilang Waterfall in Jiuzhaigou Valley, or Nine Village Valley as it’s commonly called, is enough to convince us to visit next time we’re in China!
      • Unbrave Girl – Most of us think that travel bloggers are fearless creatures, unafraid to discover new locations, see unfamiliar sites, and pop any unusual item of food in their mouths. But not Sally. She claims to be scared of everything! We probably won’t see any stories about bungee-jumping or abseiling on her travel blog, but her tales of tamer experiences are hilarious nonetheless. She also takes excellent photos, and the advice she insists we “really shouldn’t follow” is much better than she thinks!
      • Tuscan Delights @ Dave’s Travel Corner – As a New Yorker married to an Italian, contributing writer Allison Tibaldi has an insider’s understanding of Tuscany. Her guide to the Italian city’s culinary delights is better than any you’ll find in a traditional travel guide. Solo Ciccia’s six-course beef menu at 30 euros sounds like a real bargain to us!
      • Solo Female Travel with Candice Walsh @ Spunkygirl Monologues – Pamela talks to travel writer Candice Walsh about her solo trips abroad. Candice busts the myth that it’s dangerous for women to travel alone, and shares what she loves about her solo voyage. She’s one spunky girl!

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  • Frugal Monkey’s Web Wrap

    You read Frugal Monkey because you know it’s a great source of information about traveling on a budget. So we thought you may be interested in some of the other websites who provide valuable information about frugal tourism. Feast your eyes on the following online gems we’ve recently found.

    • The Goldilocks Number: Why $50 a Day is Just Right @ Nomadic Matt – Spending just $50 a day on a vacation that doesn’t cut corners sounds like a pipe dream, but blogger Nomadic Matt assures us it can be done. He explains his budget, which includes travel insurance and a decent backpack, in his new book How to Travel the World on $50 a Day. This blog article gives you a taste of his frugal travel philosophy.
    • Johnny Vagabond – He began his life as Wes Nations, a mild-mannered American who’d turned 39 more times than anyone should. But now he’s Johnny Vagabond, a gray nomad who’s decided you’re never too old to see the world. The blog documents Johnny’s adventures as he circles the globe until his money runs out. We love Johnny’s informative product reviews and his colourful and crazy travel stories!
    • Dealing with Long Flights @ The Aussie Nomad – As he hails from the land Down Under, The Aussie Nomad knows a thing or two about long flights. Even if you aren’t strapping in for a 24-hour journey, you’ll find his tips for dealing with air travel useful. From selecting the right seat to sorting your entertainment, this guide has some great advice for jetsetters.
    • 2 Backpackers – If you’re heading to South America, make sure you stop by 2 Backpackers first. This informative site tells us that Rio isn’t the only place to celebrate Carnival and that some of the tastiest drinks in Latin America are non-alcoholic. Who knew?
    • Rerunaround – Shawn serves up travel advice with a social conscience in his blog Rerunaround. You don’t need to have an interest in volunteering to appreciate the site, but his fascinating stories of helping communities in The Philippines and Haiti give his blog a real point of difference.

    Neon internet cafeWe’d love to know your opinion of these great travel websites. Feel free to suggest any other online destinations you think we need to visit!

  • Backpacker’s Travel Checklist – What to Pack on a Backpacking Vacation

    The number one rule of backpacking is to travel light. However it’s important to grab the essentials before you set off on your frugal vacation. In this article we look at the items that should be in every backpacker’s knapsack.

    The first item on any backpacker’s luggage list must be the backpack itself. Ensure that it’s comfortable with padding in the back and wide, adjustable straps, as you’ll be spending many long days with it attached. Durability is also an important point to consider. You’ll spend more money on a sturdier knapsack at first, but it’ll pay for itself in the long run.

    Clothes are a given, but make sure that you don’t take too many. Packing tops that can be layered up is a great way to avoid bulk. We suggest taking a few outfits that can be easily laundered during your travels. If the modern royals can wear the same outfit when they step out, so can you! Also find space for a raincoat if there’s a chance of inclement weather. Sticking your clothes in a vacuum-seal bag is a great way to save on space.

    A smartphone is a modern-day essential for many people, and that goes double on your vacation. It does away with the need for guidebooks, maps, a camera, notebook, and more. And did we mention that it’s a great way to stay in touch, so long as you heed those pesky global roaming fees? Make sure you take a look at our free travel app guide for some useful programs.

    The importance of a water purifying bottle will depend on your intended location. If you’re traveling through privileged areas in the Western world it might not make your shortlist. However if you’re backpacking through Asia or South America, it could save you from contracting a nasty bug.

    Some may consider noise cancelling headphones to be an optional extra, but anyone who’s traveled with them may disagree! Say goodbye to the cries of unruly babies on long haul flights. Forget about the amorous sounds of your backpacking buddies. And enjoy the extra hours of shut eye these clever gadgets provide. If your mates are particularly rowdy a sleeping mask may be another wise investment.

    Three BackpackersIt’s a no brainer but it deserves to be said: never leave home without your travel documents. You won’t get very far without your plane or train tickets and a passport. Always double-check you’re carrying these important papers before you head out the door.

  • World’s Best Ferries – Save Money Seeing World’s Waterways

    Forget cruise ships, sailing tours, and jet boat rides. These popular tourist options offer beautiful views of a city’s waterways and coastlines, but they’re generally overpriced. You needn’t miss out on these shoreline vistas while traveling though; simply hop on a ferry! In this article we profile some of the world’s best.

    They’ve got ferries to spare in Scotland, where a network of the ships helps island hoppers. There really isn’t a bad trip amongst the bunch, but the journey from Oban to Barra is probably the pick of them. This five-hour voyage has an edge because it passes several other islands before reaching its destination. The ferry has a TV area and cafeteria, but who’d want to spend their time inside? Outdoor seating offers plenty of space for admiring the green isles as they pass. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even spot a pod of dolphins frolicking in the waters! The ferry sets off on its five-hour journey six times a week. It costs around £153 for two passengers and their car to make the trip.

    The fjords are big business in Norway, but you needn’t join a tour boat to see them. A ferry service runs from Laerdal to Gudvanger between May and September each year. The route passes Nærøyfjord, which is regarded by many as one of Norway’s prettiest fjords. At €400 return this three-hour ferry trip is no bargain, but it’s still significantly cheaper than the tourist boats.

    If that fee leaves you smarting, you might be better off seeing New York from the Staten Island Ferry. This iconic boat, which travels from Manhattan to Staten Island, offers some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty and the Big Apple’s imposing skyline. The ferry leaves every half hour, so you’re never left waiting too long for the next one. And best of all, it’s free!

    If you’re spending any extended period in New Zealand, you’ll probably catch The Interislander. This ferry connects Wellington on the North Island with Picton on the South. This passage of water is beautiful, particularly when the weather is calm and still. But beware when the winds get up; the rough waters of the Cook Strait can make the three-hour journey seem even longer! The trip costs around NZ$70 per person, which is relatively affordable considering its duration.

    If that sounds like far too long to be on a boat, you may enjoy a much shorter trip on Hong Kong’s Star Ferry. This journey takes just ten minutes and costs HKD$2.50 for adults through the week, and HKD$3 on weekends and public holidays. And if you’ve hit 65, you can travel for free! You might not be on board for a long time, but you’ll have a good time taking in the spectacle of buildings Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It looks beautiful by day, but incredible by night when the evening light show colors the skyscrapers.

    The Manly Ferry near the Sydney Opera House
    The Manly Ferry near the Sydney Opera House

    The trip from Sydney’s Circular Quay to Manly is another relatively quick but beautiful ferry journey. The route’s so famous it was even immortalized in a song by Australian singer-songwriter James Reyne! And when you travel it, you’ll see why. This affordable Sydney public transport option takes around 30 minutes to pass local icons, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, before winding up around the famous Manly Beach. The Manly ferry leaves every half hour and costs around AUS$6 for a one-way fare.

    So why fork out the big bucks on those overpriced tourist cruises? You might miss out on the commentary, but you’ll enjoy views that are just as beautiful from the world’s public ferries!

  • Save Money on Cell Phones – Cheap Calls & Internet Abroad

    In this modern high tech world, jetting off without your cell phone can seem like leaving your right arm behind. However travelers often find those pricy roaming costs can bite the budget harder than hotel mini-bars and excess baggage fees. Too many jetsetters return home to find phone bills costing thousands of dollars. By following these simple tips, you needn’t face such a nasty invoice when you return home.

    Doing some research before you leave can help you save big bucks while you’re away. Speak to your wireless provider and discuss the way you hope you use your cell phone abroad. Will you be making short phone calls to folks at home, sending e-mails to clients, or checking in to Facebook and Twitter? Your provider can explain the fees you’ll incur for voice calls, text messages, and data use. If you’re lucky you might even score a travel package, with minutes or megabytes offered at a fixed price. These packages are typically quite expensive, but for a quick getaway this is a smart solution.

    Swapping out your SIM card for a local one is a better option for most holiday makers. However this won’t work if your phone is locked. Your carrier may unlock your phone if you ask nicely for a small fee, but that’s not always possible. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea though; it’ll just require a little extra outlay. Basic GSM phones can cost as little as $20, depending on where you’re holidaying. Then grab a pre-paid plan and you’re ready to get dialing. Most carriers will be unfamiliar to you, so don’t be afraid to ask the locals what they recommend.

    In some circumstances you can bypass global roaming altogether by using Skype Mobile. This chat program offers subscriptions which allow users to call other cell phones and landlines around the world. By using free wireless hot spots in cafes and airports, it’s possible to call home for only a few cents a minute. That’s a lot better than the deals the cell phone providers offer!

    But these days, cell phones are much more than calling devices. The range of Smartphone travel apps can also make your vacation a bit easier, and cheaper. Downloading apps for dining, public transport, and getting about before you go can help you get the most from a city without logging on to the internet.

    If you must get online though, remember that once upon a time we did it without cell phones! Internet cafes and most accommodation offer computers with internet access. Whether you’re staying in a hostel or a resort, you’ll probably be able to access the net for a few dollars an hour. That might seem like highway robbery compared to what you’re paying at home, but it’s significantly cheaper than the cell phones.Cell Phone

    And finally, consider whether you really need to stay connected. There’s something freeing about doing away with technology and leaving your old life behind for a week or two. Without a ringing cell phone or tweets to disturb you, your vacation will be much more refreshing, and affordable!

  • Thailand’s Best Beaches – Fun in the Sun in Asia

    When most of us think of a coastal vacation we may be tempted by the beaches of Australia, the sun and surf of the Mediterranean, or the gnarly surf of Hawaii. But don’t disregard the beaches of Thailand, which are amongst the most beautiful in the world.

    Most Thai travelers searching for sun flock to the island of Phuket. Its largest and most popular beach is Patong Beach, and it’s not hard to see why. Its soft white sand is as inviting as its warm water, and with restaurants, stores, and nightclubs a stone’s throw away it’s impossible to get bored.

    It’s also impossible to find a private moment at Patong Beach, so if you’re searching for peace and tranquility I suggest heading to nearby Kata Beach. It’s located just a couple of miles away, but its gentler pace makes it feel a lot further. Gone are the shopping malls and chain hotels, although you’ll still enjoy the palm trees and scenery. During the low season the beach enjoys some big waves; surfers will lap them up but families may want to steer clear.

    Railey Beach in Krabi is another great option for beach lovers searching for a relaxed space on the sand. This coastal stretch is only accessible by boat, so you’ll feel a bit like you’re on a desert island while you’re sunning yourself. The clear blue water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling, but there isn’t much else to do here. Of course, that’s exactly why its fans like it! Due to its small stature, Railey Beach can get a bit crowded during peak season.

    Hau Hin Beach on the Gulf of Siam is a great family-friendly option. The sand is very flat and the water gentle enough for small children to paddle in. There’s plenty of accommodation, from five-star resorts to budget guest houses, but you’ll need to book during peak season to ensure you don’t miss out.

    On the other end of the spectrum there’s Haad Rin in Koh Pha Ngan, a coastal stretch known for its wild full moon parties. Once a month the locals celebrate the full moon with loud music, dancing, and a liberal splash of booze. Even when it isn’t technically party time there’s still a real energy about Haad Rin.

    Railey Beach, Krabi
    Railey Beach, Krabi

    White Sand Beach at Koh Chang has long been popular with backpackers, but gradually the rest of us are starting to realize its beauty. While the area still specializes in budget accommodation, there are also a few resorts and mid-priced hotels if you want to stay with more than the basics.

    No matter what you look for in a beach, Thailand has one to suit your personality.

  • Holiday Traditions from Around the World

    It may be Black Friday (America’s official kick-off to the holiday season), but remember that there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays that don’t involve breaking the bank.


    If you’re looking for something new to do this year, take a cue from cultures around the world and integrate some of these activities and practices into your annual holiday traditions. Luminarias Shed a little light on what’s important this holiday season - like spending time with friends and family - with the Hispanic tradition of luminarias or farolitos. These are small lights or lanterns (often times a candle set in some sand inside a paper bag) that line driveways and streets during the holidays. Traditional luminarias are made with brown paper bags weighted down with sand and lit from within by a votive candle that is firmly placed in the sand so as not to tip over. They are usually arranged along streets or in multiple rows to create elaborate displays. This tradition is imbued with significance for many Roman Catholics, who believe the lights will lead the spirit of Christ to their homes. [caption id="attachment_4693" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Luminarias in Albuquerque, NM"]luminarias[/caption] An interesting twist on this tradition is to make ice luminaries to decorate outside your home for holiday parties. These follow the same idea as a traditional paper bag luminaria, but the bag is replaced by ice. For instructions on how to make these, see: http://www.theheartofnewengland.com/LifeinNewEngland-Ice-Luminaries.html Holiday Greeting Cards In France, holiday greetings are sent in the form of cartes de voeux (literally “wish cards”) that are decorated with bells, ivy and holly and given for the New Year. Inside, the sender writes a personal message wishing the receiver all the best in the new year. Holiday cards can get expensive, but making one’s own is a great alternative. You can also hand deliver them to save on postage.  After all, who wouldn’t like to receive a handmade card around New Years, after all of the holiday hubbub has died down? With the proliferation of e-card companies online have come endless options for sending free, personalized holiday wishes. Some families I know also send out an email with a festive holiday letter attached. This is a great way to stay in touch with family and friends far and near during the holidays. Making Holiday Decorations Making your own holiday decorations can be a great way to connect with different cultures (and perhaps relive past travels) while beautifying your home for the holidays on a budget. Deck your tree with Japanese origami ornaments. These can be made by punching a small hole and threading a string through any handmade origami piece. Purchase some beautiful paper and go for it! Make a traditional German lebkuchen (gingerbread house) or adapt it to make it your own. This can be a fun family project for a snowy afternoon. For ideas and instructions, see: http://www.lamiematinale.ca/index.php?id=71&L=1 International Culinary Traditions Make a traditional French Bûche de Noël (Yule log cake). These are typically made of chocolate and decorated with frosting made to look like bark and candy mushrooms. They are relatively easy to make and a definite crowd pleaser. For a good recipe, see: http://www.joyofbaking.com/YuleLog.html Whip up a batch of Mexican Bizcochos, flat cinnamon-flavored cookies or Polvorones (also known as Mexican wedding cakes or pan de polvo) -- pecan short bread cookies rolled in powdered sugar.