FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Travel News

  • Stay at Hotel Indigo Shanghai – New Luxury Accommodation in China

    New hotels seem to be popping up all over Shanghai in preparation for the impending Christmas holiday season.


    Last month we told you about the Chinese city's new urban resort, the PuLi Hotel and Spa. Now in November we're cast our eyes over the brand new Hotel Indigo Shanghai. Hotel Indigo Shanghai is ideally located on Pier 16 (originally called the Shiliupu Dock), so its 180 rooms offer amazing views of the waterfront Bund district and Pudong skyline. The hotel has been designed with its watery surrounds in mind. Materials like raw steel, concrete, and exposed brick in the dramatically designed lobby make visitors feel as if they've stepped inside a revamped dockside loft. There are even pieces of a retired Shanghai riverboat adorning its walls! Most of Hotel Indigo Shanghai rooms are classed as standard, but for real opulence guests can stay in one of 21 river view suites or one of the two generously sized garden terrace suites. [caption id="attachment_4658" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A bathroom with city views at the Hotel Indigo Shanghai"]A bathroom with city views at the Hotel Indigo Shanghai[/caption] All rooms evoke the essence of old Shanghai, with silk print wallpaper and whimsical Asian artifacts and furniture creating the atmosphere of the Orient. The plush canopy beds are another nod to the past, as their design was inspired by traditional Chinese wedding beds. Perhaps sleeping in them will give your relationship the bliss of happy Asian newlyweds! The contemporary-styled bathrooms are luxuriously large, the perfect place for relaxing after a busy day sightseeing. A glass wall allows you to gaze out at the Huangpu River while you soak in the freestanding tub. Rooms at Hotel Indigo Shanghai start from 1580 Chinese Yuan, which is equivalent to around $240 US.

  • Working Abroad: Farming Your Way Around the World

    Got the travel bug but your bank account says “no way”? Working abroad can be a cost-effective and interesting way to travel.


    Though this post focuses uniquely on farming opportunities around the world (for which individuals need no or very little training), keep in mind that if you are 18 or older, there are many different ways to secure free lodging and meals or make money abroad, such as teaching English abroad or working in a restaurant or at a resort. World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) Perhaps you’ve heard of WWOOFing. It is, by far, the most popular program for individuals seeking short-term farm work abroad. WWOOF began in 1971 in the UK as a way to provide opportunities for people to work for brief periods of time (a few days to a few months) on organic farms within the UK. The organization quickly spread to other European countries and now there are over 6,000 host farms in 88 countries worldwide. WWOOFers (as the organic farm workers are called) are not paid for their services. Rather, they participate in an exchange with the farm owner (or WWOOF host). The WWOOFer works for a certain number of hours (predetermined in an agreement with the WWOOF host) in exchange for food, accommodations  (provided by the WWOOF host) and they chance to learn about organic farming. WWOOFing opportunities vary from working on an organic vineyard to beekeeping to learning how to make artisanal ciders to shearing sheep. organic farm jobs photo In addition to allowing you to travel on the cheap, WWOOFing is a great way to meet fellow travelers from all over the world (which could lead to more frugal travel opportunities). The WWOOFer lifestyle is, for the most part, very free and nomadic. Many WWOOFers work for a few weeks on one farm, and then travel for a while before going to another farm, etc. If you get enough assignments from WWOOF hosts, you could end up traveling frugally for several years as a WWOOFer. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a WWOOFer, visit the organization’s website at www.wwoof.org/ Help Exchange Another organization (similar to WWOOF) that gives individuals the opportunity to work on farms around the world is Help Exchange.  Like WWOOF, HelpX is a cultural exchange for travelers who wish to learn more about farming and cultural practices abroad. Most HelpX workers spending four hours per day working in exchange for free accommodation and meals with their hosts. For more information on becoming a HelpX volunteer, visit their website at www.helpx.net/ GrowFood If you’re looking for a domestic (within the U.S.) farming experience, check out GrowFood. The goal of the organization is to connect those interested in traveling in the U.S. and learning about farming culture with farms looking for assistance. Though arrangements differ from farm to farm, it is typically on a barter system (similar to WWOOF and HelpX). GrowFood has many opportunities for couples and families who may be interested in pursuing farm work together. Browse the farm/job listings and find out more information about the organization by visiting their website at GrowFood.org.

  • Stay at Shanghai’s PuLi Hotel and Spa, China’s First Luxury Urban Resort

    Ordinarily tourists have to travel to the coast or rural areas to enjoy the serenity of resort style accommodation.


    But new resorts, like Shanghai's PuLi Hotel and Spa, are looking to change all that. Located in the heart of bustling Shanghai, the PuLi Hotel and Spa is China's first luxury urban resort. There are 209 standard rooms and 20 suites located across the resort's 26 floors. It's just a short walk from Shanghai's business and entertainment districts, shopping malls and tourist attractions. However, once you're safely inside the resort's walls, it's easy to forget about the hustle and bustle outside. A meal at the hotel's restaurant Jing'An is a great way to relax at the end of the day. It offers a seasonal menu of Western dishes complemented by traditional Asian fare. The 120-seat restaurant is named after its views of nearby JingAn Park. You can enjoy lunch or dinner there, or a few cheeky cocktails at the attached Long Bar.China Provinces map If that hasn't calmed you, consider a soak in the Jacuzzi or a treatment at the city's first Anantara spa. The spa's treatments are a real experience as they use ancient techniques from China, Thailand, and India. Emphasis is placed on the beneficial powers of natural products including moisturizing avocado, purifying ginger, and healing volcanic stone. Personally I can't imagine wanting to work up a sweat with all this pampering around, but if you do you can work out at the state of the art fitness center. There's high tech gym equipment, a sauna and steam room, and lap pool. A night at the PuLi Hotel and Spa doesn't come cheaply, with rates starting from $500 US a night. However, if you want to come away from your vacation in China feeling truly relaxed, it may be money well spent.

  • 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.

  • Hong Kong Disneyland Celebrates Halloween – Spooky Fun at Family Theme Park

    Halloween tends to be regarded as an American holiday, but Hong Kong’s Disneyland Resort is getting into the spirit with its Haunted Halloween celebrations.

    Maleficent, the devilish queen of Sleeping Beauty, is behind the event.


    She's furious that she's never been invited to a Halloween party, so she's taking matters into her own evil hands. Once the sun goes down each Thursday to Sunday until the end of the month, Maleficent promises to give families visiting Hong Kong Disneyland a thrill. Main Street U.S.A. is ordinarily full of life, but this month it's transformed into a Ghost Town. Specters will walk the eerily lit streets, so look out for those ghostly gatherings! Adventureland's also had a spooky makeover. It's now a tribal burial ground, where zombies and long forgotten tribal warriors are on hand to give their evening guests a chilly reception. Tomorrowland will be jumping though with the Inferno Dance Party. Some of Disney's creepiest villains, including the Queen of Hearts and Snow White's witch, will boogie with the crowds to everyone's favorite retro hits. [caption id="attachment_4416" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The evil Maleficent"]The evil Maleficent[/caption] Even the most famous rides have been touched by Maleficent's hands. The Adventureland Jungle is a little more demonic, and the park's most popular roller coaster has been newly christened Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. But of course, Maleficent has saved her best work for Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Once the sun goes down, onlookers will be treated to a stunningly spooky pyrotechnic show known as Nightmare in the Sky. The castle will seem to be engulfed by thorns and red hot flames as digital projections, lights, and music come together in one spectacular show. So why only celebrate on October 31? At Hong Kong Disneyland they think the whole month deserves a good scare!

  • 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!

  • Sheraton Opens New Shine Spas in China and Vietnam

    Sheraton hotels and resorts around Asia are amongst the first in the world to experience the chain’s latest spa concept, Shine for Sheraton.

    The retreats are designed to feel upscale and luxurious, yet more approachable and accessible than your average day spa. The spas come hot on the heels of Sheraton’s reported $6 billion spend on brand revitalization, but it seems the investment will be worth it for guests who love to be pampered. The Shine for Sheraton spas deliver five signature treatments. These are classic offerings: a massage, a facial, manicure and pedicure, a full body treatment, and a treatment for two. That sounds like a great option for couples honeymooning or simply enjoying a romantic retreat. Sheraton spas will use products from global skincare brand Germanine de Capuccini to ensure their guests enjoy only the most luxurious treatments. [caption id="attachment_4259" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Plunge Pool at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa"]Plunge Pool at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa[/caption] The Shine for Sheraton spas sound like easy places to relax, with their marble, mahogany, and polished metal surrounds rendered in warm cream, burnished gold, and cobalt blue shades. These hues and materials were specifically chosen to create an atmosphere that feels playful, yet opulent. "Introducing the Shine spa experience across our portfolio on the heels of our $6 billion revitalization effort will be an invaluable, welcome addition to the Sheraton guest experience," Hoyt H. Harper II, senior vice president for Sheraton, said in a press statement. "With this global roll-out, we plan to make spa a cornerstone of the Sheraton brand experience, one that guests will truly embrace as part of their lifestyle." The Shine for Sheraton service is currently available at selected new Sheraton hotels in China and Vietnam, along with the Maldives and the Slovak Republic. It will be rolled out to 12 other Sheraton hotels around the globe over the next 15 months, including the Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou and Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng.

  • New Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Opens on Thailand Island

    The Westin chain recently opened the doors of its first resort in Thailand. The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa is located on Siray Island in the idyllic Thai province of Phuket.

    The hotel’s location couldn’t be better, with views of Siray Bay, its secluded white beach, and the Indian Ocean.

    Cross the bridge to travel from Siray Island to Phuket Island, or hop on a boat to explore one of the neighboring islands. Phuket International Airport is 45 minutes drive away; it's close enough to be convenient, but far enough away to allow you to really relax away from the crowds. That's pretty easy to do here. All of the 261 rooms, suites, and villas feature the Westin's standard creature comforts like flat-screen televisions, iPod docking stations, rain showers, and patented Heavenly Beds. For true indulgence, make sure you book into one of the luxury suites or villas. These have their own private plunge pools and rooftop areas for chilling out with loved ones.hotel deals in thailand It's easy to hole yourself up in the luxurious rooms, but then you'd miss all of the Westin's other attractions. For total bliss, there's the spa, with single and couples treatment rooms, steam and sauna rooms, and an Ayurveda wellness center. There are also six restaurants and bars ready to cater to your every whim. It's easier to enjoy this pampering knowing your tiny tots are having fun in the Kids Club. The local arts and craft activities, open air movies, and stargazing will keep children so busy they'll never miss you. To celebrate the opening of Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, the resort is offering selected rooms for 2010 baht, or $59 US.

  • Airline Industry and Travel News

    Wondering how the fall will shape up when it comes to travel deals? Well, as you may know fall is the slowest time for the airline industry. It is the time when most people stay at home since holiday travel plans are already in place, and travel has cooled off from summer. This fall, airlines have announced the lightest fall travel schedule since 2001 meaning less flights, less available seats, and likely, less travel deals. Although it will be hard to say if this lighter schedule will help to fill up a fewer available flights, last minute travel deals are likely to be more difficult to come by. As you’ve seen though, these trends are almost impossible to predict since summer travel deals are still readily available even after Labor Day.

    Stay tuned for weekly travel industry news from FrugalMonkey!


  • AAA Car Rentals

    We’re always on the lookout for good ways to save. We’ve found one in particular that works as a good reminder for travelers that some of the best ways to save are right under our noses. AAA members get a lot of local savings and one area in particular stood out in our minds: car rentals. There are numerous reasons for renting a car, however, this one travel cost can up your travel budget by hundreds of dollars. Look to your AAA membership for those rental car agencies that will provide you with a discount. Hertz is one such company that has a long withstanding relationship with AAA. Members can save as much as 10-20% on Hertz car rentals when they show they book through their AAA membership.

    If you’re not a AAA member, take a look at our car rentals page for more information on agencies and car rental discounts.


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