FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Locations

  • Spend Less in New York – Budget Tips for NYC

    With its Broadway shows and high-end department stores, a vacation in New York City can be a drain on your finances. But you needn’t spend a fortune to enjoy your time in the Big Apple. In this article we look at frugal entertainment options in The City That Never Sleeps.

    Everyone wants to see the Statue of Liberty, but you needn’t spend money on a tour to do it. Just hop on the Staten Island Ferry for free for a great view of Lady Liberty and Upper New York Bay.

    You can’t always rely on free travel in New York City, but you can get it for less. Using the city’s affordable public transport during off-peak hours can save you more than 60%. If you’re making several trips that can still add up, so an unlimited day pass may be your best bet.

    If you want to see more of the city, why not join a tour? This sounds like another expensive proposition, but it doesn’t have to be if you know where to look. If you plan ahead you can use the services of Big Apple Greeter, an innovative non-profit group which matches tourists with locals keen to show off their city. Each tour is completely free, and there’s a no-tipping policy.

    If you haven’t booked a Big Apple Greeter, you can still see the city for nix. The Times Square Expose Free Walking Tour sets off at noon every Friday from the Times Square Visitor’s Center. It takes walkers to heritage theaters and brand new buildings and offers a real insight into this busy Manhattan hub.

    If you prefer to take things at your own pace then visit AudioSnacks, a website with plenty of audio tours that you can download straight to your MP3 player. With this kind of tour you can simply pause the recording to take a better look at the areas that interest you, or skip past the dull parts. Not that there are too many dull parts of New York City!

    There are also plenty of free shows and concerts around the city, particularly during summer. In the warmer months you can see films every Monday in Bryant Park, or take in a rock band or Shakespearean play in Central Park. Things slow down during winter, but the local street press should help you sniff out something at any time of year.

    You haven’t really seen New York until you’ve seen some of its finest museums. While entry to The Guggenheim and Museum of Modern Art is on the expensive side, there are plenty of museums that only require a small donation. It’s poor form to only offer your silver, but a dollar or two can buy you a morning’s entertainment at the American Museum of Natural History, The Cloisters, The Sculpture Center, the Museum of the Moving Image, and more.

    Statue of Liberty
    The Statue of Liberty

    But a tourist can’t exist on entertainment alone. While you’re sightseeing your tummy will inevitably start to rumble. Steer clear of those fancy pants restaurants with their Michelin stars and opt for more modest fare. New York City’s delis are famous for their great bagels and sandwiches, and the first class coffee. Or if you feel like something a bit naughtier, indulge in a hot dog from one of the many street vendors. Both options should give you change for a fiver, leaving plenty in your wallet for a tacky souvenir or the subway ride back to your hotel.

  • Summer in Minneapolis/St. Paul

    It’s time to start planning your summer travels. If you are looking to travel domestically this summer, why not head to the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul)? This urban, cosmopolitan area is a veritable mecca for arts and nature lovers. Here are some ideas for how to spend your time while you’re there. The best part is that they’re all inexpensive (most are free).

    Talk a walk (or canoe, or kayak) around the lakes. Minneapolitans love their urban lakes – Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet and Lake of the Isles – that are all located in the Uptown area. They are all relatively close to one another (Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun are connected), so it is easy to check them all out in one day.  Canoes and kayaks are available for rental at each of the lakes. This is also a great place for a picnic. If you’re looking for good fish dishes, check out Tin Fish at the pavilion at Lake Calhoun.

    Take a walk around Lake Calhoun, one of Minneapolis’ beloved urban lakes.

    Take advantage of Minneapolis Arts Weekend. Each year on a weekend usually in early August, artists from around the country come to the Twin Cities to show and sell their creations. There are three major art fairs in Minneapolis on this weekend.

    Powderhorn Park Art Fair

    Head to this 66-acre urban park to browse the wares of over 200 artists in various disciplines and styles. Food trucks featuring organic goodies provide sustenance for browsing, socializing and shopping.

    Loring Park Art Fair

    Quite a bit smaller than Powerhorn,  Loring Park is located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. After checking out the creations of 140 artists in a variety of media (including painting, photography, printmaking, handmade paper, wood, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, mixed media and glass), grab a snack from one of the food vendors or try one of the excellent eateries that circle the park. If you still haven’t had your fill of art, head across the street to the world-renowned Walker Art Center.

    Metris Uptown Art Fair

    During the weekend of August 6-7, the streets of Minneapolis’ Uptown area will be lined with over 200 artists’ booths as crowds of fair-goers slowly meander down Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street. As with the Loring Park area, there are loads of great restaurants in Uptown if you need a reprieve from the heat and crowds.

    There are also a variety of excellent art museums in Minneapolis.

    Get to know St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood during Highland Fest. Highland Fest usually takes place on a weekend in mid-July. This celebration of summer features a juried art fair, live music on two stages, food, amusement rides, a 5K, a strongman competition and a craft-brew tasting.

    Enjoy live music at the St. Paul Jazz Fest. Each year in June, St. Paul’s Mears Park will fill with jazz musicians and aficionados from around the country. In addition to the myriad live jazz shows over the weekend, you’ll be able to enjoy top-notch street food from some of the city’s best restaurants’ food trucks.

  • Discover America’s Best Road Trips

    If you can’t afford an overseas getaway, don’t think you’ve got to spend another year staring at the same four walls. A local road trip is an inexpensive vacation the whole family can enjoy. Read on to discover some of America’s best road trip routes.

    Explore the Wild West’s National Parks

    It’ll take you around ten days to travel across Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. This journey will introduce you to the rugged beauty of the Wild West and the history of the native Navajo culture. Remember to stop to take in the natural wonders of the Grant Canyon, Monument Valley, and Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, as well as the engineering marvel of the Hoover Dam.

    See the Deserts on Californian Highways

    If you live in California, you’ve probably seen little more than beaches and high-rise buildings. You can see your state from a different point of view once you hit the road and head for Nevada. Along the way you’ll discover the unforgiving, yet eerily beautiful landscapes of Death Valley and Sequoia National Park. If all that dryness is getting you down, keep driving to see the waterfalls of Yosemite National Park and the tranquil landscapes of Lake Tahoe.

    Get Your Kicks on Route 66

    No stretch of road is more iconic than Route 66, a highway which stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica. This 2,448 mile highway, which is one of America’s original roads, crosses eight states so discovering it all is quite an undertaking. However, you’ll be glad if you make the effort. It’ll take around three weeks to make the journey which passes Arizona’s Petrified Forest, Cadillac Ranch, and the Grand Canyon.

    Ocean Views on the Florida Keys

    Water views don’t get much closer than the ones on Florida’s Overseas Highway. The 127-mile stretch of road from Miami to Key West includes 42 bridges which take you from one island to the next. Most drivers will do the trip in roughly seven days, but it’s worth allowing a few extra days for communing with the wildlife. Tourist attractions invite you to swim with the dolphins and see the birds and turtles protected by local sanctuaries.

    See the Quaint Towns of New England

    Ah! The freedom of the open road. Road trips are a great way to explore the U.S. on a budget.
    Ah! The freedom of the open road. Road trips are a great way to explore the U.S. on a budget.

    If all the open spaces of America’s highways sounds like a recipe for boredom, than a road trip around New England might be more your speed. The dense forests look especially pretty in the fall, while the wooden church spires and traditional architecture can be enjoyed all year round. Spending a night at a country inn and shopping for antiques and crafts can help break up your trip.

    Before you set off on your American road trip, make sure read our Tips for Taking Road Trips Across the U.S and load our Top 10 Free Road Trip Apps on to your smartphone or tablet.

  • Affordable Fun for the Family in Bali

    A downturn in tourism numbers makes Bali an affordable destination for a family vacation. With bargains at every turn and a host of family-friendly attractions, there’s never been a better time to visit.

    Where to Stay

    Family-friendly accommodation is easy to find across Bali. The country’s resorts welcome children with extras like complimentary kids’ clubs, tiny bathrobes, and milk and cookies in the evening. The whole family will also enjoy the swimming pools, organized activities, and free breakfasts. These luxurious pads cost much less than they do in the Western world too; you’ll easily find suites for less than $80 a night.

    To really immerse yourself in the local culture, get off the beaten path and stay at Bali Eco Village or Bali Eco Stay. These remote mountain accommodations offer plenty of space for kids to explore. Traditional craft classes and other onsite activities will also keep your young ones entertained.

    What to See

    The whole family will love watching the comical antics of the long-tailed macaques at the Sacred Forest Sanctuary. The Waterbom water park is another fabulous family-friendly attraction. The trap door slide is not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re not feeling brave you can float about on a giant inner tube. Parents can also ride with their children in many cases, which is great news for families with very young kids.

    Bali also hosts many festivals that can entertain your brood for free. Every July some of the world’s most incredible kites fly from Sanur Beach for the three-day Bali Kite Festival. For ten days in early to mid-July streets across Bali come alive to celebrate Galungan. This festival celebrates virtue’s triumph over evil. You’ll see dancing dragons, decorated doorways, and on the tenth day, a feast of local delicacies. The residents of Nusa Dua celebrate their local culture in October at the city’s festival. Your kids will marvel at the residents dressed in traditional costumes and the native music.

    Bali’s many beaches also offer free fun for your kids. Splurge on a banana boat ride, try one of Bali’s famous extreme sports, or just have fun building sandcastles or swimming in the surf. Sanur Beach is regarded as Bali’s most kid-friendly. It’s protected by a reef, so the waves are gentle most of the time.

    Where to Eat

    Bali’s exotic looking food may make some Western kids nervous, but it’s not too hard to find dishes to suit their tastes. Simple rice and noodle dishes are available almost everywhere, and they’re generally light on the chilli. Many hotels offer buffets which allow kids to try a little of everything. The opor ayam, a chicken simmered in coconut milk, and the nasi goreng, an Indonesian fried rice, are usually winners with little ones. Warungs, which are Balinese food stalls, also serve affordable and authentic Balinese street food.

    If your children flatly refuse to try something new, restaurants in tourist areas serve Western fare.

    How to Stay Safe

    Few things can ruin a Bali getaway more quickly than a case of the infamous Bali belly. Make sure you only drink bottled water, and remind your children to never drink from the faucet or shower.

    Bali typically enjoys temperatures between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit all year round. This can take its toll if you’re used to a cooler climate, especially if you’re spending all day outdoors. Make sure you always carry plenty of bottled water to ensure your whole family stays hydrated. Arriving at attractions early can also help you beat the heat, and avoid the crowds. Applying a sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 40 will also minimize any damage from the sun’s rays.

    Balinese roads can also be a bit chaotic as there are traffic suggestions rather than rules. Make sure you look both ways when crossing the street, and make your way across to the other side as quickly as you can. Driving in these conditions can also be harrowing, so tourists are advised to hire a driver. It’s only a little more expensive than renting a hire car, and you know you’ll all arrive in one piece.

    A Balinese Macaque monkey
    A Balinese Macaque monkey

    A day on a Bali beach can be relaxing, but it’s important to keep your wits about you. Don’t swim on any beaches marked by red flags, as these have dangerous rip tides and undertows.

    So don’t let Bali’s tourist downturn scare you off. This affordable Asian gem is welcoming families from around the world.

  • See Australia’s Hunter Valley on the Cheap

    Australia’s Hunter Valley is known for its citrusy Semillons, gourmet restaurants, and five-star resorts. But a stay in this idyllic part of Oz needn’t cost a fortune. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this New South Wales’ hot spot on the cheap.

    There are more than high-end hotels and plush bed and breakfasts on the Hunter’s accommodation landscape. The Hunter Valley YHA might be billed as a youth hostel, but this backpackers’ welcomes budget-conscious travelers of all ages. They can soak up the picturesque location in the middle of the Hunter’s wine region, and enjoy handy facilities like the barbeque area and pool. Dorm rooms are available from just $27 a night.

    If you’d prefer to get back to nature, you can do it at Barrington Tops National Park. This scenic spot in the north of the Hunter has been heritage listed, so it’s as rugged as camping spots come. It’s gained this status because it’s home to the Gondwana Rainforest , which is believed to be one of the oldest temperate rainforests in Australia. There are several campgrounds to choose from, including the lush Black Swamp, the family-friendly Gloucestor River, and the Devils Hole perched high above the Hunter Valley. Spend your days searching for wombats, kangaroos, and birdlife on one of the walking tracks, or fish for trout in the Manning River.

    So long as you avoid taking home too many bottles as souvenirs, a trip to the wineries can be an affordable way to pass the time. Cellars around the Hunter Valley offer complementary tasting sessions for interested visitors. First Creek Winery, located in the township of Pokolbin, also offers free behind-the-scenes tours at 10:30 am daily.

    Of course you should never go wine tasting on an empty stomach. Most of the region’s good restaurants are on the expensive side, so a smarter option is to enjoy the atmosphere and plan a picnic instead! The famed Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop has you covered, with picnic hampers full of cheeses, crackers, dried muscatels, and bottles of water starting from $35.

    It might surprise you to note that many Hunter Valley wineries have more to offer than just wine. Many also house art galleries that are free to view. Lovedale’s Capercaillie Wine Company has some stellar petit verdot and vintage port, as well as artworks from acclaimed Australian artists including Pro Hart and The Magic Pudding creator, Norman Lindsay. Emma’s Cottage and Vineyard, also in Lovedale, could be accused of trying to do too much. It’s a bed and breakfast, a working boutique vineyard, a restaurant, and an art gallery. All pieces in the gallery are created by Megan Barrass who works with her husband Alec to keep Emma’s Cottage and Vineyard running smoothly. Evans Family Wines and Antiques in Pokolbin offers some of the finest things in life side by side. Guests often enjoy browsing the antiques and homewares on show after wine tasting sessions.

    You’ll want to remember your Hunter Valley stay forever, but you don’t want to go home with a tacky souvenir. Opt for quality that doesn’t cost a mint at Pokolbin’s Wine Glass Gallery. This boutique store sells wine glasses and shot glasses that are perfect for serving your other Hunter Valley purchases in! For more choice head to Morpeth, a historic township that boasts around 40 speciality shops offering everything from apparel and accessories to handicrafts and homewares. Some of the items can be expensive, but there are also some bargains to be had amongst this unique collection of stores.

    Wineries in Australia's Hunter Valley
    Wineries in Australia’s Hunter Valley

    Luxury might appear to be around every turn in the Hunter Valley, but with a nose for a bargain you can sniff out more than good wine in this part of the world.

    [Image Source: Nathan Jones/Flickr]

  • Bird Lovers Sanibel Island Vacation on a Budget

    Nature lovers looking to escape the Northern Hemisphere’s chilly conditions should consider following the birds and flying south. Sanibel Island, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is one of America’s best places for a spot of bird watching. During the spring, some 250 bird species, including little blue herons, anhingas, and roseate spoonbills, call Sanibel Island their home. And by following our advice, it’s surprisingly affordable to admire these feathered creatures.

    The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the most popular place for bird watching on Sanibel Island. You might think that would make it crowded, but as the refuge spans some 6, 400 acres it’s easy to claim a private patch of bird watching turf. The Wildlife Drive, which is the sanctuary’s primary road, is open from 7:30 am to thirty minutes before sunset every day but Friday. The animals deserve to live away from prying human eyes one day of the week, don’t they? We love to visit during low tide, as it allows you to observe the shorebirds feeding on the worms and crustaceans that live on the exposed mud flats. Entry to Wildlife Drive costs just $5, which is very affordable for a full-day’s entertainment in the great outdoors. If you’ve got cash to spare, you could join one of Tarpon Bay Explorers’ guided tours. The company will take you through the national park by tram, canoe, kayak, or pontoon boat. In addition to the birdlife, tour participants often see manatees, dolphins, and alligators.

    The historic Sanibel Island Lighthouse and its nearby beach are also perfect for bird watching. On the shore you’ll see pelicans and other wading birds; look up to find nesting ospreys perched in the trees. If you’ve got little ones in tow, make sure you bring their bathers. They’ll enjoy splashing about in the clear, calm water while you take in the scenery. Visit early in the morning to see the most migrating birds and score an easy parking space. Parking is cheap for a short stay at $2 an hour.

    The wetlands at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s Nature Center and Center Tract Preserve, Sanibel Gardens Preserve, the Sanibel Island’s other beaches also provide opportunities for eagle-eyed bird watchers.

    When spring hits, Sanibel Island enjoys a flurry of tourists. They start to drop away by the time May rolls around, so that’s the best time for frugal travelers to make their journey. You can often enjoy rooms for half the price then, and the climate is surprisingly pleasant. Visit early in the month to avoid summer heat and mosquito plagues.

    For the best deal, look for accommodation that’s situated several streets back from the beach. You’ll find the cheapest hotel prices come without those coastal views. We love the pet-friendly rooms of Driftwood Inn, the resort stylings of The Palm View, and the old world charm and free bike rentals at Sandpiper Inn. All these affordable hotels are conveniently located on Donax Street.

    If you love to eat in, stock up on groceries before you reach Sanibel Island. Food and other essentials are much cheaper in nearby Fort Myers than on the island. If you want to add some atmosphere to your dining experience, pack a picnic and enjoy enviable water views!

    If restaurant meals are more your style, you can save money by dining at some of the island’s favorite local haunts. Sports nuts will love the pub grub at Doc Ford’s Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille, the island’s most popular sports bar. The sandwiches at the Rosie’s Cafe & Grill are great for a cheap feed, but the island eatery also offers more substantial fare. The cheesy nautical theme makes a night out at the Lazy Flamingo lots of fun.

    A tri-colored heron at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Florida
    A tri-colored heron at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Florida

    So with your vacation strategy planned, how should you get there? Southwest Florida International Airport is the closest to Sanibel Island. Budget airlines including AirTran Airways, Spirit, and Southwest Airlines all service this terminal. Cut-price rental companies Alamo Rent-A-Car, Budget, and Thrifty can help you get from the airport to your accommodation.

    So what are you waiting for? A bird lovers’ spring break in Sanibel Island could cost far less than you thought!

    [Image Source: Andrea Westmoreland/Flickr]

  • Sydney’s Best Walking Trails

    When most of us think of Sydney, we think of soaking up the sun or enjoying the surf on the beaches by day and hitting the clubs by night. But this Australian city doesn’t just cater for beach bunnies and party animals. We suggest exploring all this city has to offer on one of its many walking tracks.

    The Riverside Walk in Lane Cove National Park takes around three hours, but it’s far from gruelling. The terrain from the Max Allen Drive Bridge to Riverside Drive is very easy to navigate; it’s more like a leisurely stroll than a hike. If your fitness levels are low, or you simply want to take in your bushland surrounds, make sure you take advantage of the many picnic areas you’ll pass.

    Governor Phillip Walk is another lengthy path, talking some three hours and 45 minutes to explore. But the track from Ferguson Street in Forestville to Middle Harbour Creek is one worth discovering. Named for Sydney’s founder, this trail will take you out of the suburbs and into the bush of Garigal National Park. The rugged scrublands contrast with some of the best water views you’ll find.

    For a real challenge, head to the beachside suburb of Narrabeen and tackle the Narrabeen Lakes to Manly Lagoon bushwalk. It’s not a particularly treacherous path, but at five and a half hours it’s not a walk for the faint-hearted. The vistas will reward your efforts though. When you’re admiring the stretches of sand dunes and tranquil lagoons, it’s easy to forget how far you’ve traveled. A swim at Manly Beach, your final destination, is the perfect way to cool down after your hike.

    With 17 different tracks to choose from, you’re spoiled for choice at Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. If you’ve only got the time to take one though, we suggest tackling either the Willunga Trig track or the Elvina Bay Aboriginal Engraving Walk. It will take a leisurely 45 minutes to walk the Willunga Trig track, which begins and ends on West Head Road. The sloping trail will test your legs, but you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view across Pittwater once you reach the apex. The Elvina Bay Aboriginal Engraving Walk is a 15-minute feast of indigenous culture. The striking rock engravings you’ll see on the path and the short circuit make it an ideal hike for the kids.

    If you’re looking for a hike to suit man and man’s best friend, you’ll find it at Lake Parramatta. Dogs are welcome on its Banksia Trail, a leafy path which will take you on an hour long walk by the water’s edge. The trail is well signposted so you can learn lots about the unique Australian fauna around you. The walk starts at the main parking lot, which is luxuriously appointed with toilet facilities, Aussie barbecues, and picnic tables.

    Feet at Royal National Park
    Hit the trails at Sydney’s Royal National Park

    If the other trails intimidate you, head to Royal National Park near the beachside suburb of Cronulla. The Nasho as the locals call it was established way back in 1879. That makes it one of the oldest national parks in the world. You can admire the ancient trees, the Hacking River, and the striking rock formations as you walk along Bungoona Path. The path was designed to be accessible by wheelchairs, so it’s very easy to take the 20-minute return journey.

    So make sure you find room for your hiking boots amongst your swimming costumes and cocktail dresses when you’re packing for your Australian getaway. Spending some time hitting the trails is a great way to discover Sydney’s natural beauty without spending a cent.

    [Image Source: Vinni/Flickr]

  • Frugal Family-Friendly Attractions in Vietnam

    Vietnam is heaven for bargain hunters, but tiny tots won’t enjoy the shopping in Hanoi and historical sites the country is famous for. So what are families to do? As it turns out, there’s plenty for the entire brood to see and do in this budget Asian destination.

    The secret to traveling with children is offering a few sweeteners so they won’t tire of the attractions you really want to see. The kids won’t be thrilled with Hue’s striking Thien Mu Pagoda, but they’ll love the journey down the Perfume River so much that they won’t complain about the destination. Time on a boat is always a bit of a novelty, especially when there are working barges and water buffalo to admire along the way. With cruises costing as little as $6US, the experience is also much cheaper than the more high profile Mekong River cruises.

    Lac Thien is one of the most affordable and unique dining experiences in Hue. The café is run by deaf mutes who will offer your children valuable lessons in diversity and tolerance. They’ll be happy with the diverse array of dishes too. The fresh seafood and leafy green vegetables should satisfy even the fussiest appetites. And your wallet will also be satisfied; the meals are some of the cheapest café dishes in the country!

    Hitting the markets is another great way to find affordable food that your children will enjoy. Known as street food, these Vietnamese dishes are whipped up in front of your eyes. Kids will love the theatre of the experience and be more likely to step out of their culinary comfort zones.

    A visit to some mountains doesn’t sound too thrilling on paper, but the Marble Mountains in Da Nang shouldn’t be missed. There are five mountains in all, with Buddhist grottos and tunnels carved into their faces. Children will love exploring these historic hideaways.

    Waterside theatres around Hanoi regularly perform shows featuring Vietnam’s traditional water puppets and classic folktales. Young and old will enjoy the wooden dragon, warrior, fairy, and fishermen puppets that appear to float on water. You can expect to pay around $5US for seats up the front, and about $3US for places further back.

    Cham Island is paradise for adults and children alike. Dive boats can take you out for snorkeling and scuba diving, or you can enjoy the waves closer to shore. The water is pleasantly warm all year round, so you needn’t worry about your kids catching a chill.

    If Vietnam’s natural waterways don’t provide enough thrills for your brood then head to the Dam Sen Water Park in Ho Chi Minh City. Adults will pay as little as $3.35US, while kids can enter for just $2.15US, depending on the season. That’s a steal for a full day’s entertainment on the many waterslides, roller coaster, and wave pool. There are also plenty of lifeguards on duty, so parents can chill out under the palm trees knowing their little ones are safe.

    Street Food in Vietnam
    Street Food in Vietnam
    Using peddle-power in Vietnam is much more fun than getting around on foot. Big kids will love hiring bikes, while smaller children needing to save their legs will have great fun in a cyclo. These three-wheeled bicycle taxis are large enough to carry an adult and child passenger, along with the driver. Just make sure you negotiate the fare before leaving to ensure you’re not ripped off. Offer a third of the amount quoted, and never haggle up to more than half the original price. Sometimes walking away from the driver will be all it takes to get the right fare.

    With a little research, it’s possible for adults and children alike to enjoy an affordable vacation in Vietnam.

  • The World’s 10 Best Waterfalls

    Stopping to admire a cascading waterfall is a great reward for a hard day hiking the trails. And best of all, it doesn’t cost anything to pause and appreciate these natural wonders. In this article we tell you where you can find the world’s 10 best waterfalls.

    Bridal Veil Waterfall, New Zealand
    It takes less than an hour to hike from New Zealand’s Treetop Lodge to the majestically misty Bridal Veil Waterfall. The forest that surrounds it is some 800 years old, so the walk is just as impressive as your final destination. It’s all part of what the locals call Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, a steamy stretch of parkland with bubbling hot sulfur streams.

    Mele Cascades, Vanuatu
    Waterfalls aren’t usually on the top of the wish lists of thrill-seeking travelers, but Mele Cascades in Vanuatu deserves to be. Adrenalin junkies can abseil down the face of the falls, while those with weaker hearts can splash about at the bottom. What a fun way to cool down after enduring the steep climb to the summit! There is an entrance fee of 1500 vatu, but at around $16.50US it’s not exorbitant for the experience.

    Bang Pae Waterfall, Thailand
    Bang Pae Waterfall is the largest fall on Thailand’s popular tourist island, Phuket. It drops down some 55 feet from a cliff face to pools below. Many are small, but a few are large enough for swimming if you feel like a dip. While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for some of the furry locals. The Bang Pae Waterfall is home to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, a scheme which reintroduces domesticated apes to the wild.

    Barron Falls, Australia
    Travel down the McDonald Track in Queensland’s Barron Gorge National Park to see the thundering power of the Barron Falls. You won’t be able to get up close and personal with this natural wonder, but you’ll get a great view from the nearby Wrights Lookout. If you’d prefer to save your legs you can also see the falls from the Kuranda Scenic Railway or the aerial tram known as the Skyrail. It’s little more than a trickle during the crowd-pleasing dry season though, so visit during the wet season (November to April) to see it in all its glory.

    Zoe Falls, Australia
    The Australian state of Queensland punches well above its weight when it comes to waterfalls. If Barron Falls didn’t give you your fill, take the trip to Zoe Falls on the idyllic Hinchinbrook Island. The waterfall cascades down into a crocodile-free saltwater swimming hole. It’s the perfect spot for a break from the steamy conditions of the 20-mile Thorsborne Trail.

    Dudhsagar Falls, India
    This is another waterfall for our lazier readers. You can access it by hiking for close to seven miles along Goa’s Kulem Route, but if that sounds like too much effort you can just catch a train! The local railway passes right by the impressive 984-feet fall. If you’ve got the time and energy though, it’s worth taking the trail so you can stop to admire its beauty. Just be prepared for one serious trek!

    Dettifoss, Iceland
    Dettifoss is regarded as the centerpiece of Jökulsárgljúfur, Iceland’s equivalent of North America’s Grand Canyon. It’s Europe’s most powerful waterfall, but its appeal is about more than sheer force. It’s impressive to watch glacial meltwaters rushing down the 145 feet precipice. If Dettifoss makes you hungry for more you’re in luck; it’s surrounded by three more large waterfalls.

    Plitvice Waterfalls, Croatia
    This beautiful network of falls makes the lush green forests of Northern Dalmatia that much more beautiful. Forget about sweating it out on difficult tracks. The locals have built boardwalks which take you over, under, and around these impressive cascades. These pathways make it easy to explore the area, so you needn’t be a fitness junkie to visit!

    Cachoeira do Buracao, Brazil
    You might not be able to pronounce it, but you should definitely visit Cachoeira do Buracao if you’re ever in Brazil. The striking waterfall drops some 262 feet down enormous circular cliff faces. No wonder its name translates to Big Hole Waterfall! The water below is also perfect for swimming.

    Niagara Falls, North America
    Niagara Falls, North America

    Niagara Falls, North America
    No list of the world’s best waterfalls would be complete without mentioning Niagara Falls. However the inclusion of this Great Lakes tourism highlight may be cheating just a bit, as Niagara is actually three falls that run along the border of the United States of America and Canada. That’s to take nothing away from them though. There’s a reason why these beautiful falls are the best known in the world. Cross the Rainbow Bridge to travel from one side of the Horseshoe Falls to the other, take the Maid of the Mist boat ride, or join one of the many organized Niagara Falls tours. A tour is the most expensive option, but it can make a visit to this popular tourist attraction run more smoothly.

    While man is capable of creating impressive buildings and artworks, these waterfalls remind us of the natural wonders worth appreciating on our vacations. Just remember to travel responsibily, and leave these natural marvels in pristine condition so they remain just as beautiful for generations to come!

  • Guide to China’s Festival – A Year of Fun in the East

    China certainly knows how to throw a party. Most times of the year you’ll find the locals celebrating one of their many annual festivals. The country’s cities regularly explode in a rainbow of colors and sounds, and the locals love it when tourists join in the fun. That’s perfect for frugal travelers, as most of the entertainment is free or close to it! In this article, we reveal the ways this Asian travel hub celebrates.

    China’s festival calendar kicks off in late January or early February with its most important celebration, Chinese New Year. While the festival technically runs for 15 days from the eve of Chinese New Year, the festivities are concentrated in the first two days of the event. At this time parades fill the city streets and fireworks light up the night skies. Families feast on pigs, chicken, ducks, and sweet treats. As it’s based on the lunar calendar dates vary, but in 2013 Chinese New Year falls on January 23.

    You’re not left waiting too long for more fun; the Spring Lantern Festival begins on the final day of Chinese New Year celebrations. Cities string up brightly colored lanterns to commemorate the changing of the season, and children make paper versions to parade down the streets. It’s also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, but as the event is so family-focused most lovebirds don’t get much time for romance!

    In early April it’s time for the Ching Ming Festival, a sombre but beautiful event that pays tribute to relatives passed. Chinese people generally don’t visit cemeteries, so it’s quite an occasion when the festival rolls around. Families sweep their ancestral graves clean and leave offerings for the dearly departed, including food, burning incense and joss sticks.

    Later in April, or in early May depending on the lunar calendar, the Chinese pay tribute to the protector of fishermen on Tin Hau’s birthday. Streamers and pennants decorate hundreds of boats in China’s harbors. They make their way to the country’s Tin Hau temples and pray to the goddess of the sea for lucky catches in the coming year. It’s quite a sight to see these brightly embellished vessels making their journey!

    May’s Cheung Chau Bun Festival is one of the country’s most unusual. Cheung Chau is only a small island, but thousands visit every year for the festivities. The event began during the late Qing dynasty, when locals prayed to the god Pak Tai and created statues of deities to rid their city of a plague. It seemed to work, and the locals have repeated the rituals ever since! How the festival’s highlight, a scramble to the top of a tall tower of buns, came to be though, we might never know!

    With an estimated 80% of Chinese people practicing Buddhism, it’s unsurprising that Buddha’s birthday is also honored. It’s not the country’s most colorful festival; little happens beyond the annual bathing of the Buddha statues at China’s temples. But it is a national public holiday!

    The energy level picks up in June when the country hosts its annual Dragon Boat Festival. Elaborately decorated dragon boats go head to head over three intense days of competition. Spectators cheer the rowers on from the shore, typically with a beer in hand!

    In August, China celebrates the Hungry Ghost Festival, a spookier version of the Western Halloween. The Chinese believe restless ghosts roam the earth during the seventh month of the lunar calendar. They do their best to placate the spirits by leaving food for them, burning Hell Bank Notes and paper iPhones, and performing traditional operas.

    In September it’s time for the Mid-Autumn festival, celebrations that are second in scale only to Chinese New Year. As well as a chance to pay homage to the new season, it also commemorates the time when China overthrew its Mongolian dictators. Lanterns decorate the cities and brightly colored dragons dance down the streets. Make sure you try the moon cakes, a special pastry filled with salted duck eggs. Tourists don’t always know what to make of them, but they’re a Chinese favorite!

    A traditional lion dancer at Chinese New Year celebrations
    A traditional lion dancer at Chinese New Year celebrations

    The Cheung Yeung Festival in October rounds out China’s annual celebrations. It’s dubbed the hiking holiday after a folk story about an old man saved from death by hiking to higher ground. Join the locals trekking China’s hills to burn offerings in his honor.

    No matter when you visit China, it’s the right time to have fun at one of its famous festivals.