FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Locations

  • Important Indulgence in Beijing – What’s Worth the Splurge in China

    As with most of the world’s capital cities, it’s very easy to spend money in Beijing. But travelers should resist the urge to be too frugal in the Chinese capital.

    See also: China on a Budget. A little extravagance can be the best way to enjoy your Beijing vacation, and stay safe. Food and drink are two areas where it pays to splurge a little. Scrimping could compromise your health, so be careful when buying from street vendors. When in doubt, you can generally rely on restaurants. The safest meals are piping hot, as the cooking process kills any lingering bacteria. Raw vegetables and unbottled water should be avoided. Even bottled water should be approached with caution; if its seal is broken, its quality cannot be guaranteed. Beijing's hectic pace can also make public transport difficult to navigate, particularly for anyone who doesn't speak the language. Taxi drivers can get you where you want to go, and in most cases they'll charge a reasonable price. If you aren't fluent in Chinese, make sure you ask your concierge to write your destination in Chinese on the back of your hotel business card. You can reuse this card at the end of the day to return to your accommodation. [caption id="attachment_2731" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Great Wall of China"]The Great Wall of China[/caption] And finally, don't be so stingy that you miss out on the world famous attractions on Beijing's doorstep. While you can see the Great Wall of China for free, it's worth spending money on the cable car in Badaling. It'll save your time and feet, and you can capture some breathtaking photos of the wall from the air. And don't let the small entry fee stop you from seeing The Forbidden City. The majesty of the palace, Imperial Garden, and Halls of Heavenly Purity and Supreme Harmony are worth more than the cost you'll pay to see them.

  • Sydney’s Cheapest Transport Options – Explore Australian City for Less

    The fast-paced energy of Sydney can daunt some tourists. But if you want to save cash in the New South Wales capital, resist the urge to simply jump in a taxi.

    The city has several affordable, and even free, transport options. When staying right in the heart of Sydney, the free CBD shuttle bus is your best option. Buses complete a loop every ten minutes, touching down at key points like Central Station, Circular Quay, the luxurious Queen Victoria Building mall, and the Sydney Museum. If you're venturing further afield, the Explorer buses are your best bet. The Sydney Explorer bus visits 27 of the city's most popular landmarks, including the Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Royal Botanic Gardens. There's also a Bondi Explorer for tourists wanting to hit the beach. You can simply hop off the Explorer buses when something looks interesting, knowing it'll be only 20 minutes before the next one comes along. You'll travel in air-conditioned comfort, and probably learn something along the way thanks to the onboard commentary. One-day passes cost $40 for adults, $20 for children, and $100 for families. Anyone taking an extended trip may save money by choosing a multi-day ticket. These three, five, and seven-day passes include travel on both Explorer buses and other public transport around the city.inexpensive Australia trip graphic The monorail doesn't stop at as many places as the buses, but this sky-high railway is a lot of fun to ride. Families may also find they unexpectedly save money by purchasing a day pass. Along with 24 hours of unlimited travel, the ticket includes $100 worth of coupons for Sydney's kid-friendly tourist attractions and restaurants. Many tourists spend money on expensive cruises and tours to see Sydney Harbour, but the locals know it's much more affordable, and just as impressive, from the ferry. Sydney Ferries travel from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo, the beach suburb of Manly, North Sydney, and other destinations around the harbour. Round trips cost less than $10 a piece, but if you're planning several journeys you may benefit from a DayTripper pass. This offers 24-hours of unlimited travel on ferries, buses, and even some trains. While Sydney's public transport prices are always reasonable, it's cheapest to travel on Sundays. Dubbed Family Funday Sundays, travel anywhere on New South Wales' trains, buses, and ferries costs just $2.50 per person. With the networks taking in destinations like the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Southern Highlands, this deal allows families to see more of the state for less.

  • Capsule Hotels in Asia – Small Rooms for Less

    Most of us spend money on lavish hotel suites when all we really need is a soft place to sleep.

    Capsule hotels, which are springing up around Asia, help tourists save cash by only charging for the essentials. The busy Asian country of Japan opened its first capsule hotel, the Capsule Inn, in Osaka in 1979. However today, capsule hotels can now be found in other tourist hot spots including China, Malaysia, and other Asian countries. Typically each fiberglass capsule measures a minuscule two meter by one meter. That isn't a lot of space for living, but it should do for sleeping and soaking up the room's high-tech facilities. Capsules typically have a small bed and power for operating its television, light, and alarm clock. To meet the demand from busy Asian businessmen, rooms also tend to have wireless internet access. There's no space for bathroom facilities, but communal washrooms help travelers feel fresh. [caption id="attachment_4974" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A capsule hotel in Japan"]capsule hotel in Japan photo[/caption] Capsules are stacked side by side and one on top of the other, something like pet cages at a boarding kennel. Curtains or fiberglass doors help guests maintain their privacy, and luggage is stored in lockers to ensure it doesn't clutter the capsules. Given their tiny rooms, capsule hotels aren't the place for bunkering down with a family, or even a significant other. But if you're traveling solo and hoping to save cash, the affordability and novelty of these rooms can be appealing. Expect to pay between $10 and $25 US for a 10 hour stay, or a little more for a full day, far less than you will at a backpackers' hostel or other budget room.

    [Image Source: Lhoon/Flickr]

  • Eat Like a Local in Fiji – Affordable Dining in South Pacific

    We all know that the best way to save money abroad is to live like the locals do.

    In Fiji that means stepping out of the resorts with their overpriced restaurants and discovering the wealth of flavors outside. The smells of tropical fruits and the buzz of enthusiastic vendors hits you as you approach Suva Market. As you're buying directly from the farmers, the exotic fruits are incredibly affordable. Fresh seafood arrives early on Saturday mornings straight off the boats, so this is a great time to try ika in lolo, a traditional Fijian dish of fish in coconut cream. And if you're feeling brave enough to try Fiji's famously pungent drink, there's a kava bar upstairs. The markets can get chaotic, particularly late in the week, but some shoppers feel that only adds to the excitement. As more than a third of Fijians are of Indian descent, this country's cuisine is very popular. After all, it's a kind of fast food that's satisfying and affordable. Most of Fiji's Indian restaurants are in Suva, including Govinda Restaurant on Marks Street, Singh's Curry House on Waimanu Road, and the Hare Krishna Restaurant near the Reserve Bank of Fiji. [caption id="attachment_2880" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The national flag of Fiji"]Fiji flag photo[/caption] The downside of eating Indian in Fiji is that most restaurants don't serve alcohol. If you'd prefer to wash your meal down with a good glass of wine, you may like to try one of Fiji's Chinese restaurants. Bohai Seafood Restaurant in Nadi looks like a bit of a hole in the wall, but it offers delicious and authentic Chinese dishes. Suva's Victoria Parade has many Chinese Restaurants, while the Sunday night buffet at Kim's Paak Kum Loong Restaurant in Levuka is famous. So why not try the restaurants outside Fiji's resorts? Your wallet and your taste buds will thank you!

  • Save on Australian & New Zealand Vacations with Entertainment Book

    Many families own the Entertainment Book for their home town. It’s a great way to save money on your neighborhood restaurants and local attractions.

    But why stop at just one? Purchasing an Entertainment Book for your upcoming Australian or New Zealand getaway is a great way to save cash while you're on holidays. The Entertainment Book is essentially a collection of coupons for local businesses. You'll find two-for-one meals, passes for tourist attractions, half-price hotels, and so much more. There are editions for tourist centers around Australia and New Zealand, including the bright lights of Sydney, the beaches of Brisbane and South East Queensland, the idyllic Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, and cosmopolitan Auckland. You can expect to pay around $50 per Entertainment Book, depending on the city you're visiting. It might seem like a significant investment, but ordinary travelers can easily make the cost of the book back in a day just through eating out.Australia travel photo The book's appeal goes beyond the obvious financial perks though. It's a great way to discover your holiday destination, with details about tourist attractions and sample menus for the best restaurant. You'll likely learn about a few places you never would have seen otherwise. If you already own an Entertainment Book, you'll save money on getting another edition. If you're new to the Entertainment Book phenomenon, you can buy one through the Australia and New Zealand Entertainment Book website.

  • Counterfeit Shopping in Asia – Where To Buy Cheap Designer Fakes

    We all know that counterfeit goods are bad, but those affordable handbag copies and super-cheap pirated DVDs hawked in Asian marketplaces are mighty tempting.

    While we'd never encourage loading up your suitcase with these faux products, if you can't help yourself we suggest frequenting the following cheap and cheerful shopping centers. Thailand is the king of the counterfeiters, with most of them doing a roaring trade in Bangkok. The latest bootlegged albums and even fake IDs are available on Khao Sarn Road. Factory seconds and other cheap gadgets are sold at Pantip Plaza. Quality does vary, and you won't get any of those shiny warranties, but you might just find a bargain. Just make sure that your preferred language is switched from Thai to English before you depart with your new toys. If your needs are less specific, then the Chatuchak Weekend Market is ideal. It's the world's largest market, selling everything from live chickens to handicrafts. You might spot Coach and Gucci logos on the accessories, but if they're sold here don’t expect authenticity. If Thailand's capital is a little hectic for you, then enjoy life at a slightly slower pace at Chiang Mai. The city is famous for more than its elephant nature park; its night bazaar has a diverse array of goodies including many impressive designer copies. Shop from sunset each night for these treats, but be prepared to haggle. Prices typically start higher than they do in Bangkok, so you'll need to do some work to get a bargain. Hong Kong loves to shop for fine designer goods, but if you want them you'll need to frequent the country's malls. For the same looks at much cheaper prices, the markets are your best bets. The Ladies Market in Hong Kong is great for a girl's night out, with vendors selling handbags, apparel, and other items targeted at fashion-forward females. While you're spending up, your other half can busy himself at Mongkok Computer Shopping Center around the corner, or the tech-focused Sai Yeung Choi Street South located one street over. The underperforming dong allows most Western travelers to live the high life in Vietnam, which makes it a great shopping destination. For the best bargains head to Ben Thanh Market, just outside Ho Chi Minh city. I'm not sure any of the Nike shoes, Ray-Bans sunglasses, and Tag watches are genuine, but they certainly look it. The dollar DVDs are also a big attraction for movie buffs. But before purchasing designer replicas and counterfeit goods, it's important to remember that you get what you pay for. Often that's watches that will turn your wrists green, sunglasses that won't protect your eyes, films that are barely watchable, and apparel that will fall apart quickly. It could also land you a nasty fine when you return home, so make sure you research your own country's rules on counterfeit goods before shopping up a storm.

  • The Great Australian Road Trip – See Real Oz by Campervan or Motorhome

    A trip to the land Down Under can be pricy, but you can cut costs while you’re there by combining your transport and accommodation.

    Renting a campervan or motorhome gives your vacation all the freedom of the open road, with more luxury than you might expect. As the name suggests, motorhomes are luxuriously large and quite plush. They feature kitchen facilities, comfortable beds for sleeping, and in many cases, even bathrooms. However, they typically only have two-wheel drive. This makes them inappropriate for off-road driving, so consider your route carefully before booking your vehicle. They're ideal for an easy trip down The Great Ocean Road, but they won't allow you to explore the rugged beauty of the Australian Outback. For that you'll need a campervan, with either four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). 4WDs are the most powerful option, but they're also the most expensive to hire. You can take an AWD vehicle to most places a 4WD will go, so unless you're tackling some really challenging terrain they'll likely suit your purposes. Both kinds of vehicles will come equipped with beds and a kitchenette, so you can pull off the road to make lunch or stop for a nap. [caption id="attachment_2842" align="alignright" width="150" caption="See Australia's Outback by road"]Australian Road Trip[/caption] Traveling off road is very different to ordinary driving, so it's smart to take a few safety precautions. If you've never driven off-road before, completing a driving course before you leave can help you learn what to expect, and how to handle all kinds of conditions. Where possible, travel with friends in a convoy. Roads in many parts of Australia can be lonely, so it's comforting to know you can jump into another vehicle to travel to the next town if yours breaks down. Your campervan should also be fully stocked with safety equipment including a snatch strap and shovel for vehicle recovery, an emergency beacon, and a satellite phone. And remember to always check the weather and conditions of the road ahead before you set off. Road trips don't offer the same level of luxury as a resort stay, but they're a great way to cut vacation costs while seeing the real Australia.

  • Calculate Cab Fares with World Taxi Meter | Great Travel Website for Tourists

    You needn’t get stung by high cab fees when you’re traveling around the world, thanks to the nifty World Taxi Meter website.

    Simply enter your departure point, your destination, and the time you’re traveling and the website will do the rest.

    It will estimate the fare you can expect to pay (in any currency), how long you'll wait in traffic, and much more. Of course the website doesn't have details for every destination in the world, but many tourist centers are covered. It's ideal for navigating the traffic chaos of New Delhi, the busy Australian streets of Sydney and Melbourne, and downtown Singapore. The handy tips for taxi travel are also very useful for tourists. The site offers advice specific to each city, such as information about public holiday and late night surcharges, tipping, and local taxi ranks. This website should ensure you're not caught short during your travels, or ripped off by cunning cab drivers out to make a quick buck. Hopefully we'll see it expanded to include more destinations, particularly in Asia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific, soon.

  • Affordable Tailored Suits in Asia – Fine Fashion for Less

    A tailored suit is one of life’s luxuries that those of us on a budget can rarely experience. But if you’re planning a trip to Asia, there’s no better time to indulge.

    Tailors in cities around the continent can create fully lined suits in your choice of fabric for a fraction of the price you'll pay back home. And best of all, they'll do it in as little as a day. Despite the quick turnaround, it's advisable to give your tailor as much time as possible. Second or even third fittings may be required for the perfect fit, so it’s best to plan your trip to the tailor early in your vacation. It's also smart to have some idea of the suit you'd like. Bringing photographs from fashion magazines or the internet will help the tailor create your dream garment. Once you're organized, you're ready to find your tailor. Ask your hotel concierge or some friendly locals who they recommend, and seek them out. Make sure you negotiate a fair price up front, including hotel delivery costs, to ensure you're treated justly. Thailand is the home of some of the world's finest silks, and in Bangkok it comes at a relatively affordable price. Rajawongse Clothier is one of the city's best, with more than 30 years experience in the business. Father and son owners Jesse and Victor have even made suits for American presidents George Bush and his son George W. Bush!tailored suit photo When in Vietnam, forget the bustling shopping districts of Hanoi and the action packed Vietnamese markets. Instead travel to the casual coastal town of Hoi An, where tailors will handcraft suits and a wardrobe to wear with it! Master craftsman will make dresses, shoes, and even handbags. Yaly Couture is regarded as one of the town's best tailors for its high quality garments and fast, friendly service. Staff will even keep your measurements on file in case you want to order something else once you arrive home. Custom suits in Hong Kong are a bit more expensive than in other Asian centers, but they're still a fraction of the cost you'll pay on the High Street back home. There's also plenty of choice with many tailors of distinction. Bill Clinton chose Sam's for several suits during his presidency, and he's still a popular choice for travelers today. But don't overlook other tailors in the city. The family-owned Roger Concepts has been another good option for Western travelers as it specializes in suits and shirts for larger men. So why travel to Milan or Paris for fine fashion? You'll find it for far less in Asia!

    [Image Source: Teodora Vlaicu/Stock.Xchng]

  • Save Money at Australia’s Pubs & Clubs

    Knocking back a few beers in an Aussie pub or club is the Australian way, but long nights spent drinking can quickly drain your holiday budget. Here are a few tips for saving cash while enjoying this time-honored Australian tradition.

    Do as the locals do, and pass over a Corona or a Heineken for a good Aussie beer. Drops from Tooheys, VB, and XXXX taste just as good as the imported stuff, but they’re available at a fraction of the cost.

    Look out for happy hours and other discount deals in local pubs. There are often cheap beers and two-for-one cocktails to entice workers to indulge in a few bevvies after quitting time. australia beer photo

    And finally, why not enjoy a good night in? Drinks from the local bottle shop are far cheaper than at the bars. And you can save even more if you’re willing to brave the wine boxes known as goon, a cleanskin bottle, or cheap bubbles called Passion Pop. Just make sure you keep the festivities down to avoid disturbing other hotel guests!