FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Locations

  • See Japan on a Budget – Affordable Travel Tips for Land of the Rising Sun

    Japan once had a reputation as an expensive vacation destination, but the country’s economic downturn has put it back on the radar of bargain-seeking tourists.

    With careful planning and a little know-how, your Japanese yen can go further in the Land of the Rising Sun. Buying individual tickets on the Japanese rail system can be expensive, but you can avoid those high costs. If you'll travel throughout Japan, it's worth investing in a Japan Rail Pass before you go. The pass will help you save on train travel all over the country, including its iconic bullet train. An open ticket is often a smarter purchase than an individual train fare when sightseeing in Tokyo. These are a more expensive, but as they offer unlimited trips they're typically a more economic choice for tourists. Patient travelers can save cash by eating when the mall food courts close. The vendors want to get rid of their last meals, and they'll offer considerable discounts to see it happen! It can be competitive, but hustle for a really cheap eat. If that seems too challenging, look to conveyor belt sushi restaurants or Japanese pubs known as izakayas. It might seem strange to sit on the floor with your beer, but the meals are tasty and affordable. If you're on the go, don't be afraid to grab a meal at the train station. The stand-up shops here sell tasty and affordable Japanese comfort food. Remember that tipping is not expected at Japan's eateries, so you can keep an extra few yen in your wallet. With travel and food organized, you'll need something to do. Japan's major cities have no shortage of free attractions to fill your days. In Tokyo there's the Sumo Museum and the Imperial Palace East Gardens. In Kyoto you can people watch at Gion's geisha district or see the Tanzan Shuzo Sake Cellar. In Osaka it costs nothing to visit the animals at Satsukiyama Zoo, or see the quirky Instant Ramen Museum. And Sapporo has the Hokkaido Brewery and bustling Nijo Fish Market. [caption id="attachment_3767" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Map of Japan"]japan travel map photo[/caption] If you really want to save money in Japan though, it's smart to leave the cities altogether. The mountainous countryside is free to explore, and amongst the most beautiful in the world. The traditional country inns, known as ryokan, are also much more affordable than their city counterparts. You'll probably visit a Buddhist temple in Japan, but you might not think about staying there. However, many of these sacred places offer affordable, and culturally enlightening, accommodation. For around 10, 000 yen a night, or around US$120, travelers will enjoy a private room, dinner, and breakfast the next morning. Koyasan and Eko-in temples are good options for travelers wanting to experience this serene and affordable accommodation style. You don't have to feel like you're skimping to save money in Japan. These tips will make sure you have an enjoyable, culturally rich time in the East, and return home with more money in your pocket than you'd expect.

  • Villa Donati, Melbourne’s Affordable Boutique Hotel

    The exclusivity of a boutique hotel means you often need to pay through the nose to stay in one.


    But it is possible to enjoy this privacy and pampering on a budget if you know where to look. Villa Donati, in the Melbourne suburb of Richmond, is one of the area's best kept secrets. There are just four rooms in this beautiful B&B, which once served as an archbishop's residence, and later a massage parlor. Today it's a welcoming but stylish hotel, with stunning furniture and artworks making it feel like a home away from home. Each bedroom is luxuriously appointed, with a queen-sized bed, flat-screen television, and combination video/DVD player. The breakfast room has the air of a European café, making it the perfect place to enjoy the seasonal hot dishes the owners cook up each morning to complement fruits and cereals. It's worth noting that this isn't the place for a family vacation. The comfort of all guests is paramount, so travelers are advised to leave any children under 15 at home. That might seem like a harsh rule, but when you’re luxuriating in the peace and quiet it’s a rule easy to appreciate.hotel photo Some travelers may be reluctant to stay a mile from Melbourne's central business district, but there's also something refreshing about removing yourself from the thick of the urban hub-bub. Trams, trains, and buses regularly make the pilgrimage from Richmond into the city center, and there are many restaurants within walking distance from the hotel. Double rooms start from $235 a night, including breakfast and the very Australian touch of complementary beer. That tariff is nothing to sneeze at, but far less than you'd expect to pay for such an exclusive boutique hotel in Melbourne, or anywhere else for that matter!

  • Stay and Party at Limes Hotel in Fortitude Valley, Queensland

    Most visitors to Australia’s Sunshine State, Queensland, flock to the well known tourist areas. There’s the beach strip known as the Gold Coast, the idyllic resorts of the Top End, and of course the capital city of Brisbane.


    For all of the convenience of Brisbane without the crowds and expense, consider bunkering down at Limes Hotel in Fortitude Valley. This is a hip, contemporary boutique hotel with a great youthful energy. The rooftop champagne and cocktail bar is an ideal place for socializing with the other residents, and there are even alfresco movies. Thanks to Queensland's balmy climate these outdoor activities can be enjoyed all year round. With so much going on you probably won’t want to spend too much time in your room, but these are still worth mentioning. They've got a futuristic modern feel, but still include all the important creature comforts including luxurious king-sized beds, convenient kitchenettes and, in some cases, private courtyards with hammocks! For the technologically inclined, all rooms also have complimentary WiFi broadband access, flat-screen television sets with Foxtel, CD players, and even an iPod dock. Fortitude Valley is a buzzing neighborhood that's home to the state's hottest pubs and clubs, exotic restaurants and cafes, and trendy boutique stores. No traveler would want to miss Brisbane's popular tourist attractions, but as The Valley is only a mile from the city these highlights are still quite accessible. Regular buses and trains can take you where you want to go in no time. This isn't the place for a family holiday though. Limes Hotel attracts young singles and couples, the kind of freewheeling folks that don't want their style cramped by crying babies or demanding toddlers. Conversely the rooftop party isn't going to wind down because your little ones are trying to sleep. Because of this, management respectfully asks that you leave your rug rats at home. Double rooms start from $219 a night including breakfast each morning, which is a whole lot less than you'd pay for comparable accommodation in Brisbane!

  • China on the Cheap – Affordable Travel in Asia

    China can be one of the world’s most expensive countries to visit, or one of the cheapest. Your experience all depends on the areas you visit, and what you do with your yuan when you get there.

    Chinese money is called renminbi, of which the most popular unit is the yuan. Western travelers might equate this with a dollar, pound, or euro.


    In some parts of China, the yuan goes by the name of kuai, jiao, or mao. You'll need a lot of yuan if you hope to visit China's most popular tourist centers, including Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. There are ways to cut costs in these locations, such as staying in hostels and eating from the street stalls, but you'll pay for any luxuries. They key to traveling frugally in these places is to live as the locals do. Vendors in the markets are open to haggling, while prices are fixed when shopping in the large malls. Traveling by bus or bicycle can require careful planning, but it's much cheaper than getting around by taxi. Experiencing these cities in this way, you might expect to pay Y140 for you accommodation, and another Y140 for other daily expenses. If you prefer to live it up, look to regional areas like Yunnan, Guangxi, Sichuan, Gansu, and even Tibet. Family run homestays and guesthouses offer rural hospitality for affordable prices. If you don't have far to go, it’s worth traveling "hard seat." It will make your bus or train ticket much cheaper, although it does get uncomfortable on very long journeys. Meals in these areas are generally reasonably priced, and you'll find some unexpectedly delicious dishes in the hole in the wall eateries. It's easy toinexpensive china trip photo spend less than Y25 on food in some of China's most remote locations, while your food bills may rise to between Y40 and Y70 a day in the more populated areas. You can save cash anywhere by remembering that tipping is not expected anywhere in China. Many mid to top end eateries will sneakily get around this by adding a hefty service charge to your bill, but you shouldn’t have such a problem at more modest eateries. Most travelers would not want to miss the excitement of China's big cities, and nor should they. But with many key attractions like The Great Wall of China and the historic Leshan Dafo Buddha lying further afield, it's certainly worth saving cash and spending some time out of China's big smoke.

  • Save Money with Australian iVenture Experiences Discount Cards

    Whether you’re planning a visit to the busy streets of Sydney or the serene landscapes of Tasmania, iVenture Experiences can help you see it for less with its discount travel cards.

    There are four different cards in all, allowing you to soak up all that Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania, and Queensland’s Sunshine Way have to offer.


    The initial outlay, which starts from between $89 and $179, can seem expensive at first. But the card pays for itself once you get busy with sightseeing. Each card offers free entry to between 35 and 50 popular tourist attractions, including Melbourne Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World, XXX Ale House, and the historic Port Arthur site. The card also offers discounts on dining and tours, and a free reference guide with maps for getting around the local area. Cards are available for periods of two, three, and seven days. You'll get 12 months from the date of purchase to activate the card, and you can then use it as many times as you like until the allotted time period expires. The iVenture Experiences cards are a great way to save cash, and discover all of the fun that your favorite Australian vacation destination has to offer.

  • New Year’s Eve Celebrations Around the World

    Where will you ring in 2011? From fireworks at the Eiffel Tower to watching the ball drop in Times Square, the opportunities for revelry are endless (admittedly, most involve champagne and fireworks).

    Celebrating the beginning of another year in another country is an experience you will never forget. Here are some top global New Year’s Eve celebrations to consider (as well as the expressions you’ll need to really get into the spirit!): Brazil Head to Copacabana Beach for one of the most impressive New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in the world. Dress in white (as is the Brazilian custom) and get to the beach early to enjoy the crowded revelry (and to find a place to watch the fireworks from).  (“Happy New Year” in Portuguese is “Feliz Ano Novo.”) China Solana Blue Harbor Shopping Park in Beijing hosts rock concerts and fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. Be ready for massive crowds.  (“Happy New Year” in Chinese is “Xin Nian Hao.”) Denmark Copenhagen City Hall is definitely where you should be when the clock strikes midnight. Celebrate with the Danes while watching an impressive fireworks display. (“Happy New Year” in Danish is “Godt Nytår.”) France Parisians pack into the Champs-de-Mars (the large grassy area across from the Eiffel Tower) to witness a remarkable fireworks show (timed to music) when the clock strikes twelve. Bundle up or have some champagne to help you stay warm.  (“Happy New Year” in French is “Bonne Année.”) Scotland Edinburgh’s Princes street is the place to be on New Year’s Eve. Have a drink (or several) in one of the many pubs and eateries in this area and then stumble out onto the street before midnight to witness the celebratory cannon shot followed by a fireworks display. Portugal Funchal Harbor on the island of Madeira (just off the coast of Portugal) hosts one of the world’s largest fireworks displays (it’s mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records). (“Happy New Year” in Portuguese is “Feliz Ano Novo.”) Indonesia Head to the Statue of Welcome fountain to watch fireworks during New Year celebrations in Jakarta. (“Happy New Year” in Indonesian is “Selamat Tahun Baru.”) [caption id="attachment_4781" align="alignright" width="300" caption="New Year's Even Fireworks over the Sydney Opera House (Australia)"][/caption] Germany The famous Brandenburg Gate is where you should go to see the most impressive fireworks display in Germany. (“Happy New Year” in German is “Ein Gutes Neues Jahr.”) Taiwan Have you ever seen fireworks explode off the top of a skyscraper? This is what you can expect to experience on New Year’s Even in Taipei City. They set off fireworks from the world's tallest completed skyscraper, Taipei 101. (“Happy New Year” in Chinese is “Xin Nian Hao.”) Singapore Head to Singapore’s financial district to watch fireworks and welcome the New Year in style.  (You’ll be understood with “Happy New Year” in Singapore, but if you want to give it a whirl in Malay, it’s “Selamat Tahun Baru.”) Australia Fireworks explode each New Year’s at midnight over the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House. A spectacular sight. Don’t have the funds to jet off to an exotic locale for New Year’s Eve? Not to worry. You can still have an international experience (and shout the new expressions you learned) from the comfort of your own home. CNN and several other cable channels cover New Year’s celebrations from around the world. Happy 2011!

  • Rock and Roll Party at Parkes’ Elvis Festival

    It’s a long way from Graceland, but during the second week of January the small Australian town of Parkes honors the King of Rock and Roll at the Elvis Festival.

    You’ll find Parkes in the heart of New South Wales, 365 kilometers from the state’s capital city, Sydney.

    Around 11, 000 people live there, but during the five-day Elvis Festival the town literally doubles in size. Highlights of the event include the Elvis Gospel Church Service, the crowning of Miss Priscilla, the Elvis Street Parade, and of course the performances of hundreds of Elvis impersonators. Couples renew their wedding vows in a public ceremony presided over by the King himself, and aspiring singers cover classic rock and roll tunes in the Elvis Idol competition. Given the festival's popularity, it's unsurprising that Parkes' hotels, motels, and caravan parks quickly reach their capacity. It's advisable to book your accommodation early to avoid missing out. Alternatively you might like to stay in one of the neighboring towns, rough it in Tent City, or bunker down with a local. Houses in the Festival Home Hosting program are all inspected for cleanliness and privacy, and participating is a great way to make new friends. [caption id="attachment_4776" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Elvis Presley"]Elvis Presley[/caption] The best way to get to the festival is to take the CountryLink Elvis Express from Sydney. This is no ordinary train. Elvis impersonators entertain the passengers as they make their way to the festival. A ticket on the train also includes a shuttle bus pass, which allows you to get around Parkes during your stay. If you'd prefer a quicker trip, catch the Rex Airlines' Priscilla Plane.

  • Explore India on a Jeep Safari

    India is a vast country with many places begging to be explored, but few tourists ever reach some of the nation’s most breathtaking spots.

    The country's deserts and mountains are not easily accessible by traditional Indian transport, but don't let that stop you discovering them. A jeep safari is up to the challenge! The rugged jeeps are made for dealing with the varied terrain you'll encounter in the Indian wilds. One can take on the sandy ground of the Thar Desert, and then switch gears to tackle the rocky Manali Leh route across the Himalayan Mountains. The majestic Himalayan Mountains are the most popular place for a jeep safari. You'll travel through rugged valleys untouched by the commercialism of India's major centers. A highlight of your journey is Pangong Tso Lake, a high-altitude basin which serves as a summer home for many migrating birds. This serene wilderness is breathtaking, so make sure your camera is fully charged. [caption id="attachment_4769" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Himalayan Mountains"]The Himalayan Mountains[/caption] If you'd like to connect with the locals, consider traveling through Uttarakhand's Kumaon and Garhwal regions are worth a visit. The area has small hill towns with marketplaces where you can by textiles and woolen items carefully crafted by neighborhood women, as well as homemade pickles and chutney. If locals of a different kind pique your interest, you'll find them at India's remote parks. Some of the best include the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, and Sariska and Jim Corbett National Parks. Many travelers join a camel safari tour to explore these inaccessible areas, but a jeep is much quicker, and more comfortable. Of course you'll pay for those advantages, and the experience isn’t quite as unique, but if you have the cash to spare this is the better option for an extended journey. The Indian landscape is unforgiving, so it's not advisable to go it alone. You could join an organized convoy if you enjoy traveling in a group, or hire a guide if you prefer a more intimate travel experience. You may be a confident driver, but the guides know the safest traveling routes and essential travel items. Hiring a guide allows you to linger a little longer at places of interest and skip through the boring bits without feeling tied to the schedule of a group, but you'll lose out on the social aspect. Whatever style of jeep safari takes your fancy, a local tour company such as Peak Adventures or Ibex Expeditions can organize it. ?

  • Celebrate Winter at China’s Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival

    The winter chills have well and truly set in, and China is preparing to celebrate.

    From January 5 the city of Harbin, in the country's northern province of Heilongjiang, will come alive for the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival. The month-long event is a Chinese institution, which was established in 1963 and, after years of interruption due to the Cultural Revolution, resurrected as an annual event in 1985. It celebrates all that's fun about winter, from competitive speed skating and winter swimming in the Songhua River to less physical pursuits like snow and ice sculpting and ice lantern park tours. The snow and ice sculptures are one of the festival's major draw cards, and they impress crowds on sheer size alone. A snow sculpture may be as large as two football fields, and there are few things as awe-inspiring as walking through a castle made entirely of ice. The chilly monuments are lit up with lights and computer-controlled LEDs which cast rainbows on the ice and snow. Competition is fierce, with experienced sculptors traveling from around the world to participate. [caption id="attachment_4764" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Ice sculptures at the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival "]Ice sculptures at the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival [/caption] Heilongjiang's capital is a natural site for the festivities, as it gets the harsh, cold winds from Siberia. In winter the temperature is an average of -16.8°C, but it can be as cold as -38°C if you’re unlucky! But don't let the freezing Chinese winter climate dampen your enthusiasm. The Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival is one of the largest winter festivals in the world, and there's a lot of fun to be had if you can brave the cold! To visit the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, take a two-hour flight from Beijing to Taiping International Airport. Then catch a bus from the airport to the festival sites, which are located about an hour away.

    [Image Source: LiYan/Wikipedia Commons]

  • What to Do in Historic Downtown Honolulu

    Just a few miles from the throngs of tourists in Waikiki is a more urban, budget-friendly part of Honolulu.

    Whether you choose to spend an afternoon soaking in the unique history of the Honolulu waterfront, walking around downtown and taking in all of the public art or heading over to Chinatown to take in the ethnic eateries, flower stalls, fresh produce vendors, dish and housewares shops, you’re sure to experience a side of Hawaiian life. If you don’t have a rental car, it’s still easy to get downtown (even if you do have a rental car, I suggest taking public transportation downtown - it’s much easier). Most hotels offer shuttle buses downtown. You can also take a city bus (schedules available at concierge desks and tourist information centers). Shopping In general, the further one gets from Waikiki, the more reasonable the prices will be. Prices in downtown Honolulu tend to be much better than those in the tourist shops along the beach. You’re also more likely to get a better quality product and have a better selection of cheap souvenirs. If you're going to take a trip to Hawaii, then don't miss one of the most famous sights in downtown Honolulu - the Aloha Tower Marketplace. Surrounding the tower you’ll find an eclectic array of shops and eateries. There is a small jewelry district here that sells gold Hawaiian jewelry charms for much less (and a better selection) than you’d find them in Waikiki. Unique and inexpensive souvenirs can also be found in Chinatown. If you’re in the market for traditional Hawaiian souvenirs (artificial leis, macadamia nuts, Kona coffee, muumuus and shirts), head to one of the Hilo Hatties outposts in downtown Honolulu. Eating [caption id="attachment_4759" align="alignright" width="300" caption="The Historic Iolani Palace"][/caption] If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, there are some commercial options (chains, etc.) around Aloha Tower. Chinatown has some of the best fresh Asian food (both street food and sit-down restaurants) in the city.  There are quite a few “foodie-friendly” Asian fusion restaurants of note in downtown Honolulu, including Indigo, Zen Shu, Alan Wong, Roy’s, Hiroshi Eurasian Tapas, Duc’s Bistro and Chef Mavro. Museums and Cultural Sites The Hawaii Maritime Center allows visitors to discover Hawaii’s fascinating ocean history, featuring exhibits on ancient Polynesian voyagers, rough and tumble whalers, and the luxurious cruise liners of the 1920s and ‘30s. The beautiful and famous Iolani Palace is located on King’s Street. It holds the distinction of being the only royal palace standing on American soil. The palace was the royal residence of Hawaii’s last two monarchs. Guided tours are available 5 days a week. While you’re in the area, head across the street to tour the Iolani Barracks (also called Halekoa or “house of warriors”). It was built in 1870 and housed 80 members of the Royal Guard (before the overthrow of the monarchy). The Mission Museum is located on Punchbowl Street and is located on the site where the first American Protestant missionaries established their headquarters in 1820.  Most of the buildings are original, and represent the oldest Western-style buildings in Hawaii. Here you can see a variety of artifacts – furniture, books, quilts, clothing, etc. - from these missionaries. There are several lovely churches in downtown Honolulu, including St. Andrew’s Episcopal Cathedral, Cathedral of our Lady of Peace, and Kawaiaha'o Church, each representing different architectural styles. Ho'ohoihoi k' ho'omahana! (Enjoy your trip!)