FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Locations

  • A Foodie’s Guide to Eating Frugally in Paris

    The thought of dining in Paris often conjures images of dinners in Michelin 3-star restaurants, sipping champagne and nibbling delicate amuse-bouches.

    But if 100 euros a day (or less) is your entire budget and not just your food budget, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways for foodies to enjoy French delicacies while traveling frugally. Use the motto “eat like a local” as your guiding philosophy. If you are staying somewhere with a kitchen and have some culinary talent, it is easy to whip up tasty light meals using local products (a stroll though an open-air market will provide you with plenty of inspiration). However, if you don’t have access to a kitchen, it’s still possible to eat like a local by picking up prepared foods at local open-air markets, specialty shops or supermarkets or dining in affordable restaurants. During my time living and teaching English in France, I discovered many ways to eat well on the cheap. Here are my top suggestions: [caption id="attachment_4338" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Happy hour à la française, I discovered many tricks for eating well and keeping costs low. Here are some of my suggestions for enjoying France’s culinary culture on a budget."][/caption] Shopping à la française Remember that the traditional French model of food shopping is to go to different shops (la boulangerie= bakery, la fromagerie= cheese shop, la patisserie= pastry shop etc.) to get each type of food product. Also, most French people buy their food fresh everyday. Why not follow suit? If you’re staying in Paris, head to Rue Mouffetard on the Left Bank (Metro stop Place Monge). This veritable foodie paradise stretches from Place de la Contrescarpe to Place St. Médard. The narrow Rue Mouffetard (originally an old Roman street) is lined with specialty food shops, restaurants and open-air market stalls selling produce and home goods. After the specialty food shops close at the end of the day, Rue Mouffetard’s affordable restaurants remain open, offering a variety of ethnic foods and traditional French cuisine. This area is popular with locals and students looking for delicious fare at reasonable prices. Here are some “must trys” on Rue Mouffetard. Etiquette tip: When entering a food shop, be sure to make eye contact with the person working the counter and greet him/her with “bonjour madame/monsieur.” You’ll receive a much warmer welcome if you do.
    • Enjoy crêpes and coffee (café) at Oroyana (you must try one of their fresh, sugary Nutella crêpes).
    • Sample a variety of regional cheeses from all over the country at Alain Boulay - Fromagerie Mouffetard,
    • Grab a fresh baguette from Le Boulanger de Monge.
    • Stock up on fresh fruit (I’ve had some lovely cherries and peaches) from the open-air produce vendors.
    • Order a Croque Madame (open-face ham, cheese and egg sandwich), green salad (with a simple house vineagrette) and kir (white wine with cassis liquor) from La Contrescarpe restaurant (near Place de la Contrescarpe at the top of Mouffetard’s hill and around the corner).
    • Enjoy Middle Eastern fare (like and tasty tabouleh paired with sweet mint tea) at Colbeh.
    • Marvel at creamy, flavorful gelato in the shape of a flower atop a huge sugar cone at Gelato d’Alberti.
    • Grab a bottle of wine to take back to your hotel for the evening at one of several wine shops in the area. If you tell them what you’re having for dinner, the salespeople will be happy to suggest bottles to you. By the way, if wine is your thing, consider working on a vineyard in Europe.
    Les marchés à plein air (open-air markets) Open-air markets are ubiquitous in France. Several neighborhoods in Paris host regular markets (always the same day each week), so it’s possible to visit a market nearly every day. The vendors at these markets are usually quite personable and most (especially in Paris) speak at least a little English. Etiquette Tip: It’s considered impolite to touch the produce without asking the vendor first. In addition to produce, meat, cheese, breads, etc., many markets feature vendors selling prepared foods as well (crêpes, roast chickens, etc.) at incredibly affordable prices. Open-air markets are also a great place to stock up on souvenirs like traditional table linens, pottery, and other handicrafts. Bon appétit!

  • Play Golf in the South Pacific – The Most Beautiful Courses in Island Region

    The South Pacific region in Oceania is famous for its picturesque location and laidback lifestyle, but you might not know that the area is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses.


    In this article we take a look at some of the island location's best. Not far from Fiji's international airport you'll find the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club. It’s the sporting hub of the Denarau Island Resort, but you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy its facilities. The course isn't very challenging, but it is beautiful with its palm trees and sea borders. The wet stuff makes for some interesting water shots, although most players should reach the pin in a stroke over par. It’s probably not for the serious golfers, but casual fans of the sport will get a kick out of the sea-creature shaped bunkers and greens.south pacific golf photo In Apia, a 40-minute drive from Samoa's international airport you'll find the Royal Samoa Country Club. It has a very regal name and surrounds to match; the 5445 meter course is considered one of the most beautiful in the South Pacific. In its years it's also attracted the right clientele. His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili was a regular here before he sadly passed away in 2007. Even he was challenged by the sixth hole which is totally blind. Related: Golf Courses in Hawaii So make sure that you pack your clubs when you set off for the South Pacific!

  • Dirty Weekends Around Australia – Aussie Accommodation for Romantic Vacations

    There’s nothing like a night away with your lover to reignite that spark. When you take a trip to Australia it’s good to know the best accommodation options for the time-honored tradition of a dirty weekend.

    Sydney’s Hilton Hotel sounds like a fairly standard choice for a romantic tryst, but it offers so much more with its Provocateur package.

    This deal lives up to its sexy name, with everything you need to get your motor running. Local celebrity chef Luke Mangan offers more than oysters on his aphrodisiac-inspired degustation platter. Stripper Madam Lash knows all about the art of seduction, and she's left some tricks of the trade in your hotel room. I'm sure you can use your imagination and put the champagne, candles, feather ticklers, blindfolds, and rose petals to good use. Something tells me guests might require that late 1 pm check-out! Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast proudly bears the cheeky slogan "What will you get up to?" And what indeed? A stay in a casino always feels rich and sinful, whether you're mixing it with the high rollers or sharing champers and chocolate covered strawberries in your luxury suite. If love is on your mind I suggest lashing out with the romance package, which includes that bubbly and strawberries on arrival, valet parking, a full buffet breakfast for two, and a much-need late check-out.Hands making a heart The notion of sleeping out under the stars is a romantic one, until you're dealing with a thin sleeping bag, wintery chill, and curious wildlife. Longitude 131 near Uluru in the Northern Territory makes camping much more luxurious than those old family vacations. The luxuriously large eco-sensitive tents have king-sized beds with crisp white sheets. There are just 30 guests staying at any one time, so you'll almost feel like you're alone in The Outback. And you've never seen a more beautiful or romantic sight than the Northern Territory sunrise. Your lady love will feel like a fairytale princess when you whisk her away to Thorngrove Manor Hotel in Adelaide. This unique hotel feels like the stuff of fantasy with its tall towers and turrets. Each room continues the old-world theme with four-poster beds, porcelain baths, and stained glass windows. And without televisions or other high tech gadgets, you can really believe that you've stepped back to an era when we all had more time for fair maidens and matters of the heart! A stay in one of these luxurious places might be just the thing to kick-start your relationship. If only you didn't have to return to the real world!

  • Sleep At Sydney’s Taronga Zoo – Roar and Snore Experience for the Whole Family

    We’ve all spent time staring into an animal enclosure at the zoo, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of the creature the sign assures us is inside.


    But the sad truth is, many of these exotic animals are only active once the zoo closes its gates. If you want to see these critters at their best, why not pack your sleeping bags and enjoy a sleepover with a difference at Sydney's Taronga Zoo? The zoo's Roar and Snore evenings are led by fun and informative zoo keepers, who settle you into comfortable three-person tent accommodation before introducing you to the zoo's residents. You won't need to gaze at these animals from afar. The staff will let you get up close and personal with friendly animals including lizards, tortoises, wombats, and Australia's cute, cuddly koalas. They'll then lead you by torchlight on a zoo safari, where you'll see the rest of the zoo's inhabitants going about their business without the daytime crowds. Once you've worked up an appetite you will enjoy the tasty roast buffet dinner. [caption id="attachment_2951" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Australia's cutest resident, the koala"]a koala in australia[/caption] There's no better alarm clock than the squeaks, growls, and roars of hungry zoo animals keen to have breakfast. You'll watch them being fed, and meet a few more creatures before the day's visitors arrive. You're free to explore the zoo at your leisure then until the zoo closes for another day. Roar and Snore sleepovers run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. Tickets start from $240 for adults and $185 for children, depending on the season. While this is expensive, the memories you'll make on this intimate zoo experience may be worth the splurge.

  • Swim with Sea Lions in South Australia

    We’ve all heard of swimming with dolphins, and even swimming with whales.


    But one South Australian company allows you to swim with a furrier marine creature on their swim with sea lions tours. Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience is located in Baird Bay, a tiny coastal town on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. Just 8 people lived here at last count, including Eco Experience owners Alan and Patricia Payne. They regard the wild sea lions like their children, and just like any proud parents love to arrange play dates with interested guests. The Australian sea lion is a species indigenous to the land Down Under, although it shares many similarities with other sea lions around the world. Unlike other sea lion species though they have no set breeding season, so keep your eyes peeled for pups while you're swimming with these beautiful animals! Sea lions are naturally curious and love to play in the shallow tide pool which protects them, and their human guests, from sharks. Pups may be shy at first, but before too long they'll happily nuzzle your hands and enjoy a good stroke! [caption id="attachment_4296" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A pair of Australian sea lions"]A pair of Australian sea lions[/caption] An hour can seem like a moment when you're spending time with these friendly sea creatures, and before too long it’ll be time to return to dry land, filled with the memories of the special experience you’ve shared. Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience swim tours run daily from September 1 until May 31 each year. It costs $140 for swimming adults, and $70 for children 15 years and under. Non swimming adults can watch from the boat for $100. The tour price includes the hire of wetsuits and snorkeling gear. While tickets can be purchased from the Marine Mammal Information Center before departure, it’s advisable to book your place during peak times to avoid disappointment.

  • Discover Maori Culture in New Zealand

    The traditional ways of the Maori people are fading as the original inhabits of New Zealand assimilate with the Europeans who now call New Zealand home.

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    However there are still many places around the country that allow you to experience the culture of these indigenous people.

    Many historians regard Waitangi in the Bay of Islands as the birthplace of the modern New Zealand nation. It was here that the white settlers and native Maoris came together to sign the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, an agreement which gave the Europeans the rule of the nation and the original inhabitants their land rights. Its history makes Waitangi a great place for learning more about Maori culture. Today Treaty House, the site where the original pact was signed, is a meeting house decorated with intricate wood carvings. A waka, or war canoe, is also on display. It was built to celebrate the centenary of the treaty, and photographs show exactly how it was done. The Waitangi National Reserve also offers Maori tours twice daily and cultural performances called He Toho. The women dance while the men channel their warrior traditions with the haka.

    A Maori warrior
    A Maori warrior

    While Rotorua has a reputation for extreme sports, it’s also rich in Maori culture. After you’ve worked up an appetite with the bungee jumping and white water rafting, make sure you visit the Tamaki Maori Village for dinner. The Maori people serve up a traditional hangi feast, which will fill you up while offering an insight into Maori traditions.

    Wellington has New Zealand’s National Museum, which is also known by its Maori name Te Papa. There are more than 30, 000 artifacts there, including clothing, weapons, jewelry, and tools. The museum also tells the history of the Maori people, from their early settlement to interaction with the white people. On Wednesday nights the museum hosts Taonga Mataora in its meeting house. This cultural event includes dancing, dinner, and a few cheeky cocktails.

    If you’re in the mood for more museums you can’t go past the Tairawhiti Museum in Gisborne. It centers on the arts and crafts of the Maori people living on the North Islands East Coast.

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    Local artists sit alongside prominent artisans from the rest of the world. It’s also a great place for souvenirs, with many of the artworks available for purchase. While in Gisborne make sure you visit the Te Poho-o-Rawiri, which is open to the public whenever official Maori business isn’t going on. The decorative wood carvings look much more impressive and authentic here than in any stuffy museum.

    While in New Zealand you don’t want to miss the Maori culture. It’s always just there below the surface, a reminder of this country’s proud heritage and history.

    [Image Source: Geoftheref/Flickr]

  • Sydney for Kids on a Budget – Free Family Friendly Attractions in New South Wales

    Australia’s school holidays are looming, which is enough to fill any parent with dread. The kids will want to be entertained, but it needn’t cost you a fortune.

    Sydney residents can enjoy a staycation and soak up all the free activities in their own backyard. Museums are always a great option for families looking to save cash, with many offering free entry and enough exhibitions to keep folks entertained all day. For a journey back in time, look to The Rocks Discovery Museum tucked away in Kendall Lane, just off Argyle Street. Archival film and archaeological artifacts bring historic Sydney back to life in a way that's engaging for kids and adults. For a day out with a more nautical theme, head to the Australian National Maritime Museum. This free museum always runs school holiday programs especially designed to entertain its youngest visitors. This time around little ones can learn all about the travels of Sindbad the Sailor through, arts, crafts, and music workshops. If arts are their thing, take the children to the Art Gallery of NSW. Entry is also free, and a tour of the museum will seem much more exciting when led by one of the gallery’s fun characters. The holiday period also brings storytelling and special children's performances.Australia piggy bank Forget greasy fast food lunches; a picnic is a much more economical, and healthier option. Centennial Park is a bit of an inner-city oasis with its duck ponds and grassy hills. Take your blades or bikes along and you can enjoy the dedicated cycle and rollerblading tracks, or have a game on the tennis courts or sporting fields. Way out west you can enjoy the wetlands at Sydney Olympic Park. There are 40 hectares of parkland here, with picnic areas and barbecues for families who want a hot lunch. Playgrounds and cycleways should keep the kids entertained while mom and dad relax. So why spend a fortune on the school holidays? Sydney has plenty of fun activities that won't cost you a cent.

  • Climb Mount Everest – Trek World’s Tallest Mountain

    There are few greater challenges on earth than scaling Mount Everest, the tallest summit in the world.

    With a height of 8848 meters, this is not a mountain trek for the faint hearted. Mount Everest, part of the Himalayan mountain range, touches the borders of China, Tibet, and Nepal. It is the ultimate goal of most mountaineers, and a journey to the top should not be taken lightly. Up to 15 trekkers die on their expeditions each year, while many more succumb to frostbite and low oxygen levels. This isn't a summit one scales without some serious training. Most mountaineers practice climbing smaller peaks with similar conditions, including high alpine terrain and ice falls, for at least two years before tackling the Himalayan summit. You’ll also need to see your doctor to ensure you’re at peak physical fitness before attempting the journey. [caption id="attachment_4269" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Mount Everest in the Himalayas"]Mount Everest in the Himalayas[/caption] The years spent training should be enough for you to raise the sort of cash you'll need, because this expedition is not cheap. An independent voyage can cost as much as $25, 000, while a package tour will set you back around $60, 000. It seems expensive, but $10, 000 of this goes to climbing permits alone. When you add travel, provisions, oxygen, insurance, and equipment into the equation it's easy to see how the dollars add up. May and October are the best times to scale Mount Everest, as this avoids winter snowstorms and summer monsoons. The dangerous journey is probably not one you want to take alone. Tour companies including Jagged Globe and 7Summits regularly organize treks to Mount Everest which help to minimize the risks of this hazardous journey. It's still not a trip one should take lightly, but there are few thrills that compare to the achievement of scaling the granddaddy of the world's famous Seven Summits.

    [Image Source: Ilkerender/Flickr]

  • Discover Broadbeach – Cosmopolitan Style on Queensland’s Gold Coast

    When thinking of up-market vacation destinations, few people think of Queensland’s Gold Coast. It’s got a reputation for cheap plastic souvenirs, action-packed theme parks, and rowdy high school graduates. But there’s a much classier side of the Gold Coast to be discovered at Surfer’s Paradise’s more sophisticated cousin, Broadbeach.

    Broadbeach is an easy hour’s drive from Brisbane. You’ll need to hire a car to get there, but once you arrive you’ll find it easy enough to get around on public transport or on foot.

    Check in to one of the area’s high class hotels or serviced apartments for real luxury. The Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach offers some great weekend packages, but if you’d rather enjoy the facilities of an apartment look to Meriton Serviced Apartments or the Mantra Phoenician.

    Staying at the Sofitel has its advantages, as its cosmopolitan wine bar Room 81 is one of the places to be seen. Classic and signature cocktails are the perfect accompaniment to the bar’s tasting menu, which offers gourmet fare like duck spring rolls and local tiger prawns.Australia vacation tips photo

    The beach is a drawcard for any Queensland tourist, but you’ll find the sands at Broadbeach more relaxed than those at Surfers Paradise. The atmosphere is perfect for lazing about with a magazine, but if you’d prefer something more active you can sign up for a class with Broadbeach Surf School.

    Once you’ve surfed up a sweat, head to the local restaurant strip. Many folks regard Broadbeach as the Gold Coast’s dining hub, so it’s difficult to find a bad meal. If you’ve got a taste for seafood, head to the award-winning Yellowfin. Carnivores can get their fix at the playfully named Moo Moo Wine Bar + Grill.

    If you’re in the mood for retail therapy, make sure you stop at Pacific Fair. This mall has more than 300 shops, so you’re bound to find just what you’re looking for. If you’d prefer to find something more unique, check out the craft markets held on the shore on the first and third Sundays of every month.

    Not that you need to be on the go. Broadbeach has plenty of options for relaxing too, whether it’s a game of golf, or a spa treatment at Q1 Spa or Splash Day Spa.

    Whether you’re visiting the Gold Coast to soak up the atmosphere, or simply take it easy, Broadbeach can help you do it in style.

  • 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.