FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Locations

  • Heli-Rafting Offers Maximum Adrenalin in Queenstown, New Zealand

    When too much action is never enough, make sure you add heli-rafting to your New Zealand extreme sports itinerary.

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    This unique experience, hosted by Queenstown Rafting, combines a high-flying helicopter ride with an adrenalin-packed white-water rafting adventure.

    Queenstown Rafting offers two heli-rafting trips. The first flies across the Wakatipu Basin and Coronet Peak ski fields before reaching the stunning Shotover River. When viewing them from the air, you may be a little nervous about tackling the rapids! They’re actually graded from three to five, so novices may want to steer clear. If you’ve got the stomach for it though, this is the tour to take. The journey through the pitch-black Oxenbridge Tunnel, as well as all those twists and turns, makes for one wild ride.

    Rafting down the Kawarau River, Queenstown
    Rafting down the Kawarau River, Queenstown

    If you’re a first timer consider the tamer trip down the Kawarau River. You might recognize this stretch of water as River Anduin from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. There’s plenty of white water, but also enough time to soak up the scenery. The helicopter trip is just as beautiful with views of the Gibbston Valley wine region and The Remarkables.

    Heli-rafting rides cost NZD$295 per person. This price includes transfers to and from Queenstown, wetsuit and safety equipment hire, and the use of hot showers and a sauna once you’re done. The tour is appropriate for water-confident children aged 13 and weighing at least 40 kilos, although kids between 13 and 17 must ride with a guardian.

    [Image Source: Abir Anwar/Flickr]

  • Chocoholic Heaven in Sydney on Chocolate Espresso Tours

    When we think of chocolate vacations most of us think of Swiss or Belgian getaways. But Australia is determined to put itself on the map with Chocolate Espresso tours around Sydney.

    Tour founder Shelagh Coleman and her team take chocoholics on three-hour walking tours around Sydney’s central business district and Darlinghurst.

    On the way you’ll learn lots about the history of this delectable dessert, and of course have plenty of time for tasting. After burning all those calories walking, you definitely deserve it! There are a range of tours to suit all tastes, from the traditional Chocolate Shots and Teatime Treats tour to the more indulgent Espressos and Exotic Chocs experience. If you enjoy champers with your chocolate, consider the Soft Centers, Short Blacks, and Sparkles tour. There are a few notable highlights on the tours. One of the key stops is Haigh's Chocolates, the oldest chocolate company in Australia. It serves up old favorites and many uniquely Australian creations flavored with lilly pilly, lemon myrtle, and quandong.Tasting chocolate Lindt may be a Swiss icon, but the world's first Lindt Café was actually established in Sydney. Here you'll enjoy gourmet chocolate treats including Delice macarons filled with chocolate cream and nut covered truffles. Chocolate Espresso tours start from $70 and operate all year round. This price includes a guide, chocolate samples, and hot drinks. Bookings are essential, and can be made over the phone or via e-mail.

  • When To Travel To China – Climate and Events For Planning Your Asian Trip

    China is a diverse country which experiences a varied climate and a number of seasonal activities, so the decision of when to travel requires some careful planning.

    The temperate seasons of fall and spring are the ideal time to travel. During these seasons weather tends to hover between 50 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Rain is infrequent during fall, although you may experience some showers during spring. Spring temperatures may also fluctuate, so it’s worth packing coats and jackets for cooler weather. In summer conditions are hot and humid, with temperatures often rising above 72. To stay cool during this period avoid the areas known as the "four furnaces": Tianjin, Chongqing, Wuhan, and Nanchang. Summer showers are also common, so pack a light rain coat and fold-up umbrella in your suitcase. Winter weather can be very cold, especially in China's northern regions, so make sure you rug up if traveling then. The attractions you want to see are also worth considering before setting off to China. Visit in September if you plan to visit the Beijing Palace Museum. This is the only month when the valuable ancient paintings are displayed, as the Chinese fear they will depreciate in more humid conditions. China Provinces map While winter in China is bitterly cold, some suggest it’s worth enduring for the Harbin Winter Ice Lantern Festival. This festival in the Heilongjiang Province is the country’s greatest celebration of ice artworks and sculpture. The month-long event is held every January. There are many other festivals in China which celebrate all the country’s nationalities and cultural traditions. It’s worth researching which events interest you before setting off to China.

  • Managing Money in Tonga

    We all know that Tonga is one of the most affordable destinations in the South Pacific.

    But how should you manage your money once you get there? Tongan pa'anga banknotes are available in denominations of one, two, five, 10, 20, and 50. One hundred seniti is equivalent to one TS$1. Seniti coins come in denominations of one, five, 10, 20, and 50. Tongan banks are generally open between 9 am and 3:30 pm, although these trading hours may be extended in major tourist centers including Nuku'alofa and Neiafu. These cities have automatic teller machines; find them at the ANZ Banks in both cities and the Westpac Bank in Nuku’alofa. However, the machines can be fickle so make sure you don’t wait until your cash is running low to get more. Few businesses accept foreign currencies, so it's important to exchange cash from your homeland. Australian, New Zealand, Fijian, and US dollars and pounds sterling are easily exchanged, although you also shouldn't have any problems trading euros or yen. Foreign monies can be exchanged at the Tongatapu airport and the Treasury offices on the islands of Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou. Credit cards are widely accepted in most tourist centers, but they tend to attract a 5% fee. MasterCard, Visa, and American Express are the most commonly used cards, although JCB is also accepted in many places. EFTPOS, however, is not commonly used in Tonga. tonga for cheap Travelers checks are also a good way for tourists to carry their funds. They fetch 4% to 5% more than cash, and transaction charges are small when compared to credit cards. Tongan businesses commonly accept all brands of travelers checks. As with any holiday destination, the amount you'll spend in Tonga each day depends on your vacation style. You can laze about on most Tongan beaches for nothing, but scuba diving trips and surfing safaris will quickly empty your wallet. Frequenting the local bars and fine dining options will also drain your finances quicker than eating at cafes and other small eateries. Visitors staying at average hotels and dining at mid-range restaurants can expect to spend around $125 a day. When traveling about Tonga it's important to carry small denominations of money. People operating public transport and eateries often cannot change big bills, so having smaller notes available can avoid a lot of hassle. Tipping and bargaining are not customs practiced in Tonga as they are in many parts of the world. However some high class establishments will accept tips from tourists who wish to express their gratitude for good service. If your funds become low it's good to know that international transfers are easily organized. There are many Western Union offices throughout Tonga, and visitors can also transfer funds using Moneygram through the Bank of Tonga. Funds can be transferred in a matter of minutes, so it need not slow your vacation down.

  • Discover Melbourne’s Dark Side on City’s Creepiest Guided Tours

    It might be a world away from Forks, Washington, but if you want to be spooked in Australia head to Melbourne. Stephanie Meyer didn’t set her Twilight novels here, but she easily could have.

    After all, with more rain and clouds than any other city in Oz it's certainly gloomy enough. Add plenty of gothic characters and a rich crime history and you've got a recipe for horror. Dig underneath Melbourne's cosmopolitan surface and you'll find a city that's deliciously dark. You can learn more about this creepy underbelly on the following guided tours. Is there anything scarier than a ghoulish tour led by a real life vampire? Darren Sinton may be one creepy character, but that only adds to the Haunted Melbourne Ghost Tour's allure. It travels from The Haunted Bookshop on McKillop Street to some of Melbourne's eeriest places, including the Mitre Tavern, where the Queen Street massacre took place in 1987, and the site of the Queen Victoria Market, which is now reportedly haunted by three bush rangers. The tour costs just $20, but be warned. It's targeted at adults with strong stomachs so children should probably stay away.ghost By day Como House is a marvel of 19th century architecture with beautiful gardens and a tasty café. But there's a much more sinister side to this heritage listed property. Mediums from Spookspotters Paranormal Research investigated the house and discovered incredibly high levels of paranormal activity. You can experience this for yourself on one the house's Twilight Tours. You'll learn about Como House's history, and perhaps meet one of its spectral residents! Even if you don’t encounter a ghost there's something very creepy about walking the house's halls with only the light of a lamp to guide you.
    Tours run on Thursday evenings during winter, and are unsuitable for children under 15 years of age. They cost $30 for adults, and $27 for concession holders. Numbers are strictly limited to 12, so make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Melbourne's crime history is so famous it’s been the subject of two of the wildly popular Australian drama series Underbelly. The Melbourne Crime Tour strips away the facts from the fiction and takes guests to the sites of some of Victoria's most infamous crimes. After four hours on your feet you’re bound to get hungry, and what better place to satisfy a craving than Brunetti's cake shop, owned by underworld figure Mick Gatto. The Melbourne Crime Tour costs $55, and places can be reserved online.

    [Image Source: Matt Wi1s0n/Flickr]

  • City Life at a Slower Pace in Hoi An, Vietnam

    Vietnam is a country of extremes, with bustling cities and quiet rural villages. Somewhere in the middle you’ll find Hoi An, a small city on Vietnam’s south central coast which enjoys the best of both worlds.

    Hoi An is the place to come if you want to experience cosmopolitan Vietnam without the traffic or the crowds. With relatively few cars on the roads, pedestrians rule here. It’s becoming increasingly popular with tourists, especially backpackers who flock to the city for its inexpensive dining and interesting array of shops. Hoi An was a major international seaport in the 16th and 17th century, and these foreign influences are still apparent today. Hoi An is a cultural melting pot, with the flavors of France, The Netherlands, Spain, China, and Japan informing the city's food, architecture and culture. The streets are lined with stores peddling arts and crafts, silver jewelry, and made-to-measure clothes and shoes. Such stylish indulgences would cost a small fortune in the West, but the services of tailors and shoemakers here are surprisingly inexpensive.  While these stores cater to the tourist trade, Hoi An's buildings have been largely preserved. This makes walking around the city an exciting experience, even if your wallet is bare. Tourists must purchase a sightseeing pass before entering Hoi An’s Old Town. They cost approximately US$5 and include a pass to a historic house, a landmark, a museum, an assembly hall, and a cultural experience. Visitors can choose which of the local attractions interest them most in each category.
    These tickets are available at various entry points to the area including some of the attractions and Hai Ba Trung Street. While a dress code is not strictly enforced, tourists are advised to dress conservatively when visiting the Old Town. Sleeveless blouses and short skirts are frowned upon, particularly when visiting sites of culture significance. Da Nang is the closest airport to Hoi An. You can catch a connecting flight from major Vietnamese cities including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and international destinations such as Bangkok, Singapore, and Cambodia. A taxi from Da Nang airport to Hoi An costs approximately US$15.

  • Stress Free New Zealand Transport on the Explorer Bus

    Navigating an unfamiliar foreign city can be a daunting prospect. The Explorer Bus takes the stress out of getting around the New Zealand city of Auckland and is a great way to see the sights.

    A day pass costs $35 for adults, $15 for children aged between four and 16 years, and $80 for a family of two adults and two kids. You can hop on the bus at one of 14 stops, and then hop off whenever an attraction catches your eye. This service allows you to spend as much time as you like at any location so you never feel like you’re running to a rigid schedule. The Explorer takes in some of Auckland's most famous tourist attractions including the Sky City Tower, Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, and the Auckland Museum.[caption id="attachment_4010" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Explorer Bus in Auckland"]The Explorer Bus in Auckland[/caption] The Explorer Bus website has a full timetable to help you easily plan your route. English commentary on board the bus will teach you about the local area and the attractions you’re approaching. The bus leaves every hour between April and October and every 30 minutes in the peak tourist season. Tickets are available from the Explorer Bus website, or on the bus itself.

  • Live the Luxurious Life in Hong Kong

    Many Asian locations are about the culture and rich history, but not Hong Kong.

    A visit to this thoroughly modern country is simply an excuse to spoil yourself! Get yourself into holiday mode with a trip to The Oriental Spa at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental. Measuring a whopping 2300 meters square, it's not surprising to hear the spa claims to have more treatments than any other in Asia. There's a lot of hype about this place, but the locals claim it's all worthwhile. Don’t leave without enjoying a foot bath, a warm scrub, and a luxurious four-hand massage. If you want to eke out the spoiling, sign up for the spa's signature treatment, known as the Oriental Harmony. It lasts for 110 minutes, which should be just enough time to get you in the right frame of mind.hong kong cheap Nothing says luxury like Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. You can shop for all of these European designer labels in Hong Kong, and as there is no sales tax you'll get them for less than anywhere else in the world. Of course, the big name brands are never cheap, but if you shop in the midyear or pre-Christmas sales you could easily save between 40 and 70%. IFC Mall, Pacific Place, and Harbour City are some of the largest and most popular malls in Hong Kong. But what's the point in pampering yourself if you're staying in a dive? For ultimate luxury, make sure you spend a night or two in The Peninsula. Rooms have environmental controls, plasma screen televisions, and white marble bathrooms. You can enjoy a treatment in the spa, or dine at one of nine restaurants. You probably won't have a lot of cash at the end of all that, but you will return home feeling rejuvenated and refreshed!

  • Unusual Camel Cup is The Race That Stops Outback Australia

    Most of the time the residents of the Australian Outback are happy to enjoy life at a slower pace.

    But every July the Northern Territory town of Alice Springs comes alive as it celebrates the annual Camel Cup. While horses are obliging animals, camel jockeys are faced with a much tougher task. The beasts live up to their cantankerous reputations, which can result in some interesting antics. They might sit down on the track, or leave it altogether if the whim takes them! They’re also prone to spitting and biting their rivals, which only adds to the fun. But once they get going, camels aren't a bad way to get about. They can maintain a speed of 40 km/h for around an hour, and reach up to 65 kays when sprinting. While the series of camel races are the main event, there's more to lure spectators including market stalls and live entertainment. Some of the biggest crowd pleasers are rickshaw races, belly dancers, live music, and a uniquely central Australian take on "Fashions in the Field." The first Camel Cup was raced in 1970 when two locals raced camels down the dry Todd River as a bet. It drew quite a crowd of curious spectators who enjoyed the race so much it became a regular fixture on the Northern Territory calendar. This year the Camel Cup celebrates its 40th anniversary on July 10.

  • Eat Like a Local in Bangkok – Thailand’s Best Restaurants

    When you’re on a trip to Thailand don’t overlook the fact that Bangkok is a foodie’s paradise with many streets lined with restaurants ready to serve up delicious cuisine from around the globe.

    All those choices can overwhelm tourists, but as with any city you'll find the best meals where the locals eat. Here are some of Bangkok's most popular haunts. The Bed Supperclub doesn't get its quirky name for nothing; diners actually eat from the top of mattresses! It serves up contemporary Asian cuisine and is one of the hottest spots in the city. Make a night of it, as diners can enjoy complimentary entry into the adjoining dance club. After a big night of clubbing, snacks at Soi 38 Night Market are just what the doctor ordered. The markets are open until 3 am, so it's rarely too late to indulge in the flame-fried phat thai or sticky mango rice. Ordering can be tricky with many traders speaking only broken English, but it's worth persevering.visiting thailand compass picture If you want a market meal during the day head to Tanao Road. The stalls sell typical Thai fare, but everything is fresh and tasty. This is the perfect spot for grazing on the go. Delightfully casual, Khrua Aroy Aroy is a relaxed restaurant which delivers just what it claims. Its name means "delicious, delicious kitchen," and it specializes in hearty curries. For something even more relaxing make sure you dine at Spring. While the weather is warm, between November and May, you can lounge about on beanbags on the front lawn! It's worth visiting all year round though for its surprisingly affordable prices and delicious seafood dishes. Hong Kong Noodles is so tiny that it's easy to miss, but it's worth seeking out this eatery in the heart of the New Market. Its wheat-and-egg noodle soups are legendary. Come early for breakfast to get a jump on the seemingly ever-present crowds. If you'd prefer a fish dish look for one of Somboon Seafood’s five Bangkok locations. The chain serves up uniquely Asian interpretations of seafood favorites including sea bass steamed with garlic and chili, and curry-powder crab. Italian dishes cooked up by an Australian chef may seem like an unlikely choice in this Asian city, but Antonio's Trattoria is one of the most popular restaurants in Bangkok. The locals love this menu which serves up Italian classics and some interesting twists on Mediterranean fare. However as the restaurant is only open for dinner between Tuesdays and Sundays, you'll need to plan ahead. If you want a meal with a view, make sure you visit The Deck. The beautiful backdrop of the Chao Phraya River makes the Thai and Mediterranean style meals taste even better. Prices are surprisingly modest considering the restaurant's amazing vista. Whether you want to taste Thailand's national dishes or enjoy something more familiar, you're spoiled for choice in Bangkok.