FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Locations

  • Rent a Bach in New Zealand’s North Island – Self Contained Accommodation for Less

    The North Island of New Zealand is one of the most popular spots in the Southern Hemisphere, with many people flying in each year to experience the easy marriage of Maori culture and European history, the lush scenery, and the delicious wines.

    Of course, as with any tourist center, accommodation can be expensive. But it need not cost you a fortune if you avoid the hotels and rent a Bach instead! A Bach is the New Zealand term for a holiday house or shack, but don't let that description cloud your judgment. While some are basic, many offer luxuries like absolute beachfront locations and barbeque facilities. Of course if you want to live the high life, you'll need to pay for it! Whether you decide to live large or survive on the basics, you'll enjoy a working kitchen, laundry facilities, and more space to spread out than a hotel room would allow. In fact, many are so large that several couples can share the Bach to cut down on costs. [caption id="attachment_3486" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A Bach in New Zealand"]A Bach in New Zealand[/caption] Moving away from the regular tourist beat can also help you experience the local area as a resident would. Your neighbors know the area better than most, so listen to their activity and restaurant recommendations! Prices vary considerably, but you can expect to pay as little as $300 or as much as $2000 a week. To find a Bach in your price range, visit the Rent a Bach website.

  • Our Jungle House, Back to Basics Eco-Friendly Accommodation in Thailand

    Thailand’s Our Jungle House invites travelers to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities and get back to nature.

    The setting of this eco-friendly accommodation could not be more idyllic. The resort is set on 25 acres of private rainforest near Khao Sok National Park. These parklands, majestic with their limestone peaks, are a thriving habitat for Thailand’s tropical flora and wildlife. The sounds of the native animals, including lemurs and civet cats, only add to the atmosphere of Our Jungle House.

    Our Jungle House’s bungalows and tree houses were built to complement the surrounding rainforest rather than disturb it. All natural building materials were used and environmentally-friendly practices made the Jungle House the area’s first green resort.Lodging sign with arrow

    The rooms are neat but not overly luxurious, delivering guests what they need without the frills. Many tourists may be disappointed by the lack of air conditioning, but there are fans to help keep you cool. The lack of hot water is also disappointing, but at least drinking water is made available. The mosquito coils and nets also come in handy during summer. Free WiFi is also on hand so you won’t feel completely cut off from civilization!

    The resort’s staff are friendly and attentive to all your needs. You need not worry about a language barrier either, as staff members are trained to speak English and German.

    As the resort is somewhat isolated, you’ll probably enjoy many meals at Our Jungle House’s restaurant.

    The cooks specialize in authentic Thai cusine, but fussy appetites and young children are not forgotten. The menu also includes vegetarian dishes and western options including fried chicken, spaghetti, and homemade French fries. If you'd like to venture out, the resort has vans, cars, and motorcycles available for hire. A cheaper alternative is to use the public buses. Staff can provide free transport to the bus stop, so you need only pay a small fare. There's plenty to do around the resort though, whether you'd like to laze on the nearby River Beach, explore the surrounding area on your own, or enjoy one of the organized activities. These tours include jungle treks on the back of elephants, canoe excursions down the Sok River, scuba diving, and nighttime wildlife safaris. Our Jungle House may not offer much in the way of luxury, but its back-to-basics accommodation might be just what you need to recharge your batteries.

  • The River Kwai and Kanchanaburi Province – Learn More About Thailand’s War History on Vacation

    When most people think of vacationing in Thailand they imagine shopping up a storm in Bangkok or lazing by the beach in Koh Samui.

    But the Asian country also has a rich history just waiting to be explored. The best place for history buffs to discover is Kanchanaburi Province, home to the famous River Kwai. This is the site the Japanese Imperial Army invaded during the Second World War, and there are many remnants of this tragic time in Thai history. Visitors can take a train ride along the stretch of the Thai-Burma Railway commonly known as the Death Railway. The Japanese soldiers used this passage to carry supplies to their troops in Burma. The train trip leads to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai. Immortalized by the Hollywood film, prisoners of war built the bridge so the railway could cross the water. Many prisoners lost their lives here, and seeing it today is a sobering reminder of the horrors of war. If you want to learn more about the Death Railway and the River Kwai, make sure you call in to the Hellfire Pass Museum. Located at Konyu Cutting, otherwise known as Hellfire Pass, this museum features artifacts from the period which tell the story of the Thai-Burma railway in unflinching detail. [caption id="attachment_3440" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The famous bridge over the River Kwai"]The famous bridge over the River Kwai[/caption] There is a memorial walking trail on site which takes travelers alongside one of the old railway tracks. At four kilometers long it's not a trip for tourists short on time, but it's a journey worth making for the gorgeous valley views from Kwae Noi Lookout. By all means, enjoy Thailand's shopping opportunities and soak up some rays. But make sure you take the time to see some of the country’s historical sites as well. They're the memories you’ll have long after your sun tan fades.

    [Image Source: Ahoerstemeier/Wikipedia Commons]

  • Wine Travel Tips – How to Transport Wine from Australia and New Zealand

    The wonderful wineries of Australia and New Zealand are a must see for any tourist traveling to the Southern Hemisphere.

    Most tourists will want to take a bottle or two home as a souvenir of their stay, but it can be confusing to know how to transport this precious cargo. By following these simple tips, you can guarantee that your wine will arrive home in the same condition it left the vineyard. If you're traveling in a hire car, the natural instinct of most drivers is to store the wine in the trunk. However, this area of the car can get very hot and cause the wine to spoil. A much better option is to keep the wine inside the car for the air conditioning to cool it. Just as you shouldn't store wine in the boot, you shouldn't store wine in the sun. Wine left in a parked car will also become overheated, so once your day of wine tasting is done make sure you take your purchases into your hotel. Ideally your wine should not roll about your vehicle. This movement can interfere with the natural aging process. If buying a small quantity of wine, ask the winemaker whether he can spare a box. This will generally have partitions inside so bottles sit securely and do not clink together. As you visit other wineries, you can then put your new purchases inside the same box. If your car isn't full, you could even secure the box in place with a seatbelt. While it's tempting to toast to your return home, it's much better to wait. Just as we suffer jet lag, wine experiences a kind of travel "bottle shock." It will taste much better once it's had a few days to recover.

  • Australia’s Best Nudist Resorts – Bare All on Vacation Down Under

    When most of us think about stripping on vacation, we imagine spending days on the beaches of Spain or Brazil. But these countries definitely don’t have the market cornered, with resorts all over Australia catering for holiday makers who dare to bare all. If it’s a beachside vacation you had in mind, consider Taylorwood Resort in the Whitsundays.

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    This Queensland resort is set on 12 hectares of secluded beach and parklands. It’s the only nudist resort in the famous Whitsundays region, and caters exclusively for couples. If you’ve never gone nude before, don’t worry. First-timers are encouraged, and the resort’s relaxed and friendly staff will help put you at ease.

    The natural bushlands on the outskirts of Port Macquarie are home to Twin Falls Resort. So named for the gorgeous waterfalls you’ll find on the rainforest trails, this New South Wales resort is about getting back to nature in more ways than one! This 40-hectare property offers a range of accommodation options from unpowered camp sites to comfortable rooms in the homestead.

    Further down south in Central Victoria you’ll find Jajarawong Naturist Retreat. This is a clothing optional resort with an emphasis on luxury. There are just five cottages and eight campsites so it never gets too crowded. You’re encouraged to socialize with the other guests in the bar or on the bushwalking trails, or you can take it easy in the hot tub and sauna.

    Nestled between the South Australian coastal towns of Robe and Beachport you’ll find Sunland Holiday Village. This is a relatively simple resort with 45 caravan sites on offer. But it’s worth doing without a few luxuries when you can wake up and walk just a few steps to the legal nude beach!

    Western Australia has Sunseekers Inc Nudist Club in Hovea. It’s one of Australia’s oldest naturist resorts, and a great option for families looking to get away together. Unlike so many nudist resorts there’s plenty to entertain the kids including a tennis court and playground equipped with a cubby house and trampoline.

    The Top End Naturist Recreation Retreat in the Northern Territory is another family-friendly option for nudist holidaymakers. The 40-hectare bushland property near Berry Springs has stacks of activities for families to enjoy together, including Minten, minigolf, table tennis, and a life-sized checkerboard. Popular national parks Kakadu and Litchfield are close by, and the Territory Wildlife Park is a short drive up the road. Accommodation is fairly basic, ranging from camp sites to cabins, but the excellent location makes up for it.

    But that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Consult the Australian Nudist Federation to learn of more Aussie resorts and accommodation options which welcome naturists with open, and bare, arms.

  • Staying Safe in Australia – Tips for Dealing with Deadly Wildlife Down Under

    Australia has a reputation as a dangerous destination, with creepy crawlies and biting monsters around every corner.

    But you needn’t worry about the snakes, spiders, sharks and other nasties Down Under if you follow some simple advice. Australia is home to the ten deadliest snakes in the world, including the fierce snake, commonbrown, and taipan. If you’re visiting Australia’s cities though, such as Perth, the only place you'll come across them in the zoo. If you're venturing into Australia's rural areas though, make sure you always wear closed shoes. As Australia's snakes are timid, they are likely to slither away from harm once they hear your footsteps. If you do see a snake though, it’s important to stay still. They will only attack if they feel threatened, so wait until they pass before continuing your journey. Spiders are less of a concern in Australia, with only the funnelweb and redback varieties considered dangerous. However, all Australian spiders have venom and are capable of giving a nasty bite! To ensure you're not a victim, always shake your shoes before putting them on. Covered footwear is advisable when walking outside, particularly at night. Don't leave towels and clothes on the floor, as spiders are known to settle inside them. [caption id="attachment_3396" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A fierce snake, the deadliest snake in the world"]A fierce snake, the deadliest snake in the world[/caption] Do not let the risk of a shark attack stop you from enjoying Australia's beautiful beaches. Most major beaches have shark nets installed to prevent swimmers from coming face to face with these ocean predators. By sticking to patrolled areas, and obeying instructions from the lifeguards, you are likely to stay safe. Crocodiles are also not a threat in most parts of Australia. While salties and freshwater crocs are common in the Northern Territory and the northernmost tip of Queensland, they do not live in Australia's most common tourist areas. Crocodile habitats in these locations are often signposted, but when in doubt tourists should resist the urge for a dip. Public beaches and waterholes are the best places to cool off up north. As a rule, Australia's animals should be admired from a safe distance. While some spiders, snakes, and other creatures are not dangerous it’s best to err on the side of caution. Attacks and injuries from Australia’s native wildlife are rare. However, if you are in trouble call the emergency services number 000 from any phone immediately.

  • Shopping in Hanoi – Finding Bargains and Luxury Goods in Vietnamese Capital

    Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, is a rich shopping mecca, offering opportunities for luxury lovers and bargain hunters alike. Known as the Paris of the Orient, this Vietnamese city specializes in fashions and homewares.

    The Old Quarter is the hub of Hanoi’s shopping district with its modern malls and traditional markets. If your time is limited make sure you hit up the Dong Xuan Market. This three-storey market has hundreds of stalls selling just about everything including knitwear, gourmet foods, jewelry, imitation designer fashions, cosmetics, and woven mats. Bargain hunters should also explore Hang Bac and Hang Be. Stores here sell lacquerware and other traditional goods at backpacker-friendly prices.piggy bank world

    To make shopping convenient for tourists, stores in one street or district commonly sell similar goods. For example, Hang Gai is known as “Silk Street,” and European designer and high-end goods can be found at Nha Tho.

    If you’re after a special souvenir of your stay it’s worth moving away from the city center. Half an hour from Hanoi you’ll find the small village of Bat Trang, a community which has made pottery for more than 400 years.

    These local crafts also make wonderful gifts for loved ones back home. While bargaining is not appropriate at galleries and shopping centers, it is still practiced at many smaller stores. As a rule, if goods are marked with a price this is non-negotiable. However, if you are verbally told the price it’s customary to haggle it down. Early morning is not a good time to bargain, but shopkeepers are often open to giving a discount later in the day. It’s easy to go overboard when shopping in Hanoi. Thankfully though, most stores are happy ship any large items home for you. It's also important to keep track of what you're spending. Many countries require travelers to declare when they have spent more than a specified amount on foreign soil. Consult the customs authorities in your own country to learn the rules applicable to you.

  • Traditional Hangi, a Pacific Underground Feast

    A hangi is a traditional meal enjoyed in the island nations of New Zealand and the South Pacific. In Samoa it is called umu, and in Fiji it’s known as lovo.

    Hangi refers both to the food eaten, the method it is cooked, and the underground oven it’s cooked in.

    At a hangi, different meats and vegetables are wrapped in leaves or aluminum foil, then placed in a pit lined with hot stones. The parcels are covered with wet cloths and earth to trap the heat inside. The dishes then steam for several hours until the vegetables are flavorsome and the meats are fall-apart tender. Chicken, beef, fish, and kumera are traditional dishes served at a hangi. Today pork, lamb, potatoes, and pumpkin are also often prepared this way. The unconventional cooking method imbues the food with a delicious earthy, smoky flavor. The decision to cook food underground may seem unusual to Westerners, but it makes sense when understanding that the native Islanders believe that the earth gives all life. As all life comes from soil, it seems right to return that life-giving food to the earth. A hangi is a communal experience, where food is shared freely amongst old friends and new ones. Traditionally a hangi was reserved for special occasions where a village came together to celebrate. All members of the family would assist in the feast, with the men preparing the underground oven and the women tending to the food. [caption id="attachment_3379" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A Maori warrior"]A Maori warrior[/caption] Today many hotels and cultural villages in tourist towns regularly serve hangi feasts. These allow visitors to experience the country's culture, and are often accompanied by traditional music and dancing. Tourists can enjoy a hangi meal at many locations throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific including Tamaki Maori Village in the New Zealand city of Rotorua, Lalati Resort in Fiji, and Princess Tui Inn (NOTE: Fire destroyed the building in late 2010) in the Samoan beachside town of Apia.

    [Image Source: Geoftheref/Flickr]

  • Fishing in New Zealand – The Best Places to Land a Big Fish

    Seasoned anglers and casual fishermen should make sure they pack a rod and reel when traveling to New Zealand.

    With abundant coastline and countless lakes and rivers inland, it's always easy to find a private place to cast off. Stud farms and hatcheries replenish the fish in New Zealand's waterways, so there is plenty of sizable seafood to catch. While some Kiwi fishermen prefer to guard the secrets of their favorite fishing spots, most locals are happy to share their knowledge. The fish you'll catch depends on the area you lay down your line. Lake Taupo is famous for trout measuring at least half a meter. While that will lure in serious fishermen, casual casters may be perturbed by the $30 a day fishing fee. If you've got access to a boat, or want to join a tour, consider heading to the Bay or Plenty or The Coromandel. These are big game fishing areas, with yellowtail kingfish, marlin, puka, and snapper inhabiting the waters. [caption id="attachment_3358" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A brown trout, commonly found in New Zealand waters"]new zealand brown trout[/caption] A few kilometers from Lake Tekapo you'll find Mount Cook Salmon Farm. Free fishing is allowed along the canal, but if you’re happy to pay for a guaranteed catch you can fish inside the farm's net. Fly fishing is popular along Ngongotaha Stream at Rotorua Lake. The waters here are so clear, you can actually watch the trout as they swim past. Nearby Ohar Channel is another popular fly fishing spot. The waters of Pohara Harbour, near Abel Tasman National Park, are brimming with seafood. Spotties and Australian salmon are particularly common here, but watch out for the manta rays. They'll snap your line in a second, so you’ll need to carry some extra hooks! Before setting out, it's important to obtain a fishing license. These are available online from New Zealand's Fish and Game website. Whole season and shorter 24-hour licenses are available for adults, juniors, and families. While at the website, make sure you familiarize yourself with the regulations of the area you intend to fish. These rules govern minimum sizes, bag limits, and the times and areas that fishing is permitted. Of course, you shouldn't worry if you don't catch your dinner. With many seafood restaurants in every New Zealand city, you won’t miss out on tasting the local delicacies!

  • Unspoiled Beauty of Yap, Micronesia’s Tropical Paradise

    With so much of the Pacific now transformed by tourism, the unspoiled wonder of Yap in Micronesia is even more enticing.

    This is the kind of place which gives us a glimpse into what all of the Pacific must have been like centuries ago.

    The locals don loincloths and hibiscus skirts. They build their houses from thatch and bamboo, and exchange currency made of stone. It might sound like something from The Flinstones, but Yap's stone money is used primarily for traditional reasons. Villages might give the large donut-shaped discs, which can weigh as much as five tons, as a gift to another village. The oversized coins are also used to buy canoes or land. While many Pacific Islanders invite tourists into their villages, the Yapese people are notoriously shy. However visitors to Micronesia can learn more about their way of life at the Bechiyal Cultural Center. One of the treats you'll experience here is the Betel nut, a food that is revered by the Yapese as Westerners do coffee. The nuts are dusted with dry coral lime, wrapped up in pepper leaves, and then crunched. The nuts give a mild high which lasts approximately 10 minutes. There's no hiding that you've had some either, as your lips will turn bright red! [caption id="attachment_3350" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A giant manta ray off the coast of Yap"]manta ray off coast of Yap[/caption] As you might imagine, the ocean surrounding Yap is as clear and untouched as dry land. Scuba divers enjoy swimming in the warm waters amongst giant manta rays, tuna, dolphins, and reef fish. Ocean kayak tours can also be arranged for travelers preferring to explore the ocean while staying dry. There are several small hotels in Yap, including The Pathways Hotel, Trader's Ridge Resort, and The Manta Ray Bay Hotel, the first dedicated dive resort in Micronesia. Continental Micronesia, a subsidiary of Continental Airlines, makes regular flights to Yap International Airport.

    [Image Source: Bartek.cieslak at pl.wikipedia]