FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Locations

  • Wine Lovers Check Out These Great International Destinations

    Wine has always lent itself to travel. Visiting new places and enjoying the local flavors is a favorite among almost any traveler.

    You don't have to break the bank either, to enjoy incredible international wine tours and travel. Check out a couple of our FrugalMonkey destinations that are perfect for those who want to wet their whistle and enjoy some of the world's finest wines. Mendoza, Argentina is making a name for itself on the world wine scene. Just a few years ago Argentina was barely on the radar for producing fine wines and now it is fifth in the world for exports. Travelers enjoy visiting Argentina because of the exciting South American culture, gorgeous landscape and fine wines and steaks. Mendoza, located in Argentina's north is the perfect destination for travelers on a budget because Argentina is one of the most affordable countries that FrugalMonkey features. Because of the favorable exchange rate, travelers from any demographic can enjoy cheap flights and hotel accommodations while combing the country for South American adventures. Known for it's world-famous Malbec varieties, travelers are flocking to Mendoza year-round to enjoy this new and exciting red wine. Wine tours, outdoors activities and excellent food await any visitor. For more information on travel to Mendoza check out our profile on travel to Argentina. Another amazing wine-destination for travelers is South Africa. South African wines are nothing new to the country, who has been experiencing cultivation since the early 1700's. Now a much more mature wine culture has emerged and travelers can enjoy extraordinary flavors and vacations while visiting South African wine country. The dry and arid regions of the country provide the perfect climate for wine growth and the excellent weather and exotic landscapes make it a favorite among travelers. For a full profile on travel to South Africa including a number of details on booking a wine-focused vacation, be sure to check out our website. Don't forget that the World Cup is coming to South Africa next year, making it an excellent time to kill two birds with one travel stone. Keep that in mind when you're making travel plans.

  • Destination: Hawaii

    We pride ourselves on offering the best destination profiles along with travel deals that will take you there.


    This week, we’re featuring Hawaii and bringing you all the best discounts and promotions to get you and your family on an amazing summer vacation, while doing so on a manageable budget.

    Hawaii has been on our travel radar for a while and if you’ve been reading our blog, I’m sure you’ve noticed. Travel to Hawaii is in a lull mainly due to problems with the economy. People who used to travel regularly are putting luxuries such as Hawaiian travel on hold in order to save money. The result however, means that the Hawaiian travel industry is in a major slump and the state’s economy as a whole is suffering. In order to entice travelers to the region hotels, cruise liners, flights and vacation packages are slashing prices – making Hawaii not only an amazing destination for luxury travel but now, an affordable one.

    Vacationers can find flights to Hawaii for prices lower than they have been in years. Prices from the west coast were coming in around $600 just last year. This year however, you can find flight discounts from the west coast to Hawaii for as little as $299, with some specials offering deals as low as $150 for one-way flights. This makes the Hawaiian Islands more accessible then they have been in years and travelers are taking advantage. Don’t take our word for it, take a look at some of these amazing vacation deals to Hawaii!

    For as little as $529 you can enjoy four nights in Honolulu at a Maile Sky Court or similar hotel, including airfare from Los Angeles or Seattle. Other prices from west coast cities include flights from San Francisco or Portland for $579 and $779 from Denver. These prices are valid through mid-July when they change, but only slightly.

    Keep an eye out for amazing travel deals to Hawaii. Additionally, keep an eye peeled for deals listed on our blog – we’re on the hunt to bring you only the best!

  • Don’t Miss Out on Mexico

    Last month the Center for Disease Control removed travel restrictions from Mexico, giving travelers the green light for sunny skies, beaches and margaritas.


    However, the recent swine flu scare is keeping travelers at an unhealthy distance, causing the tourism industry in Mexico to falter. The result? Cheap prices on travel to Mexico.

    Although travel to the region is perfectly safe, people have canceled vacations and re-booked elsewhere, causing some hotels to be as much as 70% below capacity. The swine flu scare, in addition to the economic slump has put travel on the back burner for a lot of families. This combination has been disastrous for the economy and tourism industry in Mexico and as a result, prices are very low.

    Priceline spokesmen Brian Ek states that packages available on travel auction sites like Priceline are as much as 30%-50% off, providing incredible savings to people interested in travel to Mexico. The country is so desperate to attract travelers back to their resorts, beaches and cities, that hotels, flights and vacation packages are lower than they’ve ever been. By pricing vacations so low, the Tourism Board hopes to attract summer travelers and inspire more people to visit to the area.

    Even cruises to Mexico are behind in numbers. Carnival and other cruise lines that recently cancelled trips into the area due to swine flue and are just now starting to rebook lost customers. While this is bad for the Mexican cruising industry, the result is cheap vacation deals for travelers. Cruises into Mexico are priced lower than they’ve ever been, providing an appealing package for summer travel at an amazing price.

    People interested in a fun and cheap summer vacation should certainly consider Mexico. On travel auction sites like applevacations.com, packages are 70% off. Other sites have deals like half off flights to Mexico and resort hotels for less than $100 a night. These deals include vacation packages to some of Mexico’s most famous resort towns where travelers will enjoy discounts on travel to Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cancun and Acapulco.

    Check out some of these currently available deals on travel to Mexico and book your summer vacation now!

    You can enjoy three nights hotel stay in Cozumel including airfare from Houston for only $349 in July. That means amazing Fourth of July travel dates and discounts. For this vacation package search Cozumel travel deals on GoFox.com

    Other vacation packages include three nights in Cancun with airfare from San Antonio for $299.


    Or maybe you’re looking for a longer vacation. In this case take a look at the seven night Regency Cancun deal, which includes airfare from Houston through July and August for only $592 on Priceline. At Palaceresorts.com enjoy airfare discounts from $100-$400 in Cancun, Cuzmel and Nayarit. These deals will be valid from June 30 – September 30, 2009.

    We mentioned the cheap cruise deals available and we weren’t kidding. Carnival has five night cruises available from Galveston through Progreso and Cozumel for as low as $380 and seven night cruise deals in August for only $550 a person.

    Get on these incredible travel discounts now, they won’t last!

  • Package Deals for Alaskan Travel

    This week, it’s all about travel packages so check out this great deal that will land you smack dab in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.

    Mt.McKinley is the tallest peak in Northern America and it resides in Denali National Park, a tourist favorite for summer travel. These two attractions are combined in this great deal provided by Rail Tours. This summer get a 2 for 1 deal on the Princess Rail Tour and lodging at either Denali Princess Lodge or Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge for as little as $99 a night. Both options take you from Anchorage and Fairbanks, into the Alaskan wild by railroad to experience luxury and the outdoors like you have never seen. The railroad is special because it offers you a chance to see Alaska in a way that is impossible by car and difficult to access by hiking. Take advantage of this great package deal by Rail Tours and Princess Lodges.


  • FrugalMonkey Travel Destinations and Job Information

    What better way to highlight some of our favorite travel destinations and travel jobs than showing first hand the type of travel information available on FrugalMonkey. Check it out!

    Where to Go
    If you’re looking for a great family, personal or romantic vacation, take a look at some of our country profiles.


    Our profiles include travel information on the feature country, places to go while you visit, city profiles, hotel information, sports and outdoors activities in addition to information on local wine and food.

    Alaska
    Alaska is the Last Frontier and one of our favorite vacation destinations. Whether you want to enjoy Alaska by cruising through glacier waters, taking a trip on the Alaska Railroad, enjoying a summer working the Alaskan fishing industry or by camping in one of its famous National Parks, Frugal Monkey has all the pertinent travel information you’ll need for a trip up North. Be sure to check out this FrugalMonkey favorite when considering your next vacation.

    Argentina
    FrugalMonkey likes to travel and that includes destinations like this South American favorite. In our Argentina section you’ll learn about Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Patagonia and Iguazu. Our section on Argentine culture will help you learn more about this exciting place, including the country’s obsession with soccer, wine and tango.

    Australia
    Surfers, sun-worshipers and travelers alike flock to the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef as well as the Australian Outback. Learn more about this incredible travel destination through our profile on Australian travel.

    Greece
    Once we put the idea of Greece in your head it won’t be long before you’re purchasing your flight to Athens. Our section on Greece has everything you’d want to know about traveling to this Mediterranean paradise. We even include a section on Grecian customs and how to fly with pets to Greece. It’s all there, so take a look!

    Hawaii
    Hawaii is a North American favorite for getting away. Our section includes information on every Hawaiian Island in addition to hotels and activities you will find there. Start planning your vacation to Hawaii now, with FrugalMonkey’s guide to Hawaiian travel. You’ll be snorkeling off the coast and riding bareback on the beach in no time. Also, keep an eye out for amazing travel deals to Hawaii. Prices have never been lower!

    Mexico
    Mexico has something for everyone and so does our section on travel to Mexico. We give you an excellent look at some of the best beach destinations in the country, but we also highlight cool things to do in Mexico City including Mexico’s best restaurants and hotels!

    South Africa
    South Africa has it all: beaches, restaurants, amazing hotels, wildlife, adventure, romance and casual fun. It also has a big event coming up: The 2010 World Cup. Our entire section on World Cup travel will help you plan the perfect South African vacation.

    Jobs
    Traveling is great, but if you can’t afford it, the idea can be rather depressing. For the budget traveler and student, we put together some amazing information regarding travel jobs. You will learn about cruise ship jobs, resort jobs, working abroad, volunteering abroad as well as teaching English. Check out our job board as well, for up to date information on recently available travel jobs.


  • Destination: Acapulco

    You’re probably pretty up to speed with our FrugalMonkey Destination Profiles. We show you where to go, why to go and point out great travel deals to get there.


    This week we’re showing you how to enjoy the perfect summer vacation with a trip to Acapulco, Mexico!

    Mexico is not only the perfect romantic getaway, but it also is a great vacation for families as well. Great restaurants, fun outdoors adventures, activities, golf, beautiful resorts and amazing beaches make this a favorite among visitors. What makes Acapulco so special is its origins from a small village into one of the most beautiful Mexican vacation destinations in the country. Acapulco’s proximity to the Sierra Madre Mountains makes it an excellent place to enjoy an adventuresome afternoon with your family or a gorgeous cliff side sunset for couples. The Pacific Ocean waters stay cool throughout the year but visitors are almost guaranteed to get nothing but sun. The size of this Mexican city is big enough to ensure that you won’t get bored and its night life is legendary, but isn’t difficult to manage. For more information on different things to do in Acapulco, check out FrugalMonkey’s entire profile on Acapulco travel.

    So how should you get there? Acapulco is located on the southernmost Pacific side of Mexico, so most vacationers fly. Right now you can fly from Los Angeles to Acapulco for as little as $254 when you fly with Continental Airlines. From Houston flight prices plummet to only $174 for the nonstop round trip flight, when you fly with Aero Mexico.

    If you need a place to stay while you’re there, check out three-star hotel rates as low as $48 a night when you book through Orbitz at Golden Zone Hotel or Acapulco Diamonte. Naturally, there are a million ways to throw your money around, so if luxury is on your agenda – never fear. Check out FrugalMonkey’s list of hotels and attractions to help you further plan your trip.

  • Cheap airfare strategies

    Some of these simple airfare strategies will help you save money while you travel.

    Even though finding good airfare deals has become easier, there are some ways to narrow your search and find those even better deals.


    Check out FrugalMonkey’s summer strategy for cheap flights and air travel.

    Right now you can find incredible international and domestic flight deals. But consider the simple equation that the further you fly, the more expensive the flight will be. That’s why if you live on the East Coast, you can fly to Greece for less and if you live on the West Coast, you can travel to Anchorage, Alaska and Hawaii on extremely low airfares. It’s because proximity to your location will inevitably affect your travel costs. Consider this when planning your next vacation and you will find the really cheap flights. Proximity plays a big part! Flights such as $300 round trip to Hawaii from the West Coast, or mind blowing European rates from New York and Florida are just a few clicks away.

    Another thing to do is to hunt for online promotions. Signing up for newsletters, looking for online coupons and simply things like setting an email alert for certain airlines, are excellent ways to find those really good travel deals and cut down on costs.

    You should also consider the time of year when you travel. Flying during high season will cost you potentially hundreds of more dollars than if you fly during the low season. One great trick is to plan vacations on the cusp of high and low seasons. That way, you can enjoy the low season rates but high season weather and activities will still be accessible. Not only will your airfare be cheaper but, so will hotels, restaurants and local activities.

    Lastly, the tried and true way to find the best airfare deals is through travel auction sites. A lot of the sites like Travelocity, Hotwire, Orbitz and Kayak will not only offer airfare discounts, but vacation packages as well. Doing your research through these sites will certainly pay off when your family vacation is hundreds of dollars cheaper at the start!

  • Flight Deals to Cabo San Lucas

    Mexico is a favorite travel location for North Americans because it offers a tropical paradise just a flight or two away. It is also close enough for travelers to enjoy small or week long vacations as opposed to longer vacations that require a great deal of time off work or school. But with summer here and school out Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is the perfect destination for graduation celebrations or just a get away.

    Right now from Los Angeles you can find amazing flight deals to Cabo. With Mexicana airlines there is a round trip flight for only $150. Or, you can fly United and pay only $260. If you’re willing to a make a stop, your flight price will drop significantly. Check out travel auction sites for ongoing deals and of course our blog for all the best ongoing travel info to your favorite vacation destinations.


  • Destination: Crete, Greece

    Crete, Greece is one of the most beautiful of the Greek Islands in addition to being one of the biggest. Located within boating distance of other Grecian coastlines, this famous and historically rich island is a favorite among tourists. After all, Homer and Greek mythology mention the island time and time again, giving its warm waters and beautiful scenery an air of old world mystique. Museums, beach waters, hotels, restaurants, shopping, swimming, aquariums and even amusement parks are littered within this tropical paradise. A summer vacation to Greece wouldn’t be complete without stopping off for a weekend in Crete.


  • School Is Out – Time To Travel

    This week and in the upcoming weeks, colleges around the world are turning out newly graduated alumnus in addition to thousands of students who will be out of school for the summer.


    If you’re a college student looking forward to enjoying the summer sun or, if you’re a family looking to a take a vacation while the kids aren’t in school, check out some of these destinations and ideas from FrugalMonkey.

    International Travel
    FrugalMonkey’s country profiles amazing international travel destinations are a great place to begin looking for your summer vacation. For college students, you can’t beat the cheap prices found in cities like Buenos Aires, Argentina – a backpacker favorite. South America is a great way to spend a summer of backpacking and seeing the world. Affordable countries, amazing experiences and affordable prices await you!

    If South America isn’t your thing, or if you’re worried about the impending travel costs of a summer abroad, consider getting a travel job. Not only does it allow you to travel without over spending but, it is great real world job experience. Don’t forget to check out FrugalMonkey’s travel job board; a great place to begin your search.

    Other great international travel ideas include Australia. You can’t beat time away from school or celebrating your graduation by lounging in the sun and surf along Australia’s Sunshine Coast. Or if you only have a week or two, consider a vacation to Mexico. Mexico is filled with amazing hotels and destinations affordable enough for the recent grad but exciting and beautiful enough, to make any traveler happy.

    Families
    With the kids off from school for the summer, there couldn’t be a better time to enjoy a summer vacation. While you’re planning be sure to take a look at our budget travel resources to help cut costs and amazing destination profiles. Alaska, Hawaii or Mexico are all great vacation destinations that won’t break the bank.

    Check back each week for amazing family deals and vacation packages.