FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Locations

  • See Historic Ships for Free at Australian National Maritime Museum

    Australia’s historic ships and naval heritage are celebrated at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

    The museum’s galleries feature important documents and other relics from Australia’s maritime history. You can explore these displays at your own pace or join a free guided tour. The interactive touch screens in the museum’s foyer give times and information about this service along with other museum events and activities.

    But for most visitors, the most exciting parts of the museum are outside its halls. Several ships are docked in the harbor just outside, including the navy destroyer HMAS Vampire, the 1847 tall ship James Craig, the Blackmores First Lady sailed around the world by Australian solo voyager Kay Cottee, and a replica of the Endeavour, the ship that Captain James Cook traveled to Australia in.

    All those boats and talk of history can be a bit dry for the kids, so if you’re taking the family visit on Sundays or during school holiday periods. Extra activities including craft projects, story time, and games should keep children aged between five and 12 entertained. These sessions do attract an extra fee of $7 though, so they can get pricey if you have a large brood.

    The Australian National Maritime Museum's replica of the Endeavour
    The Australian National Maritime Museum's replica of the Endeavour

    The Australian National Maritime Museum is conveniently located on the western side of the bubbling Darling Harbour precinct. This tourist hub is easily accessible by Sydney’s bus, light rail, and monorail networks.

    The Australian National Maritime Museum is one of Sydney’s free museums, although special exhibitions and activities may attract a small fee. It’s open every day except Christmas from 9:30 am in the morning. The museum closes at 5 pm, except in January when it closes at 6 pm.

    [Image Source: Andy Mitchell/Flickr]

  • Free Snacks at Japan’s Harimaya Station Cafes

    Who said there’s no such thing as a free lunch? Clearly they’ve never visited one of Harimaya Station’s free cafés!

    The concept was developed by one of Japan’s leading snack food companies, Harimaya Honten.

    It might seem daft for the brand to give away their treats, but it's a great way of spreading word about the label's tasty snacks and generating positive publicity. You won't find enough free grub here to fill up but the complimentary coffee, green tea, juice, and Japanese rice crackers, known as okaki and senbei, will satisfy you between meals. So save your yen and eat up! The traditional crackers will definitely hit the spot during a busy day of sightseeing in Japan! There are seven Harimaya Station cafes in Japan: two in Tokyo, one in Fukuoka's Hakata Mitsui Building, one in Osaka's NM Plaza Midosuji Building, one in Kobe's Daido Seimei Kobe Building, one in Nagoya's CentRise Sakae Building, and one in Kyoto. The cafes are open daily between 10 am and 7 pm. Harimaya Honten also plans to take the concept abroad, so look out for Harimaya Station cafes in Paris and New York soon!

  • Shop Up a Storm on Shanghai’s Fuxing Road

    The Chinese city of Shanghai is made for tourists who want to shop ’til they drop.

    Most of them will flock to the well-known shopping strips on Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Shopping City, and Huaihai Road. But you'll find more interesting souvenirs and save some money for the rest of your Shanghai trip if you take the path less traveled and explore the under-appreciated Fuxing Road. Start your shopping trip at the junction of Ulumuqi and Fuxing Roads, and travel west down Fuxing. That might seem daunting in a foreign speaking country, but Shanghai's street signs are translated into English, and they happily give compass directions as well! If you're unsure how to get there, simply hail a taxi and tell the driver you want to visit "Woo-loo-moo-chee loo, foo-shing loo." The word lu, which sounds like loo, is the Mandarin word for road. Make sure to leave at least two to three hours to explore the stores at your leisure. The last thing you want to do is rush down this beautiful leafy part of China! It's easy to miss your first stop, the Skylight Tibetan Gallery, as it's tucked away down a couple of steps from the road. Look out for the distinctive yellow building, which sells gorgeous Tibetan goods including handmade silver, coral, and turquoise jewelry and cotton apparel. You won't be able to bargain here but the prices are relatively affordable, particularly for the quality of the merchandise. Then cross the road to visit Shanghai Trio's workshop on Lane #37. Here you'll find traditional Chinese textiles including purses, duvet covers, and clothes. Again there's no bargaining, but older lines are often discounted. Everyone loves to take home a T-shirt from their travels, and Urban Tribe is a great place to find one. Travel a few minutes down Fuxing Road to find the store which features hand-dyed cotton tees alongside photos of Asian landscapes, unique silver jewelry, and quirky pottery. Recharge your batteries with a cup of Chinese tea in the garden at the store's rear.Global Travel Image Keep walking west on Fuxing Road to find SQ Décor. It's a small store with plenty of attitude known for its modern interpretations of traditional Chinese crafts. Think brightly colored porcelain, funky glassware, and even the Chinese ancestor painting printed on throw-pillow cases! Turn left and you'll come to your final destination, Le Passage Fuxing. This revamped art deco building is now home to a couple more shops and the café Ginger. Chowing down on its Chinese take on tapas is a great way to end a busy day of shopping!

  • Free Art Galleries in Sydney, New South Wales

    It doesn’t cost a lot to get cultured in Sydney. Entry to most art galleries in the Australian tourist center is free!

    Some of Australia’s most famous artworks are housed in the Art Gallery of New South Wales, including pieces from 19th and 20th century masters Grace Cossington Smith, Sidney Nolan, and Russell Drysdale.

    The gallery is also home to the Yiribana Gallery, which celebrates Australian indigenous art. If you prefer something more modern, visit The Rocks' Museum of Contemporary Art. It's the only museum of its kind in Oz, so it's worth visiting if your tastes are cutting edge. While it's not as spacious as the big galleries, the Blender Gallery in Paddington is also worth a look; this space provides a temporary home for traveling rock-focused photography exhibitions. The Locksmith Project Space in Alexandria is another exciting small free gallery, which showcases experimental pieces including films and music. The life and work of one of Sydney's most talented artists, Brett Whitley, is showcased at his Surry Hills studio. His work, including many unfinished pieces, is displayed here in the building which served as his home and exhibition space. The Norman Lindsay Gallery and Museum in Faulconbridge is another site focusing on one of Sydney's favorite sons. Norman Lindsay shot to fame as the author and illustrator of the beloved Australian children's book The Magic Pudding. The gallery features works from this classic story, along with Lindsay's other key pieces. The Australian Galleries have so many local artworks that they needed six campuses to house them all: four in Victoria and two in the Sydney suburb of Paddington. The buildings on Glenmore Road and Roylston Street honor modern Aussie artists under the gaze of Stuart Purves, the son of the original curators.paintbrushes The Blacktown Arts Centre, Campbelltown Arts Centre, and Hawkesbury Regional Gallery are also great gallery options outside the city center. Some traveling exhibitions may incur additional costs, but it's possible to soak up plenty of Australian and international art for free in Sydney.

  • Making the Most of Your European Hostel Experience

    There’s no quicker way to eat up your European vacation budget than by booking an expensive hotel.

    Luckily, there are plenty of inexpensive alternative lodging options in Europe, the most popular of which are the many hostels found in most major (and some smaller) European cities. “Hostel culture” varies from city to city and establishment to establishment, but most hostels offer sparse, comfortable accommodations (and sometimes even a continental breakfast thrown in) for reduced rates. After all, why should you spend the big bucks on a deluxe hotel room if you will be out and about sightseeing most of the time anyways? Here are some guidelines for finding and booking hostels, as well as making the most of your European hostel experience.
    • Start your search early. As is the case with reasonably priced hotels, hostels fill up quickly, especially during the high tourist season. Although I do have a lot of friends who “hostel it on the fly” (booking accommodations a day in advance as they go), I would suggest reserving a bed in advance to give yourself some peace of mind. Helpful websites for finding hostels in Europe include: www.europeanhostels.com,  www.hosteleurope.com, www.hostels.com and www.famoushostels.com.
    • Read reviews, ask around. Before booking your hostel, try to find reviews of it online (the sites mentioned above have reviews for most of their listings). Even better, ask if any of your friends have stayed in hostels in your destination city and ask them for recommendations. There are some hostels that look great on line, but are unsanitary or unsafe in reality. It’s best to avoid this unpleasant experience by doing your research ahead of time. [caption id="attachment_5344" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Staying in a hostel is a great way to save money and meet other frugal travelers."]Europe hostel photo[/caption]
    • Find out the specifics regarding the accommodations. Each hostel is a little different, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting yourself into before you commit. Most hostels offer individual rooms with shared bathrooms (located in the hallway), double rooms, quad rooms or “dorms” that sleep 8 or more. Of course, the fewer people to a room, the more expensive the rates are, but sometimes it’s worth it for the guaranteed privacy. Some hostels provide linens (sheets, towels, etc.) and some don’t, so it’s a good idea to ask (especially if  you’ll be traveling from afar and don’t want to or can’t bring your own linens with you. It’s important to understand exactly what you’ll be getting for the price.
    • Find out about the area surrounding the hostel. As is to be expected, most hostels aren’t located in the “swanky” parts of the city. Do a little research on the area in which the hostel is located to make sure that you will feel safe when you’re walking to and from the hostel at night. This is especially important if traveling alone.
    • Enjoy the hostel culture. Hostel “dwellers” are a diverse group, and most are excited to share their travel knowledge if asked. If you’ve just arrived, strike up a conversation with a friendly looking traveler and ask him or her about his or her experience in the city. You’re sure to learn a lot and perhaps even make some friends who will make your trip even more enjoyable. Some hostels have bars or cafeteria-style restaurants attached to them. Hang out in these public places to meet new people and enjoy the hostel culture.
    • When you get home, review the hostel online. Throw fellow travelers a bone and review your hostel experience online. Remember to be honest and include the good, bad and the ugly.

  • See Shanghai on the Cheap – Budget Travel Tips for Chinese Tourist City

    With Shanghai’s luxury hotels and bustling shopping districts, it’s pretty easy to spend a small fortune staying in this popular Chinese city.

    But bargains can certainly be found in this busy Asian port if you know where to look. The first key to saving cash is choosing the right time of year to visit. It's a balancing act though. Accommodation is at its cheapest in winter, but the chilly temperatures and frequent rain can make visiting then unpleasant. Summer is the most expensive season to stay in Shanghai, but fall and spring provide the perfect balance between conditions and cost. Luxury hotels similar to those you'd find in Europe or the United States have recently become common in Shanghai, but these options are very pricey. You'll find more affordable rooms at university lodgings and on Nanjing Road. This is Shanghai's most famous shopping district though, so avoid the temptation to spend up on the nearby stores! Western style restaurants have filtered into Shanghai, but they're often expensive. Instead eat as the locals do. Fast food restaurants serving regional treats like scallion pancakes and rice dumplings represent good value, as do the eateries on Yunnan Lu Gourmet Street. The street's name makes it sound expensive, but with so many restaurants in direct competition the prices there are refreshingly reasonable. Also remember that like other Chinese cities, tipping is not expected in Shanghai.   Shanghai has an affordable public transport system, with extensive bus and subway systems all designed to affordable get you where you want to be. But why not save your yuan and walk? The city is one of the easiest to navigate on foot in China. By following these travel tips you should have a bit more yuan in your pocket than the average Shanghai tourist. With all that cash freed up, you might even be able to treat yourself to a meal of the city's famous hairy crab, or a little shopping spree!

  • Free Travel on Melbourne’s Red Explorer Bus

    The Australian city of Melbourne really is a capital made for tourists. As if the free City Circle Tram didn’t make getting around easy enough, visitors can also discover the city for free on the Red Explorer bus, otherwise known as the Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle.

    As there are no tickets, tourists can hop on at any station, and hop off once they spot something interesting.

    It's a great system for sightseers, as they can alight and depart at the designated stops as many times as they wish. There are 13 stops in all, which take in Melbourne's major tourist attractions. In the Melbourne Arts Precinct you'll find the NGV International and other galleries, the Sports Precinct is home to venues for cricket, Aussie Rules, and rugby league, and Chinatown is a great spot for a cheap feed. The Red Explorer bus runs every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm. You'll never wait more than 30 minutes at any of the stops, so it's a very convenient and frugal way to see Victoria's most popular city!

  • Free Fun at Bangkok’s Lumphini Park, Thailand

    Lumphini Park is like a little oasis in the center of bustling Bangkok’s shopping districts and eat streets, a place to enjoy life at a slower pace and get back to nature.

    It's also a great place to spend time in Thailand for free, or close to it! The sprawling parklands are spread out across 142 acres in the heart of the city. Its centerpiece is a beautiful created lake. You can experience its splendor up close by renting a boat or enjoying a picnic lunch on its banks. If you're an early riser see locals performing traditional fan dancing, yoga, and tai chi each morning at 6 am. The running trails are also popular amongst businessmen keen to start their day with a workout. As the sun goes down you can get your heart pumping with a free outdoor aerobics class. Forget about looking silly and enjoy the retro exercise every day from 6 pm. Between February and April, free musical concerts are also held in the park every Sunday evening. Free art exhibitions, fairs, and plays, are also staged at various times of the year. Make sure you listen out for the Thai national anthem, which is pumped through the park each day at 8 am and 6 pm. Visitors should stand still as a sign of respect during these times. [caption id="attachment_5318" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Lumphini Park in Bangkok, Thailand"]Lumphini Park in Bangkok, Thailand[/caption] Unlike many parks around the world, dogs are not permitted at Lumphini Park. You also can't smoke there, so the air is always clean and fresh. Forget about flying a kite or tossing around a football, as these activities are also banned. Cycling is permitted but only during certain hours; you can only ride a bike there between 5 am and 3 pm. Anyone caught breaking these rules is fined 2000 baht, so you'd best stay on the straight and narrow! All those regulations may seem a bit off putting, but they ensure Lumphini Park is a great place for Bangkok locals and tourists alike to enjoy.

    [Image Source: Anna/Flickr]

  • Party on Ladies Nights in India – Free Drinks for Female Travelers

    No matter where you go in the world it’s refreshing to know that there are some universal similarities.

    You'll probably be able to find a Big Mac, the capitals will be crowded and overpriced, and young people love to party. So while tourists flock to India to see the Ganges River and eat authentic Indian cuisine, they also head to nightclubs once the sun goes down. A few nights out can be expensive for male travelers, but females are in luck! Many bars and nightspots in India's tourist centers have ladies nights. Admission and drinks are usually complimentary, so make sure you go easy to avoid a nasty hangover. These midweek events encourage more women to frequent the establishments, which in turn increases male patronage! Women can enjoy free drinks and girl power music on Tuesday nights at New Delhi's Café Morrison. The nightspot even offers cab-drops for patrons who've indulged in a few too many cocktails. The mojitos and vodkatinis flow freely for women at nearby Turquoise Cottage each Monday.cool cocktail photo Plenty of Mumbai establishments also join in the fun. They blast retro tunes and keep the free drinks flowing at Firangi Paani on Mondays, Zenzi, and Zenzi Mills do the same thing on Tuesdays, and if you're up for more you can do it again at the Wink Bar or Vie Deck and Lounge on Wednesdays. Local entertainment guides including Time Out Worldwide have details of all these events, so grab one when you're in town and prepare to party!

  • The Rocks Self-Guided Walking Tour – Discover Sydney’s Historic Heart

    Sydney vacation companies offer plenty of tours designed to introduce you to New South Wales’ capital.

    While these excursions are informative and entertaining, they're also costly. So why not save your dollars in Sydney and enjoy a self-guided tour instead? One of the best places for exploring is The Rocks, a district regarded as the birthplace of modern Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip landed here in 1788, and it's been growing ever since. Happily though, the area celebrates its heritage with historic buildings which remember its past. Circular Quay is an easy place to start your journey. It has bus stops, a train station, and ferry wharf, so it's one of the most accessible places in Sydney. The iconic sights of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge let you know you're in the right spot. Travel north past the Museum of Contemporary Art to the first historic building on our tour, Cadman's Cottage. Cadman's Cottage is one of Australia's oldest surviving buildings. It was originally built in 1816 to house the state governor's coxswain and crew, but today is home to the National Parks and Wildlife Service Information Center. You can visit for free every day except Mondays, Christmas, and Good Friday. Across the road from the Overseas Passenger Terminal you'll see a row of warehouses. Today they're office spaces and restaurants, so it's amazing to think they too were built in colonial times. You'll see some steps which will take you to the main area of The Rocks. Head west on Argyle Street and you'll find The Rocks Center, a great source of information about The Rocks and the rest of Sydney. If you're not sure what to do while you're in the city, this is the place to come. If you continue along Argyle you’ll come to the Argyle Cut, a deep rock cutting through sandstone which offers access to Darling Harbour and Millers Point. It's amazing to think that convicts did the bulk of this work with only chisels and hammers in 1843. Explosives finished the job in 1867. At the turn of the 20th century it was a popular hangout for gangsters and lowlifes, but it’s happily been cleaned up since then! Continue on to The Garrison Church, located at the corner of Argyle Street and Lower Fort Road. It began its life in 1840 as a military church, and plaques hanging on the walls remind us of this history. [caption id="attachment_5280" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Argyle Cut at Night"]Argyle Cut at Night[/caption] After all that walking you're probably tired and a bit thirsty. So why not do as the locals do and enjoy a schooner of beer at the Hero of Waterloo Hotel. The convict-built Irish pub has been one of Sydney's most popular watering holes since 1843. Local drops including Tooheys New, Carlton Draught, and James Squire go down easy, so this hotel is a great place to end your Rocks walking tour!

    [Image Source: Angus Fraser/Flickr]