FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Locations

  • Travel Around Melbourne for Free on the City Circle Tram

    The Victorian city of Melbourne is home to the largest tram network in the world, and these electric cable cars are a wonderful way to get about the capital.

      Visitors are spoiled with free travel to many major sights on the City Circle Tram. The tram follows a rectangular circuit which passes Melbourne Aquarium, Federation Square, Etihad Sports Stadium, Parliament House, and other key Melbourne tourist attractions. On board commentary informs travelers of points of interest ahead, and you can hop off at any stop for a closer look. Once you're done it's never too long until the distinctive maroon-brown colored tram comes to collect you. It arrives roughly every 12 minutes between 10 am and 6 pm most days and until 9 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. However it does not run on Christmas Day, or Good Friday. The Melbourne City Circle tram is similar to Sydney's Explorer bus, but it has the advantage of being completely free!

    [Image Source: Adityo Saputra/Flickr]

    [caption id="attachment_5131" align="aligncenter" width="150"]Melbourne City Circle Tram Melbourne City Circle Tram[/caption]

  • Tipping in Asia – Money Customs in Eastern Tourist Spots

    Tipping is a way of life for anyone living in North America or Europe. But in Asia the practice is less common, and the etiquette surrounding it can cause confusion.

    This guide will tell you what gratuities are expected in Asia's major tourist centers. Tipping is most common in Thailand, where it is expected in all establishments that don't apply a service charge to the bill. It's typical to tip 10% of your restaurant bill, but you may give 15% for outstanding service. There is no need to tip Bangkok street vendors, or staff at food halls and noodle huts. Massage therapists and salon employees are also generally given 10% of your treatment cost as a tip. Thais tend to round up their taxi fare, offering the odd amount of baht as a tip, although you may be more generous if the driver helps you with your bags. Porters should also be tipped; while there are no rules for this 20 baht per bag is a good guide. The Japanese consider the practice of tipping rude, so do not leave extra yen under any circumstances. Instead, reward good service by saying the appreciative phrase "gochisou sama deshita" with a smile. Tipping is also restricted in Singapore, so keep your change in your pocket. Most large hotels and restaurants will add a 10% service charge to your bill, but workers in other establishments and taxi drivers will refuse any extra payment.Keyboard with three money keys Tipping is not expected in China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and The Philippines, but workers in these countries will not be offended if you leave a gratuity. Employees of hotels and restaurants in large cities are used to international tourists leaving tips, but the practice may confuse workers in smaller establishments. Don't be surprised if they chase you to return your change! While the Western concept of tipping is not practiced in India, the country has a similar custom called baksheesh. This idea encourages wealthy people to give to those less fortunate. Hotel porters will expect some rupees for their service. Restaurant staff won't anticipate these kinds of kickbacks, but they'll certainly appreciate a gift of 5-10% of the total bill.

  • Stay in Seoul for Less – Budget Travel Tips for Korea

    Seoul, is regarded as one of the most expensive cities in the world, but don’t let that deter you from traveling to the South Korean capital.

    Frugal holidaymakers can still save money in this city by following our advice. Seoul's sticky summer heat is only exemplified by the many tourists that visit in June and July. Those crowds drive the prices of all services sky-high, so you're better traveling in fall or spring. You'll save money, and enjoy a more temperate climate. Seoul's public transport system is also relatively inexpensive, and an excellent way to explore the city. Westerners will find the subway system most useful as, unlike the bus network, all station names and transit signs are written in English. If you plan on spending some time in Seoul it's smart to buy a rechargeable transport card. The fare will be automatically deducted whenever the card is presented. Taxis are also not as pricey as you might imagine, so they're a good option if there isn't a subway station nearby. Expect to pay around $2.15 US for the first two kilometers you travel, and an extra 10c for every 114 meters thereafter. Seoul's inner-city hotels offer some great deals on weekends, but they're a bit expensive during the week when businessmen are in town. That's when mid-range chains downtown, such as the Novotel and Marriott, offer the best prices. You needn't go hungry while staying in Seoul, as traditional comfort food like noodle soups and stir fries are very cheap and filling. Dine with the college kids at Let’s Eat Alley, or grab a quick meal from a street vendor at Sinchon Street. Remember that tipping is not expected either; a thank you is all that's required for good service!south korea map Historical sites and museums are amongst Seoul's cheapest tourist attractions. You can easily spend a whole day at The National Museum of Korea, the sixth-largest museum on the planet. It's home to the world's oldest printed scripture, giant Buddha statues, ancient porcelain jars and paintings. And if you visit on the fourth Saturday of the month, it's free. The Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the oldest in Korea, and one of the most beautiful buildings in Asia. It dates back to 1395, and the gate guard change and other daily ceremonies offer some insight into its history. You'll need at least three hours to explore the buildings and gardens. Admission to the palace equates to less than $5 US, and seniors and children under six can see it for free. If you have time, the National Folk Museum and National Palace Museum are also inside the palace grounds. So as you can see, it's possible to stay, eat, and play in Seoul without breaking the bank.

  • Avoiding Tourist Scams in Bangkok – Traps for Travellers in Thailand

    Bangkok is a wonderful tourist destination, with plenty to see and and welcoming people. There’s great Thai food in Bangkok too (as you might imagine).

    But just like so many thriving vacation spots, there are scams designed to dupe unwitting international tourist. So keep your wits about you and look out for the following schemes. Plan your trip, and don't let anyone divert you from your path. Dishonest taxi drivers might tell you a local attraction is closed, giving a plausible story about repairs or religious holidays. They are likely to tempt you with an alternate spot, such as the famed but non-existent Lucky Buddhist Temple. But you should not give in. Politely leave the cab, and flag down the next one. While they may be telling the truth, it's much better to find yourself at the entrance of a closed attraction than scammed by a cheat. Some gift stores claim to be government sponsored, in an attempt to seem more trustworthy. Many go to great lengths with this charade, even hiring uniformed guards to stand around the store. But this too is a scam. The government does not sponsor any retail outlets, so don't fall prey to this lie.Global Travel Image While shopping for bargains in Thailand, also keep a look out for scam teams. They will spin a tale about a great sale at a store, which is of course ending today. They'll approach you systematically as you roam the Bangkok streets, and even in your hotel, but do not believe their story. The sale is simply a ruse designed to fleece you for more money. And of course, don’t do anything in Bangkok that you would do at home. Don't accept rides from strangers, walk alone late at night, or frequent areas that "just don't feel right." Keep your wits about you and you'll have a fabulous time in Thailand's capital.

  • Find Lost Travel Items with Backpack Boomerang Website | New Site Connects Thai Backpackers

    If you’ve never left a prized possession behind in a hostel in some far-flung corner of the world, you’ve probably never backpacked.

    It's very easy to forget your essentials as you struggle to check out of your room on time, but thanks to the new website Backpack Boomerang, all hope is not lost. While travel insurance can replace big ticket items, it falls down when it comes to sentimentalism. No cash payout can ever replace the vacation pictures on your camera, the music on your iPod, or the digits of people you've met abroad stored on your cell phone. That's where Backpack Boomerang really excels. The site is the brainchild of seasoned backpackers who know all too well the pain of leaving vital items behind. Its concept is simple. If you’ve lost something, click on the "losers" tab, detail the missing items, and wait patiently for someone to write back. If you've found someone's prized possession, it's off to the "finders" section with you.boomerang The website's altruistic concept should appeal to the nature of backpackers. Perhaps this site could even forge some new friendships amongst budget travel enthusiasts! The main drawback right now is the site's limited scope. Currently the website is only servicing backpackers holidaying in Thailand, but its creators plan to roll it out to the rest of Southeast Asia before conquering the world. I'm sure backpackers all over the globe are looking forward to that!

  • Glamping in Australia – Luxury Alternative to Camping

    If you love the idea of saving money on a camping vacation but just can’t bear the thought of losing all your luxuries, then a new holiday movement may be for you.

    Glamping is putting the glamor into camping! Australia is one of the best places to glamp, with many holiday spots embracing this upscale alternative to roughing it. A glamping holiday in Australia celebrates the rugged beauty of the great outdoors without sacrificing style. You'll enjoy flushing toilets, piping hot showers, and comfortable bedding. Those creature comforts make glamping more expensive than traditional camping, but it can also be more affordable than a resort stay. Australia has several accommodation spots paving the way for this new vacation trend. In the Northern Territory, glampers flock to Longitude 131. The air-conditioned tents, complete with mini bars and sound systems, are a wonderful refuge from that infamous Outback heat. The elevated tents keep snakes and other nasties at bay, and the view of Uluru can't be beaten. [caption id="attachment_5068" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Tents at Longitude 131"]Tents at Longitude 131[/caption] The Great Barrier Reef is another natural wonder made for glampers. The six tents of Wilson Island all offer reef and ocean views. You'll pay a bit more for that level of exclusivity, but where else can a group of friends rent out an entire island? While it's a small cay, it doesn’t skimp on features. Each tent has its own king-sized bed, a private shower, and solar power to keep the water hot. If that level of exclusivity is appealing, you may also like to visit Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. Many locals actually regard Ningaloo's coral reef as a smaller, but no less impressive, alternative to the Great Barrier Reef. Its glamping spot is just as impressive too, with five wilderness tents set just a stone's throw from the water. Each one is kitted out with en-suite bathrooms, plush towels, and solar power. There aren’t any televisions or telephones, but there is cell phone coverage if you insist on staying connected. Personally though, I'd just soak up that beach-side location. New South Wales has Paperback Camp, a bush retreat nestled in Jervis Bay. It's just two hours from Sydney, but you'll feel a world away from the big smoke when you're enjoying dinner by candlelight and a massage in your tent! You can hike through the mangrove forests and canoe down the river by day, then retreat to your solar powered tent for a steaming hot shower! When you set off for your glamping adventure, make sure you remember your own luxuries. A bottle of champagne or two and some gourmet camping recipes will ensure you're really holidaying in style!

  • Old Fashioned Amusements at Sydney’s Luna Park

    It may not have the theme parks of the Gold Coast, but Sydney holds its own with Luna Park, a historic amusement center originally opened in 1935.

    Walk through the eerily smiling entrance to try the mix of old fashioned rides and more contemporary attractions. The 40-meter ferris wheel offers amazing views of Sydney Harbour, while the Power Surge should get your heart pumping. But I wouldn't try the spinning rotor or flipping Moon Ranger after lunch if I were you! Tamer tastes are satisfied at Maloney's Corner, the kids section featuring a Magic Castle, Whirly Wheel, and U-Drive cars. [caption id="attachment_5039" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The entrance to Sydney"]The entrance to Sydney's Luna Park[/caption] Entry to the park is free, so you can spend as much or as little as you like. That's great for parents simply accompanying their ride-mad kids, or anyone with a low threshold for adrenalin. The park is on the small side though, and there are none of the mascots we see in larger parks. But if you just want rides without the frills, Luna Park makes for a great day out. Ride enthusiasts are best served with an unlimited rides pass, as those single tickets quickly add up. You can also save money by visiting during the off-peak periods. While the park doesn't open as late, and you'll miss out on a few traveling rides, the extra cash in your wallet should make those sacrifices worthwhile.

    [Image Source: Neal Jennings/Flickr]

  • Buy the Best Japanese Souvenirs – How to Spend Your Yen

    Japan is a mecca for shopping addicts, with a range of unique items for tourists of all budgets. But what are the best Japanese souvenirs to take home?

    Here we look at the best ways to spend your yen. Ceramics are one of Japan's oldest art forms, so a tea ceremony bowl or glazed vase makes a special memento of your stay. It's possible to spend a small fortune on fine Bizen Ware from Inbe, but cheap ceramics are also available from gift shops and department stores. The hand-dyed silks and soft cottons of Japanese clothes can find a special space in any wardrobe. Indulge in a kimono or tailored suit from Japan, or enjoy the savings on casual clothes at the retail outlets. Just remember that Japanese sizing tends to run small, so it’s best to try your garment before paying for it. Japanese paper is something to behold, with its bright colors and flecks of flower petals or wood. It's used to make the umbrellas, fans, and mobiles sold at many craft and gift shops, or bundled with brushes in calligraphy sets. Some authentic Japanese paper is just the thing for trying your hand at origami. [caption id="attachment_3767" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Map of Japan"]japan tourism map photo[/caption] While Japanese history is rich, the country also shows it's on the cutting edge with its impressive range of high-tech gadgets. The electronic districts of Akihabara in Tokyo and Den Den Town in Osaka are the best places to find all the gizmos you can imagine, and a few you probably haven’t. You can buy the products new, or save at one of the second-hand dealers. Just remember to check the compatibility to ensure you can use your new toy when you return home!

  • Visiting Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior on a Budget

    If you’re looking for a cheap, stress-free getaway surrounded by nature, consider a trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota.

    Whether you choose to spend your time dining on the cheap in delicious local eateries, sampling local beers, hiking along the miles of inland trail, kayaking, surfing (no joke!) or simply strolling the shore of Lake Superior, a visit to the North Shore is sure to be a relaxing escape from the realities of everyday life. How to get there: Duluth, Minnesota (the first big city on the North Shore), is an approximately 3.5 drive from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul (a straight shot up interstate 35W). Duluth does have a regional airport, but flights here are more expensive and fewer than those arriving at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP). I would recommend flying into MSP, spending a night in the Twin Cities, and renting a cheap car for the scenic drive up to the lake. [caption id="attachment_5030" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Enjoy the the natural beauty of the sun setting over Lake Superior."]Lake Superior vacation photo[/caption] Where to stay: In addition to hotels, resorts and cabin rentals in all price points along the North Shore, there are several privately owned and state park campgrounds that are perfect for travelers on a budget. Wherever you end up staying, make sure you reserve a spot early, especially if you are planning to visit during the peak tourist months (May- October). If you’re traveling by plane and don’t want to bring a tent, sleeping bags and other gear (fishing or hiking gear, for example) with you on the plane, it’s relatively easy to find places to rent gear in Minneapolis/St. Paul or on the North Shore (in Duluth or Grand Marais). Check at the visitor’s centers in Duluth and Grand Marais for the most recent information on rental spots. Here are some private, municipal campgrounds that are popular with tourists: Knife River Campground 218-834-5044 This medium-sized campground (30 tent and trailer sites with hookups) is located on the western side of the Knife River. Penmarallter Campground 218-834-4603 This campground is known for its large RV (with hookups) & tent sites. Each site as a fire pit and picnic table. Penmarallter is located midway between Duluth and the city of Two Harbors . Burlington Bay Campsite 218-834-2021 Located in Two Harbors, this campground is located on the shore of Lake Superior. There are 20 tent sites and 93 trailer sites (with hookups). Golfers will enjoy the municipal course across the highway. Lax Lake Campground 218-353-7424 Located near Gooseberry Falls State Park, Lax Lake Campground and resort has sleeping rooms, cottages, cabins, and tent and trailer sites with hookups for rent. The compound also has a spacious lodge with laundry facilities and a game room. What to do: My favorite things to do along the North Shore include hiking, kayaking, gallery browsing and eating. For more information on hiking the North Shore trails or the famous Gunflint Trail, see http://www.northshorehiking.com/. There are a variety of spots to rent kayaks in both Duluth and Two Harbors (ask at the visitor’s center in each city for the most recent information). Every August, Two Harbors hosts a kayak festival, which is fun for the whole family http://kayakfestival.upnorthmn.net/. Sivertson’s Gallery http://www.sivertson.com/ has locations in Grand Marais and Duluth. The gallery features a large array of sculptures, paintings, paper goods, jewelry and accessories (silk scarves, etc.) from Minnesota and Wisconsin artists. Where to eat: There are some great options on the North Shore for frugal foodies. The Angry Trout Café, located in Grand Marais, serves a variety of fresh fish dishes in a casual atmosphere overlooking the lake. The best breakfast on the North Shore can be found at the Duluth Grill. Don’t be fooled by its Denny’s-like exterior, this place is definitely foodie-friendly (be sure to try the red flannel hash -- grated and spiced carrots, potatoes and beets). If you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene, Duluth is your best option. Fitger’s Brewhouse often has live music to be enjoyed along with good food (and beer, of course!) at reasonable prices. Red Star serves up drinks from a full bar and has a nightclub vibe (both are located in the Fitger’s complex). At the other end of town, check out the live music, full bar and reasonably-price wood fired pizzas and tap beers at the Clyde Iron Works Restaurant (located in the renovated Clyde Iron Works factory).

  • Australian Vacation Alternatives – Take the Tourist Trail Less Traveled

    Just like any other country, Australia has its well-worn tourist paths. These locations contain all the attractions that brochures insist you must see, and their facilities are set up ready to fleece the gullible tourists.

    While there's no doubt these spots give travelers a good time, they’re also crowded and expensive. In this article we offer some alternatives that are just as much fun, without the crowds and high overheads. The Gold Coast of Australia is Queensland's tourist center, but you'll find much the same thing at a more relaxed pace at Coffs Harbour. The beaches are first rate, and once the sun goes down the nightlife is just as satisfying. Coffs is missing the Gold Coast's big theme parks, but the kids won't be bored. Just as they could at Seaworld, they can meet dolphins and seals at the Pet Porpoise Pool. And the waterslides and toboggan rides at the Big Banana are a suitable substitute for a day at Wet 'n' Wild. The Great Barrier Reef is truly awesome, but it can get crowded, particularly during the school holidays. Ningaloo Reef on the other side of the country is smaller, but every bit as beautiful. And as it’s a bit of a local secret, it's never as busy as Queensland's natural wonder. It offers all the same leisure activities too, from amazing Australia snorkeling and diving to relaxed boat cruises. Uluru is Australia's most famous rock, but most tourists don't realize it's not Australia's biggest. If you want to see that, head west to Burringurah at Mount Augustus. I won’t pretend it’s as beautiful, but its sheer size of 730 meters is impressive. And unlike Uluru, the indigenous people don't mind if you climb it! The rock is located 320 kilometers from the nearest town of Carnavon, but it's not like Uluru is exactly accessible, is it?Australia globe photo Byron Bay was once Australia’s hippie capital, but these days it's teeming with backpackers and city slickers keen to commune with nature for a weekend or two. The stores selling overpriced incense are another real turnoff for anyone who wants to take it easy. While Byron may have sold out, Denmark in Western Australia still embodies the spirit of free love. There are quirky stores to browse, artistic types to talk to, and some excellent beaches within an easy drive. Thousands of tourists travel to Phillip Island in Victoria to see Australia's largest colony of fairy penguins parade up the beach at dusk. When I visited as a child this was an intimate encounter with some of nature's cutest birds, but these days it’s a bit of a circus. Thankfully we can still enjoy the old-fashioned penguin parades of my youth at Montague Island. A small boatload of guests witnesses the country's second largest fairy penguin colony make their way to their nests each night. I'm sure these tiny birds appreciate the extra privacy they receive here! So why not take the road less traveled? You'll come home with personal stories unlike other tourists, and a few extra dollars in your wallet!