FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Planning

  • Unforgettable Hawaiian Vacations

    A vacation to Hawaii is almost always unforgettable. Sunning on white sand beaches, enjoying hand delivered mojitos, (more) fresh fruit cocktails, day spas, golf and a number of outdoors activities are hard to pass up.


    It gets even better for eager vacationers as cheap flights to Hawaii are getting cheaper. Although flight experts are saying flight prices won’t go any lower, they continue to amaze budget travelers by getting more and more affordable. Right now, book a flight to Hawaii from the west coast for as little as $400 round trip on almost any major airline. That is pennies considering the same flight might have cost you nearly twice that price a year ago. With that in mind, FrugalMonkey’s free online guide to travel in Hawaii is here to show you just a few of the unforgettable experiences awaiting you during your upcoming trip to Hawaii.

    Maui Beaches
    Maui is one of the most well known islands for travelers visiting Hawaii. It’s beaches, like those found on Lahaina and Kihei are two of the most famous. There you will find snorkeling, swimming, surfing, off shore boating and other activities along with a number of close in restaurants, bars and shops. Learn about hotels in Maui, so you can book accommodations that provide with luxuries like walking distance to the beach.

    Golf
    Dads will relish in the fact that Hawaii golf courses are some of the most beautiful and challenging the world. With courses located all over the islands it is the perfect activity for the active vacationing dad. Golf Hawaii and enjoy the perfect outdoor activity.

    Travel Deals

    We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, right now is an excellent time to enjoy cheap travel to Hawaii. Find online deals through travel sites like Orbitz and Travelocity, but keep an eye out for special deals. We found this recent deal offering $199 per night at the Sheraton Resort in Kauai, which includes a car rental!

  • Great Southwest Flight Deal – Friday Only

    If you happen to stumble upon this week’s best flight deal, consider yourself lucky. Today only (beginning at 7:00am and ending at 7:00pm) you can find one way flights on Southwest airlines for as low as $38. Here’s how you do it:

    Southwest has an application on their homepage called DING.


    It is very helpful for finding last minute travel deals through the airline because the application is designated for last minute flights and for offering one-time deals. You will have to download DING onto your desktop in order to search for flights through the application, but once you have it, it is easy to use and can save you a lot of money on otherwise expensive flights. Here are some helpful flight booking tips to get these great summer deals:

    Today, search Southwest for flights from July 7 – Aug 31 and get the major savings. You will have to be lucky enough to find the flight you want on dates that work for your travel plans, but if you do you will enjoy some extremely cheap flight prices. Keep in mind that the initial flight prices don’t include taxes (adding as much as $10 to the flight price), but with prices this low, an extra $10 won’t exactly break the bank.

    If you’re looking for a cheap shorter flight during the best part of summer, take a look at Southwest airlines using DING and enjoy some summer special savings.

  • New Travel Deals

    With summer vacation right around the corner, now is the perfect time to take advantage of low flight prices and hotel packages. Check out this week’s travel deals and start planning your summer!


    Hawaii
    Right now you can find extremely low flights from the west coast to Hawaii. As low as $329 this week! But you can also save on hotel accommodations in Hawaii as well. Like this one-bedroom suite on Kaanapali Beach for only $139, which regularly goes for as much as $389. Or, stay at the Waikiki Resort for only $109 a night! The Kihei in Maui is our best Hawaii hotel deal of the week with prices as low as $99. Book your flight and low hotel prices now!

    Flights to Australia
    We’ve said it before, but right now you can find amazing flight deals to Australia. What better way to spend an early summer or fall vacation than in Sydney, Brisbane or the Sunshine coast of Australia? You can fly to Sydney with Qantas from LA for as low as $320 each way. Flights from New York will cost you only $100 more at $420 each way. It’s not likely flights will get any cheaper than this, so book now!

    Mexico Cruises
    Skip having to deal with booking hotels, flights, rental cars and restaurant reservations and just book one Mexican Cruise. Right now through carnival you can enjoy a Baja 4-day Mexican Cruise for as low as $144 for indoor cabins. This cruise deal also includes $100 ship credit and sails in November. It will be a lot easier dealing with the cold weather when you know a Mexican cruise is just around the corner this fall.

    Golfing in Florida
    If you’re a golf lover then fall in love with 50% off guest stays at the famous Boca Raton Resort & Club. For only $99 this summer, guest bungalows and free parking are yours when you book through Travelzoo. Enjoy some of the best golfing in the country and discounted prices from now until June.

  • Adventure travel vacations

    Some people consider the perfect vacation sipping martinis by the pool a few hours before their massage.


    However, a new breed of vacation is becoming more popular among backpackers and travelers. Adventure vacations are throwing the traditional vacation to the wayside and inventing an entirely new way to experience travel. Now, you can mountain climb, horseback ride, camp, backpack, snorkel, dive into shark cages, ski, snowboard, surf, dog sled, parachute, parasail, windsurf, fish, hunt and anything else your adventurous heart desires more so then ever before.

    New vacation outfitters that cater to the adventuresome spirit are becoming more and more popular. Even through cruise lines and luxury vacation providers there are new options for the more active vacationer. For example, years ago, rock climbing was something you had to go out of your way to experience. Now, even cruise ships are offering rock climbing walls and lessons as if it were as common as shuffleboard or happy hour. People are demanding vacations with more adventure and the industry is delivering.

    While the common vacation to Mendoza, Argentina for instance might have only involved wine tours and delicious steak, backpackers are now enjoying whitewater rafting, rock climbing and backpacking as an integral part of their vacation plans. Some extremists seek out providers who lead tours up to Aconcagua (the tallest mountain in the western hemisphere).


    Whether you’re eager to lie on the beach or go shark cage diving in South Africa it seems you can find an adventure on almost any vacation. The next time you’re traveling with your family consider looking up adventure tours. Kids love it, parents enjoy the new experience and fun is had for all. Many adventure tours are quite reasonable since their peak in popularity. You could be dog sledding the Iditarod trail, heli-skiing in the Canadian Rockies or snorkeling off the coast of Hawaii. First timers are common and lessons are usually available for all ages. So take your next vacation to the extreme and go on an adventure!

  • Take Patagonian travel to the extreme and go for a cruise in Antarctica

    Traveling to Patagonia is one of the greatest outdoor adventure vacations travelers can possibly take.


    Accessible from both Argentina and Chile, people venture to the end of the earth to view glaciers, the famous mountains of Torres del Paine and the vast landscape of Patagonian beauty. Even high-end travel is earning a following; Argentina’s cool region wines and the gorgeous hotels that can be found there are bringing in a more diverse crowd than simply the adventure loving backpacker. It seems everyone’s interest has been peaked by the increase in travel to Patagonia. Now, visitors can find luxury hotels, restaurants and all the amenities surrounding a more comfortable style of travel. Although, in order to access some of the more beautiful views and to get the true Patagonian experience, some outdoor hiking and toughness is a requirement.

    Patagonian travelers however, are taking their ventures further than ever before. Thousands of travelers each year are accessing the icy waters and the cold deserts of Antarctica with cruises leaving from Ushuaia, Argentina. Travel into Antarctica has seen an incredible increase in the last few years. In fact, in the last decade the number of travelers has quadrupled, growing to more than 45,000 visitors in the 2007-2008 season alone. The popularity of going where very few people have gone before in addition to the intrigue traveling to such an isolated part of the world entails is capturing the imaginations and pocket books of seasoned travelers and tourists. While cruises into Antarctica were previously only accessible through special cargo ships, now an entire industry has emerged that provides cruises within and around Antarctica. Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess and Holland all offer and provide a tour into the icy South. However, small ships and private operators have cornered a portion of the market by providing an even more adventuresome vacation than the larger cruise liners. Regardless of the outfitter you book with, Antarctic cruises will cost a pretty penny.

    The first issue in sailing the waters of the Antarctic is getting to a launch point. Since Antarctica is located so far south, you first need to travel very long distances in order to access the boats that will take you there. Additionally, sailing in such potentially dangerous waters and in places very few people have traveled before requires special equipment and boats. The length of an Antarctic cruise is usually around 15 days in order to travel the area safely, access ports for land tours and to simply cover such a large distance.


    As a result, going on an Antarctic cruise isn’t as cheap or comfortable as sailing the Gulf of Mexico, for example. Tours can easily run as much as $10,000 a person and are considered in the industry adventuresome tours. Simple put, don’t expect to be lounging on the deck with a margarita in your hand – the elements are harsh and safety measures are taken very seriously by tour operators.

    The pay off you receive by traveling to such an untapped region of the world is worth any time and money you pay to get there. Simply put, it is the experience of a lifetime. Because of weather conditions most tours only operate during the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere. As such, most travelers see Antarctica from October – February when the weather is warm and water conditions are at their best. Just think, a cruise through Antarctica as the perfect end to your vacation in Argentina.

  • Get a taste of luxury by yachting in the Greek Islands

    Chartering a yacht isn’t only for rich movie stars and rock and roll legends. It is now even more available to families, couples, vacationing friends and singles. Seapaths has been offering private chartered yachts in the Greek Islands since 1987, but now their newly released “Themed Packages” provides families and lovebirds with a new way to visit the islands of Greece. Culinary experiences, wine tasting, beach stops and more all based on the tastes of the group. It is an excellent way to take in all the ocean side glory the Greek Islands have to offer and is a fun way to enjoy your vacation to Greece. Check out more about Seapaths Greek Island Yacht Charter and book your dream vacation now.


  • Hit The Road For An Alaskan Adventure

    If you’ve ever wanted to take that classic road trip, turn away from the traditional cross country car trip and head north to Alaska instead!

    Alaska can be an amazing trip to take at anytime of year. Whether it be for the long and dreamy summer days or to see the Alaskan wilderness at its peak during the winter months, the beauty and vastness of Alaska is famous. As such, thousands of people each year fly, cruise and travel north to see the Last Frontier.


    To really take in the view and watch the scenery change from south to north, think about doing what only a handful of people do each year and drive to Alaska.

    Driving into Alaska can be an excellent adventure. From Seattle to Fairbanks the drive can be done in about 7 – 10 days. However, alongside the freeway there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping and sightseeing. So much so, that if you want to take 2 to 3 weeks to make the drive you can have as much North American wilderness and adventure as you can take in, with plenty more to do before you even get into Alaska! You’ll see wildlife, wildflowers and the gorgeous mountain ranges along the way. From June to August the freeway is the most crowded since the weather is the best and the roads are the safest. In the winter months, the roads remain open for the most part but all cars need to be equipped with snow tires or chains in order to pass through the checkpoints. As a result of weather complications and shorter days, driving is most popular during the summer.

    If you can plan your trip during a time when gas prices are low you can see several of Alaska’s citiesand enjoy the car ride at extremely affordable prices. Camping sites are cheap, hiking is free and fishing licenses are affordable as well. By splitting gas costs between you and your friends you can enjoy an Alaskan vacation at a fraction of normal vacation costs.

    Think about hitting the road on your next vacation and seeing Alaska!

  • Ski Trips For Spring Break

    If you want to take a different approach to spring break, then consider heading to the mountains as opposed to the beach during your spring break. Beach trips to Cabo San Lucas can be pretty steep on a college budget. You have to pay for expensive airfare and lodging, plus all the expenses that go along with international travel. But, ski seasons are still running strong in many of the country’s premier ski resorts and on smaller mountains. For many, the high season has just ended which means you can travel on a ski trip for spring break at lower costs. Lift ticket discounts, cheaper accommodations and less people on the mountain means you can have a worry-free spring break!


  • How To Book Cheap Flights – Frugal Monkey Tips

    Learn how to book cheap airfares and save money on flights using these tactics.

    If you don’t have to worry about last minute travel headaches and have plenty of time to book your trip, then consider some of FrugalMonkey’s tips on how to book airfare cheaply and efficiently.


    When you have the time to book your flight ahead of schedule you can pick flights that leave on days of the week that are cheaper to fly. One of the best ways to reduce flight costs is to simply book on the right day. Flights that leave on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday tend to cost more then flights that take place earlier in the week. It’s true. A domestic flight that departs on a Friday can be as much as $70 more than the same flight that departs on a Tuesday. Save money on airfare by arranging your flights to correspond with cheaper flying days and enjoy the savings.

    Another way to book cheap flights is to take advantage of online consolidators. These websites allow you to pick your flights based on the carrier who offers the cheapest trip. By putting in your destination and arrival city, consolidators search popular airlines carriers and allow you to pick the cheapest or most convenient trip. It’s a great way to save on flights and travel costs. By booking the cheapest possible flight you can use the money you saved on more exciting parts of your vacation. Consolidators are simply a great way to procure cheap airfare. Many of these sites even now offer travelers good cancellation policies and refunds when problems arise, making these sites not only a cheap way to book air fares, but a safe way to do so.

    There are other ways in which you can book cheap flights as well. Simply being ‘in the know’ will save you hundreds of dollars when it comes to booking flights throughout the year. If you subscribe to travel alerts and travel newsletters you will receive updates when there are discounts on specific airlines.


    Booking your flight when there is a discount or vacation package offered doesn’t have to be a stroke of good luck, but can be part of your travel strategy as a whole. By knowing when to purchase flights and by taking advantage of travel deals you can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, over the course of the year.

    Also consider saving money by purchasing all of your flights on a credit card that earns you miles. This is especially true for frequent flyers. If you travel often or even if you only go on a few big trips each year, consider the discounts you will receive if you sign up for frequent flyer miles. By using previous travel expenses to earn yourself a free flight you’ve essentially saved the cost of an entire airline ticket. This is a great and smart way to efficiently book airfares and save money.

    Similarly, if you happen to fly with one airline more frequently than another look into flight programs within that carrier. For example, Southwest Airlines will give you a free flight if you book 7 flights with them over the course of a year. This is just another simple way to save money on flights and to minimize your travel costs.

  • Wine Tours Worldwide

    For wine lovers there is nothing better than combining your love of wine with your love for travel. It’s the perfect reason to see the world and indulge in one of your favorite hobbies. Imagine sitting back after a day beachside with a bottle of wine it would cost hundreds to obtain in the states.


    Or you could be viewing the beautiful countryside of Australia, Chile or Argentina while touring some of the most famous wine countries in the world. FrugalMonkey understands that an interest in wine fuels travel plans, so check out some of these wine specific areas that are perfect for vacationing.

    Australia Wine Tours

    Adelaide, Australia, located in Southern Australia is one of the most famous wine regions in the country. Tours of this beautiful countryside include tasting a variety of Adelaide wines, meeting winery owners and even making some of your own wines. While Australia is known for its geographic beauty and being a popular travel location, wine lovers are flocking to this popular travel location to indulge in wines not found anywhere else in the world. Check out FrugalMonkey’s entire section on Australia travel. It is fully equipped with not only wine information but travel in and around this spectacular country.

    South America Wine Tours

    South America has been a favorite tourist location and has lately been making quite a name for itself in terms of wine production. Chile and Argentina are some of the two largest exporters of wine in the world so it makes sense that wine and travel lovers alike are flocking to these two neighboring countries to see some of the world’s most geographically diverse countries and to sip some of the greatest wines being produced worldwide. Argentina specifically has a very travel friendly wine country, with Mendoza offering hundreds of miles of wineries available for tasting along with a wine fair that takes place each year in March. Check out FrugalMonkey’s section on Mendoza wine for details!