FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Planning

  • World’s Best Sunsets – Free Breathtaking Natural Wonders

    All frugal travelers know that the best things in life are free. Tourists watching their budget take pleasure in the simple things and take time to smell the roses and appreciate the beauty of the world around them. With that in mind, we thought we’d clue prospective jetsetters in on the best sunsets around the planet. After all, it costs nothing to pause and admire these natural light shows!

    If you can afford the airfare, you won’t regret taking in the sunset at Uluru. This mammoth rock in Australia’s Red Center is impressive by day, but spectacular when the sun goes down. Between 6 and 8 pm, depending on the time of year, you’ll see colors racing across the massive monolith. Special viewing platforms built into the surrounding sand dunes ensure visitors get the best look.

    You’ll see plenty of wildlife with your sunset at Kenya’s Masai Mara. The local leopards, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos become more active as night falls, so sunset safaris are very popular. As Kenya is close to the equator the sun sets at around 6:30 pm each night, no matter what the season.

    Snuggling up to someone special as you both watch the sun set is always romantic, so why not do it in one of the most romantic cities in the world? You’re bound to feel your heart racing as you stand on Accademia Bridge in Venice and watch the vivid colors illuminate the sky and the Grand Canal below. Just take heed of the time, because sunsets vary wildly depending on the season. During winter the sun sets at around 4:30 pm, but in summer it’s as late as 9:30 pm. You wouldn’t want to miss it!

    But you needn’t travel a world away to enjoy a special sunset. At Mallory Square in Florida’s Key West you get an amazing view, and a party. Grab a cocktail and enjoy the sight of the fiery globe dipping into the Gulf of Mexico. The square comes alive every evening between 5:30 and 8:20 pm, but arriving an hour early will help you get a prime viewing position.

    Uluru at sunset
    Uluru at sunset

    And don’t underestimate the sunsets at Maui’s Mount Haleakala. The sunrises get all the publicity, but at sunset the tourists have dispersed, leaving you to enjoy the view in peace. The clouds move from blues and greens through to fiery oranges and reds. No wonder the locals think this spot is just as pretty in the evenings!

    Finally, don’t forget about the sunset in your own backyard. If you can’t afford a getaway right now, taking the time to enjoy the view outside your own window is a great way to recharge and refresh.

  • Spend Your Gap Year Abroad – Best Places for College Travel

    As the weather begins to warm the prospect of sitting inside stuffy lecture theaters starts to sound even less appealing than usual. If the college grind is getting to you, a gap year might be just what the doctor ordered. In this article we look at the best, and most affordable, destinations for college students to kick back.

    Thailand has long been a favorite destination for young travelers, and its popularity doesn’t show any signs of waning. The cost of living is very low, and it’s got plenty of nightlife and activities to amuse twentysomethings. And as it attracts so many backpackers, it’s a great spot for making connections with likeminded individuals from all around the world.

    Bangkok’s Khao San Road is particularly popular with foreigners, and it’s little wonder. By day you can enjoy its eclectic stores, massage parlors, and street food. Once night falls the street doesn’t stop either; there are bars aplenty! If you really want to party make sure you head to Haad Rin Beach for one of the famous full moon parties. These nights can get pretty wild, but the experience is on the bucket list of most young travelers.

    Staying in Thailand doesn’t have to be all about letting your hair down though. If you’re feeling altruistic you could give back by volunteering at the Patara Elephant Farm in Chiang Mai. Or why not clear your mind and live with the monks, and their tiger pets, at Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua Yannasampanno monastery? Getting close to the people and the animals they care for is something you won’t forget.

    Once upon a time if a young person was planning a gap year vacation Down Under, they’d head to Australia. But these days New Zealand is becoming the destination of choice for backpacking tourists. While the flights are expensive, an abundance of seasonal jobs help travelers justify the initial outlay. Picking fruit or working on a sheep station is a great way to stay fit, meet other travelers, and earn the money you need to make the most of your stay.

    After all, you haven’t really had a trip to New Zealand unless your blood was pumping and your heart beating faster than you ever thought possible. Adrenalin junkies will find the cash injection from seasonal work helps them bungy jump, salt water kayak, ski the country’s volcanic slopes, and enjoy other Kiwi adventure experiences.

    South America’s another great destination for active travelers. You could swim with sharks and sting rays in the Galapagos, or scale the spectacular Andes Mountains. And if you’re feeling particularly brave, why not hire a bike and stare down the appropriately named Death Road in Bolivia? If you survive it, then make sure you celebrate in South America’s party capital, Rio de Janeiro.

    South America’s environment and people make an impact on everyone that visits, so don’t be surprised if you want to give back. You could help save the Amazon rainforest with eco-warriors or teach local children to speak English. Whatever takes your fancy, there are several opportunities for altruism in South America.

    Take the path less traveled and see everything Eastern Europe has to offer. The countries here aren’t as popular as Italy or Greece, so they’re a bit cheaper to visit, especially now continent’s plagued with financial troubles! The lava fields of Kamchatcka in Russia are breathtaking, and Poland’s biggest concentration camp, Auschwitz, is heartbreaking but compulsory viewing. And while Moldova is often overlooked, its nightclubs are some of the best in the region. You’ll need something to do during the day though, so perhaps you could teach English to the country’s underprivileged children!

    Global Travel ImageAnd don’t disregard the Middle East. While there’s admittedly plenty of civil unrest in the region, it’s smooth sailing in Jordan. As many tourists give the region a wide berth, anyone who dares visit enjoys low prices, time away from the crowds, and the friendly hospitality that Jordanians are renowned for. Exploring the lost city of Petra, floating in the Dead Sea, and riding camels across the Wadi Rum will give you the sort of travel tales people at home actually want to hear!

    If these options haven’t given you the travel bug nothing will. So where do you want to spend your gap year?

  • Websites for Discount Flights – Sites to Help you Save

    Flights are often the most expensive element of any vacation, so it’s not surprising that travelers want to get the best deals. So where do we find them? Simply searching the internet for cheap flights will only bring you the sites that have paid for top search engine privileges. Rather than just hitting up Google, make sure to bookmark these websites that consistently help tourists save.

    Kayak.com is one of the most popular flight search engines, and it’s not hard to see why. Some great deals are coupled with several other nifty features including trip management tools, price change alerts, and frequent flyer points trackers. No wonder it’s received Webby Awards and been named one of the world’s best websites by Time Magazine in recent years.

    There’s more to Hipmunk.com than its cute chipmunk graphics. The results of any flight search are presented in an easy to read graph. These pictures make it easy to see the airlines servicing your desired route, the prices they charge, and the number of stops they make. It’s also got a hotel search engine, so this site could put you well on the way to organizing that dream vacation.

    If you already know the major airline carriers aren’t for you, then WhichBudget.com might be your site. This user-friendly website focuses on budget airlines operating in more than 200 countries around the world. You simply enter your dates and destinations, and WhichBudget.com will do the rest. With no fees or commissions charged on the flights you book, you can save even more than you’d think.

    DoHop.com is ideal for travelers looking for save money by taking indirect flights. The site makes is easy to join cheaper flights rather than flying directly to a chosen destination. The time this method of traveling takes, especially those hours waiting in airports, mean it’s not for everyone. However if flight-hopping appeals to you, DoHop.com will help you do it for less.

    Some of the best flight deals online don’t come from websites at all. Many airlines offer special details to their e-mail subscribers, Facebook friends and Twitter followers. Often these flights will only be available for a short amount of time, or to a small number of customers, so it’s worth checking your inbox and social media accounts regularly when you’ve got the travel bug.

    So don’t wait until your travel plans are finalized to start searching the internet. It’s good for much more than group deals on tourist attractions and restaurants and opinions on accommodation. Saving money on a flight is the perfect way to begin a frugal vacation!

  • Free Dublin Attractions – See Ireland’s Capital for Less

    Dublin has so many attractions that you’ll never be bored. However many of them come with hefty admission fees and hidden extras. There’s no need to spend a fortune in the Irish capital though. This article offers plenty of ways to pass the time that won’t cost you a cent!

    Every town has a City Hall, but don’t think Dublin’s is just another building. This architectural marvel was built between 1769 and 1779, so it’s steeped in history. A free tour will tell you all its tales, but you can also explore independently. Make sure you bring your camera (or your Smartphone if you’re traveling light!) and scale the half-spiral staircase to the uppermost level. The paintings and tile mosaics you’ll find here are worth the walk!

    After City Hall make sure you visit its neighbor, Dublin Castle. This beautiful building was originally constructed for England’s King John in 1204. A fire in 1673 destroyed all but the Record Tower, but the building was rebuilt slowly over the following centuries. Today it’s used for state receptions, although it’s also enjoyed some time as a film star. You might have seen it in Barry Lyndon, Michael Collins, or the television series The Tudors. While guided tours of the castle cost a few euros you can look around many areas for free.

    St. Stephen’s Green is a winner for the entire family. The Guinness family built the public park for their beloved Dublin back in the 19th century. It’s like a little oasis in the middle of the city, with grassy spots for picnicking and a pond full of hungry ducks. Spending a few hours here will cost you far less than shopping on nearby Grafton Street!

    If you’ve enjoyed the open space of St. Stephen’s Green, a visit to Howth Harbor should be next on your itinerary. Wander around the cliffs and soak up the vistas and smog-free fresh air. Keep your eyes peeled for the seals that relax by the harbor waiting for fishing boat scraps. Just don’t visit on Sundays if you’re bothered by big crowds.

    Museums and art galleries are always a great option for frugal travelers. Dublin has its fair share of these buildings housing some of Europe’s greatest treasures. The National Museum celebrates local history with its displays of Irish silver and glassware, Bronze Age artifacts, and War of Independence mementos. The focus shifts from man to beasts at the Natural History Museum. The embalmed creatures and buffalo and deer trophies are a bit creepy, but a visit will teach you plenty about Ireland’s living and extinct wildlife.

    Art buffs are also well catered for in Dublin. If you only see one art museum make it the National Gallery, which features more than 2000 works. Irish landscapes make up the bulk of the pieces, but there are also works from other significant European art movements. If the work of the masters seems a bit stuffy then The Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art may be more your speed. It features pieces by modern Irish artists and other leading artisans, including those in the original collection of its late Irish art collector namesake. For extra value, visit on a Sunday between April and June to enjoy the free summer concerts.

    But many of Dublin’s best artworks aren’t found inside galleries. The city’s streets have many public sculptures that make for great photo opportunities. Stop by the tall Spire on O’Connell Street,  the James Joyce statue on Earl Street, and the moving monument to victims of torture in Archbishop Ryan Park, to name but a few.

    St Stephens Green Dublin
    St Stephens Green, Dublin

    Dublin is known for its churches, but don’t be discouraged by the entry fees that St. Patrick’s and Christ Church Cathedrals charge. Some of the lesser known parishes are just as beautiful, and admission is free. The Byzantine style University Church, Carmelite influenced Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Ann’s, and St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral should be on every frugal traveler’s itinerary.

    Dublin’s flat streets are made for walking, so make sure you pack a good pair of shoes to help you see as many sights as you can during your Irish stay!

  • Traveling with a Smartphone – Why New Cell Phones Make Great Vacation Companions

    We’ve waxed lyrical about the fabulous Smartphone apps that make traveling much simpler, but don’t forget about your high tech cell phone’s other features. Your brand new iPhone or Android phone has many other practical perks that make it the perfect traveling companion.

    When you travel with a Smartphone you’ve always got a digital camera in your pocket. That’s a real blessing for anyone who’s ever missed capturing a chance animal encounter or unexpected meeting with a celebrity. But the appeal of a Smartphone camera goes beyond that convenience. These inbuilt shooters are much better than the grainy cameras in old fashioned cell phones. Most of the new models have a resolution of eight megapixels, which is comparable to many of the standalone digital cameras you’ll buy. They also make it easy to share your vacation snaps with friends on Facebook and Twitter in an instant. Bye bye messy computer cables!

    When those still snaps just won’t cut it you can probably use your SmartPhone as a video camera. Most new models have a built in 1080p HDMI camcorder so you can shoot footage of a fun night out or a quiet sunset. It’s also pretty easy to edit your recording from your phone and then send it to Facebook or YouTube. Your online friends will be so jealous of your adventures! The resolution of these phone camcorders is so good that you can happily watch your vacation videos on your television at home without any loss of quality.

    Why wrestle with oversized tourist maps when you’ve got a GPS in your phone? Even if you’re lost, most Smartphones will know exactly where you are thanks to apps like Navigator and Google Maps. And even better, they can help you get to where you want to be. Just type in your destination, be it your hotel or that hot new restaurant, and your phone will plot the quickest route.

    How many times have you wanted a pen and paper to jot down phone numbers, reminders, or vacation memories? There’s no need to scrounge around in your knapsack anymore because you can take notes on your Smartphone. Use the keyboard or voice recorder to make notes and then e-mail them to yourself to deal with later.

    Every road trip needs a soundtrack, and your Smartphone has that covered too. Forget your MP3 player or Discman if you’re really stuck in the past. These days tech savvy travelers have their entire music collections on their Smartphones. And if your own collection isn’t exhaustive enough you can even stream more tunes from the internet. Just remember to beware of those global roaming fees! Listen to your music via personal headphones or plug your system into a hire car stereo and let everyone else enjoy your playlist.

    And let’s not forget those apps that make navigating any unfamiliar city so much simpler. They’ll tell you where to eat and stay, clue you in on all the hottest nightspots, and even help you find the nearest restrooms. These handy applications are the next best things to having local friends!

    Application_SmartphoneDid you realize that your Smartphone could do all those nifty things? Most of us spend so much time on our apps that we forget about all the other benefits of these gadgets. While they cost more than the old fashioned cell phones, buying all of the individual devices that do the same jobs would quickly clean out your bank account. Then there’s the added advantage of traveling much lighter. With airlines forever upping their excess baggage fees, that’s something all frugal tourists can get behind!

  • Theme Park Budget Tips – Save Money at Fun Parks

    If you’re a thrill seeker or a parent, major theme parks are a must for your vacation itinerary. Whether you’re visiting one of the world’s iconic Disneylands or the famous theme parks on Australia’s Gold Coast, these places guarantee days of fun for the whole family. However these tourist attractions can drain your finances faster than you can say Mickey Mouse. The exorbitant entry prices will mean a day of rides will never come cheaply, but by following our advice you can keep your costs down.

    It’s probably tempting to indulge in the atmosphere of the on-site accommodation, but most of these hotels and resorts are expensive. If you’re traveling in a motor home you can enjoy the same buzz, albeit with less luxuries, by staying in the parking lot. You’ll avoid peak hour traffic and be in prime position when the gates open each day! Alternatively consider budget hotels or campsites nearby. You’ll spend a little time in transit, but the savings are worthwhile.

    Theme parks are always popular, but some days are quieter than others. Most visitors spend time there during school vacations, on weekends, and on public holidays like Christmas Day and Thanksgiving. Things tend to slow down on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. That’s when the queues will be shorter so you’ll see the most value for your dollar.

    The price of admission is a necessary evil, but there are still ways to save. Look for bundled deals which allow you to visit several nearby theme parks for a low price. Some hotels also offer packages which bundle day passes with your room. The popular Entertainment Books and leading auto clubs also offer discounted or two-for-one passes for many local theme parks. You could also save simply by booking your tickets online from the theme park’s website before you arrive. And if you’re visiting for four days or more, you may find an annual pass is the most affordable option.

    The mark-ups on food and beverages in the world’s theme parks are enormous. It’s much smarter to stash a few snacks and sandwiches in your knapsack before you set off. Low GI-snacks like dried fruit and packets of nuts and popcorn will keep everyone satisfied for longer. A water bottle is another great idea, as you can refill it at drinking fountains during the day. You’ll also feel full for much of the day if you indulge in a fry-up breakfast before you arrive.

    The Batwing Spaceshot at Movie World, Australia
    The Batwing Spaceshot at Movie World, Australia

    Souvenirs can also drain the budget, particularly if you’re traveling with kids. It’d be mean to suggest they can’t take home something emblazoned with their favorite character. They key here is to restrict the purchases, perhaps by setting a budget or allowing them to buy just one item. They’ll think more carefully about what they really want, and you won’t leave the gift shop, or the park itself, with a massive bill.

  • Are you a Budget Traveler? Six Signs You’re a Frugal Tourist

    Are you a budget traveler? If you’re reading this blog, then chances are the answer’s yes. But if you’re still unsure, this article should confirm your suspicions.

    Do you shun the capital cities for more affordable locations? Budget travelers know that when you journey off the beaten track, you save some serious coin. They’re not worried that they’re missing the big attractions of the holiday hotspots either. They’re too busy discovering some hidden gems and enjoying spending less on all services while they’re there.

    Do you travel light? A budget traveler would never pay a hefty excess baggage fee. They also don’t want suitcases dragging them down as they walk to their accommodation, rather than hailing a cab like the less frugal tourists do. They might even turn up without a reservation in the hope of getting a great standby rate.

    Do you travel in the off season? Budget travelers don’t mind braving some less than idyllic weather conditions to enjoy their dream vacation. Instead they’re happy they won’t have to deal with the crowds, or spend a fortune on those in demand hotel rooms.

    Do you amuse yourself for free? Budget travelers know you don’t need to wear those hefty admission prices at major attractions. Instead they seek out free festivals and events, wile away the hours in art galleries and museums, and take on challenging hikes and biking trails in national parks.

    Do you eat like a local? While many tourists gravitate to the fast food options they know, or the Michelin-star restaurants they’ve always wanted to try, budget travelers prefer to eat as the locals do. They know that’s not just the cheapest way to vacation; it allows you to really experience the culture of your destination. Once you’ve tried street food in Asia, pub grub in Britain, or delicacies from New York’s delis you’ll never go back.

    Do you stock up on city passes and group buying deals? Even budget travelers know it’s not possible to vacation for nix, but they refuse to pay full price. Instead they plan ahead and enjoy the savings these services provide on tourist attractions, dining, and accommodation.

    piggy bank worldIf you found yourself nodding in agreement while reading this article, you’re probably a budget traveler. Embrace the title as a badge of honor. After all, your frugal habits will ensure you can take vacations more frequently than your spendthrift pals!

  • Save Money on Europe’s Night Trains – Travel While You Sleep

    Accommodation and transport can drain the finances of anyone vacationing in Europe. So why not combine the two? Catching some zees on a night train is a great way to consolidate your expenses. It’s got all the advantages of traditional train travel, with accommodation to boot!

    Europe’s night trains travel long distances, alighting in the evenings and reaching their destinations the next morning. Popular routes take travelers from Rome to Munich, and from Paris to Berlin. Passengers snooze in sleeping compartments known as sleepers, the more affordable couchettes, or standard seats. It’s worth noting that the first two options will add Euro to your standard fare, but this premium is still less than you’d spend on an average hotel.

    Sleepers are the most expensive night train sleeping option. Each compartment has fully reclining seats with a pillow and complete sets of linens. Curtains separating the compartments from the rest of the train offer a little privacy, but unless you buy a single or double compartment you’ll likely be sharing your sleeping space with other travelers. Expect to pay around $50 American dollars for a basic communal sleeper, and up to $150 a night for those double and single compartments.

    You’ll lose that little amount of privacy and the linens if you opt for a couchette. However as they’re much cheaper, with prices ranging from $25 to $50 American dollars, they’re popular with backpackers and other frugal tourists.

    The extra dollars you’ll spend on a sleeper or couchette gives you some added peace of mind. Conductors will hold your passport and keep a watchful eye over your sleeping quarters while you sleep. They’ll also give you a wake-up call, and coffee and a cookie if you’re lucky, to ensure you don’t miss your stop. Sleepers and couchettes are always in demand, so you’ll need to book your place at least a few days in advance.

    Alternatively you can just sleep in your seat. No one’s suggesting it’s comfortable to sit upright, jostled about as the train makes its way through the night, but at least you’re saving money. Just remember that no one else is looking out for you, so take care with your valuables while you slumber. Keep your passport, money and other important documents close to you, ideally in a travel pouch underneath your clothes. You could also loop your backpack underneath your leg to safeguard it from thieves. And remember to set a cell phone alert or travel alarm to ensure you don’t zoom past your destination!

    trainWhile night train travelers love to save money, they also appreciate saving time. By traveling while you sleep you don’t waste waking hours getting to your next location. Instead you’ll arrive at your next port relatively rested and ready to see the sights. Your body may start to complain if you spend too many nights on Europe’s trains, but using them sparingly can be a great way to save cash and travel efficiently around the continent.

    [Image Source: Andrew Bowdan/Flickr]

  • Save on Car Rental – Tips for Vehicle Hire on a Budget

    Most of us spend time shopping around for cheap accommodation and cut-price airfares, but only the most frugal travelers think about hunting for the best car rental deals. There’s a misconception that all hire car companies are created equally, but by following our tips you can save plenty on your vacation transport.

    The first rule of saving money is to avoid accepting the first deal you see. It might be the cheapest, but you’ll never know if you never look around. The internet makes this very easy, but you could save even more money by haggling in person, or over the phone. You’ll be surprised what quoting a competitor’s rate could save you!

    As with so many aspects of travel, you must also look out for sneaky fees and extra charges. An initial internet search may turn up a great deal, until you get to the reservations page. There you can be slugged with vehicle license fees, arena fees, sales taxes, and other miscellaneous taxes and fees. These extra charges must be considered before you commit.

    Rental car companies will also fleece you if they need to top up the gas on your car’s return. The easiest way to avoid this charge is to ask for a vehicle with a full tank. That way you can simply fill it again before you return it to the hire company.

    And don’t even think about returning your car late. You might assume you have until the close of business, but many car rental companies are much more specific. If you’re tardy, they could dock you an extra day’s rental!

    It’s very convenient to take a rental car directly from the airport, but this ease will often cost you a hefty premium. Instead consider taking an airport shuttle bus or public transport to your hotel and organizing a car with the concierge on your arrival. Alternatively you could visit a car rental branch close by.

    Make sure you have your wits about you at the rental counter, as staff will often do whatever they can to take your money. Insurance is one big money maker, however chances are you won’t need any of this coverage. Often your personal auto insurance policy will cover rental cars, especially those in your native country. Credit card companies will also often offer complimentary collision coverage for rentals. General travel insurance may also do the trick. It’s important to investigate whether you’re already covered before taking a rental car company’s insurance, as there’s no sense paying for something you already have.

    Also resist the temptation to upsize your vehicle. A compact will get you from Point A to Point B just as well as a larger vehicle, and it’ll cost far less, both to hire and to keep full of fuel. Larger cars also tend to be more popular, so car rental companies generally have more of them on hand. If you book a compact and it’s unavailable, you might just be lucky enough to receive a complimentary upgrade to a more deluxe model.

    And as with any element of vacation travel, be on the lookout for some great deals on car hire. Most car rental companies have a special offers or hot deals page which lists their best deals. While these bargains are easy to find, others require a bit of lateral thinking. If you need the car for a few days, you may find it’s cheaper to hire it for a week rather than your required time. If you need the car on Friday you could avoid a weekend rate if you acquire it on Thursday.

    Red carIf you often hire vehicles, it may be worthwhile to become a member of your favorite rental company. Membership can cost you, but that initial joining fee can pay for itself with free rental coupons, fast airport checkouts, and special accommodation discounts.

    Follow our advice and you could save some serious cash on your holiday car rental, allowing more money to spend on souvenirs and sightseeing!

  • Avoid International ATM Fees – Tips for Saving Money Abroad

    When traveling abroad there are the obvious expenses that add up. Your accommodation, eating out, and sightseeing will all drain your finances, but they’re easy to budget for. Much more insidious are the sneaky fees that will sap your savings. In this article we help you outsmart the banks and avoid hefty ATM charges.

    Many of us are unaware of the ways that we’re slugged for using a foreign ATM. Firstly, you’ll pay a few dollars for a standard ATM fee. Secondly, you’ll pay a currency conversion fee of roughly two or three percent. And to add insult to injury, there’s the disloyalty fee from your own bank, indignant that you haven’t used one of their facilities. Never mind that a local ATM may be on the other side of the planet!

    Believe it or not, many major banks have branches and ATMs abroad. It requires a bit of research, but if you do a bit of digging you may find facilities that eliminate those fees. While you’re scouring search engines, investigate ATMs that don’t charge the local fee. A search for “ATMs that don’t charge fees” or “best ATM” with your destination should send you in the right direction. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, head to an online expat forum for advice.

    If you’re a frequent flier it’s worth finding a credit card which waives international transaction fees. The United States has Capital One Venture Rewards and Chase Sapphire Preferred, Australia has the 28 Degrees credit card, and in the United Kingdom there’s the Clarity card from Halifax. The testing process for these cards is often quite rigorous, but it’s worth the effort to enjoy those perks.

    On paper a money card, which sees travelers simply load their money on, is another way to avoid those fees. The rates are very tempting; they’re typically eight percent better than airport exchanges, four percent better than traveler’s checks, and five percent than the high street money exchange merchants. But don’t be surprised if it’s tricky to use. Many consumers have savaged these cards after they were unable to use them in ATMs and at restaurants and attractions, and had difficulty reloading them. It seems they’re especially problematic for travelers who venture off the well-worn tourist path. They sound like a great idea, but it’s worth researching the experiences of others who’ve traveled to your destination before committing.

    If you’re taking an extended getaway, it may be smartest to simply open a local bank account. While this can be a complicated process for a foreigner, running an internet search for “easy to open bank account” and your destination should point you in the right direction. The fee for transferring money from your local bank account to your new international bank account online will generally be much less than the ATM fees.

    atmAlternatively you can do as your grandparents did and simply carry a bunch of cash. It’s a little risky to carry a great wad of bills with you, but if you have a room safe this can be a smart, if slightly outdated idea. It does make budgeting easier, as you can physically see what you’ve got to spend, but it also limits your options if you start to run low on cash.

    ATM fees are often one of those inevitable vacation annoyances, but with a little know how it’s easy to avoid these charges and save money while traveling abroad.