FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Planning

  • Choosing the Best Travel Insurance – What to Look for in Vacation Policy

    We all hope that our next vacation will be a blissful experience, chock full of precious memories and moments. But if something does go wrong, you’ll be glad you had travel insurance. This expense is a necessary evil that could save you thousands in medical bills, lost luggage, and more.

    Frugal travelers look to cut costs wherever they can, but travel insurance is one area where cheapest isn’t always best. Choosing a policy based on price alone may see you paying large excess fees and losing out on many important features. Finding the best travel insurance is a careful balancing act between price and policy.

    Choosing the right policy can be confusing. Travel insurance companies present a range of inclusions and cover amounts which leave you wondering what’s important, and what’s not. Unlimited medical cover is a must, as you can’t always count on staying healthy while we’re away. If you do fall ill or are injured overseas you want to have the very best medical care without it costing an arm and a leg. Other important policy selling points include flights back home in the case of an emergency, enough luggage and personal effects cover for everything in your suitcase, large cancellation limits, and 24-hour assistance to beat those time zones.

    Don’t ignore the small print either. While the large type may promise unlimited medical and generous personal effects cover, you may find some nasty clauses if you read further. No one wants to have a root canal abroad, only to find their dental coverage has a cap. And if your luggage coverage only allows a few hundred dollars per item, you’re out of luck if you lose your laptop or engagement ring. Some companies employing sub-limits offer additional insurance to cover these expensive items, at a price of course. Being aware of sub-limits may help you decide what to pack, and which policies aren’t for you.

    While you’re squinting at the small print, you may want to keep on reading. All that tiny type can be tedious, but it will clue you in on your policy’s loopholes and limitations. For example, some companies may deny cover if your possessions are left unattended or if you’re intoxicated when they go astray. An awareness of these conditions can ensure you’re not caught without cover.

    Dollar sign in a magnifying glassOnce you’ve decided on your ideal travel insurance policy, it’s worth pausing before you pay. Never be afraid to ask for a discount. Some airlines and travel agents will slash the policy cost if you bundle it with a flight or accommodation. Alternatively your policy cost could be reduced if you do without policy elements you won’t need. For example, if you don’t have furry friends you won’t need any pet cover. It never hurts to ask for a reduction. The worst the company can do is refuse!

    Then hang on to your receipt in case of claims and jet off for your big adventure, safe in the knowledge that unforeseen circumstances won’t spoil your fun!

  • Avoid Hotel Fees – Tips for Saving on Accommodation

    Gone are the days when paying the hotel tariff entitled us to enjoy all the perks our accommodation offered. Today our rooms are full of traps which can drain the pockets of the uninitiated. Here’s our guide to avoiding those pesky accommodation fees.

    Look out for parking. The days of complementary hotel parking are all but over. These days you’ll likely spend a significant amount on daily parking, and even more if you hand your keys to a valet. These charges can add up, particularly if you are enjoying an extended getaway. Consider parking off site, such as in the local council’s parking lot or in a well-lit back street. Or perhaps leave your car at home altogether. Using public transport rather than your own vehicle is often a more economical choice.

    Beware the mini bar. Those in-room candy bars and alcoholic beverages may look tempting, but they come with inflated prices. The treats may be convenient, but you’ll find similar items at a local store. Don’t think you can outwit the hotel either by enjoying the snacks, then replacing them later. Many high tech mini bars have sensors which signal to the front desk the moment an item is removed!

    Hang up the phone. Most accommodation comes with in-room phones, but resist picking them up. Many hotels even charge for local calls, and the price for dialing long-distance can be astronomical. Using your own cell phone is generally a much smarter option, although remember to consider international roaming charges if you’re holidaying abroad.

    Re-use your towels. This tip isn’t simply about saving the planet; it could also save you serious coin. Most hotels have a warm, fuzzy sign encouraging guests to re-use their towels as an environmental measure. It seems like a gentle note, but most guests don’t know they could face charges if they don’t oblige. New towel fees are common in Costa Rica’s eco-friendly accommodation options, but they’re becoming more prevalent in other parts of the world.

    Consider breakfast. The promise of breakfast the next day is a real selling point for bed and breakfast accommodation and many larger hotels. But it’s smart to know exactly what your accommodation entitles you to. Sometimes the hot portion of a buffet will cost extra, sometimes your entire morning meal will incur a charge. Consider this, as often bacon and eggs at a local café will be much cheaper.

    Room service could cost more than you think. Most of us know the prices on the room service menu are greatly inflated. We’ll happily pay the surcharge to indulge our midnight cravings for mac and cheese. However the money we’ll spend doesn’t always end at the cost of the meal. Many hotels add a gratuity of between 15 and 20 per cent to the base room service charge. Unknowingly, many guests also leave the staff an additional tip. And on top of that, you could even face a clean-up charge if you leave those dishes in the room, rather than at the door. Your craving may be satisfied, but your wallet may smart.

    Watch the work out. The use of the gym is often included in a hotel package, but this isn’t always the case. Don’t assume a gym key and access code entitles you to sweat it out at your leisure. Some establishments will slap you with a charge the moment you access the workout room. Reject those fees and burn those calories with a run around the local area. The view’s sure to be an improvement over the hotel gym’s four walls!

  • Top Traveling Tips – Money Saving Advice for Vacation & Travel Plans

    Here at Frugal Money, we don’t believe you need to go into debt for that next big vacation. Instead we celebrate vacationing smarter to ensure your dollar goes further. By following our friendly advice before you leave, and while you’re away, you can enjoy a great getaway for less than you might imagine.

    Before You Go
    Think currency. If your aim is simply to take some time out, it’s smart to travel to places where your dollar is worth more. People from affluent nations often find they can live like kings in small Asian and African countries.

    Investigate flight options. Sometimes the most logical route isn’t always the cheapest. Return trips can be more affordable than single ones, so it might be worth considering buying one of these tickets even if you don’t plan on coming home. Adding a layover can also help you save serious coin if you don’t mind the extra flying time. Also check the prices for dates surrounding your intended arrival and departure times. Flights are generally cheapest in the middle of the week, while you’ll pay a premium for weekend and holiday trips.

    Remember buses and trains. Depending on where you’re traveling to, flying may not be your only option. Buses and trains take longer to reach their destination, but they’re also often significantly cheaper. It’s worth weighing up those savings before you commit to transport.

    Travel light. By carefully considering what you really need you can save on those nasty luggage fees, or even avoid them entirely!

    While You’re There
    Stay outside the city.     Accommodation in the heart of any vacation hotspot will typically cost more than digs on the outskirts. You might need to spend more on public transport, but you’re still likely to be ahead.

    Consider hostels. Hostels have a reputation for being strictly for smelly students and hippies, but these days they’re a great option for all kinds of frugal travelers. You get what you pay for, but if you’re spending most of your time sightseeing you’ll likely need little more than a bed when the day is done!

    Ask for discounts. If you’re old or young, unemployed or a war veteran, you may be eligible for discounted accommodation, meals, and attractions. It can be embarrassing to ask for the savings, but that shame is lessened when you’ve got a few extra bucks in your pocket.

    Cut coupons. Hotel brochures, group deal websites, and the individual business sites often offer savings on tourist attractions, car rentals, meals, and more.

    Pack your walking shoes. Walking isn’t just a great way to exercise. It’s also the only way to get around that won’t cost you a cent. And remember that old saying about the journey being more important than the destination? Often walkers discover fascinating parts of the world en route to other places.

    Catch public transport. Taxis might be the easiest way to get around a strange city, but they’re never the cheapest. With a little practice the local buses and trains can get you to those must-see attractions with some extra coin in your pocket.

    Enjoy lunch. Dinner is often regarded as the main meal of the day, but this isn’t the best option for travelers. Many restaurants and cafes offer a much more affordable lunch menu, so this is the best time to indulge. If you eat heartily you may not feel like eating much at all once the evening rolls around!

    piggy bank worldDon’t forget the grocery store. Many travelers feel eating out is their only option, but with accommodation from hostels to resorts offering kitchen services that’s simply not so. At the supermarket you can grab all you need to whip up a gourmet meal on a budget, or even some cheap snacks for those long journeys ahead.

    Skimp on souvenirs. Everyone wants to take home a memento of their vacation, but think before you spend money. So often the goods are overpriced and more than a bit tacky. Rather than taking home a swag of stuff consider your purchases carefully, and only indulge if you can’t buy the same item at home.

  • Guide to Group Deal Websites – Tips for LivingSocial, GroupOn, and More

    With families around the world still smarting from the global financial crisis, the rise of group deals websites has allowed frugal shoppers to still enjoy a few luxuries. Sites like LivingSocial, GroupOn, and Dealster harness the power of collective buying, offering massive savings to consumers and increased sales to businesses. This world of cheap, cheap prices is very alluring, but it’s worth keeping your wits about you if you don’t want to be burned. Here are a few things to consider to get the most from these websites.

    Book early
    Businesses become much busier once they advertise through a group deal website, so you’ll need to get in early if you want to use your voucher at a time that’s convenient to you. Leave it until the week before and you’re likely to face booked out restaurants and hotels.

    Sign up for deals before a vacation
    This one takes a little planning, but it can save you a packet. Once you begin to plan a vacation, set your group deal subscription to send you deals for that location. Start looking for meals, entry to tourist attractions, and even the accommodation months in advance. It’s possible to pay for much of your vacation before you leave, and for a fraction of the cost.

    Look out for lock-out periods
    Participating businesses look to maximize their sales during difficult periods, so often the vouchers can’t be redeemed when it’s most convenient for you. Hotels might not let you travel during school vacation periods or long weekends, while restaurants might insist you dine midweek. These restrictions will be spelled out in the terms and conditions, so take note of them and consider whether they’re too limiting for your circumstances.

    Consider the expiry date
    Just because you’ve paid for a deal, doesn’t mean you can use it at your leisure. Deals for accommodation and experiences often have an expiry date far in the future, while those for restaurants and local services might only last a few months. Take note of these dates and consider whether you’ll take advantage of the offer before the time is up. And once you commit to the deal, note its expiry date on a calendar. It’s easy to forget about that restaurant lunch and round of mini golf you intend to enjoy a few months from now.

    Hotel sign with mouseAlways read the fine print thoroughly
    Group deal websites are notorious for restrictive conditions. Sometimes hotels will only permit one voucher, and insist families buy rooms at the regular rate if they want a longer stay. I’ve even heard of restaurants allowing only one diner per table to use a voucher. Unless you want to dine solo, or fancy a longer getaway, these aren’t the vouchers for bargain hunters. Don’t assume you know what you’re getting until you read those terms with a fine-tooth comb. These sites often feature deals that seem too good be true, but that shouldn’t make customers complacent. Sometimes they really are better than they first seem. Keep your wits about you and you can save plenty through group deal websites, both at home and on vacation.

  • Top 10 Travel Apps – Smart Phone Programs for Your Vacation

    As more people around the world embrace smart phones and their technology, we’re learning that apps offer more than time-wasting games and novelty programs. These handy cell phone applications can help you get the most from your vacation without connecting to the internet. And best of all, many of them are free to download! Following on from last year’s travel app roundup, we take a look at ten more essential vacation apps that won’t cost you a cent.

    TripIt

    TripIt is your key to staying organized on vacation. Simply forward your flight and hotel confirmations to the TripIt e-mail before you go, and the app will create a clever itinerary. It features more than flight details and confirmation numbers; you’ll also find maps, driving directions, and heaps more. A more advanced Pro version is available for $49 a year, but most travelers should be happy with the basic app’s free features.

    Kayak

    Gone are the days where everyone books their travel well in advance, from the comfort of their own home. These days many travelers live by the seat of their pants, moving to their next destination whenever the whim takes them. It’s these travelers that Kayak is made for. The app lets you search for flights, hotels, and car rentals from your phone. So who needs to plan ahead?

    OpenTable

    Taking its cues from the website of the same name, OpenTable allows hungry holiday makers to book a table at more than 20, 000 restaurants in North America, Asia, and Europe. The app allows you to browse menus and read the opinions of other diners before you make your reservation. It’s a great tool for the United States and Canada, but the options do get a bit limited when you step outside the continent.

    Urbanspoon

    Urbanspoon can help you find your ideal restaurant with just a shake of your phone. Simply choose your city, the type of cuisine you’re after, and the amount you want to spend, and with a shake Urbanspoon will tell you where you want to go. Restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia are rated by other Urbanspoon users. And many even have tempting foodie photos!

    MetrO

    Every traveler needs a public transport app, and few have the coverage of MetrO. Individual city guides might be more comprehensive, but MetrO details the transport systems in more than 400 cities around the world. Just download the cities you’re visiting before you go and you can plan your route once you arrive without ever getting online. The app updates weekly to account for system changes.

    Yelp

    If the opinions of others matter, you’ll love Yelp. There are millions sounding off on everything from eateries to attractions and essential facilities. The app makes use of your smart phone’s GPS to help you find the sites near you. This program is great for travelers who want to experience their holiday destination as the locals do.

    WeatherBug

    Avoid leaving your hostel room without a necessary coat or umbrella with WeatherBug. The free app accesses weather stations across the United States and thousands of international locations to bring you the latest daily and weekly forecasts. The program also offers fast access to up to 10 saved locations do you can keep an eye on the conditions in your next holiday spot.

    GateGuru

    Nobody likes an extended layover, but sadly they’re one of the inevitable downsides of flying. Whether your flight was delayed, you took an inconvenient route to save cash, or you’re a victim of another airline-grounding volcano ash cloud, you’ll find the time passes more quickly with GateGuru. The program has maps marking the essential facilities of 86 American airports, 12 Canadian ones, and Heathrow in London. It also has reviews, so you know which restaurants are passable and which ones are best avoided. Unfortunately though, at this stage it’s only available for iPhone, so Android and Blackberry users are left out in the cold.

    SitOrSquat

    Another unfortunate downside to travel is that a bathroom isn’t always where you want it to be. We’ve all experienced that desperate search for amenities, and that goes double for parents traveling with children! This bathroom locator works really well in the United States, but isn’t so reliable in other international locations. Perhaps that’s where the “squat” part of the title comes in!

    Cell PhonePlayground Finder

    And finally, here’s another lifesaver for parents. Just as moms and dads often need to find a bathroom at a moment’s notice, the need to find a place to play can often be just as urgent. Reviews and photos help parents find the most exciting places for their youngsters to blow off steam.

    It’s worth noting that while all the apps above are free to download, there may be some roaming charges associated with accessing all the app features in international locations. Use your commonsense when accessing the internet around the globe to avoid cell phone bill shock later.

  • Plan a Staycation – Enjoy a Frugal Vacation at Home

    Taking that fishing trip to Alaska or tour of the Greek Islands sound like wonderful ways to spend a few weeks, but if your wallet is bare you may need to curb your aspirations. If you’re desperate for a holiday but you don’t have the finances to fund it, a staycation may be the solution.

    Staycation is the latest buzz word to describe playing tourist in your own town. The practice encourages you to forget the mounting piles of dishes and your regular responsibilities in favor of living it up in your community. And best of all, you needn’t worry about uncomfortable hostel beds or weak motel showers!

    The key to a great staycation is to put yourself in the tourist mindset. There are bound to be tourist attractions you’ve never visited, parks you’ve never stopped to appreciate, and restaurants you’ve never frequented. When we’re caught up in the daily grind we forget all about the fun to be had in our own backyard.

    Just like any tourist, you’ll get the most from your staycation when it’s researched. Visiting your local tourist information center and online travel guides can point you in the direction of attractions and events you might otherwise overlook.

    As you’re playing tourist close to home, you can afford to leave your car in the driveway. You’ll certainly save on parking fees, you’ll burn some calories, and you’ll likely discover a few places you never knew existed. Those second-hand stores tucked away in alleys and small back street restaurants are the hidden gems that give cities their character.

    piggy bank worldWhile you can discover the area on your own, don’t overlook local tours. You might feel like you know your local area, but guided tours offer more insight into a city’s history than most residents possess. Whether it’s a tour around a local museum, or a cruise around your city’s waterways, you’ll emerge with a fresh perspective on your community.

    And while it might seem silly, don’t forget to take your camera along with you. A staycation is still a vacation after all, and you’ll still look back on your happy snaps with fondness!

  • Planning Your First Hostel Vacation – A Guide for Beginner Backpackers

    As the world continues to recover from the global financial crisis, backpacking is enjoying a resurgence. This frugal vacation style isn’t just for poor students and hippies any more. It’s actually a great way for anyone to save cash while seeing the world. If you’ve ever thought about hostel hopping in Australia, backpacking in New Zealand, or staying in a Vietnamese dorm, here are our tips for planning that frugal getaway.

    Backpackers naturally want to save money, but there are a few areas where spending is vital. Travel insurance is one often overlooked expense. Many backpackers consider this to be a luxury for the rich, but it’s a great way to protect yourself against the unexpected. When the planes are grounded due to volcanic ash clouds you won’t incur extra accommodation fees, it’ll save you if your luggage is lost, and if you get hurt and injured you won’t be slogged with a huge medical bill. That initial expense can make sure your vacation doesn’t become one you’d rather forget.

    Once you’ve paid for your travel insurance you’ll need to get packing, but make sure you don’t overdo it. You’ll spend much of your vacation with a bag on your back, so you’ll need to make sure it doesn’t weigh a ton. Space is also limited in hostel rooms, and using more than your fair share shows poor backpacker etiquette. Pack only what you’re sure you’ll need and remember, if you’ve forgotten something you can always buy it on the road.

    They might take up some space, but a few pairs of comfortable shoes are a must for every backpacker. A pair of sneakers is vital for trekking hiking trails or discovering the urban jungle, while flip flops are essential for keeping nasties at bay in communal showers.

    It can be tempting to break out your brand new backpack for your vacation, but it’s best to resist this urge. Shiny packs are targets for thieves, who assume that they’ll contain some expensive goodies. We wouldn’t suggest that your hostel housemates aren’t trustworthy, but it’s best not to take any risks.

    You’ll also want to make sure that any sticky fingers don’t find a lot of cash inside that rucksack. It’s smart to carry only a small amount of cash at any time, as you could easily lose it or fall victim to pick-pockets. If you’re traveling to a particularly dangerous part of the world it’s smart to take further security measures, such as strapping on a money belt or leg wallet. These accessories keep your cash close to your body for maximum safety. Three Backpackers

    Don’t let all of those practicalities bog you down though. The best thing about backpacking is its spontaneity. You’ll likely meet folks at your hostel who could suggest your next destination, or encourage you to spend more time at your current digs. Go where the wind takes you, throw out the schedule, and prepare to embrace this carefree, and budget conscious, vacation style!

  • A Guide to Bench Blazing – Tips for Enjoying Free Travel Trend

    When most people think about spending a night under the stars, enjoying the great outdoors, they imagine bunkering down in a campground or RV park. But there’s an even cheaper option for the more adventurous traveler, and it doesn’t cost a cent. Welcome to the world of bench blazing.

    Bench blazers take the freedom of travel to the extreme, refusing to tie themselves down to organized accommodation and itineraries. They might sleep on the bench of a suburban park one night and on the beach the next. They’re not quite sure where they’ll make their next bed, and that’s exactly how they like it.

    On a good night, a bench blazer might find themselves with a full belly and a roof over their head thanks to the kindness of strangers. This isn’t cheating, but just another experience on the bench blazer’s improvised vacation. It’s not quite couch surfing as there’s no prior planning involved, but it does make a refreshing change of pace in inclement weather!A bench blazer

    Of course we can’t control when Good Samaritans will come along, so bench blazers often spend nights in less than favorable conditions. It takes shivering on just one wet night to become more compassionate to those less fortunate. With the money you’ve saved on accommodation perhaps you can throw a few dollars their way, or share a slap-up breakfast with your neighboring homeless folks the next morning!

    If you’re planning to bench blaze on your next vacation, make sure you travel light. Without a room to stay in, you’ll need to carry your luggage wherever you go, so you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t weigh a ton. You also don’t want your expensive electronics or entire designer wardrobe to disappear while you’re catching forty winks. Really all you need is a sleeping bag, your wallet, a flashlight, and a few outfits. This is one situation where less really is more.

    When looking for a place to stay, make sure you’re smart about it. Bench blazing is an adventure, but you don’t need to stay in a gang neighborhood to get that adrenalin rush. Parks are often quite safe, while train stations and bus depots are generally best avoided. Trust your instincts and move on if you’re uneasy about bunkering down.

    That old adage about safety in numbers is also true. A single person in a park is a loner, vulnerable to being hassled, while a group of young travelers is a party!

    Make sure you respect the local authorities and do as they say. Western Europe and Scandinavia is very accepting of bench blazers, but much of Asia, African, and the Americas is less tolerant. Learn the local rules, because a fine may cost you more than a hostel room! Many cops will let friendly bench blazers off with a warning, but it’s better not to tempt fate.

    And finally, always have a back-up plan. It’s smart to locate the local hostels and cheap hotels, just in case you can’t find a suitable sleeping place or the weather is really gnarly.

    It’s not for the faint of heart, but bench blazing can be an exhilarating way to enjoy a frugal vacation.

  • Vacation on a Shoestring – Save Money & Travel on a Budget

    With a big wide world full of glamorous destinations, it’s very easy for our travel ambitions to become much bigger than our bank balance. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to see what the globe has to offer. By following our simple advice, you can take a vacation for next to nothing.

    The cost of accommodation can be one of the biggest holiday drains. We’d all love to stay in five-star luxury, but if you’re planning a holiday on the cheap you’ll have to quash that dream. Instead consider spending a night under the stars in a local campsite, or living simply in a hostel. Depending on your destination though, even these down-market digs can be a bit expensive. Do your research and plan ahead well before you set off. If your budget is looking stretched you’ll have time to organize free accommodation. Sleeping on the couch of a friendly European or house sitting in the United States is a great way to save cash and experience life as the locals do. Just remember to be a good house guest while you’re staying in someone else’s castle, especially if you hope to receive an invitation to return!

    Once your accommodation’s sorted you’ll need to eat. Here you’ve got two basic choices: eat out or raid a local supermarket and stay in. The latter seems an obvious option for cheapskates, but it’s always nice to spend some time away from the stove. If you’re only eating out once a day, make sure that it’s lunch. The midday meal is often much cheaper than the evening one, and it’ll give you enough energy for sightseeing. Look for eateries with daily set menus which offer a starter, main, and dessert for a reduced price. After three hearty courses, you might still feel full at dinner time!

    No one wants to spend their vacation staring at their accommodation’s walls, so you’ll need to organize a way to get around. Public transport is the obvious solution for frugal travelers, but it’s not the only one. If you make friends with the locals, you can often bum a ride to somewhere interesting. If you haven’t made any connections, the notice boards of hostels are a great place to start. You’ll often find available spaces in cars that will only cost you a portion of the petrol money.

    New Zealand money and calculatorSo once you’ve arrived at your dream destination, what are you going to see? Whatever it is, if you’re traveling on a tight budget it’ll probably be free. Thankfully most cities offer a wealth of free attractions, from national parks and gardens to museums and art galleries. Some sights are free only on particular days though, so do your research and plan a money-saving itinerary before you set off.

    So why are you still daydreaming about that vacation? By following our advice you can see any destination your heart desires without maxing out your credit card.

  • Money Saving Tips for Europe – Make Your Euro Go Further

    No continent screams luxury travel like Europe does. While it’s certainly possible to spend a small fortune on a lavish European getaway, frugal travelers needn’t abandon their dreams of a historical tour of Athens or a lazy beach holiday on the French Riviera. With a few clever choices and our insider advice you can have a great time in Europe and return home with a few Euros in your pocket.

    Most travelers naturally assume Europe’s efficient public transport system is the best way to get around. But if you’re staying for a month or more, leasing a car can be a surprisingly affordable option. Many of the big European car companies, including Peugot, Citroen, and Renault, offer long-term leases. It can cost around $50 a day, but if you’re traveling with a large group of mates or the family that can be less than you’d spend on public transport. Hiring a car also gives you the freedom to venture off the beaten track, which is excellent way to avoid the crowd and discover some of Europe’s often overlooked villages. These smaller townships also tend to offer cheaper accommodation and dining, so the savings can really add up! The websites Drive Travel and Holiday Autos are great starting points for organizing a long-term rental car.

    Whether you’re hiring a car or relying on the continent’s own transport it’s worth seeking out those underrated countries. Italy, Greece, Germany, and France are so popular that hoteliers, restaurateurs, and tour operators can charge the big bucks. So why not take the path less traveled and see Turkey, Latvia, or Moldova. And if you needed further convincing, they sell beer for less than water in Slovakia!

    Camping might seem like slumming it to the travel snobs, but it’s worth being open minded. You may want to avoid the practice during winter, but in summer the weather is perfect for appreciating the great outdoors. Many campsites are also cleaner than the European hostels, and unlike many countries they’re often conveniently located in the city. European camping grounds charge for your tent, the number of people staying there, and your car park. As a guide those charges tend to run between $12 and $20 a night, depending on your campground’s country and location.

    Once accommodation and travel are taken care of, you’ll need to consider what you’re going to do in your chosen destinations. Entry fees to tourist attractions can get pricy, so it’s smart to plan ahead. Bulk sightseeing passes including the London Pass and Paris Museum Pass give travelers entry to a large number of attractions at a big discount. There are also plenty of free things to see in most major European cities, including the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Make sure these are on your itinerary, and research the other freebies in your local guidebook. Seeing them is a great way to spend time without spending a cent.Keyboard with three money keys

    Then you’ll need to think about what you’re eating. It’s all too easy to spend a fortune at those Michelin Star restaurants. If you’re camping or staying in a hotel or apartment with a kitchenette you can save a lot of money by cooking your own food. If you are venturing out, try and eat as the locals do. By venturing off the tourist path you can discover some wonderful hole-in-the-wall restaurants that serve amazing food, without the high overheads.

    And finally, please brush up on the language. If you make an effort to speak with the locals in their own dialect you’re much more likely to enjoy a bargain on your European vacation!