FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Trip Planning

  • Working Abroad: Farming Your Way Around the World

    Got the travel bug but your bank account says “no way”? Working abroad can be a cost-effective and interesting way to travel.


    Though this post focuses uniquely on farming opportunities around the world (for which individuals need no or very little training), keep in mind that if you are 18 or older, there are many different ways to secure free lodging and meals or make money abroad, such as teaching English abroad or working in a restaurant or at a resort. World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) Perhaps you’ve heard of WWOOFing. It is, by far, the most popular program for individuals seeking short-term farm work abroad. WWOOF began in 1971 in the UK as a way to provide opportunities for people to work for brief periods of time (a few days to a few months) on organic farms within the UK. The organization quickly spread to other European countries and now there are over 6,000 host farms in 88 countries worldwide. WWOOFers (as the organic farm workers are called) are not paid for their services. Rather, they participate in an exchange with the farm owner (or WWOOF host). The WWOOFer works for a certain number of hours (predetermined in an agreement with the WWOOF host) in exchange for food, accommodations  (provided by the WWOOF host) and they chance to learn about organic farming. WWOOFing opportunities vary from working on an organic vineyard to beekeeping to learning how to make artisanal ciders to shearing sheep. organic farm jobs photo In addition to allowing you to travel on the cheap, WWOOFing is a great way to meet fellow travelers from all over the world (which could lead to more frugal travel opportunities). The WWOOFer lifestyle is, for the most part, very free and nomadic. Many WWOOFers work for a few weeks on one farm, and then travel for a while before going to another farm, etc. If you get enough assignments from WWOOF hosts, you could end up traveling frugally for several years as a WWOOFer. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a WWOOFer, visit the organization’s website at www.wwoof.org/ Help Exchange Another organization (similar to WWOOF) that gives individuals the opportunity to work on farms around the world is Help Exchange.  Like WWOOF, HelpX is a cultural exchange for travelers who wish to learn more about farming and cultural practices abroad. Most HelpX workers spending four hours per day working in exchange for free accommodation and meals with their hosts. For more information on becoming a HelpX volunteer, visit their website at www.helpx.net/ GrowFood If you’re looking for a domestic (within the U.S.) farming experience, check out GrowFood. The goal of the organization is to connect those interested in traveling in the U.S. and learning about farming culture with farms looking for assistance. Though arrangements differ from farm to farm, it is typically on a barter system (similar to WWOOF and HelpX). GrowFood has many opportunities for couples and families who may be interested in pursuing farm work together. Browse the farm/job listings and find out more information about the organization by visiting their website at GrowFood.org.

  • Best Websites for Cruise Vacation Deals

    Is the weather starting to get chilly in your neck of the woods? Perhaps a cruise would really hit the spot but you don’t think you can afford one.

    Think again. There are plenty of cruise deals to be found online, you just have to know where to look. Start doing your research now before the snow falls and you’ll be on cruise before you can say “ship’s ahoy!” Here are some online resources to get you started. Cruise Deals Cruise Deals provides you with the opportunity to search a variety of Caribbean, Alaskan, Hawaiian, Mexican or European cruises at low prices. The search engine allows you to search by date, location, length of cruise and price. You can also see pictures of the cruise ships and locations. Booking can be done online 24-7 or you can call 1-800-866-6414 during normal business hours to book a cruise or ask questions. Orbitz Cruises [caption id="attachment_4530" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Photo Credit: Orlovic"][/caption] This spin-off of the larger Orbitz search engine is where to go to find some of the lowest prices on cruises throughout the world. Go here to find rock bottom prices and last minute deals as well as package deals (include flight and attractions). The search engine allows you to refine your criteria based on cruise location, date, length of cruise, departure port, cruise line and type of ship. Last Minute Cruises If you’re feeling adventurous and have a flexible schedule, then head to Last Minute Cruises for some of the best deals around (you’ll save on average 50-65%). Their extensive search engine will help you find amazing deals on cruises leaving in the near future (you can search by destinations, cruise lines and special deals). Book online 24/7 or call 1-866- 836-6963 during normal business hours to book a cruise. Cruise.com Cruise.com boasts a large database of bargain cruises and special offers across all major cruise lines and in a variety of locations. This is the place to look for package deals and free upgrades. Book online 24/7 or call the “cruise experts” at 1-888-333-3116 during normal business hours to ask specific questions about the deals offered on the site. Cruise Cheap Cruise Cheap allows you to search cruise deals in a variety of locations. They specialize in package deals comprised of a combination of airfare/cruise/land excursion/hotel/cruise upgrades. You can search by destination, cruise line and departure date/cruise length. Book cruises 24/7 online or call 1-800- 543-1915 to speak to an agent. Cruise Critic: Cruises Reviews and News In addition to providing you with the latest news regarding various cruise lines and up-to-date reviews of cruises by actual vacationers like yourself, Cruise Critic offers a searchable database including a variety of cruise deals. Of course, you should also check the big travel sites: Orbitz, Priceline, Expedia, and Travelocity. Keep in mind that going straight to the source (individual cruise lines themselves) may be another effective way to find excellent deals. All of the major cruise lines have websites that feature last minute cruises and package deals. Many of these cruise line also have reward programs that will allow you to go on the cruise of your dreams for much, much less. Here are some suggestions: Carnival Cruises Royal Caribbean International Princess Cruises Disney Cruise Line What are you waiting for? Go for it! Set sail!

  • Los Angeles Happy Hour Deals for Frugal Travelers

    Grabbing a drink and some food on vacation can be a relaxing way to pass the afternoon or a convenient way to catch up with friends you haven’t seen in a while.

    When visiting the City of Angels (and exhorbitant pricing), finding a happy hour spot that fits your budget can be a bit tricky. Not to worry. After reading this post, you’ll have the wherewithal to find a happy hour spot to fit your taste and budget. General Tips: Stay out of super touristy areas. Bars and restaurants on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica or the piers in the South Bay cities of Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach may not be the most cost-conscious options. You never know, some establishments might have some good promotions to lure in tourists, but you’ll typically end up paying more. Also, if you’re interested in going to a certain bar or restaurant (perhaps one your friends told you about or that you read about in a foodie magazine or blog), check their website to see if they offer any deals (1/2 priced bottles of wine on Mondays, 2 dollars off appetizers between 4:00pm-6:00pm, etc.). Filling up on small plates during happy hour can be a great (and cheaper) alternative to a sit-down dinner. Doing your research ahead of time will help you organize your frugal happy hour adventures. Here are some tried and true ideas to get you going: Corkbar (Downtown Los Angeles) 403 W 12th St, Los Angeles, CA 90015 http://www.corkbar.com/ The stylish Corkbar offers great happy hour deals ($2 of glasses of wine and select appetizers and small plates). Popular with the downtown professional set. El Carmen Restaurant and Tequila Bar (West Hollywood) 8138 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles This luchador (Mexican wrestling) themed establishment is known for its cheap and tasty margaritas and tequila samplers. Munch on complimentary chips and salsa or order some small plates (discounted during happy hour). Pourtal Wine Tasting Bar (Santa Monica) 104 Santa Monica Blvd. A relative newcomer to the Santa Monica wine bar scene, Pourtal offers a large selection of international wines by the bottle or by the glass ($5 per glass during happy hour) and a variety of small plates for munching. Otheroom (Venice) 1201 Abbot Kinney Blvd This Manhattan-chic, spacious Venice bar offers a wide selection of imported beers and wine as well as tasty small plates. Happy hour deals between 4-6pm on weekdays. The Glendon Bar and Restaurant (Westwood Village) 1071 Glendon Ave. www.theglendonla.com This new Westwood Village bar and eatery attracts local UCLA students thanks to its excellent happy hour prices (from 4-6pm all of the food on the “bar menu” is half off). Chaya Venice (Venice) 110 Navy Street If you’re in the mood for sushi, head to Chaya for their sushi happy hour on weekdays, featuring a variety of inexpensive (and tasty) sushi rolls and $5 specialty cocktails.los angeles martini happy hours Canal Club (Venice) 2025 Pacific Ave, Venice Website Great drink specials and inexpensive food items (sushi, grilled meats, etc.) bring the crowds to the Canal Club for their daily happy hour. Saint Felix (West Hollywood) 8945 Santa Monica Blvd www.saintfelix.net During weekday happy hours, all drinks (beer, wine, and cocktails by the glass) are half off and they offer specials on food. During your time in LA, be sure to ask locals where they go to grab a drink during happy hour. This will give you loads of ideas for places to try on future trips. Cheers!

  • Tips for Saving Money When Renting a Car

    Renting a car is a great transportation option while traveling. It allows you the flexibility to discover your destination at your own pace. For some locations, renting a car is the only way to see everything you want to see during your stay. Granted, renting a car for your entire trip can become rather expensive. Here are some tips for cutting car rental costs while still making sure that all of your transportation needs are covered.

    1. Shop around and compare pricing structures. There are plenty of sites out there like Orbitz.com, Priceline.com or Hotwire.com that offer flight, hotel and car rental deals. Often, you’ll be able to save hundreds of dollars by purchasing one of these packages. The downside is often restricted travel dates. Check out the sites for major rental companies like Hertz or Rent-a-Car and compare their prices with smaller, local companies. Start researching early and keep an information chart to help you organize your information. All of this research will pay off when you book the cheapest possible car.
    2. Size matters. Keep in mind that while renting the smallest car will most likely give you the best gas mileage, it isn’t always the all-around cheapest choice. Many car rental companies offer deals on larger vehicles (especially if they aren’t successfully renting them). However, sometimes renting the smallest car on the lot really is the cheapest choice. It all comes down to seeking out deals and doing your research.
    3. Be specific about costs and document everything. It is important to research all of the costs associated with the car rental (insurance, gas, extra driver fees, etc.). When you reserve your car, make sure you get confirmation on paper (or via email) on what all of the final costs will be. This way if the rental company tries to sneak in extra costs at the counter, you’ll be able to spot them right away. [caption id="attachment_4501" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Renting a car allows you to explore without restriction. Here are some tips for frugal renters. "][/caption]
    4. Organize your trip with your transportation needs in mind. Depending on how you organize your trip, you may be able to survive without a rental car for one or more days of your stay. Plan out your itinerary with your car rental in mind. Renting a car for half of your stay and relying on public transportation for the rest of the trip will cut your rental costs considerably and allow you to really use your time wisely.
    5. “Just say no” to the upgrades and extras. Car rental companies will inevitably try to convince you to upgrade your small two-door to a luxury sedan or SUV with all the bells and whistles. While the thought of rolling in a red convertible may seem tempting when you’re standing at the rental counter, you won’t be as pleased when you see your credit card statement after you get back from your trip. Likewise, instead of renting a GPS system, do you research ahead of time and bring maps. If you can get away with having one driver, this will also reduce extra driver fees. Many car rental companies are now offering the option to pay for a full tank of gas at the outset so that you don’t have to worry about filling up your tank before you drop off the car. Don’t do it. This will inevitably be more expensive than simply topping off your tank before you return your rental.
    6. Know your insurance plan and use your own insurance while traveling. Most car rental companies require you to use their insurance for the actual vehicle. However, if you already carry full liability insurance through your normal car insurance, you can typically use this instead of forking over another $15-$30 per day for liability insurance on your rental. Make sure you do your research beforehand and know exactly what your regular insurance plan covers before you rent a car.

  • Top Websites for Frugal Foodies on the Road

    For serious foodies, deciding where one is going to eat while traveling is just as perhaps more) important than deciding where to stay.

    Thanks to a variety of excellent search engines and review sites, it’s now easier than ever to be a discerning foodie on a budget. Whether you’re hankering for sushi in Paris or Italian pasta in Hong Kong, you’ll be able to find a place to suit your tastes and budget. From finding the best happy hour deals to reviews on new "it" eateries, these sites will help you choose where to wisely spend your hard earned dollars on the road. Most of these sites detect your current location (especially if you’re using a smart phone), which can make browsing listings on the go a snap. In addition, most of these sites have Droid or iPhone travel apps that facilitate your restaurant searching even more. My recommendation would be to choose 2 or 3 you like best and use them interchangeably (or to cross-reference) as you’re planning your trip or on the road. Zagat (www.zagat.com) Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, Zagat’s got you covered. The site’s easy to search database gives you Zagat ratings as well as both professional and customer reviews. Their “dining spotlight” articles on the front page (past articles are searchable in the database) will introduce you to new culinary wonders, some even in your backyard. This site also allows you to book reservations online. Yelp (www.yelp.com) [caption id="attachment_4452" align="alignright" width="229" caption="The author enjoys a meal at Strada in London (UK)."][/caption] Yelp is a broad-based review and opinions site, and their restaurant listings are comprehensive. You can read opinions by actual clients (not restaurant owners or paid reviewers) on various establishments in all price ranges. Though most of Yelp’s listings are for U.S. cities, they do have pages devoted to major European cities like London and Paris. WitU (www.witU.com) WitU is an international database of comprehensive restaurant listings and reviews. Most popular and “latest” restaurants pop up first in the listings. In addition to reading about restaurants, you can also book a table online. UrbanSpoon (www.urbanspoon.com) UrbanSpoon features listings for restaurants throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia and the UK. You can sort findings by price, location, cuisine type and ratings. I always get new ideas of where to eat (even in my hometown) in their “Talk of the Town” section that features restaurants that critics and bloggers are talking about right now. FoodieView (www.facebook.com/pages/FoodieViewcom/95664902435) An attractive and well-designed site, FoodieView features selected listings from major U.S. cities like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, etc. Though their listings may not be as comprehensive as those on some of the other sites, they make up for it in quality of restaurant (and their eclectic recipe database). OpenTable (www.opentable.com) In addition to browsing the site’s large database of restaurant listings and reviews, you can book reservations online using their handy system. If you sign up for their free membership, OpenTable will send you coupons and information on deals at restaurants in the cities you specify. Happy Cow (www.happycow.net) All of you vegetarian foodies out there will be happy to know there is a site that lists all of the specifically vegetarian and vegan restaurants in your area. Happy Cow provides comprehensive vegetarian listings and reviews from around the globe. New York Times Travel Listings (www.nytimes.com/pages/travel/) This is one of my favorite sites to browse while planning my culinary adventures. Each city’s page is filled with professional reviews of restaurants (as well as many other categories) that are searchable by neighborhood and price. Bon appétit!

  • Affordable South Australian Wine Tours – See Best Wineries with Alfie

    There are many tours designed to introduce tourists to South Australia’s wine regions, but few have the relaxed, personalized service of Alfie’s Wine Tours.


    Alfie leads tours to the state's premiere wine regions: the Clare and Barossa Valleys, Adelaide Hills, and the McLaren Vale. The latter tour sets off every Thursday, whether there's only one keen wine taster or a bus full. My husband and I were lucky enough to enjoy one of those private tours on a recent Adelaide vacation. There was no missing Alfie's bright yellow bus parked outside our hotel bright and early. The 45-minute drive to the McLaren Vale passed quickly as Alfie told us all about himself and encouraged us to do the same. Alfie is a debt collector by trade, but runs the wine tours as a hobby. Clearly he loves his work, meeting people from all over the country and the world and sharing his passion for a good drop. [caption id="attachment_3860" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A Barossa Valley vineyard"][/caption] His tour takes in some of the smaller wineries in the McLaren Vale, which gives wine enthusiasts the chance to taste vintages not available in their local liquor store. Penny's Hill Wines was our first stop, a friendly winery with an extensive range of whites, reds, and dessert wines. After a little early morning tasting some tucker was in order, and Alfie obliged with an antipasto platter. After some cheese and European sausages we were ready to take on Woodstock, a small family owned winery with beautiful leafy grounds and knowledgeable, bubbly staff. We couldn’t resist taking home a bottle of their very pricey, but delicious Stocks Shiraz, along with a few other drops. Australian Boutique Premium Wines was the next stop along the tour. The name sounds fancy, but this is a back-to-basics operation set inside a rustic metal shed. Owner Bob Harrison looks to support the little guy by gathering the best boutique wines from around the country to add to his range.  The simple surrounds mattered not as we treated ourselves to bubbles, stunning whites and red, and some interesting varietals. So much wine quickly took its toll, so it was great to see lunch was next on the agenda. While we busied ourselves with more tasting at Parri Estate, Alfie cooked up a two-course lunch in the winery's parklands. With bellies full it was off to Oxenberry Farm and dessert. There was the liquid kind available, including the beautiful Right Nut Liqueur Muscat, and a fruit platter and chocolate fondue served by Alfie. Needless to say, after all that indulgence we couldn't help but doze on the way back to our hotel! There are many luxury wine tours offering private experiences and limousine travel, but if you simply want to see South Australia's wineries a trip with Alfie is much more economical, and every bit as fun. Tours start from $70 per person, including lunch.

  • Best iPhone/iPad Apps for Budget Travel

    If you already own an iPhone or iPad, you probably know that you have one of the best budget travel tools on the market.


    Haven’t taken the plunge and purchased your iToy yet? Not to worry. Many international tourist agencies (mostly in Europe) are renting out iPhones or iPads to help you make the most of your visit (if you're heading to Paris in the near future you can rent an iPad near the Eiffel Tower). Here is a list of “must have” iPhone/iPad apps for frugal travelers. What’s even better is that most of them are free! Best Free Apps TripAdvisor (Free) If you rely on the TripAdvisor website for booking hotels, choosing a restaurant, etc. then you will get a lot of use out of the TripAdvisor app (which is quite a bit simpler to navigate than the site). Listings are filtered by price or neighborhood. Priceline Hotel Negotiator (Free) Priceline’s Hotel Negotiator app will help you find travel deals galore. Simply enter a preferred star rating and your ideal rate and watch the search engine lock in a room that meets your criteria. The app uses GPS, which is great for finding last minute accommodations when you miss your train out of Bruges. Mint (Free) [caption id="attachment_4440" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Photo credit: Glenn Fleishman"][/caption] Mint is the perfect way to track your finances while you’re on the way to the airport or sipping a cappuccino at an Italian café. With a mint.com account, you are able to track multiple bank accounts (even from different banks) all on the same page. There’s also a budgeting feature that allows you to set a budget for your trip and see bar graphs that track your spending as you globetrot. Skype (Free) As I addressed in a prior post about how to travel inexpensively, cell phone use abroad can get pretty spendy due to roaming charges and international call upcharges. With a Skype account, you can call for free to another Skype account, anywhere in the world. All you need is a wireless Internet connection. You can also call for extremely reduced rates from your Skype account to a land line. Now you can tell the long version of your travel tales to anyone who will listen without draining your travel budget. Free Wifi (Free) Need to find free Wifi so you can Skype to your heart’s content? The Free Wifi app will help you locate the closest free hotspot, even if you’re not online (thanks to their offline database option). Sudoku (Free) I know, the connection between Sudoku and budget travel may not seem obvious at first blush. Think of it this way: when you’re waiting for your flight, the free Sudoko app allows you to exercise your brain instead of giving your wallet a workout in the duty free store. Currency Pad (Free) Trying to figure out the UDS equivalent of 12,000 Japanese Yen has never been easier than with the Currency Pad. The user-friendly interface and direct links to Wikipedia articles on each currency (for background info) makes this app a must have for budget travelers. AroundMe (Free) A great app for at home or abroad, AroundMe assists you in locating things to do, movie theaters, stores, restaurants, etc. close to your current location.
    GateGuru (Free) The GateGuru app is comprised of searchable directories for 92 U.S. airports and international hubs. Scroll down to find an ATM, a cup of coffee, or a decent meal that won’t break the bank. HazelMail (Free) If you’re like me and normally wind up mailing your postcards after you get home from a trip, then HazelMail is your new best friend. This nifty app transforms your own photo into an actual paper card, adds your custom message and sends it off within two business days. At $1 per card, it’s cheaper than mailing it yourself. Best Inexpensive Apps FlightTrack ($4.99) Whether you’re trying to catch a plane or waiting for your friend to arrive at the airport, FlightTrack’s simple interface will help you arrive on time. Lonely Planet’s1000 Ultimate Experiences ($4.00) I’ll admit it, this app is far from a budget travel necessity, but it is pretty wonderful for the price. It gives you images and brief information about 1000 of the world’s most intriguing places. Like the Soduko app, it will keep you busy in the airport or on the plane so that you don’t end up frittering away your cash on cheesy souvenirs or duty-free merchandise.

  • 8 Tips for Frugal Travel

    Even if you have set a budget ahead of time, it is easy to end up spending way more money than you would have ever imagined on your vacation, especially if you’re traveling abroad.


    Here are some tried and true frugal travel tips to help you enjoy your next trip without breaking the bank. Be realistic with local currency. As soon as you exchange your money, it’s easy to feel like you have a stack of monopoly money in your hands. In addition to reminding aware that you are spending actual money, be sure to come up with a quick way to calculate the exchange rate into your currency (for example, if the exchange rate is 1.345, round that up to 1.5 and multiply every purchase by time and a half). On a related note, before you leave, research what kind of fees your bank or credit card charge for getting cash out of foreign ATMs or for foreign purchases and plan accordingly. Travel with friends. Traveling with friends (or another couple) is a great way to cut down on lodging and other costs. Sharing a large discounted vacation rental (condo or house) with a group of friends can end up being much cheaper than booking a hotel room alone. If you’re your rental has cooking facilities, all of you can go grocery shopping at the beginning of the trip and cook at the house most (or all) nights instead of spending money in a restaurant. And remember, it can be much more fun to travel with another couple or a group of friends! Book a hotel with a continental breakfast (or at least a coffee machine in the room). Most hotels that offer continental breakfasts are not more expensive than their counterparts (i.e. other two-star hotels) that do not. If you have a coffee machine in your room but there is no continental breakfast, scope out the surrounding areas for options. Not having to pay for breakfast and coffee for you and your tribe can really help stretch your dollar (or allow you to spend more on meals out). For meals and shopping, avoid “touristy” areas. Many local businesses prey on tourists’ impulses and, sadly, their confusion by hiking up prices and positioning themselves next to main tourist sites or area. So, even though that crêpe or mini Eiffel Tower may look great, resist the temptation to hand over your euros on the spot. Instead, head to a less touristy area to eat and/or shop there. Not only will it be less expensive, the products and experience will be much more authentic. Remember, picnic lunches are also an inexpensive (and fun) alternative to eating lunch in a restaurant each day. Read out post about eating cheaply in Paris. [caption id="attachment_4411" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Using public transportation is a great way spend less money while traveling."][/caption] Rethink the value of souvenirs. How many times have you purchased an expensive souvenir on a trip and got it home only to think “what I am going to do with this?” That’s the funny thing about being on vacation, we see things we think we “need” to buy that we would never even consider purchasing if we saw it back home. Truth is, many souvenirs are either very expensive (not a great value) or useless (or both). Instead take home local canned goods like jellies or jams, teas and coffees. Each time you enjoy your “souvenir,” it will bring back memories of your trip (and you are sure to use it). Start thinking of your photos and your travel journal as your souvenirs. Chances are, these are the things that will be most meaningful to you years after your trip. Also, don’t feel like everyone at the office or every member of your family needs a “remembrance” of your trip to another country. They’ll be happy just seeing your pictures and hearing your stories. Carry a water bottle and light snacks. Having sustenance on you at all times will help you avoid buying expensive snacks and sodas because your blood sugar is low and you are “desperate.” For health reasons, it’s good to stay hydrated while you’re traveling, especially if you’re doing a lot of walking. Know your cell phone plan. I know many friends who have accrued some major charged on their cell phone bills as a result of making calls or texting from abroad. To avoid these unexpected expenses, read through your cell phone contract or contact your carrier before hopping on the plane so that you understand what the financial implications of calling or texting from abroad will be. Use public transportation as much as possible. Be sure to research the public transportation options in the place you’ll be staying, including reduced rate multi-day/week travel cards. If you know about and feel comfortable with your public transportation options from day one, you’ll feel less tempted to take a cab everywhere you need to go.

  • Berlin (Germany) on a Budget

    A haven for writers, artists and other creative types, Berlin is one of the most financially accessible cities in Europe. As a result of the city’s political instability over the last decade, there are many areas in Berlin where it is possible to find cheap places to stay, eat and visit.


    As is typical when artists enter an area, developers have already started the gentrification process in certain neighborhoods. So visit soon for the best deals! Also, see our piece about eating cheaply in Paris, which was published last week. How to get around: Between the buses and the underground, Berlin’s public transportation system is excellent. Bus Number 100 makes takes a large circular route that hits most of the city's major tourist sites. Berlin's U-bahn/S-bahn lines are very efficient and inexpensive. There are a variety of City Tour Cards or City Passes that allow you unlimited travel on Berlin’s public transit for a specified amount of time (from 48-hours to 1 month, depending on the pass). These can be purchased throughout the city, but the easiest place to buy yours is right at the airport when you arrive. If the weather’s nice, consider renting a bike to transport you around the city (Berlin is an incredibly biker-friendly place). What to eat (heaven for foodies on a budget): [caption id="attachment_4357" align="alignright" width="300" caption="From street food to free entertainment, I describe how to take a budget-friendly trip to Berlin."]travel to germany picture[/caption] There are few places with as many excellent street food choices as Berlin. Stick with street foods like puddingbrezels (a sweet pretzel filled in with custard and sprinkled with rock sugar) or the “national dish” currywurst (sliced, hot pork sausage--“wurst” in German--covered with a combination of ketchup or tomato paste mixed with curry and served with a crusty roll or fries). Berlin is home to one of the world's largest Turkish populations outside of Turkey itself. Look for food stands marked with the sign "Imbiss" where you can get gyro-like sandwiches for low, low prices. Another delicious option is one or several kebabs (“kebap” in Turkish) covered with fresh greens and spiced sauce. Another way to enjoy your kebab is in a thick pita with greens and yogurt sauce (this more portable option is called a döner kebap). Of course, you’ll need something to wash down all of these delicious eats. Beer would be the obvious choice, but give Gluhwein a try as well. It’s a hot, spiced red wine, typically prepared with cinnamon sticks, vanilla pods, cloves, orange peel and sugar. Fruit wines such as blueberry wine and cherry wine are sometimes used instead of grape wine. I like mine best “mit rum” (with a shot of rum). Where to stay: Berlin boasts a variety of economical hotels, hostels and rooms for rent. There are literally hundreds of smaller boutique hotels that offer comfortable accommodations and breakfast for less than 80 euros a night. If you know people living in Berlin, ask them for ideas. It’s relatively easy to find someone willing to rent you a room in their home for a few weeks. What to buy: Berlin’s fashion boutique culture has grown considerably in the past ten years. Though it’s fun to browse in these shops, stocking up on gifts and souvenirs here will surely empty your pockets. For unique, handmade or vintage finds, consider checking out one of Berlin’s many flea markets (flohmarkts). You can find more than just “old stuff” at Berlin’s flea markets; this is also where artisans and craftspeople come to sell their wares. Here are some of the most popular: Flohmarkt am Mauerpark  market is open each Sunday and located near to the Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Stadion M10 tram stop (formerly Oderberger Straße) and is a short walk from the U2’s Eberswalder Straße (Station). Euroflohmarkt is open daily (9am – 6pm; Wed. 3pm – 6pm). Located in Pankow. Nearest U-Bahn station: Vinetastraße (U2); Tram: M1, M13 (Bornholmer Straße / Schönhauser Allee). Straße des 17. Juni Flohmarkt's opening hours are Sat. – Sun. 11am – 7pm. The closest U-bahn stop is Tiergarten. Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz is open Sun. 10am – 5pm; in winter until 4pm. The closest U-bahn stop is Bernauer Strasse. Another good option for shopping is the cultural market at Alexanderplatz or the weekly artist market on Museum Island. If you’re there during Christmas market season, then you’re in luck. There is a huge one at Alexanderplatz where you’ll be able to stock up on holiday goods from the last weekend in October- December.
    What to do: There is plenty of free entertainment available in Berlin. I suggest heading to the parks. For example, musicians and artists fill the expansive Tiergarten park near the city center. Grab the fixin’s for a picnic lunch and enjoy the lovely scenery and, if you’re lucky, live music. Many of Berlin’s historical sites and memorials are free as well. Explore one neighborhood at a time (on foot) and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all of the things you find to do on the cheap.

  • Quirky Labor Day Holiday Activities – Events Around North America This September Long Weekend

    With Labor Day rapidly approaching, Americans are making plans about where to spend their holiday weekend.

    But if you're stuck for inspiration, consider these quirky Labor Day activities for your September vacation. Maryland is famous for its crabs, so it's no surprise to see a crustacean themed celebration taking place over the long weekend. The National Hard Crab Derby and Fair hits Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield from September 3 to 5. The festivities feature crab cooks facing off, aspiring beauties competing for the title of Miss Crusty, crab picking, and boat races. Tickets cost $5, and $2 for children under 12. Mendota, Illinois isn't a common tourist destination, but the town comes alive over the Labor Day holiday period. At the annual Sta-Bil National Weekend, contestants race customized mowers around a course in a number of speed classes. The spectators get pretty rowdy, especially when the machines top 60 miles an hour! After watching this madcap event, you'll never think about tending your lawn in the same way again! If you've got a taste for a more tropical destination, visit the Hawaiian island of Oahu for the Queen Lili-uokalani Outrigger Canoe race. On September 4 and 5 paddlers from around the globe will compete in the 18-mile races. The fun doesn't end when the races are over either; that's when the island enjoys a post-event luau and dancing by torchlight. For a vacation that's further afield, consider crossing the border and heading to the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Gatineau, Canada. From September 3 to 6 balloons of all shapes and sizes take to the skies. There's also live music, market stalls, and the Agropur Night Glow show featuring illuminated character balloons for the kids. So why just take the same old vacation you always do? Make 2010 the year where you venture from the well worn tourist track and enjoy a Labor Day Weekend you'll never forget.