FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: argentina

  • Where to Find Student Travel Deals

    Students, you’re already shelling out enough money when it comes to books, housing, and tuition, so don’t get caught overspending when it comes to travel too! College students are among one of the largest percentages of those who travel.


    Study abroad programs, long summer vacations, or even a semester off from school provides the perfect opportunity for travel. And, as it turns out, students are the least likely to be affected by the recession.

    Student travel has remained strong throughout this most recent travel slum, with schools providing a great avenue for educational and affordable travel. Also, there are some great discount deals for students that you should take note of if you’re a college student thinking about a trip to Patagonia, or a summer vacation to the Greek Islands. Check out how you can maximize your travel potential by cashing in on these great student deals.

    Specific travel companies and websites offer discounts to students. Some, like STA Travel only require that you be a student or be under the age of 26 in order to take advantage of their excellent travel deals and programs. For example, right now they are offering roundtrip flights to Paris for as low as $445 for participating students. That is almost a record low for a flight such as this and one hell of away to spend a thanksgiving vacation with college friends.

    Another great example of capitalizing on student-discounted travel is through certain airlines. Take for instance the Student Advantage Card; a card that any student can acquire for about $20 a year. This simple act will save you 10% on any American Airlines flight you book when you have the card and are an active student. If you take into account most people spend an average of $320 on a domestic flight, you’ve already recouped this cost after only one flight purchased. American Airlines also offers discounts to students who attend specific participating universities, a discount that can be found from the homepage of their website. Jet Blue, for example, also offers a student discount; eleven percent for any student that has an ISIC (International Student Identity Card). (Those who have this card also will find discounts on the afore mentioned STA Travel website as well.)


    United Airlines doesn’t offer any discounts for being a student but, through their College Plus program, participating students who track their mileage through United will receive 10,000 frequent flyer miles as a graduation present.

    There are even sites for the parents of kids who are in school. Take the popular UniversityParent.com, where parents can find travel deals to universities and colleges for graduations, sporting events, or even just to see the kids.

    By finding ways to save on travel you can end up saving hundreds, if not thousands, in a year. If you’re a student and you’re considering teaching English abroad, or if you want to take a semester off to see the world, do yourself a favor and save some cash by cashing in on some excellent travel deals. By simply being a student you save! Not too shabby.

  • Destinations for Soccer Lovers

    Although soccer has been the world’s most popular sport for decades it is certainly making a push toward the mainstream. Here in the United States, a bigger and bigger following is gathering behind local and MLS teams and it isn’t uncommon to see hoards of college students crowding bars to watch teams like Barcelona play the LA Galaxy. We suggest however, taking it one step further! Sure the front row bar seating is a fun way to experience the games, but why not see the action live? Check out two great vacations with travel guides provided by FrugalMonkey where you can get onto the field and only feet away from the world’s best players.


    Argentina

    If soccer is popular anywhere it is certainly a national obsession in Argentina. Through FrugalMonkey’s free online guide to travel in Argentina you can see Boca play River during the Super Classico and touch finger tips with the world famous, Lionel Messi. Most of the games take place in Buenos Aires, the Argentine capitol. Even if you can’t catch a game, you’ll be sure to see evidence of the country’s widespread obsession with paraphernalia and soccer playing teens scattered throughout. Check out where to stay in Buenos Aires, and pick between the crumbling architecture of the boutique hotels in San Telmo or the posh modern sky rises of Puerto Madero.

    South Africa

    If you’re any kind of soccer fan you already know that the 2010 World Cup is going off in South Africa next July. This gives soccer fans from around the world the perfect opportunity to see all the world’s teams compete toward one major distinction: the best team in the world. Don’t miss Spain battle Brazil, or Italy take on the US in what is aiming to be the biggest sporting even the world has seen yet. Of course you’ll be there, by utilizing FrugalMonkey’s online travel guide to South Africa.


  • Destination: Argentina

    For this week’s feature destination we set our sights on South America and incredible travel information on Argentina.

    In case you didn’t know, FrugalMonkey has an entire section on travel to Argentina including vacation destinations outside of Buenos Aires, fun day trips, information for wine lovers and ski vacations for winter outdoorsmen.


    Check out just a few of the locations and vacations awaiting you after you take a flight to Argentina.

    One of the reasons we picked Argentina is because it is so affordable for travelers to visit this time of year. It is currently low-season for South American travel which means flight prices are lower than normal and there are less tourists in the cities and at destination hot-spots. This means hotel prices and tour prices are lower then normal, but an excellent vacation is still almost a guarantee.

    Travel Tip: Flying or traveling to places that are currently in low season is a great way to create savings on your vacation.

    If you’re a fan of snow sports, then actually, it’s high season for you. South America and Argentina specifically is home to two of the largest ski resorts in the region. Las Lenas and Bariloche are both world famous ski towns and resorts located in Argentina. Both are located some distance from the capital, Buenos Aires, but nothing a short flight can’t fix. Las Lenas is located near Mendoza, Argentina which means fitting in some wine tasting is an excellent idea if you want to combine your interest of skiing or snowboarding with a wine tasting in Argentina.

    Bariloche is near Santiago, Chile. So, you want to check out some other amazing South American vacation destinations you are near by. Plus, there is the added bonus of saying that you’ve visited Patagonia.

    Check out our full country profile on Argentina travel on FrugalMonkey and plan the perfect summer and winter vacation.

  • Wine Lovers Check Out These Great International Destinations

    Wine has always lent itself to travel. Visiting new places and enjoying the local flavors is a favorite among almost any traveler.

    You don't have to break the bank either, to enjoy incredible international wine tours and travel. Check out a couple of our FrugalMonkey destinations that are perfect for those who want to wet their whistle and enjoy some of the world's finest wines. Mendoza, Argentina is making a name for itself on the world wine scene. Just a few years ago Argentina was barely on the radar for producing fine wines and now it is fifth in the world for exports. Travelers enjoy visiting Argentina because of the exciting South American culture, gorgeous landscape and fine wines and steaks. Mendoza, located in Argentina's north is the perfect destination for travelers on a budget because Argentina is one of the most affordable countries that FrugalMonkey features. Because of the favorable exchange rate, travelers from any demographic can enjoy cheap flights and hotel accommodations while combing the country for South American adventures. Known for it's world-famous Malbec varieties, travelers are flocking to Mendoza year-round to enjoy this new and exciting red wine. Wine tours, outdoors activities and excellent food await any visitor. For more information on travel to Mendoza check out our profile on travel to Argentina. Another amazing wine-destination for travelers is South Africa. South African wines are nothing new to the country, who has been experiencing cultivation since the early 1700's. Now a much more mature wine culture has emerged and travelers can enjoy extraordinary flavors and vacations while visiting South African wine country. The dry and arid regions of the country provide the perfect climate for wine growth and the excellent weather and exotic landscapes make it a favorite among travelers. For a full profile on travel to South Africa including a number of details on booking a wine-focused vacation, be sure to check out our website. Don't forget that the World Cup is coming to South Africa next year, making it an excellent time to kill two birds with one travel stone. Keep that in mind when you're making travel plans.

  • Destination: Bariloche, Argentina

    San Carlos de Bariloche might be a small mark on the world map, but it is a huge favorite among South American travelers. Bariloche is probably most popularly known for its incredible skiing located at Cerro Catedral, one of the South America’s largest mountains for skiers. However, it is also beloved because of the enormous lake at the base of the town. Locally made chocolates, incredible mountain hiking, charming restaurants and a wealth of summer lake activities make Bariloche popular among travelers all year round. Budget travelers will like its low-end prices in addition to the amazing exchange rate North Americans and Europeans enjoy while traveling through Argentina. Check out San Carlos de Bariloche if you’re an outdoors lover or are looking for your next destination travel location.


  • Vacation Destinations That Won’t Break The Bank

    It seems that every week we discuss in some way how the economy is effecting travel prices.


    This week is no different as the dollar continues to strengthen against foreign currencies, flight prices lower to fill planes and hotels throw out deal after deal in order to entice travelers to book accommodations. So where are some of the best places to visit while the travel industry is in this cheap-for-travelers lull? This week we take a look at places in the world that are the best for making your dollars last.

    Buenos Aires, Argentina
    Buenos Aires is a great place to visit if you want to learn tango, eat steak and sip back on some of the best wines in the world. Right now however, the strength of the dollar is very high against the staggering peso in Argentina. In 2001 this travel destination was equally pitted against the dollar and while this isn’t likely to change, it is one of the cheapest places in the world to stretch your travel budget. Book now and cash in on some of the lowest prices on hotels in Buenos Aires.

    Cancun, Mexico
    Just one year ago, if you traveled to Cancun your dollar would earn you 98 pesos. Now, you’ll find yourself with 135 in your pocket. Mexico’s white sand beaches, margaritas, gorgeous cultures and the experiences that await you there are only going to get more expensive as time goes on. Visit Cancun this year and enjoy the vacation of a lifetime.

    Sydney, Australia
    Australia hasn’t always been cheap and it isn’t likely to stay cheap either. Right now the dollar is stronger than the Australian dollar by 40% compared to last year. And, flight prices to the outback are cheaper than they’ve ever been. Hotel prices, flights and activities in Sydney will be as cheap as they’re likely to get in future years. Book your Australian vacation now!

  • Travel Discounts to Argentina

    If you’ve ever thought about embarking on an exciting South American adventure, then consider a vacation to one of South America’s most inviting and adventurous countries – Argentina! Argentina has become a favorite among travelers for several reasons. The first is the wide variety of activities that can be found there. Because of the vast geological expanse of Argentina you can experience any range of outdoors activities. Send yourself on a gorgeous backpacking trip during a Patagonian adventure, or sunbathe in the jungles of Iguazu.


    If you’re more of a city dweller, enjoy the metropolitan nightlife of the Paris of the South when you travel to Buenos Aires. Regardless of your interests and vacation styles, Argentina has something for everyone.

    The second biggest reason Argentina has become some popular among world travelers is the favorable exchange rate. Due to an economic crisis in 2002, Argentina’s peso is now at 3.7 to the dollar. This means that European, Australian and North American travelers can enjoy all the comforts of a luxury vacation while spending very little. When you add this favorable aspect to a vacation in Argentina, in addition to the world famous steak and Malbec that everyone is talking about, Argentina becomes hard to beat.

    So what can you expect on your Argentine vacation? Well, right now is an excellent time to travel to Argentina because the high season has just turned. This means that hotel rates, vacation tours and adventure packages are lower than they are during the rest of the year. However, the weather is still nice in Argentina making right now an amazing time to visit this South American wonderland. You can enjoy the sunny weather of the high season, with low season prices! Additionally, flight prices are at an all time low worldwide meaning that you can have the adventure of a lifetime at a fraction of the normal price it would cost you to travel.

    Here are just a few of the incredible places you can visit during your vacation to Argentina.

    Mendoza is well known for its wine regions and gorgeous landscapes. When you visit you can experience a luxurious wine tour or visit the many wineries yourself on a bike tour of the vineyards. The Malbec of Mendoza has become world famous. Drink it from the source when you go wine tasting in Mendoza. Or, if you want to play in the surf and sun, take a weekend trip outside of Buenos Aires and head to Mar del Plata. What literally means The Ocean of Silver, Mar del Plata is a quaint little beach town with big city amenities. A casino, nearby water park, miles of ocean front swimming and a sea of excellent restaurants make this a tough place to pass up.


    If you decide to visit Argentina in the winter however, you’ll be happy to know that Argentina is home to two of the largest and best ski resorts in South America. Both Las Lenas and Bariloche are world famous for the numerous ski routes available to travelers and the gorgeous cities that surround them. A trip to Argentina isn’t complete without a trip to see one of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders, the falls at Iguazu. Or, you can head south for a backpacking adventure at the end of the world, when you travel to Patagonia. With so much to see and do while you’re in Argentina it’s almost impossible to see it all.

    Make your travel plans now and visit an affordable and amazing South American country!

  • With The Exchange On Your Side…

    Thousands of expatriates and hundreds of travel articles are buzzing about travel in Argentina. One of the world’s most culturally rich countries (with world famous wine and steak) has travelers in a tizzy over the activities and vacations available at a fraction of normal vacation costs. Because of the favorable exchange rate to the peso, travelers from all over the world are vacationing to Argentina cheaply with their hard earned dollars. Right now you can travel to the Paris of the South for an amazing South American vacation with cheap flights through travel auction sites. Students who book with STA travel can even find flights for as cheap as $700. That’s hundreds of dollars off previous prices! And when your dollar earns you 3.7 pesos that’s a lot of wine and more than a few amazing steak dinners to write home about.


  • Adventure travel vacations

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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