FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: beaches

  • Get Married in the South Pacific – Tropical Weddings in Oceania

    The South Pacific has become a hot destination for couples wanting to get hitched and enjoy their honeymoon at the same time. Most resorts in the Oceanic region offer wedding packages, with ceremonies typically performed on the tropical locale’s beaches.south pacific wedding

    A marriage license should be obtained on arrival in the South Pacific. This is generally a simple process, but both bride and groom must ensure they have their identity documents. These include a passport, certified copies of your birth certificate and, where applicable, copies of decrees of divorce or death certificates if widowed.

    Fiji is the most popular destination for South Pacific weddings. It has numerous resorts providing wedding packages, and many even have their own chapels. If you hope to invite more than 30 guests, a large resort is the best option.

    While the atmosphere may be less personal, these hotels are able to cater for a sizable party. For something more intimate, the smaller resorts on Fiji's outskirts are more appropriate. The Cook Islands' capital, Rarotonga, offers weddings at almost every resort. The packages are varied, offering everything from a traditional wedding on a beach, to a church wedding backed by a full choir or a private ceremony on an uninhabited isle. Samoa has a fledgling wedding industry, with only a handful of resorts offering beach weddings. These include Le Vasa Resort, Siufaga Beach Resort, and Le Lagoto Resort. While the back-to-basics style may not suit flashier couples, it's ideal for those looking for something low-key and romantic. Tahiti poses the most challenges for couples, with an exhaustive amount of paperwork required before the ceremony. Thankfully resort staff will be happy to help should you get stuck. The effort is worth it though, with Tahiti offering some of the most indulgent wedding packages in the South Pacific. Traditional ceremonies and dance performances are designed to make your big day memorable. Tonga is the most conservative island in the South Pacific, and as such it does not permit beach weddings. Instead Tonga encourages couples to have a Christian ceremony in one of the island’s many churches.

  • Tropical Tourist Heaven at Vinpearl Land, Vietnam

    Vietnam attracts visitors drawn to its rich history and magnificent natural vistas. But there’s a different side to the Asian nation, a tropical paradise just off Vietnam’s south-east coastline.

    Vinpearl Land on Hon Tre Island is thought to be one of Asia's best keep secrets, a coastal tourism complex which makes the most of stunning Nha Trang Bay. This is not a holiday destination for budget travelers, with few high end resorts. It was designed for guests who want to have all their needs met on site. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, a sprawling pool and spa for relaxing, and a gymnasium for working up a sweat. Later this year a six-star hotel is scheduled to open, giving luxury lovers even more choice. It will have 125 six-star suites, which pale in comparison to the two presidential villas. The opulent hotel's facilities will include two tennis courts and massive 3500 meter squared swimming pool. While lazing by the pool and snorkeling in the bay are attractive, families will love Vinpearl Land's amusement park. It has a variety of indoor and outdoor rides, including a swinging carousel, jet elephant, and merry-go-round. The 500-seat amphitheater hosts concerts and stage shows, while the musical fountain entertains visitors each night with its laser spectacular. The region's weather conditions are perfect for soaking up all that Vinpearl Land has to offer. It enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year, with comfortable average temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The most popular way to reach Vinpearl Land is by cable car, which leaves from the mainland hourly between 9 am to 10 pm each day. At 3320 meters, it is the longest cable car in Vietnam. Between 1000 and 1500 can enjoy the views of Nha Trang Bay as they take the 12-minute journey. High-speed boats, taxi canoes, and ferries also travel from Phu Quy to Vinpearl Land each day. While luxury hire cars are available, most travelers choose to explore the island spot by tuktuk car. These vehicles transport visitors from the boat pier to their hotel or the amusement park.

  • Visit Jeju-do, South Korea’s Island Paradise

    Arriving at the South Korean island of Jeju-do, tourists could be forgiven for thinking they’ve stepped onto another country entirely.


    The palm trees and volcanic landscape remind visitors of being in Hawaii. The sandy beaches look as if they belong in a Mediterranean travel brochure, while the festivals and circus shows are as close to Disneyland as you’ll find in these parts.

    While most international travelers explore energetic Seoul, historic Gyeongju, and the seaside port of Busan, the Koreans themselves head to Jeju-do when they’re looking for a little rest and relaxation.

    The island delivers, with a dozen beaches and lush golfing greens. If you’d prefer a little more activity, make sure you hike around Jeju-do’s famous volcanoes. Hallasan is the highest summit in all of South Korea, standing 1950 meters tall. Ilchulbong in the east is a stunning volcanic crater, while the island of Udo off the coast has incredible black lava cliffs. Scuba diving is also popular, with the area boasting colorful coral reefs and the warmest sea in Korea. The waters around Munseom Island off Seogwipo are considered one of Asia’s best diving destinations.

    south korea travel mapThe action heats up in summer, with sporting contests, outdoor concerts, and movies held on the beaches throughout the warmer months.

    Your stay in Jeju-do is set to be a luxurious one, with the island boasting world class resorts and motels including The Shilla Jeju and Lotte Hotel. If you’d prefer to save your cash consider a bunking down in a private home, known as a minbak. This is the Korean equivalent of a bed and breakfast, with its homely feel and welcoming hosts. Gomangnandol and Bluesung Minbak are popular choices amongst budget travelers. Alternatively you can camp on many local beaches, including Geumneung Beach and Jungmun Beach, for less than $20US.

  • Budget Travel Destinations Worldwide

    In today’s economy travel is a luxury many people cut back on. But really, you don’t have to! FrugalMonkey offers travel deals and advice that allows vacationers and backpackers to travel without having to worry over money issues.


    By picking cheap or discounted airfares, finding reasonable hotels and hostels and by planning your vacation the right way, you don’t have to miss out on the perfect vacation. Instead, you can be living it!

    Europe has been a popular travel destination for years. Backpackers and luxury travelers alike have been bouncing in and out of Europe to see its multitude of cultures, vast landscapes and to experience life in some of the most beautiful and interesting countries in the world. Lately however, travel in Europe has lulled as a result largely due to issues in the economy. Travel companies and airlines however, are now offering very reasonable flights from the U.S. to Europe during the winter months – a great time to indulge in some traveling. Many of these deals are featured in newspapers, an excellent place to look for budget travel deals and discount vacation packages. While a large deterrent in traveling to Europe continues to be the dollar’s value against the euro you can easily cut down on travel expenses by purchasing a EuroRail Pass. These passes, which come in a variety of availabilities, allow travelers to move easily between Europe’s many beautiful countries. It is perhaps the most economical way to travel in Europe and will save you potentially thousands in rental car fees and flights.

    Thailand is another very popular tourist location and is steadily increasing in popularity. The beauty of the country and the exoticness of the people and landscape are hard to pass up. However, in light of recent airport closures and political issues in the region, it is losing its allure to these travel annoyances.


    These issues taking place in Thailand are very concentrated in only a few specific areas and can easily be avoided by planning trips that avoid these travel ‘hot spots.’ However, while these travel pitfalls and fears are very easy to avoid it has slowed tourism to Thailand, a country where the economy relies heavily on the money and attention foreigners who travel bring to the area. As such there are some excellent travel deals emerging from Thailand where airfare and hotels can be found at practically a steal! While travelers need to always keep in mind the possibility of airport closures and other travel annoyances, there is a serious silver lining to be taken advantage of as a result. Put frankly, there are plenty of open airports in Thailand as well as surrounding areas and this region is a world traveler’s must see. Take advantage of these deals now!

    Aside from going overseas travelers look at the many beautiful places that can be found on U.S. soils as well. Hawaii is one particularly popular travel location that is a favorite among U.S. citizens and world travelers alike. Not only known for its pristine beaches and beautiful locale the Hawaiian Islands, until recently, have been known for being a rather expensive vacation spot; hardly a haven for the budget traveler. However, with its recent slow in tourism hotels in Hawaii are now offering hotel-packages way below normal prices! This practically never happens and is the perfect time to see a place budget travelers would otherwise not be able to afford. FrugalMonkey has an entire section dedicated specifically to travel in Hawaii; an excellent place to learn more about travel and savings in this beautiful and famous travel friendly location.

    Check back each week for more travel and budget friendly advice from FrugalMonkey!

  • Nothing Says Vacation Like Traveling To Greece

    Thinking of taking a vacation to Greece? You’re not alone. Greece is a popular tourist destination for hundreds of travelers each year. So much so, that FRUGALMONKEY has dedicated an entire section on Grecian travel, fully equipped with all the information you will need upon planning a vacation to the Mediterranean. If beaches aren’t your fancy, consider traveling to Greece’s mountainous region where ski resorts and cooler temperatures are perfect for a winter getaway. European travel is highly accessible to popular locations like Greece and with such a warm, inviting, people and a bevy of activities to take part in, Greece is a picture perfect vacation that is hard to beat.


  • Find Beauty, Nature and Adventure with South African Travel

    If you’re looking for vacations that involve activities in the sun, beautiful ocean views, the possibility of adventure and of course the lavishness of luxury, then look no further than vacations in South Africa. South Africa combines all the best elements of travel with the exoticness of another world. South African travel is also popular among travelers because parts of South Africa are far less touristy than vacations that take place on an overly traveled tropical island. Additionally, the scope of Cape Town, a favorite among South African travelers means that you can travel within South Africa cheaply by staying in hostels as opposed to luxury resorts. Yet, for those of you who relish in resort style living, South Africa has much in the way of luxury travel as well. Aside from accommodations check out whale watching, shark cage diving, scuba lessons and a world of underwater adventure with South African travel brought to you by FrugalMonkey.