FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: budget travel tips

  • Save Money in Thailand – Frugal Travel Tips for Thai Vacation

    Thailand lures thousands of frugal travelers to its shores each year. They enjoy the country’s weak currency, wile away hours on its pristine beaches, and head back to their relatively affordable lodgings once the sun sets. A vacation in this Asian territory will never break the bank, but with a little local knowledge you can return home with even more baht in your pocket.

    Thai hotels are much cheaper than those outside Southeast Asia, but unless you’re staying for a night or two they don’t represent the best value. Hostels and guesthouses are much more economical for a mid-length stay. If you’re holidaying for more than two weeks, consider renting an apartment. Thailand has many vacation rentals, and that competition ensures they’re not too expensive. They give you all the comforts of home, so you can also cut down on meal and laundry costs.

    Thailand offers all the delicacies of the Western world including hamburger joints and pizza parlors. However it seems they’re simply there to tempt the tourists with their overpriced dishes. Eating local Thai cuisine is much more affordable, and culturally enriching. Indulging in exotic aromatic noodle and curry dishes certainly doesn’t feel like dining on the cheap. Resist the urge to tip too, as this practice is not a Thai custom.

    After a big feed, tourists are typically tempted to knock back a few cleansing ales or cocktails. However anyone wanting to save money in Thailand should give alcohol a wide berth. Avoiding this indulgence will help you save some serious coin. It’s not quite as exciting, but I recommend filling up on water. It’s free in many locations, including Thai banks and Buddhist temples!

    Thai business owners can smell a tourist a mile off, so it’s important to have your wits about you to avoid local scams. Everything seems affordable here compared to the Western world, so it’s not unusual for taxi drivers, street vendors and tour operators to quote their services at several times more than their real value. Seek out locals or expats to clue you in to expected prices, and prepare to haggle with businessmen inflating theirs.

    And finally, plan your trip carefully. Choosing which Thai locations to visit and when could make all the difference to your budget. Thailand enjoys a spike in travel between November and February, but it’s just as pleasant to visit outside these months. While you’ll likely encounter some rain in the wet season from May to November, you’ll also enjoy warm weather and blue skies. In fact, the showers can cool the country down a little and make conditions more pleasant! Traveling during the low season will help you save on airfares, accommodation, car and motorbike rental, and other holiday services.

    A Thai temple protector
    A Thai temple protector

    The idyllic Thai islands of Phuket, Koh Samui, and The Similans are very popular with tourists, but these locations are much more expensive than those on the mainland. I don’t suggest skipping them entirely, but you may want to limit your island time. Koh Lanta should make any frugal traveler’s shortlist. It’s not as popular as some of the other islands, so it’s quieter and cheaper. However its beaches and coves are just as serene, and its local sea gypsies add some real color.

    While you’re planning your vacation budget, remember to save something for a good travel insurance policy. There are many areas to save money in Thailand, but this isn’t one of them.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Making Your Australian Dollar Go Further on the Gold Coast

    Tourists traveling to Australia in pursuit of sun, surf, and sand inevitably end up on the Gold Coast. Just the name of this Queensland district makes you think of the area’s famous golden beaches. Of course, like any tourist trap a stay here can be expensive. However by heeding these simple tips you can make your money go further on the Gold Coast.

    Most Gold Coast tourists stay in Surfer’s Paradise. Its summery name is designed to lure you in, and empty your bank account. Coolangatta doesn’t have such a glamorous moniker, but it is much quieter and cleaner. It’s also right on the beach, and much closer to the airport.

    Komune is the pick of Coolangatta’s budget accommodation. It’s classed as a hostel, but don’t let that scare you. It’s quite modern and it offers beach views and a pool, all for the bargain price of around $30 for a dorm bed.

    Spending time at the beach is the ultimate frugal day out. You can visit any of the Gold Coast beaches for nothing and swim in the ocean, laze on the sand, and simply watch the world go by. These beaches don’t have a worldwide reputation for nothing!

    But you can’t spend all your time by the shore. No stay in the Gold Coast is complete without a theme park visit, but with tickets costing around $75 a piece they can be pricey. If you’re going to do it, I suggest doing it right and hiring a Q4U. Dreamworld has just introduced the gadget which allows you to book time on the park’s most popular rides and get VIP treatment. You’ll need to spend $10 to hire the device, but you’ll avoid spending hours waiting in queues. When you’re paying a hefty admission price, you want to experience as many rides as you can.

    After a day’s adventure it’s time to continue the party on The Big Night Out. This backpackers excursion takes in some of the hottest nightclubs in Surfers Paradise. It costs just $30 to jump on board the party bus, which gives you free entry and a welcome drink at four different clubs. After that you’ll enjoy $5.50 drinks for the rest of your night. It’s a really cheap way to party in Australia!Australia piggy bank

    A big night out deserves a big breakfast the next day, and you can do it at Pancakes in Paradise. This café offers an all-you-can-eat stack and unlimited coffee refills for around $13. That should help to shake off the last of your hangover, so you can do it all over again!

  • Save Money in Beijing – Budget Travel Tips for Chinese Capital

    Beijing has long been regarded as one of the world’s most expensive vacation destinations, but the tide is turning.

    When the city hosted the Olympic Games in 2008, a host of mid-priced accommodation options opened up to meet tourist demand. With the knowledge of these hotels in hands, and a little bit of local knowledge, a stay in the Chinese capital need not break the bank. The Hai Dian district is close to Beijing's university, so its accommodation is affordable for the youth that frequent the area. The Friendship Hotel and Xin Xing Hotel have all the leisure and business features you'd hope for at moderate rates. The Beijing Xin Ze Hotel is another affordable option that's both clean and conveniently located. Travelers will also not be disappointed staying in Dong Cheng, as historical sites are close at hand and the train station nearby. While there are some expensive accommodation options in this district, you'll save money staying at the hostels and hotels north of Tiananmen Square. The City Central International Youth Hostel is another great option for budget travelers who value location. Beijing's restaurants are not as expensive as in many Asian tourist areas, so don't be afraid to frequent them. In fact, choosing cheap food from Chinese street vendors could expose you to illness, so it often pays to indulge in well-cooked restaurant meals. Beijing's public transport system can be difficult for foreigners to navigate unless they're familiar with the language. To ensure you get where you want to go and back again, ask your hotel concierge to write your destination on the back of a business card. You can then simply present this to a taxi driver on your way out, and do the same on the return journey. You'll certainly want to travel to some of the historical sites near the capital, as they're amongst the world's best. No trip to China would be complete without seeing The Great Wall. The most convenient viewing area from Beijing in Badaling Pass, located about 55 miles away. It's a very touristy spot to see The Wall, but also a beautiful part of this monument. It's worth spending the money for a cable car ride, as it will save your legs and provide an excellent aerial photo opportunity. [caption id="attachment_2731" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Great Wall of China"]The Great Wall of China photo[/caption] The Forbidden City is also not to be missed, so don’t stress about the small entrance fee. It's easily forgotten once you're inside the majestic palace. Commoners were not permitted to enter the grounds for five centuries, so consider yourself lucky to visit! Tiananmen Square may be one of Beijing's greatest free attractions. Once it was a place of protest and civil unrest, but today this paved park is brimming with life. Spend time watching Chinese children flying elaborate kites, and help them with their English if they approach you. This place is all about simple pleasures, so lap them up without spending a cent!