FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: budget travel

  • See New Zealand On a Budget – Money Tips for New Zealand Travel

    Once considered a budget location, the growing strength of the New Zealand dollar has seen prices in the country rise.

    But if you know how, you can make your money go further in the Land of the Long White Cloud. New Zealand's extreme sports are amongst the country’s most expensive. It'd be a shame to miss out on these famous adrenalin-pumping activities altogether, but if you want to get your blood pumping on a daily basis you might struggle. Spend some time online researching the activities before you leave to know how much you can expect to pay. Plan ahead and choose perhaps one or two extreme adventures that really interest you. New Zealand has many tourist attractions which are either free or close to it. Consider hiking through the national parks, browsing art galleries and museums, or simply walking about New Zealand's cities.new zealand cheap trips New Zealand's famous food is another luxury that could end up costing you plenty. Big breakfasts at trendy inner city cafes can easily cost more than $16, while main meals at high-end restaurants start at around $30. If you hope to sample some of New Zealand’s iconic sauvignon blanc with your meal, that’s an additional expense to factor in. To cut costs consider cooking your own meals in your hotel rooms or on public barbeques, and buying your wines directly from the cellar door. Accommodation can also add to the cost of your New Zealand trip. To save cash consider staying in fewer locations; many hotels and motels will offer discounted rates for travelers staying for extended periods. If you'd prefer to vacation on the move consider hiring a campervan or RV. It'd be a shame to deprive yourself of all New Zealand has to offer in an attempt to save cash, but some careful planning can ensure you don't spend more than you have to.

  • Vacation on a Budget in Affordable Tonga

    The South Pacific has a reputation as a luxury holiday destination, with the prices to match. If you don’t want to abandon your dreams of a Pacific getaway but you’ve got a strict budget to follow, consider heading to Tonga.

    This island nation has a reputation as the best value destination in Oceania. While those with cash to spare can splurge on deluxe digs, there are a wide range of accommodation for travelers on a budget. There are many affordable options scattered around the islands including Otuhaka Beach Resort in Tongatapu, Paradise Hotel on Vava’u, and SandyBoyz Motel in the capital city, Nuku'alofa. They might not offer the most plush accommodation or all the modern conveniences, but these modest options have everything you really need in some beautiful locations. Travelers from the Northern Hemisphere are eligible for an Air Pass, which allows them to fly between the islands of Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai, and 'Eua for a fixed price. Tourists from the south can save cash by catching the inter island ferries. The sea journey is slower, but more affordable. Tongatapu has Tonga's most extensive bus network, although some buses also run on Vava'u and the tourist centers of Lifuka and Foa in Ha’apai. The bus stops of Tongatapu are marked by the word "Pasi"; elsewhere you’ll need to flag down a bus as you would a taxi. Bus fares are inexpensive, ranging from 50 seniti to T$2. There are many inexpensive activities to pass to your time in Tonga. Relaxing on the sandy beaches and swimming or snorkeling in the oceans around Tongatapu and Ha'apai is an easy way to pass the time. Visitors can immerse themselves in Tonga's history with a trip to the ancient Royal tombs at Lapaha and the Ha'amonga’a Maui trilithon, Tonga's answer to Stonehenge. The natural wonders of Tonga also cost nothing to enjoy. You can hike through the tropical rainforest at 'Eau or marvel at the massive volcanic crater on Tofua Island. One thing's for certain; even if you're not spending a lot of money in Tonga you certainly won't be bored!

  • Backpacker’s Guide to Vietnam – Budget Traveling Around Asia

    Backpackers hoping to enjoy the real Asia without the frills should definitely consider a trip to Vietnam.

    The country’s tourism industry is relatively new, so it offers visitors a more authentic experience than many Asian nations.

    These are also not publicized as well as they might be in other countries, so a Vietnam guidebook is a good investment for making the most of your stay. Vietnam is a very affordable destination, with one American dollar equaling approximately 18, 475 Vietnamese Dong (VND). It's easy to find meals for around 15, 000 VND, so travelers can easily eat on in Vietnam for a week for less than $20 US. The biggest temptation for travelers is shopping. While there are bargains to be had, it's easy for them add up once you get started! Vietnam has accommodation to suit all budgets, from luxury resorts to hostels. These hostels offer the best value for backpackers who don't mind forgoing some creature comforts. Hostel Vietnam is a useful website for backpackers researching hostels near their chosen destinations. Another affordable alternative is Hill Tribe living. This authentic Vietnamese experience takes travelers to remote communities to live with the locals. The basic accommodation makes the hostels look luxurious, but tours with companies like Handspan Adventure Travel offer backpackers an unparalleled cultural experience. Vietnamese people are very friendly to tourists and happy to speak English if they can.
    However, it's worth learning a few basic phrases, especially if you're planning to visit the villages. In these rural communities many people do not speak English, so some simple sentences are helpful for communicating. This website has an excellent and comprehensive guide detailing basic phrases and more specific words for food and drink, getting around, and other relevant areas. The cities should not be avoided though as they do offer plenty for tourists looking to meet other travelers. Nightclubs and cafes are ideal for meeting other people, as are internet cafes. To learn more about the best places to go, consult the staff in your hotel or hostel.

  • Hit Hong Kong’s Bars and Nightclubs on a Budget

    Hong Kong has some of the most exciting after dark entertainment on the planet, but it can get expensive to enjoy a big night out.


    But that doesn’t mean you need to spend your Asian vacation holed up in your hotel room. You just need to know where to go to enjoy Hong Kong’s nightlife on a budget.

    To entice people out through the week, most bars in Wan Chai have special ladies nights. If you’re of the female persuasion you won’t pay a door charge and you’ll enjoy free standard drinks all night. The area has a reputation for being a red light district, but you shouldn’t be bothered if traveling in a group. For your security, avoid the strip joints and opt for upmarket bars like the Agave.

    Lan Kwai Fong in central Hong Kong isn’t generally as inexpensive as Wan Chai, but if you visit the bars midweek this isn’t a concern. The popular Beijing Club slashes its regular $300 HKD entrance fee to $220 HKD for men and absolutely nothing for ladies on Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you’re planning on a big night, you may want to visit Cliq across the streets. You’ll need to pay the $200 HKD cover charge, but it always has an open bar for girls. Men enjoy the same privileges on Thursdays.

    While most drinks promotions benefit women, everyone can enjoy happy hours. Between 5 pm and 9 pm, most restaurants and bars in major Hong Kong business districts will offer discounted drinks and two-for-one deals.

    budget travel

    To ensure you’re not drinking on an empty stomach, look for cheap eats before you hit Hong Kong’s bars. Cul-De-Sac and Ebeneezer’s Kebabs & Pizzeria serve up inexpensive pizzas and kebabs, while the country’s first 24-hour breakfast diner, The Flying Pan, dishes up authentic English bacon and eggs.

  • 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!

  • South America And Favorable Exchange Rates

    Your dollars will get you a lot further if you pick the right country to visit. Try South America for instance…

    Even in times of economic hardship you can find travel deals that won’t break the bank. Take South America for instance.


    Imagine yourself enjoying the summer sun in Rio de Janeiro while winter passes slowly in the United States. Or, you could be taking pictures of Machu Picchu, the final resting place of the Incas, instead of filing invoices or attending to needy customers and clients. One large advantage budget travelers have in choosing South America is that the exchange rates in South American countries are very favorable toward the dollar.

    Take Argentina for example. If you’re interested in seeing some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the world, or traveling to the world famous Iguazu Falls, your one dollar will earn you nearly 3.5 pesos. This may not seem like thousands in your pockets now, but it translates into huge savings when you’re three times richer because of the exchange rate on your Argentina vacation. Even in some of the more expensive South American countries you can enjoy more spending money in your pocket than you would by traveling to non-favorable exchange countries like Europe or classically expensive US locations like Hawaii.

    Additionally, travel in many South American countries is facilitated greatly toward budget travelers. By staying in hostels instead of hotels, using overnight luxury buses instead of expensive flights you can save thousands thanks to the amenities many of these countries offer backpackers. It also gives you a chance to see a part of the world that is rich in culture and full of natural beauty. If you’re a city lover and not a nature lover, never fear, South America still offers cheap travel in some of the most bustling and metropolitan cities in the world.

  • Budget Travel Blog Launch

    Welcome to FrugalMonkey’s official blog. FrugalMonkey is one of the best online resources for budget travelers, travel enthusiasts and eager wayfarers who are looking for travel deals and related information on a budget.


    FrugalMonkey provides the latest travel information regarding travel packages, working abroad, resources for travelers as well as travel advice from experts specifically organized by country.

    Too often travelers end up over-paying because they aren’t informed about travel deals and ways in which to travel cheaply or on a specific budget. Finding low airfares, hotels, hostels, rental cars and vacations isn’t always easy, which is why FrugalMonkey does the hard work for you. By providing access to cruise ship vacation packages, low air fares, work abroad information and other travel resources, FrugalMonkey could be considered a traveler’s most important travel accessory (second only to a map and backpack of course).

    Online location guides to popular travel locations such as:

    Expert advice is available free to help travelers plan the best vacation and travel experience possible. FrugalMonkey editors are constantly monitoring travel sites, country profiles, air fare deals, travel industry fluctuations and job opportunities abroad to update travel information so that FrugalMonkey can provide information that is current for travelers.


    New country information and travel deals are constantly being added to the large library of FrugalMonkey information so that travelers can find the latest travel deals and information right away.

    This blog highlights the newest and most popular travel information available within FrugalMonkey. Each week, new information regarding travel deals and prices will be updated along with travel tips and information. For the ambitious and long term traveler this blog will be an excellent resource for new work abroad opportunities as well as providing pertinent information and resources for expatriates who are currently traveling or living abroad.

    By leaving comments, passing along travel tips and offering advice, the FrugalMonkey blog allows travelers using this same resource to pass along helpful information to one another within a community of like minded and travel-eager vacationers. With this blog and FrugalMonkey itself, practically no travel related subject falls to the wayside. It’s all here and it’s all free – an even greater testament to the budget friendly ways of FrugalMonkey!