FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: discounts

  • Six Books for Frugal Travelers

    In the world of digital media in which most of us live, some may have forgotten about the power of a good old-fashioned book. Some of the best frugal travel advice I’ve collected over the years has been found between the covers of the six books listed here, all published within the last 10 years (and yes, you can get some of them on your Kindle, Nook or iPad). All six would make great additions to your travel library.

    The Encyclopedia of Cheap Travel by Terrance Zepke (Infinity Publishing, 2002)

    This comprehensive reference serves as a guide to over 1,000 travel companies, consolidators, agencies, and resources. Advice on planning bargain-priced trips ranging from general sightseeing tours to extreme adventures is also included. It highlights ways to find and book alternative accommodations and how to avoid travel scams. Even though it was published in 2002, much of the information is still very relevant and useful.

    In addition to using the Web, don't forget to consult good old-fashioned books when planning a trip. You may be surprised by what you find.

    The World’s Cheapest Destinations: 21 Countries Where Your Money is Worth a Fortune, 3rd Edition by Tim Leffel (Booklocker.com, Inc, 2009)

    This budget travel guide provides key information on the best bargain-priced international destinations, complete with sample prices and key attractions in each country. The countries that are included here were selected for more than just their price. Each country is “traveler friendly” in that it has an infrastructure able to serve tourists as well as attractions that make it an engaging place to visit on a budget.

    Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts (Villard Books, 2002)

    Author Rolf Potts believes that anyone can take extended time away from their “real life” to travel the world in a cost-efficient manner. The guide includes key information on financing ones travel time, determining destinations and itineraries, adjusting psychologically and physically to time on the road, working and volunteering overseas, managing difficult travel situations, and re-assimilating into ordinary life at the end of your adventure.

    How to Travel Practically Anywhere by Susan Stellin (Mariner Books, 2006)

    Written in an engaging style, How to Travel Practically Anywhere by New York Times contributor Susan Stellin is a useful resource for planning trips and managing problems that arise on the road. This comprehensive guidebook also includes down-to-earth advice on the most useful travel websites, techniques for finding the best deals on and off line, and resources to help you decide where and when to go on your trip.

    Work Your Way Around the World: A Fresh and Fully Up-to-Date Guide for the Modern Working Traveler, 13th Edition by Susan Griffith (Crimson Publishing, 2009)

    The thirteenth edition of this guide for working travelers provides tips on how to find temporary work around the world both before you leave for your trip and while you’re on the road. Organized by country, the guide also includes multiple first-hand accounts from people who have had a variety of experiences working their way around the world—from selling ice cream in Cape Town to working as a film extra in Bangkok. Whether you’re interested in working in the tourist industry, farming, teaching English, childcare or volunteer work, this will be a useful guide for planning your adventures.

    The Practical Nomad: How to Travel Around the World by Edward Hasbrouck (Avalon Travel Publishing, 2007)

    Hasbrouck’s handbook for world travelers focuses on independent adventure how to really get to know a location and its inhabitants. This comprehensive guide includes tips on getting discounted airfares, choosing a destination, types of transportation, what to pack, sample budgets, and dealing with culture shock and things to keep in mind when you come back

  • Student Discounts While Studying/Traveling Abroad

    Many of the years I spent living abroad were when I was either an undergraduate or graduate student.

    I was relatively clueless about all of the student discounts that are available (for flights, museums, ground transportation, etc.) the first time I lived abroad, but by the time I was doing my dissertation research in France, I was a seasoned pro at cashing in on student discounts at museums, theaters, restaurants, on rail passes, flights, you name it. The more I learned, the more money I saved. Here are some general tips and resources for making the most out of student discounts while studying, traveling or living abroad (many of these student discounts also apply to students living in the U.S.).
    • Get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This will open the door to over 40,000 discounts at home and abroad. They partner with various organizations (Target, AMC, Virgin, to name a few) to bring an excellent array of discounts (from spa services to accommodations) to students. The organizations that partner with ISIC will require this specific card in order to get discounts, so it’s best to get your hands on one before embarking on your international journey. Any full-time student in an undergraduate or graduate program is eligible to get a card. If you are a part-time student and you are under 26 years old, there is another discount card you would be eligible for, the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC). The IYTC card offers similar benefits, services and savings to the ISIC card. See http://www.isic.org for more information and to order a card. You can also sign up for their email list to get weekly alerts on new deals in your city/country. [caption id="attachment_5459" align="alignright" width="189" caption="The International Student ID Card will save you money in Paris and other international cities."]Eiffel Tower photo[/caption]
    • Always carry your ID card from your home college/university. To be able to prove your status as an American student, it’s a good idea to have your college/university ID card in your wallet at all times. This, combined with your international student ID card, will be enough proof to garner you all of the discounts for which you are eligible.
    • It never hurts to ask. If a museum, theater, cultural center, etc. does not have student rates posted, it’s always a good idea to ask about them anyways. You never know what they might say, and asking could save you quite a bit of money over the long run. Of course, be prepared to prove your student status by showing your student ID card. Many museums have days or evenings that are free for students, so be sure to ask about those as well.
    • Check out student discounts on flights and vacation packages. There are a number of organizations that offer discounts on flights, accommodations and vacation packages specifically for students. STA travel is a great site to check out for student discounts on airline tickets, rail passes, hotels, car rentals, hostels and tours. I know many students who have found some great package deals for spring break on this site. Other reputable student discount sites include: Smarter Travel, Student Universe, ISTravel, CheapoAir and the International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC). I’ve found quite a few good deals on intra-European flights and rail transportation on some of these sites.
    • Don’t forget about restaurant discounts. There are a variety of restaurants throughout the U.S. that offer student discounts. In addition to discounts on entrées, some places offer a free appetizer or drink for students with an ID. When in Europe, ask if there is a “prix fixe” or set meal price that is lower for students. Again, just because you don’t see it on the menu doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It’s always good to ask.
    • Get the most bang for your buck with other discounts as well. Sites like LivingSocial and Groupon have now gone international. Sign up to get deal alerts from both of these sites that will help you make the most of your budget while traveling or studying abroad.
    • Share the love! Pass along discounts you learn about to students you meet while studying abroad. I am grateful for the many discounts I learned about from other student travelers.

  • LivingSocial and Groupon Offer Great Travel Deals

    Searching for cheap travel deals can be daunting. Luckily, there are some great travel deal websites to help you out.

    Another option is to subscribe to a “deals” list like LivingSocial or Groupon. Both of these sites offer city-specific discounts on various goods and services as well as travel opportunities at amazingly reduced prices. For example, when I opened my email inbox yesterday, I found a travel deal notification from LivingSocial for 6 days, 5 nights at an all-inclusive resort on Grand Cayman for $550. Sound too good to be true? You’ll just have to sign up at one or both of these sites and find out for yourself. As I mentioned above, both Groupon and LivingSocial are city-specific, meaning you’ll only receive deals in the cities you sign up for (except for travel packages, they are offered to everyone). If I’ve already booked a flight somewhere, I always sign up for the Groupon or LivingSocial list in that city. For example, when I visited L.A. last fall, I signed up for the Los Angeles Groupon before I left and was able to score several half-priced meals and 75% off massages for both my travel companion and myself. [caption id="attachment_5202" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Check out Groupon and LivingSocial for great deals on destinations like Grand Cayman."]grand cayman waterfront photo[/caption] How each site works: Groupon With over 35 million users, Groupon serves more than 150 cities in North America and 100 cities in Europe, Asia and South America. The site launched in 2008. Recently, they have begun offering travel packages as a part of their daily deals program. Most travel packages are advertised for a week at a time (as opposed to the daily deals that must be committed to within 24-hours). 1.     Go to www.groupon.com and register for as many cities as you would like. 2.     When you see a deal that you’re interested in, commit to buying it. If enough customers commit to buying the same deal, it’s a go. 3.     Watch for an email from Groupon with your coupon/deal information. 4.     Redeem your deal and enjoy! LivingSocial Similar to Groupon, LivingSocial offers daily, city-specific deals and is an international social buying company. As of September 22, 2010, LivingSocial was serving 89 cities around the world. Lately, they have begun offering travel packages as a part of their daily deals program. Although daily deals are usually only available for 24-hours, the travel “escapes” (as LivingSocial calls them) are available for a week at a time, giving you ample opportunity to discuss with your travel partners. 1. Go to www.livingsocial.com and register for as many cities as you would like. 2. When you see a deal you’re interested in, commit to buying it. As mentioned above you have a bit more time with the travel deals, so find a few people to do it with you. A perk that’s specific to LivingSocial is that if three people book the same deal (this applies to both daily deals and travel), your deal is free. 3. After you purchase your deal, you will be given a link that you can share on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media site you use. If three people purchase the same deal (no matter what the price) through your link, your deal is free. That could mean a free vacation! 4. Watch for an email from LivingSocial for information about your deal. 5. Redeem your deal and enjoy!

    1. Lowest Flights Ever and Cheap Travel To Hawaii

      Rock bottom prices and a decrease in tourism means that travelers can visit one of the most sought after vacation locations in the world, at some of the lowest prices ever. Traveling to Hawaii is now significantly more affordable then it has ever been, and as a result, travelers are gobbling up flights at amazing discounted prices.

      Recently published material on the cheap airfares to Hawaii lists prices from the west coast at only about $350 per person.


      A significant drop from the $600 a Seattle family paid last year for the exact same flight. These low prices mean that a trip this summer for a family of four is about $1,000 cheaper then it was last year, starting only with airfare. The good news for travelers is that since Hawaii has seen a 12% decrease in tourism over the last year, its first ever decrease in tourism since the Great Depression, hotel deals and vacation packages are also at an all time low. This is a prefect reflection that while the tourism industry is suffering, travelers are still able to benefit by booking cheap flights and vacation packages. For a state like Hawaii however, where tourism is the main artery of its economy, the decrease in visitors and in spending is likely to hit hard. This is especially true for the smaller islands and more remote locations where travel is already less than on the big islands where most visitors spend their time.

      While this is disconcerting for the Hawaiian economy it does means cheap airfare and cheaper vacations to one of the most visited tropical landscapes in the United States. As such, prices are so low you almost can’t ignore them. It’s hard not to picture yourself sun tanning on a white sand beach at half of what it might have cost you last year. Delta, American, United and other airline carriers are all offering these low prices and travel auction sites are offering incredible vacation deals and what might be considered a steal.

      Take the trip to Hawaii this year. As FareCompare CEO Rick Seaney said, “You won’t see prices to Hawaii like this again in your lifetime. It might be worth it to take that once-in-a-lifetime trip.”

    2. Make The Most of Your European Vacation

      Get the most out of your European Vacation by utilizing these FrugalMonkey Travel Tips.

      With budget travel being so reasonable, people are finding deal after deal that will allow them to fly overseas and enjoy a European vacation. In addition to this, travelers are enjoying better exchange rates against the dollar then there has been in recent years, adding to the affordability of European travel.


      FrugalMonkey wants to offer these tips to European travelers to assist you in saving on airfare and overall vacation costs during your trip.

      Travel To Europe During the Off Season       – By traveling on the cusp of high season travel to Europe, you can save hundreds on hotels and flight prices. High season for sunny locations tends to be in the summer and areas of Europe that are known as winter wonderlands will be more expensive during the winter months. If you can book your flight and hotel during the off-season hotels, flights and activity prices will be cheaper. If you still want to enjoy high season perks, try traveling on the cusp of off-season dates. In doing so you can often find amazing travel deals and off-season prices while still experiencing some of the better weather during your European vacation. By picking the right date, you will save on travel costs. Think off-season!

      Utilizing Travel Auction Sites – Sure you know all about Travelocity, Kayak and Orbitz but think globally and try booking flights with some of the European travel auction outfitters. For example, Ryanair.com provides extraordinarily cheap airline prices in and around Europe in addition to providing rental car deals, hotel packages and vacation discounts. USA Today recently published an article about a traveler who was able to fly from Rome to Paris cheaper then taking a similar train route by simply taking advantage of European travel auction sites. In order to take advantage of the savings check out Ryanair.com, Euroflights.com, Brussels Air, Easy Jet, Sky Europe, Easy Jet and SmarterTravel.com. Asia.com provides flight discounts into Asia and check out Air Baltic for excellent deals into Eastern Europe. Travelocity is also widely used throughout Europe and can be a great way to book your initial flight overseas and then subsequent flights throughout the continent once you are there. Travel auction sites continue to be a great way to find discounts.

      Get Outside The Tourist Trap       – The most expensive way to travel is by following every sight and sound listed in the guidebooks.


      Touristy locations are likely to have the most expensive prices and be the activities that will cost you the most on your vacation. Look around or ask a friend who has traveled previously some of the less touristy places to visit in the European city you are visiting. Cheaper food and cheaper stay could save you a lot of money over the course of a longer vacation.

      Plan Ahead       – By planning ahead, booking flights ahead of time, booking hotels and hostels ahead of time you will ultimately save money due to avoiding last minute expenses. It will also give you the luxury of shopping around to find the best rental car discounts, the cheapest hotel stays and the best flight schedules. Thinking ahead, and booking your vacation early will allow you to enjoy better discounts and ultimately a better vacation.

      By utilizing FrugalMonkey travel tips such as these you will save money and enjoy a better European vacation!

    3. How To Find Last Minute Travel Deals

      You might be in need of cheap last minute travel deals for a variety of reasons.


      Some people have to travel for business others have family emergencies and some just waited until the last minute to organize their trip. FrugalMonkey has all the best tips on how to find the cheapest and what we consider the best, last minute travel deals.

      There are some things that shouldn’t be put off until the last minute. For international travel to a foreign country for example, you will need to have a passport which can take as long as six weeks or more to procure. There are ways to get a passport on short notice, but it will cost you. Rush orders on passports can be as much as hundreds of dollars. If you have any travel plans for the future, or think you might want to travel in the future, don’t waste anytime – get your passport now!

      First and foremost the travel auction sites for cheap flights is a great place to look for last minute flights. These sites are really plugged into the travel scene and can get you great prices even at the last minute.


      Also look for last minute deals through airlines and through travel agencies. You might be surprised at some of the package deals they can offer you, even on international travel.

      These package deals can be a great way to configure last minute travel plans. It can often be overwhelming having to plan hotels, car rentals and flights all within just a few days, or even hours until you need to leave. By booking package deals you arrange all your travel details by making just one decision. It’s a great way to save money and time on last minute travel plans, whatever your reason for traveling. Consider the amazing vacation you can take your Valentine on, even if you have to make plans at the last minute. Check out FrugalMonkey’s entire section on travel auctions sites and last minute travel for more details!

    4. Flight Deals To Europe

      European travel is popular because of the wealth of countries and cultures within such close proximity to one another. Additionally, the use of the Euro among many European countries and the ease of traveling within Europe because of the Euro Rail, means Europe is a traveler’s backyard just waiting to be explored. Flight deals right now to Europe are at extreme lows. By utilizing travel auction sites and low oil prices you can find largely discounted flights from all over the world into nearly any European city. Another way to find flight deals into Europe is by calling airlines and asking them directly about flight discounts or packages they are offering. Many people don’t think of airlines as a good place to go, but often times they can offer you help on booking the cheapest flight possible into Europe. By planning your trip right, you could be traveling the Greek Islands or visiting castles in Germany. Don’t let the idea of an expensive flight deter you from seeing some of the most beautiful countries in the world. After all, now you know flying can be cheaper than you previously thought. Enjoy your European vacation, from FRUGALMONKEY!


    5. Save Money With Car Rental Discount Codes

      Many people look into renting a carwhile traveling because it offers the freedom to move about from place to place without having to use taxis, buses or other more inconvenient ways of getting around a new place. It also lets you explore a new location at your own speed and on your own time. It is also a great way to get around long distances that would otherwise be more difficult to manage. However, renting a car can be a huge traveling expense. FRUGALMONKEY suggests doing an online search for car rental discount codes. Many websites offer promotional codes for their car rental company that provide huge discounts for travelers. This can take hundreds of dollars off your car rental! Check it out the next time you’re thinking of renting a car on your vacation.


    6. Perth, Australia Cheap Flights Now

      Australia is a popular travel location for anyone who is looking for some surf and sun. English speaking residents, amazing cities, a rich cultural history and gorgeous beaches mean that Australia has much to offer any of its many visitors. From beach lounging to hikes in the outback you can surely find an activity in Australia that is perfect for anyone in your traveling group. Flight to deals to Perth, Australia are extremely low right now. Flights to Australia are typically known for being rather spend so the flights lower than $1,500 now available on Qantas mean you can get to on of Australia’s most interesting cities on a huge discount. Flights to Australia can be as much as $2,000 during high season so these $500 discounts are sure to go quick. Check out Qantas Airlines for a direct quote now, and start planning your perfect Australian Outback vacation.


    7. Timing And Cheap Oil…

      With the price of oil back down to reasonable values, the cost of flights and vacation packages are at extreme lows.

      Two huge factors contribute to the price of flights and vacation packages. The cost of oil is one such factor and timing is the other.


      During the summer for instance, travel to Greece is more expensive than during the winter months. Time of year variances such as these usually fluctuate during high and low seasons and when weather determines an influx of travelers to a specific region. So as you can probably guess, London is more popular to visit in the summer than during the damp and chilly winters months and is also more expensive. The price of hotel packages, flight deals and even car rentals will all change based on the highs and lows of the travel season. Thus, booking your vacation based on the time of year can earn you huge travel discounts when traveling.

      FRUGALMONKEY TIP: When looking for really good travel deals, even to popular vacation spots like Europe, Hawaii and Mexico, look to book trips on the fringe of high and low seasons.


      When you book a vacation on a weekend that lies outside of high season calendars for example, you will often still get excellent weather and regional perks that are common with high season travel, but at a fraction of the price.

      Additionally this time of year (right after the holidays) is an excellent time to go vacationing because airlines, cruise ships and travel agents are offering huge discounts on popular vacations because travel is usually at a lull during this time of year. As a result, the deals are just waiting for you to find them!

      Lastly, oil prices are at a low especially from the ridiculously high prices that were plaguing travelers during the summer. So, on top of using the time of year to find good travel deals you can also find extremely low cruise vacations and flights because companies are operating at such low costs and can offer better deals to travelers. For more information on travel deals to popular locations, check out our catalog of posts.