FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: flights

  • Websites for Discount Flights – Sites to Help you Save

    Flights are often the most expensive element of any vacation, so it’s not surprising that travelers want to get the best deals. So where do we find them? Simply searching the internet for cheap flights will only bring you the sites that have paid for top search engine privileges. Rather than just hitting up Google, make sure to bookmark these websites that consistently help tourists save.

    Kayak.com is one of the most popular flight search engines, and it’s not hard to see why. Some great deals are coupled with several other nifty features including trip management tools, price change alerts, and frequent flyer points trackers. No wonder it’s received Webby Awards and been named one of the world’s best websites by Time Magazine in recent years.

    There’s more to Hipmunk.com than its cute chipmunk graphics. The results of any flight search are presented in an easy to read graph. These pictures make it easy to see the airlines servicing your desired route, the prices they charge, and the number of stops they make. It’s also got a hotel search engine, so this site could put you well on the way to organizing that dream vacation.

    If you already know the major airline carriers aren’t for you, then WhichBudget.com might be your site. This user-friendly website focuses on budget airlines operating in more than 200 countries around the world. You simply enter your dates and destinations, and WhichBudget.com will do the rest. With no fees or commissions charged on the flights you book, you can save even more than you’d think.

    DoHop.com is ideal for travelers looking for save money by taking indirect flights. The site makes is easy to join cheaper flights rather than flying directly to a chosen destination. The time this method of traveling takes, especially those hours waiting in airports, mean it’s not for everyone. However if flight-hopping appeals to you, DoHop.com will help you do it for less.

    Some of the best flight deals online don’t come from websites at all. Many airlines offer special details to their e-mail subscribers, Facebook friends and Twitter followers. Often these flights will only be available for a short amount of time, or to a small number of customers, so it’s worth checking your inbox and social media accounts regularly when you’ve got the travel bug.

    So don’t wait until your travel plans are finalized to start searching the internet. It’s good for much more than group deals on tourist attractions and restaurants and opinions on accommodation. Saving money on a flight is the perfect way to begin a frugal vacation!

  • 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.

  • Browse for Travel Deals Online: Top 5 Travel Deal Websites

    With flight prices on the rise and areas dependent on tourist revenue trying to recuperate costs during this economic downtown, it can be hard to find travel deals. If you’re hankering for an adventure but only have a limited budget, have no fear. There are still many deals to be had, you just have to know where to look. In general, it is easier to find deals if you are somewhat flexible in terms of possible travel dates or are up for a last minute trip. The key is staying aware of what’s out there and booking when the time is right (i.e. least expensive).

    To help you find the best travel deals on the web, here is our “frugal guide” to vacation shopping online. Our advice: use these sites as a good starting point for your research. Take a look at all of them to see what kinds of deals are out there are then, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, start to filter your searches by location and price.

    OneTravel.com: #1 in Travel Deals (www.onetravel.com)

    OneTravel offers comprehensive search engines for domestic and international flights, hotels, car rentals and package sites. A great feature on their site for bargain hunters is the “featured deals” section where you can choose between various categories on the drop-down menu (flights under $200, travel by theme, travel coupons, etc.). Top travel news, featured destinations and travel deals are publicized on in daily blog posts.

    Travel Zoo: The Travel Experts (www.travelzoo.com)

    Travel Zoo helps frugal travelers located reasonably priced flights, vacation packages, car rentals and accommodations in the continental U.S. and abroad. Their “local deals” section is perfect for quick, inexpensive getaways in your region. They also specialize in cruise deals in Mexico and the Caribbean.

    San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Hotwire.com (www.hotwire.com)

    Hotwire allows thrifty travelers to search their comprehensive flight, vacation package, car rental and hotel databases. Many people are away of Hotwire’s unconventional hotel booking system. If you aren’t here’s how it works. You enter the city in which you’d like to book a hotel room (depending on the city, Hotwire might ask you to enter a neighborhood as well). Then, Hotwire shows you the available hotels in that area. Sounds pretty standard, right? Here’s the specifics: although Hotwire tells you the number of stars the property has been rated and the basic amenities, it does not tell you the hotel name until after you pay. I have known many people who have booked hotels using Hotwire and most have been pleasantly surprised by the value.

    Priceline.com (www.priceline.com)

    Priceline has many resources for frugal travelers, including thousands of listings for hotel, car, vacation packages, rentals, and activities. Check out the last minute “pricebreaker deals” for flights and vacation packages that are reduced up to 70%. The “name your own price” feature is good for thrifty travelers who are flexible in terms of travel dates and itinerary. Essentially, you set your price for flights, hotels and car rental (or any combination thereof) and the “negotiator” search engine presents you with a  variety of options. Similar to Hotwire.com, some of the hotels and airlines are not named until after you pay.

    Vayama: International Travel Solved (http://www.vayama.com/)

    If you’re looking for international travel deals, head to Vayama. Their flight, hotel, car and “travel extras” (tours, etc.) search engines will help you discover what’s out there and narrow down your choices based on price. Since they have always focused specifically on international travel, Vayama has a variety of resources and connections to help you get great deals in exotic international destinations.

    Happy deal hunting!

  • How to Travel to South Korea

    Visitors to South Korea have a number of travel options to consider before embarking on a journey to the East Asian nation.


    There are no restrictions for foreign travelers visiting South Korea. In fact, most tourists won’t even need a visa to enter the country. However, all visitors should consult the visa-free list to confirm how long they can stay in South Korea without visa documentation.

    Airlines ticket prices vary depending on the time of year you wish to visit. Flights are at their most expensive in July and August, so it’s advisable to travel in other months if possible. Cathay Pacific and Malaysian Airlines fly from major New Zealand and Australian airports, while visitors from North America can fly with United Airlines and Air Canada. If you’re already in Asia you might try Air China, United, or NorthWest Airlines. Most international flights travel to Incheon, which is located approximately an hour from Seoul. Tourists can then catch connecting flights to one of the country’s six regional airports.

    South Korea airlineInternational ferries are another, less expensive option for tourists exploring Northern Asia. Ferries to Incheon leave from around 10 Chinese ports, while ferries from Russia travel to Sokcho in Gangwon-do province and ships from Japan travel to the international ferry terminal near Jungang subway station in Busan. Prices vary according to the quality of accommodation provided. The cheapest fare is likely to offer only a thin mattress in dormitory style lodging, while the most expensive tariffs might buy a small cabin with a television. Children and students often receive discounts, making ferry trips an economical traveling option for young people and families.

    Entering South Korea is generally a straightforward process, but travelers carrying more than US$10, 000 in cash and traveler’s checks are required to complete an additional form.

  • Cheap Roundtrip Flights to Hawaii

    Lately we’ve been reporting on cheap airfares from the west coast of the United States to Hawaii, leaving travel from NYC or Washington D.C. largely out of the Hawaii travel equation. This week however, we’re bringing the cheapest airfares to Hawaii all the way to our east coast friends. This week book roundtrip flights to Honolulu from NYC for $256. You can find this deal on Fly.com, a new site owned by the well-established Travelzoo.com. This flight deal begins in August and travelers must abide by some difficult to manage flight dates, but if you have flexible vacation time you can enjoy a seriously cheap flight to Hawaii.

    Other flights from NYC to Honolulu will cost you around $500, not including tax.


  • Summer Flight Deals are Heating Up

    Enjoy amazing summer flight deals to some of FrugalMonkey’s favorite locations. That includes international and domestic travel to locations like Australia and Hawaii. This week we found some amazing flight deals to both these locations as airlines do their best to lure in summer travelers.

    Qantas has recently launched deals for incredibly cheap flight to Australia. To counter suit so have other airlines, meaning that you can flights from the United States to Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne for very low prices. Some as low as $588 round trip! Before booking, check out our section on Australian travel to help plan your vacation.

    People traveling to Hawaii are enjoying some of the lowest island prices in years and that includes flights. Right now you can fly to Hawaii first class from the continental United States for as low as $522. When has first class to Hawaii ever been that affordable? Fly now and fly in style as you enjoy cheap flights to the Hawaiian Islands.


  • Destination: Hawaii

    We pride ourselves on offering the best destination profiles along with travel deals that will take you there.


    This week, we’re featuring Hawaii and bringing you all the best discounts and promotions to get you and your family on an amazing summer vacation, while doing so on a manageable budget.

    Hawaii has been on our travel radar for a while and if you’ve been reading our blog, I’m sure you’ve noticed. Travel to Hawaii is in a lull mainly due to problems with the economy. People who used to travel regularly are putting luxuries such as Hawaiian travel on hold in order to save money. The result however, means that the Hawaiian travel industry is in a major slump and the state’s economy as a whole is suffering. In order to entice travelers to the region hotels, cruise liners, flights and vacation packages are slashing prices – making Hawaii not only an amazing destination for luxury travel but now, an affordable one.

    Vacationers can find flights to Hawaii for prices lower than they have been in years. Prices from the west coast were coming in around $600 just last year. This year however, you can find flight discounts from the west coast to Hawaii for as little as $299, with some specials offering deals as low as $150 for one-way flights. This makes the Hawaiian Islands more accessible then they have been in years and travelers are taking advantage. Don’t take our word for it, take a look at some of these amazing vacation deals to Hawaii!

    For as little as $529 you can enjoy four nights in Honolulu at a Maile Sky Court or similar hotel, including airfare from Los Angeles or Seattle. Other prices from west coast cities include flights from San Francisco or Portland for $579 and $779 from Denver. These prices are valid through mid-July when they change, but only slightly.

    Keep an eye out for amazing travel deals to Hawaii. Additionally, keep an eye peeled for deals listed on our blog – we’re on the hunt to bring you only the best!

  • This Week’s Cheap Domestic and International Flight Deals

    With the economy in a lull, travel has slowed forcing airlines and hotels to lower prices and offer travelers amazing vacation and flight deals.


    In order to find those flight deals, FrugalMonkey hit the streets in search of this week’s best domestic and international travel deals – check it out!

    Travel to Alaska
    It’s not surprising that Alaska Airlines would be offering Alaska travel deals, and so they are. Until May 17 you can book flights to Alaska, Seattle, Canada and Vancouver at 10% off when you use Alaska Airline’s latest promotional code. Just go the Alaska Airlines webpage and enter promo code EC050209. Flights need to be booked from May 26 – June 30, but that’s plenty of time to arrange all the details, don’t you think?

    Australia Anyone?
    Okay, okay, I know I’ve blogged about this on several occasions but flights to Australia are the cheapest they’ll ever be – so you have to act now! Right now Qantas is offering summer flight deals to Sydney and Melbourne from Los Angeles for prices as low as $650. That is almost half of what that same flight would have cost you a year ago. Book your flight on Qantas and enjoy a summer vacation in Australia. Or would that be winter now?

    American Airlines and Domestic Travel
    American Airlines just recently lowered prices on travel among 8,000 US cities. This means you can enjoy cheap summer travel when you fly with American. Miami to New York flights are as low as $180 and west coast cities are also just as affordable with amazing flight deals into Las Vegas. Check it out!

    A Summer in Europe is Hard to Beat
    Right now you can find amazing summer airfares into Europe. FareCompare has listed May flights into Europe for as low as $400 round trip with additional cheap flights in June running at around $600 round trip. Check out their site for some amazing deals.

    Continental and American Airlines flights to the Caribbean
    For that amazing island vacation in the Bahamas, look no longer. Continental Airlines and American Airlines are offering extraordinarily low prices from departure cities all over the US to several island getaways. For more information check out Continental Airlines and American Airlines websites.

  • Some Great Ways To Save on Travel Transportation

    Check out these great tips that will help you save on transportation when you travel.

    When you’re going on a vacation, transportation and hotel costs are typically some of the most expensive.


    By following some of these simple tips you can save money on transportation and cut your travel bill down by hundreds of dollars. Here’s how.

    One of the largest travel costs involving transportation are flights. Just getting to where you want to be can easily cost you thousands of dollars per person. Here are just a few ways to cut down on those pesky air fares. When you’re booking flights online, try to utilize the travel deals that are out there. First, search for travel deals from your location to destination. By using travel auction sites like Travelocity, Orbitz, Kayak, Expedia and others you can find great travel deals among airlines for your specific destination. If you find that one airline offers especially low fares via a travel auction site, then try booking the flight directly from the airline instead. It may be that they are having a promotion or, due to their airline hubs and flight patterns, can offer you the cheapest deal. Additionally, right now flight costs are at an all time low so don’t settle for something mediocre. Keep an eye out for travel deals and promotions that will knock hundreds of dollars off your domestic and international airfares. For example, just last week Southwest Airlines was offering 50% of flights to and from the Bay Area for one day only. Finding deals like these and taking advantage of them is a great way to cut down your travel costs.

    Another way to save on last minute airfares is to travel as an air courier. Many people don’t consider this non-traditional way to fly as a viable option, but it can often times provide you with incredible travel discounts. For more information on traveling as an air courier, check out our section on cheap airfares and find out more about how to become an air courier and reap the benefits of cheap travel.

    If you need to rent a car, you’re going to see your travel costs go up.


    Before booking your rental car consider your public transportation resources. If you’re traveling long distances there may be a bus or train that can get you there in a reasonable amount of time at much lower costs. This is also a more eco-friendly way to travel and saves the environment from mass travel car emissions. Rail passes such as the Euro Rail and Amtrak passes allow you to travel within many locations for one low price. This is a great way to save money on car rentals. Another excellent trick is to look for car rental promotion coupons online before booking the car. It is possible to find amazing discounts on car rentals by just implementing a little bit of travel savvy into your search.

    By simply taking the time to research your travel options you can easily save money on your trip. You might find that a few minutes online or speaking with a travel representative from your airline could mean hundreds of dollars off the total cost of your trip. You don’t have to skimp on quality by finding lower prices. Find out more about budget travel on FrugalMonkey and find weekly travel deals by checking back to our blog.

  • Destination: Melbourne

    Flights to Melbourne, Australia are cheap, cheap, cheap! Right now you can fly from the West Coast of the United States to Australia’s second largest city for as low as $600 USD. That makes visiting one of the world’s most interesting and beautiful countries a hard to deal to pass up. While Australia gets a lot of press for its sunshine coast and iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, cities like Melbourne offer all the cultural prestige with theaters, fine dining in addition to fun outdoors activities but at a more manageable level. And right now through travel auction sites like Orbitz you can one-stop fly to Melbourne as cheap as you ever will. While you’re in Melbourne be sure to spend some time on the nearby coast and soak up some sun during your Australian vacation. And before you go, check out FrugalMonkey’s country profile on Australia to help you do so!