FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: lodging

  • 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.

  • How To Be a Good Houseguest

    One of the most expensive aspects of travel is lodging. Hotel stays can really start to add up after a week or two.

    There are many alternative lodging options available to help frugal travelers cut costs. Of course, one of the cheapest of these is staying with an acquaintance, friend or family member (because it is usually free). It’s true that host/guest expectations can vary widely depending on relationships, work schedules, and numerous other variables. Here are some general tips to assure that your stay goes smoothly and improve your chances of being invited to come stay again. Communicate your schedule and other details about your stay. It’s important that your host(s) know what to expect during your stay. Communicate details about your travel schedule (flight/train arrival and departure times, etc.) and about your stay in general (how many days you will be staying, if you will be staying with your guests the entire time, what your plans are during the day and evening, etc.). These details are especially important if your hosts will be filling various roles (airport chauffeur, tour guide, etc.) to accommodate your stay. If your hosts would like to spend some time with you (take you to see certain sights, have dinner at home together, etc.), it’s important to plan this in advance to make sure everyone is aware of one another’s expectations. Consider all aspects of transportation. Never assume that your host will provide transportation for you. It’s always best to discuss these things in detail up front. Be aware of your host’s own transportation situation. If you are staying with a married couple who both work and need two cars to get to their jobs each day, then it is unrealistic to expect that you would be able to borrow a car for each day of your stay. In this type of situation, it is best to consider renting a car to make sure that everyone’s transportation needs are covered and that you do not cause undue stress to your hosts. Remain aware of your host’s schedule. If your host has to work at 8am, be quiet when you come home after a night out on the town. Likewise, if you’re an early riser and your host prefers to sleep late, postpone louder activities until after he or she awakes (or sneak out of the house and grab breakfast at a local coffee shop). It’s also good to be clear about what everyone’s eating plans are for the day (Will you be eating together that evening? Should your host make extra coffee for you in the morning? Etc.) to avoid misunderstandings and possible frustration. Show your gratitude. There are many ways to do this. Keep in mind that even the simplest gesture of gratitude can go a long way. If your host drives you around for a day, offer to pay for gas. Offer to pay for food that your host has purchased for your stay or offer to cook him/her a special dinner (and do the dishes!). If culinary arts aren’t your thing, offer to take your host(s) out to dinner or buy them a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant. You could also bring a host gift (a nice bottle of wine, etc.) to give to them at the beginning of your stay. After you return home, be sure to send a thank you note reiterating how nice it was for them to accommodate you. Of course, good houseguests always offer to wash the sheets and towels they have used and leave their rooms as clean as they found them. Offer to return the favor. Make sure your hosts know they are welcome to stay with you at any time. If they do take you up on the offer, be sure to treat them even better than they treated you during your stay. This is the key to establishing a great routine and assuring more free lodging in your future.

  • 8 Tips for Frugal Travel

    Even if you have set a budget ahead of time, it is easy to end up spending way more money than you would have ever imagined on your vacation, especially if you’re traveling abroad.


    Here are some tried and true frugal travel tips to help you enjoy your next trip without breaking the bank. Be realistic with local currency. As soon as you exchange your money, it’s easy to feel like you have a stack of monopoly money in your hands. In addition to reminding aware that you are spending actual money, be sure to come up with a quick way to calculate the exchange rate into your currency (for example, if the exchange rate is 1.345, round that up to 1.5 and multiply every purchase by time and a half). On a related note, before you leave, research what kind of fees your bank or credit card charge for getting cash out of foreign ATMs or for foreign purchases and plan accordingly. Travel with friends. Traveling with friends (or another couple) is a great way to cut down on lodging and other costs. Sharing a large discounted vacation rental (condo or house) with a group of friends can end up being much cheaper than booking a hotel room alone. If you’re your rental has cooking facilities, all of you can go grocery shopping at the beginning of the trip and cook at the house most (or all) nights instead of spending money in a restaurant. And remember, it can be much more fun to travel with another couple or a group of friends! Book a hotel with a continental breakfast (or at least a coffee machine in the room). Most hotels that offer continental breakfasts are not more expensive than their counterparts (i.e. other two-star hotels) that do not. If you have a coffee machine in your room but there is no continental breakfast, scope out the surrounding areas for options. Not having to pay for breakfast and coffee for you and your tribe can really help stretch your dollar (or allow you to spend more on meals out). For meals and shopping, avoid “touristy” areas. Many local businesses prey on tourists’ impulses and, sadly, their confusion by hiking up prices and positioning themselves next to main tourist sites or area. So, even though that crêpe or mini Eiffel Tower may look great, resist the temptation to hand over your euros on the spot. Instead, head to a less touristy area to eat and/or shop there. Not only will it be less expensive, the products and experience will be much more authentic. Remember, picnic lunches are also an inexpensive (and fun) alternative to eating lunch in a restaurant each day. Read out post about eating cheaply in Paris. [caption id="attachment_4411" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Using public transportation is a great way spend less money while traveling."][/caption] Rethink the value of souvenirs. How many times have you purchased an expensive souvenir on a trip and got it home only to think “what I am going to do with this?” That’s the funny thing about being on vacation, we see things we think we “need” to buy that we would never even consider purchasing if we saw it back home. Truth is, many souvenirs are either very expensive (not a great value) or useless (or both). Instead take home local canned goods like jellies or jams, teas and coffees. Each time you enjoy your “souvenir,” it will bring back memories of your trip (and you are sure to use it). Start thinking of your photos and your travel journal as your souvenirs. Chances are, these are the things that will be most meaningful to you years after your trip. Also, don’t feel like everyone at the office or every member of your family needs a “remembrance” of your trip to another country. They’ll be happy just seeing your pictures and hearing your stories. Carry a water bottle and light snacks. Having sustenance on you at all times will help you avoid buying expensive snacks and sodas because your blood sugar is low and you are “desperate.” For health reasons, it’s good to stay hydrated while you’re traveling, especially if you’re doing a lot of walking. Know your cell phone plan. I know many friends who have accrued some major charged on their cell phone bills as a result of making calls or texting from abroad. To avoid these unexpected expenses, read through your cell phone contract or contact your carrier before hopping on the plane so that you understand what the financial implications of calling or texting from abroad will be. Use public transportation as much as possible. Be sure to research the public transportation options in the place you’ll be staying, including reduced rate multi-day/week travel cards. If you know about and feel comfortable with your public transportation options from day one, you’ll feel less tempted to take a cab everywhere you need to go.

  • General Tips and Best Resources on the Web for Inexpensive Vacation Condo Rentals

    Tired of spending the big bucks on mediocre hotels? Looking for a more personal and flexible lodging option? Going on vacation with several couples or families and looking for a comfortable shared rental? I strongly suggest trying a vacation condo rental on your next trip. Due to the crash in the housing market, there are now more private condo/apartment/guest house/house rentals available than ever before. Some of these properties are rented out by individual owners, and others are management by rental agencies. One thing is for sure, you’ll typically get a lot more bang for your buck if you opt for a vacation rental over a traditional hotel or motel room.

    Top advantages of vacation condo/house rentals:

    • If you are traveling with a group, renting a large condo or house ends up being much less expensive (and typically more fun!) than each getting a hotel room.
    • Vacation rentals often feel more “private” than a hotel or motel.
    • Some vacation rentals include breakfast (similar to a b & b format).
    • Most vacation rentals come with kitchen facilities (or at least a fridge and a hot plate). This allows you to prepare more meals “at home” and avoid spending a lot eating out all of the time.
    • Unlike chain hotels, most people who rent out their condos/houses are somewhat flexible in terms of arrival/departure times.
    • Many people who rent out their condos/houses take a lot of personal pride in their properties and throw in “extras” to make their guests stays more enjoyable.
    • If you travel to the same place each year, it’s nice to establish a relationship with the owner of the rental property. This makes you feel like you have a “home base” when you are planning your next trip there.
    Advice/tips for renting a vacation property: [caption id="attachment_4372" align="alignright" width="300" caption="View from a Vacation Rental in Puerto Rico. In this post I give tips for finding inexpensive vacation rentals all over the world."][/caption]
    • It’s important to do all of the research about a rental location before committing to renting it.
    • Go through a reputable website (like one of the ones I’ve listed below).
    • Be sure to read past reviews about the property/managers/owners, etc. The experiences of past renters will help you decide if this is the type of place that will work for you and your traveling companions.
    • If the owner/manager has not posted any pictures, email them to see if they can send you images of the property. If they refuse, this is usually a bad sign regarding the condition of the rental property you should avoid this rental.
    • Get everything in writing, including special accommodations, rate, length of stay, etc. Both you and the renter should sign the contract and you should each keep a copy for your files.
    • If you enjoy your stay and would like to rent this vacation property again, book early to ensure that you’ll be able to stay there on your following trip.
    • If you enjoy your experience at a vacation rental property, leave a review on the vacation rental site you went through to find this location. This will help your “rental gem” thrive and allow other people to have the same wonderful experience you did.
    • Likewise, if you have a negative experience at your vacation rental, it is important to go online and leave feedback so that the owner/manager knows what to improve for future guests (and so that other renters can be on the lookout for problems or, in extreme cases, not rent this location).
    Top resources for cheap vacations: Vacation Rental by Owner (VRBO) This site allows you to search over 140,000 vacation rentals all over the world (search options are filtered by country, state/district, city and neighborhood). Rental profiles are complete with photos, accommodation information and reviews from past guests. They will send you emails (in you choose) with recent promotions, discounts, etc. for the areas you travel to most. Vacation Rentals This site allows you to search from over 35,000 beach houses, condos, etc. in the U.S. There is a definite emphasis on coastal cities and family-friendly accomodations. There are some great deals to be found in this site.
    HomeAway Vacation Rentals HomeAway is an international property rental site that specializes in more upscale rentals. However, there are still some deals to be found here, especially if you are traveling with a group. Vacation Rentals 411 In terms of selection, this site has less rental listings than the others I’ve mentioned (24,000), but there are some really great deals to be found here. European Home Rentals If you’re planning a trip to Europe, put our tips to good use. There are some bargains to be found, especially if you are traveling with a small group. Happy hunting!