FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: nature

  • Summer in Minneapolis/St. Paul

    It’s time to start planning your summer travels. If you are looking to travel domestically this summer, why not head to the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul)? This urban, cosmopolitan area is a veritable mecca for arts and nature lovers. Here are some ideas for how to spend your time while you’re there. The best part is that they’re all inexpensive (most are free).

    Talk a walk (or canoe, or kayak) around the lakes. Minneapolitans love their urban lakes – Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet and Lake of the Isles – that are all located in the Uptown area. They are all relatively close to one another (Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun are connected), so it is easy to check them all out in one day.  Canoes and kayaks are available for rental at each of the lakes. This is also a great place for a picnic. If you’re looking for good fish dishes, check out Tin Fish at the pavilion at Lake Calhoun.

    Take a walk around Lake Calhoun, one of Minneapolis’ beloved urban lakes.

    Take advantage of Minneapolis Arts Weekend. Each year on a weekend usually in early August, artists from around the country come to the Twin Cities to show and sell their creations. There are three major art fairs in Minneapolis on this weekend.

    Powderhorn Park Art Fair

    Head to this 66-acre urban park to browse the wares of over 200 artists in various disciplines and styles. Food trucks featuring organic goodies provide sustenance for browsing, socializing and shopping.

    Loring Park Art Fair

    Quite a bit smaller than Powerhorn,  Loring Park is located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. After checking out the creations of 140 artists in a variety of media (including painting, photography, printmaking, handmade paper, wood, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, mixed media and glass), grab a snack from one of the food vendors or try one of the excellent eateries that circle the park. If you still haven’t had your fill of art, head across the street to the world-renowned Walker Art Center.

    Metris Uptown Art Fair

    During the weekend of August 6-7, the streets of Minneapolis’ Uptown area will be lined with over 200 artists’ booths as crowds of fair-goers slowly meander down Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street. As with the Loring Park area, there are loads of great restaurants in Uptown if you need a reprieve from the heat and crowds.

    There are also a variety of excellent art museums in Minneapolis.

    Get to know St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood during Highland Fest. Highland Fest usually takes place on a weekend in mid-July. This celebration of summer features a juried art fair, live music on two stages, food, amusement rides, a 5K, a strongman competition and a craft-brew tasting.

    Enjoy live music at the St. Paul Jazz Fest. Each year in June, St. Paul’s Mears Park will fill with jazz musicians and aficionados from around the country. In addition to the myriad live jazz shows over the weekend, you’ll be able to enjoy top-notch street food from some of the city’s best restaurants’ food trucks.

  • Bird Lovers Sanibel Island Vacation on a Budget

    Nature lovers looking to escape the Northern Hemisphere’s chilly conditions should consider following the birds and flying south. Sanibel Island, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is one of America’s best places for a spot of bird watching. During the spring, some 250 bird species, including little blue herons, anhingas, and roseate spoonbills, call Sanibel Island their home. And by following our advice, it’s surprisingly affordable to admire these feathered creatures.

    The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the most popular place for bird watching on Sanibel Island. You might think that would make it crowded, but as the refuge spans some 6, 400 acres it’s easy to claim a private patch of bird watching turf. The Wildlife Drive, which is the sanctuary’s primary road, is open from 7:30 am to thirty minutes before sunset every day but Friday. The animals deserve to live away from prying human eyes one day of the week, don’t they? We love to visit during low tide, as it allows you to observe the shorebirds feeding on the worms and crustaceans that live on the exposed mud flats. Entry to Wildlife Drive costs just $5, which is very affordable for a full-day’s entertainment in the great outdoors. If you’ve got cash to spare, you could join one of Tarpon Bay Explorers’ guided tours. The company will take you through the national park by tram, canoe, kayak, or pontoon boat. In addition to the birdlife, tour participants often see manatees, dolphins, and alligators.

    The historic Sanibel Island Lighthouse and its nearby beach are also perfect for bird watching. On the shore you’ll see pelicans and other wading birds; look up to find nesting ospreys perched in the trees. If you’ve got little ones in tow, make sure you bring their bathers. They’ll enjoy splashing about in the clear, calm water while you take in the scenery. Visit early in the morning to see the most migrating birds and score an easy parking space. Parking is cheap for a short stay at $2 an hour.

    The wetlands at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s Nature Center and Center Tract Preserve, Sanibel Gardens Preserve, the Sanibel Island’s other beaches also provide opportunities for eagle-eyed bird watchers.

    When spring hits, Sanibel Island enjoys a flurry of tourists. They start to drop away by the time May rolls around, so that’s the best time for frugal travelers to make their journey. You can often enjoy rooms for half the price then, and the climate is surprisingly pleasant. Visit early in the month to avoid summer heat and mosquito plagues.

    For the best deal, look for accommodation that’s situated several streets back from the beach. You’ll find the cheapest hotel prices come without those coastal views. We love the pet-friendly rooms of Driftwood Inn, the resort stylings of The Palm View, and the old world charm and free bike rentals at Sandpiper Inn. All these affordable hotels are conveniently located on Donax Street.

    If you love to eat in, stock up on groceries before you reach Sanibel Island. Food and other essentials are much cheaper in nearby Fort Myers than on the island. If you want to add some atmosphere to your dining experience, pack a picnic and enjoy enviable water views!

    If restaurant meals are more your style, you can save money by dining at some of the island’s favorite local haunts. Sports nuts will love the pub grub at Doc Ford’s Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille, the island’s most popular sports bar. The sandwiches at the Rosie’s Cafe & Grill are great for a cheap feed, but the island eatery also offers more substantial fare. The cheesy nautical theme makes a night out at the Lazy Flamingo lots of fun.

    A tri-colored heron at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Florida
    A tri-colored heron at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Florida

    So with your vacation strategy planned, how should you get there? Southwest Florida International Airport is the closest to Sanibel Island. Budget airlines including AirTran Airways, Spirit, and Southwest Airlines all service this terminal. Cut-price rental companies Alamo Rent-A-Car, Budget, and Thrifty can help you get from the airport to your accommodation.

    So what are you waiting for? A bird lovers’ spring break in Sanibel Island could cost far less than you thought!

    [Image Source: Andrea Westmoreland/Flickr]

  • Asia’s Quirky Natural Wonders – Outdoor Experiences in China, Japan, and Thailand

    When many people think of Asia they think of shopping up a storm in the cities and discovering the continent’s cultural heritage in temples and museums.

    But some of Asia's most interesting attractions are actually outdoors. Just outside Kunming in China you'll find the Shilin Stone Forest, a forest which really isn't a forest at all, at least not in the way that most of us imagine. Rather than trees, the forest features thousands of differently shaped stones which appear to grow from the ground. Apparently the area was a shallow sea some 270 million years ago, but as the earth moved over time the water retreated and the limestone structures emerged. Visitors can discover attractions like the Major Stone Forest, Strange Wind Cave, and Subterranean Stone Forest over this 400 square kilometer space. If you can visit in June, it's worth making a trip during the Torch Festival. The native Sani people demonstrate wrestling, lion-dancing, and bull-fighting, and legend says it’s the best time to meet Mr or Miss Right! [caption id="attachment_4231" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Shilin Stone Forest"]Shilin Stone Forest[/caption] For interesting animals and plants, look to the Bonin Islands off the Japanese coast. These 30 different islands were formed long ago by an ancient volcano, and have since evolved in their own unique ways. The islands are home to more than 14 different animals and 100 unique plant species including the protected Ogasawara damselfly, the Japanese Woodpigeon, and the Bonin Flying Fox. Access is difficult though, so you’ll need to be keen. The Ogasawara Maru liner leaves from Tokyo Bay four or five times each month, and takes around 25 hours to reach its destination. Tourists can feel like royalty traveling on the backs of elephants in northern Thailand. The elephants will take you through the forests and hilltribe villages of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Kanchanaburi. There are rides to suit your time and budget, from a half-hour walk to a five-day expedition. The elephants are all well trained and love people, so you needn't worry about being on the back of a petulant pachyderm! Asia offers plenty of natural beauty and experiences for tourists; you've just got to know where to look!

    [Image Source: Kent Wang/Flickr]

  • Unspoiled Paradise of Nine Village Valley, China

    In this world of global tourism, there are very few unspoiled areas. One spot that can boast such a title is Jiuzhaigou Valley, or Nine Village Valley as it is commonly called.

    This picturesque alpine location lies in the Sichuan province, around 450 kilometers from the capital, Chengdu. Its English name comes from the nine traditional Tibetan villages scattered throughout its 240 square kilometers. The local villagers live in harmony with the land's thick forest, 114 sparkling lakes, bubbling springs, and waterfalls. Agriculture and private vehicles are forbidden in the spot, which is protected as a World Heritage site. As you might imagine, the Nine Village Valley is a haven for native wildlife. It's home to giant pandas, white-lipped deer, golden monkeys, and around 140 kinds of birds. There are also many beautiful species of rhododendrons and panda's favorite treats, bamboo. The area is steeped in mythology. One story suggests that a mountain deity gave a goddess a mirror as a token of his affection for her. When the devil appeared to her she dropped the mirror, and the shattered pieces became the area's many lakes. Skeptics suggest the lakes and waterfalls were instead formed by earthquakes and landslides, but the first explanation is much more romantic! [caption id="attachment_3011" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The colors of fall at Nine Village Valley, China"]The colors of fall at Nine Village Valley, China[/caption] As agriculture is forbidden, villagers rely on tourism and government subsidies to live. Guests are encouraged to spend $3 on a photo of the locals in their traditional dress. While Nine Village Valley is beautiful all year round, autumn is perhaps the best season to visit. Snow lingers on the mountain tops, but the red, orange, and yellow tones of fall are everywhere. As personal vehicles are prohibited, tourists take the bus from Chengdu along the Minjiang River canyon. The journey generally takes 10 hours, although rock and mudslides in bad weather can add hours to the trip. It sounds daunting, but the unspoiled beauty of this area makes the long journey worthwhile.

  • The Majesty of the Eighth Wonder of the World, New Zealand’s Milford Sound

    The peaks of Milford Sound, New Zealand
    The peaks of Milford Sound, New Zealand

    So gorgeous is New Zealand’s Milford Sound that British writer Rudyard Kipling once called it the “eighth wonder of the world.” The dark brooding waters, rocky cliffs, and lush forests of this photogenic area inspire around half a million tourists to visit this spot on New Zealand’s South Island every year.

    Milford Sound is the crown of Fiordland National Park. A cruise with an operator such as Scenic Pacific or Real Journeys is one of the best ways to see the region. During a day trip, or a longer overnight journey, guests can see the area’s marine animals, including seals and dolphins, and awe-inspiring natural features.

    Mitre Peak is particularly imposing, rising 1692 meters skyward, and the cascading waterfalls are stunning after showers. With Milford Sound receiving seven meters of rain on average each year, these falls rarely disappoint! The cost of many tours includes coach transfers to the cruise wharf. However the region is also accessible on foot via Milford Track, and it's a short drive from Te Anau. Many tourists use this lakeside area as a base for their Milford Sound journey, as the township of Milford has few facilities for travelers. Most tourists visit Milford Sound during the summer months of January and February, so if you prefer to avoid the crowds consider traveling once the weather cools. Just remember to pack a warm, waterproof jacket if you do!

  • Volcanic Wonder at Mount Aso, Japan

    Japan has a reputation as the world’s technological center. But many tourists to the Asian nation are just as impressed with the country’s natural wonders. One of the most magnificent is the caldera of Mount Aso.

    Caldera of Mount Aso
    The caldera of Mount Aso at Kyshu, Japan

    You’ll find this active volcano at the heart of the island of Kyushu. Its caldera is one of the largest in the world, measuring 25 kilometers across. In fact, the caldera contains the town of Aso and several more volcanic peaks. These include Nakadake, an awe-inspiring active crater. Tourists are warned that the crater’s gases can be intense, so people with respiratory complaints including asthma shouldn’t visit. At some times the crater may be closed to the public altogether due to these poisonous fumes.

    But that shouldn’t discourage tourists, as there is plenty more to see. The grassy plains of Kusasenri-ga-hama are not far from Nakadake.


    You can enjoy this rural setting on horseback, with riding tours running from early March to mid December. Kusasenri-ga-hama is also home to the Aso Volcano Museum which details the area’s history.

    Komezuka is a small volcanic cone on the northern side of Nakadake. There are easy walking trails, although none take you right to the summit’s apex. Most visitors will be happy with the views they get from the top of the paths though.

    The Nakadake Crater is a 30 to 40 minute bus ride from JR Aso train station. Buses run regularly every, with one leaving every one or two hours. The buses travel to Asosan Nishi Station, where travelers can connect with a ropeway for a short ride. If you’d rather stretch your legs, it takes 30 minutes to walk from the station to the crater. The crater is also accessible by car, although drivers will need to pay a toll as they near Nakadake. A parking lot is located conveniently beside the site.

  • Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand Treats Animals with Respect

    Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand, so it’s hard to believe that once this mountainous location was only accessible by river or elephants.


    Today transport’s a lot easier. All the major domestic airlines, including Thai Airways and Air Asia, fly between Bangkok and Chiang Mai several times each day. Buses and trains also travel from the capital regularly. Yet the elephants’ importance to the area, known as the Rose of the North, remains.

    Since their services are no longer required for transport, the elephants of Chiang Mai lead a pampered existence at the Elephant Nature Park. Nestled around 60 kilometers from the city center, the park provides a sanctuary for these magnificent creatures.

    The park is the brainchild of Sangduen Chailert. Her special bond with elephants began when her grandfather, a traditional Thai healer, received a baby elephant from a grateful patient. Sangduen became firm friends with the latest member of the family and the rest, as they say, is history. After graduating from Chiang Mai University she moved into the elephant tourism. There she discovered the abuse and neglect the animals suffered once they became useless to trekking firms. She was determined to develop a place where elephants would be loved throughout their days. When the Elephant Nature Park opened its doors in 1995, that dream became a reality.

    elephantThe park’s work is vital in a modern Thailand where just 2000 elephants live in the wild. The park is home to more than 30 rescue elephants, ranging in age from infants to the elderly and abused. It is open to day visitors and overnight guests, who can watch the animals grazing, playing, and communicating as they do in the wild. There are no circus tricks or elephant rides here. Instead tourists enjoy a less artificial experience, bathing the animals and feeding them treats.

    One-day visits to the park cost $125 for adults and $75 for children, including transfers from Chiang Mai. For a reduced rate, you can enjoy a seven-, 14-, or 28-day volunteer experience. Around $70 a day buys you daily contact with the elephants and all meals. The park is not-for-profit, so all money raised directly supports the elephants and their upkeep.