FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: public transport

  • Save Money in London – Cheap Eats & Attractions in the UK

    London has a reputation as one of Europe’s most expensive cities, and quite rightly so. Most Brits have had to leave the city’s lights for the suburbs, and if they can’t afford to live there what hope do us poor tourists have? The good news is that a short stay in the English capital needn’t clean out your bank account. This article gives you a few frugal travel tips for passing your time in this famous city.

    If you want to see London, forget the taxis and hop on The Tube. The locals complain relentlessly about the Underground, bitching about signal failures, faulty trains, and strikes. But the truth is, The Tube’s actually one of the better public transport systems on the planet. Before you set off you’ll need to buy an Oyster card, a plastic alternative to those old paper tickets. The cards start from £10, including preloaded credit, which you can use on The Tube, national rail services and the Dockland Light Railway, the Overground, and local buses and trams. That initial outlay entitles you to the best value fares for the journeys you intend to make.

    The Oyster card will also allow you to ride the number 23 bus for free. This route takes in some of London’s hot spots including Portobello Road, Oxford and Regent Streets, and Trafalgar Square. If you sit up the front of the upper level you can enjoy the sort of views that most visitors are paying tour companies for!

    Once you’ve got your transport sorted you’ll need somewhere to go. As with many cities, London’s museums and art galleries offer a free way to pass a few hours. The British Museum is one of the city’s best, with big draw cards like the Rosetta Stone, a hall of Egyptian mummies, and sculptures from The Greek Parthenon.

    The British Library sounds like a snorefest, but it’s not your typical library. While there are books and more books, some 14 million of them, there are also some fascinating artifacts on display at its Sir John Ritblat Gallery. I’ll bet your local library doesn’t have the Magna Carta, John Lennon’s handwritten lyrics to “A Hard Day’s Night,” or original manuscripts from Mozart!

    The Tate Modern provides a refreshing change from some of London’s stuffier galleries. Many of its works are pretty wacky, but they’ll challenge your ideas about what is art, and what isn’t.

    It’s also free to stroll around the Columbia Road Flower Market. You needn’t have a green thumb to appreciate the spread of roses and tulips, or the colorful characters who try to sell them. It runs every Sunday, and it’s just a short walk from the number 23’s Liverpool Street stop.

    All that sightseeing will make you hungry, but don’t be too hasty to pull out your wallet. Instead take a stroll by London Bridge to the Borough Market. Food producers sell their wares here from lunchtime to twilight every Thursday and Friday, and all day on Saturdays. Of course they want you to buy, but there are enough free samples here to fill you up. The fresh pastas and gourmet cheeses are likely to be the tastiest things you’ve eaten on your frugal vacation!

    If you turn up every day the stall holders may start to get suspicious though. London’s restaurants are expensive, but you can fill your tummy for a fiver with a kebab from a greasy takeaway store, a slice of pie from a pizzeria, or a bagel from the famous Brick Lane Beigel Bake.

    As the day wears down there are a few places you can go for free entertainment. The Notting Hill Arts Club has great free live music between 2 and 8 every Saturday. Entry is also free at Islington’s Big Chill Bar, and if you can’t afford a pint you can spend less on half of one! If you feel like a few laughs, get yourself to one of the free comedy shows at the Queen’s Head in Piccadilly.

    The UK's most famous clock, Big Ben
    The UK's most famous clock, Big Ben

    Before you leave London you’ll need to stop by its big sites to take the prerequisite vacation snaps. The good news is though, you need not step inside the attractions to really appreciate them. The best parts of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey are all at the front door. One exception is St. Paul’s Cathedral, the place where Prince Charles and Princess Diana exchanged their vows. Ordinarily you need to pay £14.50 to see more than the modest St. Dunstan chapel, but if you attend the Evensong service at 5 pm on Fridays you can enjoy the full glory of the church for nothing. If you pass by Buckingham Palace at 11:30 most mornings you can also enjoy the changing of the guard for nix. All those happy snaps should be enough to fool anyone you’ve enjoyed a lavish London vacation!

  • The Advantages of Train Travel – Reasons to Consider Rail

    When it comes to dollars and cents, we all know that trains beat planes nearly every time. But there are plenty more reasons to choose this frugal travel option when you’re seeing this world. Previously we’ve waxed lyrical about the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in India and the Shinkansen Bullet Train in Japan. Here we take a more general worldview and look at some of the non-monetary perks of rail travel.

    While planes travel faster than your average train, they also sap time before you board. Most flights require you to arrive two hours before they hit the air. Just think what you could do with that sort of time. Invest in some extra shut-eye, take in a museum, or indulge in some shopping without those notorious airport price tags. Whatever it is, it’s likely better than spending time in an airport. By contrast, you need only arrive for a train before it departs from the station!

    Of course, you need to arrive two hours before a flight leaves because checking-in is a nasty, laborious process. Who wants to deal with lengthy queues, invasive TSA scans, and the obligatory striptease to pass through the metal detector? Trains do away with the entire check-in mess.

    Feel free to load up your suitcase too, because trains have no weight restrictions. So long as you can pull your case, you can take it on board. This is a real bonus for anyone who loves to stock up on souvenirs and girls with shoe fetishes!

    Once you’re settled into your train seat the fun really starts. That’s right; while plane travelers will be twiddling their thumbs waiting to turn on their iPads or Kindles you’ll be using all your electronic devices. Those 15 technology-free minutes during take-off and the 15 technology-free minutes at landing all add up!

    You might want to switch those devices off though, because the train will treat you to some stunning scenery. While watching clouds go by from a plane window is exciting for a while, it soon becomes tired. Instead train windows offer an ever changing vista of mountain ranges, coastal waters, and other natural splendors.

    You also won’t be bored out of your skull watching that mind-numbing safety demonstration. It’s not that trains are any safer, but everything is a lot more straight forward. There’s no tricky belt buckle, no drop-down oxygen mask, and no inflatable evacuation slide. That slide would of course be a plane perk, but when was the last time you got to use it?

    Shinkansen Bullet Trains
    Shinkansen Bullet Trains

    And let’s not forget all that extra space you’ll enjoy. Trains have none of the claustrophobia factor of airplane economy seats. That’s a real perk if you find yourself sandwiched between Mrs. Heavy Smoker and Mrs. Heavy Set!

    The journey’s been great, and it’ll continue to be that way until you ease into your destination. There’ll be none of that painful ear popping as you pull into the station and no vicious jolt when you get there. And as you pat your much thicker wallet, I’m sure you’ll be glad you chose the train.

  • World’s Best Ferries – Save Money Seeing World’s Waterways

    Forget cruise ships, sailing tours, and jet boat rides. These popular tourist options offer beautiful views of a city’s waterways and coastlines, but they’re generally overpriced. You needn’t miss out on these shoreline vistas while traveling though; simply hop on a ferry! In this article we profile some of the world’s best.

    They’ve got ferries to spare in Scotland, where a network of the ships helps island hoppers. There really isn’t a bad trip amongst the bunch, but the journey from Oban to Barra is probably the pick of them. This five-hour voyage has an edge because it passes several other islands before reaching its destination. The ferry has a TV area and cafeteria, but who’d want to spend their time inside? Outdoor seating offers plenty of space for admiring the green isles as they pass. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even spot a pod of dolphins frolicking in the waters! The ferry sets off on its five-hour journey six times a week. It costs around £153 for two passengers and their car to make the trip.

    The fjords are big business in Norway, but you needn’t join a tour boat to see them. A ferry service runs from Laerdal to Gudvanger between May and September each year. The route passes Nærøyfjord, which is regarded by many as one of Norway’s prettiest fjords. At €400 return this three-hour ferry trip is no bargain, but it’s still significantly cheaper than the tourist boats.

    If that fee leaves you smarting, you might be better off seeing New York from the Staten Island Ferry. This iconic boat, which travels from Manhattan to Staten Island, offers some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty and the Big Apple’s imposing skyline. The ferry leaves every half hour, so you’re never left waiting too long for the next one. And best of all, it’s free!

    If you’re spending any extended period in New Zealand, you’ll probably catch The Interislander. This ferry connects Wellington on the North Island with Picton on the South. This passage of water is beautiful, particularly when the weather is calm and still. But beware when the winds get up; the rough waters of the Cook Strait can make the three-hour journey seem even longer! The trip costs around NZ$70 per person, which is relatively affordable considering its duration.

    If that sounds like far too long to be on a boat, you may enjoy a much shorter trip on Hong Kong’s Star Ferry. This journey takes just ten minutes and costs HKD$2.50 for adults through the week, and HKD$3 on weekends and public holidays. And if you’ve hit 65, you can travel for free! You might not be on board for a long time, but you’ll have a good time taking in the spectacle of buildings Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It looks beautiful by day, but incredible by night when the evening light show colors the skyscrapers.

    The Manly Ferry near the Sydney Opera House
    The Manly Ferry near the Sydney Opera House

    The trip from Sydney’s Circular Quay to Manly is another relatively quick but beautiful ferry journey. The route’s so famous it was even immortalized in a song by Australian singer-songwriter James Reyne! And when you travel it, you’ll see why. This affordable Sydney public transport option takes around 30 minutes to pass local icons, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, before winding up around the famous Manly Beach. The Manly ferry leaves every half hour and costs around AUS$6 for a one-way fare.

    So why fork out the big bucks on those overpriced tourist cruises? You might miss out on the commentary, but you’ll enjoy views that are just as beautiful from the world’s public ferries!

  • Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – India’s Historic Affordable Train

    When traveling large distances in any country, it can be tempting to simply hop on a plane. However air travel can burn a hole in your wallet, and force you to miss much of the landscape. So resist the urge to take to the skies while you’re traveling in India and take a journey on the country’s famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

    This old-fashioned train, also known as the Toy Train, travels the passage from Siliguri to picturesque Darjeeling. This is just a short trip of 53 miles, but it climbs almost 7000 feet so the journey is quite spectacular. Along the way you’ll see the area’s famous tea plantations, its historic bridges, and the rolling green hills of the Himalayas.

    The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was built way back in the 1800s, but its significance was only recognized in recent times. In 1999 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, guaranteeing its future preservation. It’s one of only two railways in the world to enjoy this honor; Austria’s Semmering Railway also has this accreditation.

    The Darjeeling Himalayan Train
    The Darjeeling Himalayan Train
    Despite its fame, you can travel on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway for far less rupees than you’d expect. You can splurge on a first-class ticket for around 145 rupees, or $3.50 US, or take a seat on one of the simple second-class benches for a mere 20 rupees. That’s equivalent to just 50 cents!

    A ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway makes a great day trip, or way to reach your next Indian destination.

    [Image Source: Abhishek Kumar/Flickr]

  • On the Buses – New Zealand’s Affordable Public Transport

    Most travelers to New Zealand tend to rent cars to get about the North and South Island. However utilizing the country’s easy-to-use bus system is a much more affordable option for your New Zealand vacation.

    Several coach companies ferry tourists between New Zealand’s major cities. The largest is InterCity Coachlines, a national organization which travels to more than 600 New Zealand cities. Its network is not quite as expansive, but the Naked Bus is the cheapest way to travel around New Zealand. Fares start from just $1, and escalate as the bus fills up. Alternatively you can buy a Naked Passport, which offers discounted travel on a minimum of five trips. Atomic Shuttles is another low cost alternative, although it only operates in the South Island. Most Kiwi coach companies offer online discounts, so it’s worth planning your itinerary and booking your seat before you leave.

    For shorter journeys within a city you’ll need to rely on the local public transport system. Auckland has its free Explorer bus servicing major tourist attractions, and other paid bus services if you want to travel outside that route. It’s best to allow plenty of time to reach your destination though, as Auckland buses are notoriously tardy. It’s not uncommon to experience delays of 15 minutes before your ride arrives.

    Wellington’s buses are much more reliable, and a great way to explore the city. You’ll find free bus maps at various locations, which make it easy to find the city’s bus stops and routes. Travelers are best served getting an all-day central bus pass, which allows for unlimited journeys.

    The Explorer Bus in Auckland
    The Explorer Bus in Auckland

    Sadly though, bus services are limited in some Kiwi tourist towns, including Rotorua, Christchurch, and Queenstown. You’ll find some buses of course, but their small number of routes and infrequent service means you may need to consider alternative transport to reach your destination.

     

  • Fast Affordable Travel on Japan’s Shinkansen Bullet Train

    Whenever we’re traveling long distances, most of us prepare to board an airplane. We arrive at our destination in a timely fashion, although our bank balance tends to suffer. However there’s a better, and more affordable way to travel around Japan. Tourists in the know prefer to stay on the ground, and on the Shinkansen Bullet Train.

    The Shinkansen is the crowning achievement in Japan’s very efficient rail system. It’s renowned for being punctual, safe, and incredibly fast; all factors which have helped it become one of the most popular long distance transport options in Japan.

    Since their inception almost four decades ago, the bullet trains have carried more than six billion passengers. The trains travel at more than 300 kilometers per hour, yet they have never been involved in a serious accident.

    Tickets are available from ticket machines or counters at bullet train stations. The platforms are marked with carriage numbers so you’ll know exactly where you need to board. The entire process is very simple, and far quicker than boarding an aircraft.

    Up to ten bullet trains run each hour between the two most popular stations of Tokyo and Osaka. If you miss one train it can be as little as three minutes before the next one comes along. The trains also ferry tourists to other major cities including Kyushu, Nagoya, and Fukushima.

    The bullet trains are very comfortable, with lots of leg room, modern toilets, and a choice of smoking and non-smoking carriages. A snack service allows patrons to purchase food, soft drink, and alcohol, or you could grab something from one of the train’s vending machines.

    Shinkansen Bullet Trains
    Shinkansen Bullet Trains

    Sometimes airlines discount their fares, and this can make air travel a more affordable option. However, beware of nasty taxes and charges that push the price up. And then there are the other factors, including the bullet train’s comfort and the convenient location of its stations. When all is considered, it’s easy to see why the Shinkansen Bullet Train is such a popular way to get around Japan.

  • Free Travel on Melbourne’s Red Explorer Bus

    The Australian city of Melbourne really is a capital made for tourists. As if the free City Circle Tram didn’t make getting around easy enough, visitors can also discover the city for free on the Red Explorer bus, otherwise known as the Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle.

    As there are no tickets, tourists can hop on at any station, and hop off once they spot something interesting.

    It's a great system for sightseers, as they can alight and depart at the designated stops as many times as they wish. There are 13 stops in all, which take in Melbourne's major tourist attractions. In the Melbourne Arts Precinct you'll find the NGV International and other galleries, the Sports Precinct is home to venues for cricket, Aussie Rules, and rugby league, and Chinatown is a great spot for a cheap feed. The Red Explorer bus runs every day except Good Friday and Christmas Day between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm. You'll never wait more than 30 minutes at any of the stops, so it's a very convenient and frugal way to see Victoria's most popular city!

  • Travel Around Melbourne for Free on the City Circle Tram

    The Victorian city of Melbourne is home to the largest tram network in the world, and these electric cable cars are a wonderful way to get about the capital.

      Visitors are spoiled with free travel to many major sights on the City Circle Tram. The tram follows a rectangular circuit which passes Melbourne Aquarium, Federation Square, Etihad Sports Stadium, Parliament House, and other key Melbourne tourist attractions. On board commentary informs travelers of points of interest ahead, and you can hop off at any stop for a closer look. Once you're done it's never too long until the distinctive maroon-brown colored tram comes to collect you. It arrives roughly every 12 minutes between 10 am and 6 pm most days and until 9 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. However it does not run on Christmas Day, or Good Friday. The Melbourne City Circle tram is similar to Sydney's Explorer bus, but it has the advantage of being completely free!

    [Image Source: Adityo Saputra/Flickr]

    [caption id="attachment_5131" align="aligncenter" width="150"]Melbourne City Circle Tram Melbourne City Circle Tram[/caption]

  • Sydney’s Cheapest Transport Options – Explore Australian City for Less

    The fast-paced energy of Sydney can daunt some tourists. But if you want to save cash in the New South Wales capital, resist the urge to simply jump in a taxi.

    The city has several affordable, and even free, transport options. When staying right in the heart of Sydney, the free CBD shuttle bus is your best option. Buses complete a loop every ten minutes, touching down at key points like Central Station, Circular Quay, the luxurious Queen Victoria Building mall, and the Sydney Museum. If you're venturing further afield, the Explorer buses are your best bet. The Sydney Explorer bus visits 27 of the city's most popular landmarks, including the Opera House, Darling Harbour, and Royal Botanic Gardens. There's also a Bondi Explorer for tourists wanting to hit the beach. You can simply hop off the Explorer buses when something looks interesting, knowing it'll be only 20 minutes before the next one comes along. You'll travel in air-conditioned comfort, and probably learn something along the way thanks to the onboard commentary. One-day passes cost $40 for adults, $20 for children, and $100 for families. Anyone taking an extended trip may save money by choosing a multi-day ticket. These three, five, and seven-day passes include travel on both Explorer buses and other public transport around the city.inexpensive Australia trip graphic The monorail doesn't stop at as many places as the buses, but this sky-high railway is a lot of fun to ride. Families may also find they unexpectedly save money by purchasing a day pass. Along with 24 hours of unlimited travel, the ticket includes $100 worth of coupons for Sydney's kid-friendly tourist attractions and restaurants. Many tourists spend money on expensive cruises and tours to see Sydney Harbour, but the locals know it's much more affordable, and just as impressive, from the ferry. Sydney Ferries travel from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo, the beach suburb of Manly, North Sydney, and other destinations around the harbour. Round trips cost less than $10 a piece, but if you're planning several journeys you may benefit from a DayTripper pass. This offers 24-hours of unlimited travel on ferries, buses, and even some trains. While Sydney's public transport prices are always reasonable, it's cheapest to travel on Sundays. Dubbed Family Funday Sundays, travel anywhere on New South Wales' trains, buses, and ferries costs just $2.50 per person. With the networks taking in destinations like the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Southern Highlands, this deal allows families to see more of the state for less.

  • Stress Free New Zealand Transport on the Explorer Bus

    Navigating an unfamiliar foreign city can be a daunting prospect. The Explorer Bus takes the stress out of getting around the New Zealand city of Auckland and is a great way to see the sights.

    A day pass costs $35 for adults, $15 for children aged between four and 16 years, and $80 for a family of two adults and two kids. You can hop on the bus at one of 14 stops, and then hop off whenever an attraction catches your eye. This service allows you to spend as much time as you like at any location so you never feel like you’re running to a rigid schedule. The Explorer takes in some of Auckland's most famous tourist attractions including the Sky City Tower, Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, and the Auckland Museum.[caption id="attachment_4010" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Explorer Bus in Auckland"]The Explorer Bus in Auckland[/caption] The Explorer Bus website has a full timetable to help you easily plan your route. English commentary on board the bus will teach you about the local area and the attractions you’re approaching. The bus leaves every hour between April and October and every 30 minutes in the peak tourist season. Tickets are available from the Explorer Bus website, or on the bus itself.