FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: restaurants

  • 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.

  • A Taste of India at Adelaide’s Bombay Bicycle Club

    Australian diners need not travel far to experience all the opulence of Indian dining. Adelaide’s ethnic restaurants are some of the best in Oz, but if you’ve got a taste for spicy curries and pappadams look to The Bombay Bicycle Club. This quirky pub in the Adelaide suburb of Ovingham celebrates all the extravagance and culinary flair of the Far East.

    spices
    Traditional Indian curry spices

    The Bombay Bicycle Club is a pub which takes its vision seriously. Every inch of the hotel is decorated with a Raj Indian theme, from the enormous wooden elephant standing in the Rikki Tikki Tavi Bar to the Indian trinkets adorning the walls. It’s not very authentic, but it is a lot of fun.

    The Rikki Tikki Tavi Bar is the ideal place for a few drinks after work or a casual get-together. There’s a fully operational keg room and nine different beers on tap. You can shoot some pool, spin some tunes on the video jukebox, or tuck into classic bar dishes.

    If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, stop in to Gungadins Restaurant. The menu features European favorites alongside Indian fare, with playful names like Mad Duck Madras, Bengal Cheesy, and Sa-moo-sas.

    Meals are reasonably priced with entrees starting from $6.90 and mains from $12.90. The Bombay Bicycle Club is open daily from noon until late, with last service for meals at 10 pm.

  • Top Websites for Frugal Foodies on the Road

    For serious foodies, deciding where one is going to eat while traveling is just as perhaps more) important than deciding where to stay.

    Thanks to a variety of excellent search engines and review sites, it’s now easier than ever to be a discerning foodie on a budget. Whether you’re hankering for sushi in Paris or Italian pasta in Hong Kong, you’ll be able to find a place to suit your tastes and budget. From finding the best happy hour deals to reviews on new "it" eateries, these sites will help you choose where to wisely spend your hard earned dollars on the road. Most of these sites detect your current location (especially if you’re using a smart phone), which can make browsing listings on the go a snap. In addition, most of these sites have Droid or iPhone travel apps that facilitate your restaurant searching even more. My recommendation would be to choose 2 or 3 you like best and use them interchangeably (or to cross-reference) as you’re planning your trip or on the road. Zagat (www.zagat.com) Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, Zagat’s got you covered. The site’s easy to search database gives you Zagat ratings as well as both professional and customer reviews. Their “dining spotlight” articles on the front page (past articles are searchable in the database) will introduce you to new culinary wonders, some even in your backyard. This site also allows you to book reservations online. Yelp (www.yelp.com) [caption id="attachment_4452" align="alignright" width="229" caption="The author enjoys a meal at Strada in London (UK)."][/caption] Yelp is a broad-based review and opinions site, and their restaurant listings are comprehensive. You can read opinions by actual clients (not restaurant owners or paid reviewers) on various establishments in all price ranges. Though most of Yelp’s listings are for U.S. cities, they do have pages devoted to major European cities like London and Paris. WitU (www.witU.com) WitU is an international database of comprehensive restaurant listings and reviews. Most popular and “latest” restaurants pop up first in the listings. In addition to reading about restaurants, you can also book a table online. UrbanSpoon (www.urbanspoon.com) UrbanSpoon features listings for restaurants throughout the U.S., Canada, Australia and the UK. You can sort findings by price, location, cuisine type and ratings. I always get new ideas of where to eat (even in my hometown) in their “Talk of the Town” section that features restaurants that critics and bloggers are talking about right now. FoodieView (www.facebook.com/pages/FoodieViewcom/95664902435) An attractive and well-designed site, FoodieView features selected listings from major U.S. cities like Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, etc. Though their listings may not be as comprehensive as those on some of the other sites, they make up for it in quality of restaurant (and their eclectic recipe database). OpenTable (www.opentable.com) In addition to browsing the site’s large database of restaurant listings and reviews, you can book reservations online using their handy system. If you sign up for their free membership, OpenTable will send you coupons and information on deals at restaurants in the cities you specify. Happy Cow (www.happycow.net) All of you vegetarian foodies out there will be happy to know there is a site that lists all of the specifically vegetarian and vegan restaurants in your area. Happy Cow provides comprehensive vegetarian listings and reviews from around the globe. New York Times Travel Listings (www.nytimes.com/pages/travel/) This is one of my favorite sites to browse while planning my culinary adventures. Each city’s page is filled with professional reviews of restaurants (as well as many other categories) that are searchable by neighborhood and price. Bon appétit!

  • Eat Your Way Around Adelaide – South Australia’s Best Restaurants

    The Australian city of Adelaide is a paradise for food lovers, boasting a variety of delicious options to tempt all tastes and budgets.

    Smells from all over the globe will tease you as you walk down bustling Gouger Street.


    From traditional options like Chinese, Indian, and Greek to unusual fare from Argentina, Korea, and Vietnam, if you love to eat more than your standard meat and three veg Gouger Street has you covered. The Chinese is particularly good at Star House, which boasts the largest live tanks in all of Adelaide. There’s something a little unsettling about watching your dinner ripped from its home, but once it's brought to your table steaming it’s easy to recover. It's also worth making the trek to the far end of Gouger Street to sample the authentic Japanese delicacies of Matsuri. You can eat at tables as with any Western restaurant, or sit at the low Japanese tables in the back. Just remember to remove your shoes! The sushi boats are legendary, and it's hard to go past the tempura prawns.australia map There are also some hidden gems in Adelaide's entertainment venues. North is tucked away in the bottom of the casino, but you'd never guess you were so close to the slot machines. The service is friendly, the atmosphere vibrant, and the food flawless. Crisp pork belly, succulent kingfish croquettes, and the garlic and mascarpone-stuffed chicken breast all feel very luxurious indeed. Regatta's Bistro in the bottom of the Convention Center is another low-key dining destination that delivers. The views of the Torrens River go perfectly with a good glass of wine, delicate quail, and old fashioned fish and chips. The menu is so diverse that whether you're after an old favorite or a culinary challenge you should be impressed. But why stick to the CBD? Adelaide also has a host of great restaurants on the city's outskirts. A regular bus service can take you to Hahndorf, a German styled town nestled in the Adelaide Hills. Most restaurants embrace this European nation, particularly the German Arms Hotel in the center of town. Regular Aussie pub grub is served up alongside Bavarian fare like the German Wurst trio, the Rindsrouladen, and the massive kransky hot dog. If you'd rather head to the beach, catch the tram to Glenelg. A strip of restaurants along this bustling tourist town serves up fine fare with views to match. The tasting plates at Zucca Greek Mezze are a great idea if you can't decide just what you feel like, or you want to try a little bit of everything! I returned home from a recent trip to Adelaide with an emptier wallet, a very full belly, and lots of memories of amazing meals. I can't wait to return to taste all the other restaurants I haven't tried!

  • Dine in Style at Melbourne’s Colonial Tramcar Restaurant

    Melbourne’s trams are the backbone of the Victorian capital, a unique public transport system which ferries locals and travelers to the main streets and tourist sites in Melbourne’s inner city and the suburbs. But these cable cars don’t just move people about; they also provide an unusual dining opportunity at the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant.

    This quirky restaurant delivers a moving meal in more ways than one. It departs several times daily from the #125 tramstop on Normandy Road and travels around the city and suburbs as diners enjoy their meals. From $77 diners can enjoy between three and five courses, depending on the time of day they travel, and beverages from the restaurant’s fully stocked bar.

    A set menu of local gourmet cuisine is offered on each journey, including Tasmanian ocean trout, seared kangaroo loin, and Victorian farmed beef fillets. The delicious food, all-inclusive drinks package, and unique atmosphere help to justify the high costs of an evening on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. It’s certainly not an everyday dining option, but it would be a great way for tourists to see the city, or locals to celebrate a special event.

    A meal on the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is a fun way to experience Melbourne’s public transport history while enjoying fine contemporary cuisine.

  • Eat Like a Local in Bangkok – Thailand’s Best Restaurants

    When you’re on a trip to Thailand don’t overlook the fact that Bangkok is a foodie’s paradise with many streets lined with restaurants ready to serve up delicious cuisine from around the globe.

    All those choices can overwhelm tourists, but as with any city you'll find the best meals where the locals eat. Here are some of Bangkok's most popular haunts. The Bed Supperclub doesn't get its quirky name for nothing; diners actually eat from the top of mattresses! It serves up contemporary Asian cuisine and is one of the hottest spots in the city. Make a night of it, as diners can enjoy complimentary entry into the adjoining dance club. After a big night of clubbing, snacks at Soi 38 Night Market are just what the doctor ordered. The markets are open until 3 am, so it's rarely too late to indulge in the flame-fried phat thai or sticky mango rice. Ordering can be tricky with many traders speaking only broken English, but it's worth persevering.visiting thailand compass picture If you want a market meal during the day head to Tanao Road. The stalls sell typical Thai fare, but everything is fresh and tasty. This is the perfect spot for grazing on the go. Delightfully casual, Khrua Aroy Aroy is a relaxed restaurant which delivers just what it claims. Its name means "delicious, delicious kitchen," and it specializes in hearty curries. For something even more relaxing make sure you dine at Spring. While the weather is warm, between November and May, you can lounge about on beanbags on the front lawn! It's worth visiting all year round though for its surprisingly affordable prices and delicious seafood dishes. Hong Kong Noodles is so tiny that it's easy to miss, but it's worth seeking out this eatery in the heart of the New Market. Its wheat-and-egg noodle soups are legendary. Come early for breakfast to get a jump on the seemingly ever-present crowds. If you'd prefer a fish dish look for one of Somboon Seafood’s five Bangkok locations. The chain serves up uniquely Asian interpretations of seafood favorites including sea bass steamed with garlic and chili, and curry-powder crab. Italian dishes cooked up by an Australian chef may seem like an unlikely choice in this Asian city, but Antonio's Trattoria is one of the most popular restaurants in Bangkok. The locals love this menu which serves up Italian classics and some interesting twists on Mediterranean fare. However as the restaurant is only open for dinner between Tuesdays and Sundays, you'll need to plan ahead. If you want a meal with a view, make sure you visit The Deck. The beautiful backdrop of the Chao Phraya River makes the Thai and Mediterranean style meals taste even better. Prices are surprisingly modest considering the restaurant's amazing vista. Whether you want to taste Thailand's national dishes or enjoy something more familiar, you're spoiled for choice in Bangkok.

  • Sky-High Dining in New Zealand at Auckland’s The Observatory

    NOTE 4/23/13-THIS RESTAURANT IS NO LONGER OPERATING, SEE Sky City Restaurants FOR OTHER DINING OPTIONS. If you’re looking for a meal with a view while visiting New Zealand’s popular tourist town Auckland, you’ll find it at The Observatory at Sky City casino.

    The sky-high restaurant serves up a range of dishes in buffet style, including its signature seafood meals, succulent roast meats, and weekly specials.

    With 12 main courses and 14 desserts on offer, there's bound to be several to suit your tastes. Of course, with the restaurants all-you-can-eat set-up you can sample as many as you like, and enjoy as many helpings as your heart desires. The impressive meals are the perfect companion to the incredible views of the city below. If you're planning a special night out, I suggest asking for a table by the window! Make sure you arrive early as your reservation includes free entry to the Sky Tower's observation deck and café and bar. You'll have 45 minutes to soak up the view, perhaps while you enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. [caption id="attachment_3965" align="alignright" width="150"]Sky City casino in Auckland, New Zealand Sky City casino in Auckland, New Zealand[/caption] The Observatory serves lunch from Fridays to Sundays between 11:30 am and 2 pm. Adults will pay $41.99, while children are charged $3 for every year of their age. The dinner prices are a bit higher and the sessions shorter, although some argue it’s worth these inconveniences to enjoy the twinkling lights of the city at night. The Observatory serves two dinner sittings daily: the first between 5:45 pm and 6:45 pm, and the second between 8 pm and 9 pm. Dinner costs $61.99 for adults, while children pay $4 for every year of their age. The Observatory is popular with locals and tourists alike, so reservations are recommended.

    [Image Source: CharlesLam/Flickr]

  • Traditional Pekingese Dining at Hong Kong’s American Restaurant

    Don’t let the name of Hong Kong’s American Restaurant confuse you. This Wanchai eatery offers some of the country’s best traditional Pekingese dishes, and they don’t come with a serving of fries.

    Since opening its doors after the Second World War, American Restaurant has become a beloved institution.

    In an ever-changing dining landscape it remains unchanged, and that's just what the regular patrons love about it. There are many of those regular patrons that fill the restaurant with a happy buzz no matter the season or time of day. That makes it ideal for a celebration, but not the best choice if you're planning a romantic dinner for two. It's advisable to call in advance for a reservation, particularly if you have a large party. American Restaurant serves up the Asian equivalent of tapas, meals that are designed to be shared amongst those at your table. The dishes are affordably priced between HKD70 and 300, depending upon their size. Foreign diners should have no problem ordering as English menus are provided; the most challenging thing can be deciding what you'll have! When in doubt you can't go wrong with the barbecued Peking duck or sizzling Szechuan chili prawns. American Restaurant is located at 20 Lockhart Road, Wanchai. It's open daily from 11 am to 11 pm.