FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: romance

  • Honeymoons for Cash-Strapped Newlyweds – Spend Less on Romantic Vacation

    A honeymoon is the perfect way to unwind after the stress of planning a wedding. But after sinking so much money into the big day, who has the budget to go large? The good news is that you don’t need to. With that special someone by your side and a great idea, even a budget friendly honeymoon can feel romantic.

    State and national parks aren’t just for day trips and hiking expeditions. Many have historic lodges and cabins nestled amongst the wilderness. Staying there is a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Awakening to the songs of native birds makes a welcome change from the hum of traffic or a blaring alarm clock! The affordable accommodation also generally allows visitors to use the park’s facilities for free or close to it, so your entertainment is sorted too. Make sure you pack your walking shoes for hiking, or explore your surrounds by bike or canoe. That is, if you can drag yourself outside your lodge!

    Many newlyweds on a budget reject resorts, but if you choose your location carefully these lavish holiday spots can be surprisingly affordable. Reject Caribbean and Latin American hotspots and settle for somewhere a little closer to home. As these resorts don’t enjoy the regular tourist foot traffic, their rates are generally far lower. And if you’re holidaying close by, you won’t need to spend money on air fares! That will allow you to sink a little more on the hotel room and sparkling wine! And don’t forget the entertainment either. Many resorts have tennis courts, golf courses, swimming pools, spas, nightclubs, and restaurants, so you need never leave the grounds.

    If those resorts are still out of your price range, consider enjoying the hospitality of a bed and breakfast. These welcoming family homes often cost half the price of a resort, and always have breakfast included. If you sleep in and fill up on your morning meal you might find you’re not hungry until dinner time, which is another budget saver. They’re generally located off the beaten track, so staying in one offers a great opportunity to destress and focus on your new life partner. If you feel uncomfortable flaunting your newlywed status in front of your hosts and their other guests, look for B&Bs with cabins located away from the main house.

    If you’d prefer to keep moving, why not try a road trip? While these vacations can bring any relationship issues to a head, newlyweds should find they don’t mind getting lost together. And with the rise of GPS technology, we can no longer blame anyone’s poor map-reading skills! Exploring a new part of the world together can be incredibly romantic, especially if you have the right CD soundtrack to accompany you. Take your time and break up the driving by discovering the small towns along your path. Country towns generally offer affordable accommodation, or you could really get in touch with your surroundings and pitch a tent!

    Hands making a heartA cruising vacation is another great way to see the world without spending a fortune. You’ll need to make some compromises like taking a smaller room and sailing with a budget liner like Carnival or Royal Caribbean, but these money-saving decisions are easily forgotten once you’re on the high seas. The crowds and children you’ll find can cramp the style of some couples, but if you enjoy a party atmosphere a cheap cruise shouldn’t be overlooked.

    While these vacations are all ideal for newlyweds strapped for cash, they’re also perfect for longstanding couples seeking a little downtime. So why not leave the kids behind and take a little time for yourselves?

  • Romance in Paris on a Budget | Cheap French Experiences for Couples

    Paris is the known as the city of love, but you won’t feel as smitten once you empty out your bank account. If you want to keep the love affair alive skip the escargots and in-room massages and try some of our romantic, and budget-friendly, Parisian experiences.

    The Bois de Boulonge is a green oasis hidden on the western outskirts of the city. Its parklands are perfect for a picnic lunch, and woodlands ideal for exploring. You can also hire a row boat for just a few Euros and wile away the hours on the water.

    For more greenery, stop off at Luxembourg Gardens. The 25-hectare space can get a bit crowded when it’s warm, but it’s always relaxing to admire the flowers and fountains. Once you’ve worked up an appetite visit one of the left bank’s chic cafes for coffee and cake.

    Resist the temptation to jump on one of the luxury boats that sail the Seine. You’ll have almost as fun staying on dry land and walking by the river’s banks. Make sure you visit near twilight, to see the mood enhancing sunset and twinkling city lights.

    The Ile Saint Louis near Notre Dame is another great spot for walking. This tiny island is home to charming boutique stores, great restaurants, and hip nightclubs. If you can’t afford to splash out on a meal you can fill the gap with Berthillon, an ice cream treat that’s not found anywhere else in the world.

    The Sacre Coeur Basilica must be romantic; its name means sacred heart after all! The views from the top of this beautiful 19th century building should be enough to set anyone’s heart fluttering. Visiting around lunchtime gives you an excellent opportunity to stop off at Montmartre when you’re done. This village’s quaint cafes serve up simple but delicious food for less than you’d pay in the capital.

    A night at the opera or theater is quintessentially French, but also expensive. For a more frugal option consider an evening at the movies. Paris has plenty of historic movie theaters which take you back to Hollywood’s golden age. In summer you can also catch a romantic open-air screening of a cult classic or new blockbuster at the Parc de la Villette.

    The Eiffel Tower, Paris
    The Eiffel Tower, Paris

    And of course no article about Paris’ most romantic parts would be complete without mentioning the Eiffel Tower. Sure it’s clichéd and overexposed, but you’ll forget your inner cynic when you’re taking in the views. You can save money by opting for the stairs over the lift and choosing to stop at the second floor. Visit around sunset and marvel at the views as Paris changes from day to night.

  • Eco-Friendly Indulgence in Daylesford – Green Romance at Frog Hollow Estate

    For a romantic Aussie getaway that won’t hurt the planet, consider a stay at Frog Hollow Estate in the Victorian country town of Daylesford.

    The former gold mining town, located 115 kilometers north west of Melbourne, is becoming a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy life at a slower pace.

    The streets are lined with fine dining restaurants and cafes, and the stores full of original fashions and quirky homewares. You can indulge in a mineral bath or spa at the local retreats, or a few choice drops in the nearby Macedon Ranges and Sunbury wine regions. That is, of course, if you want to venture out of Frog Hollow. This eco-friendly estate was once a stone and timber workshop, but today it enjoys spoiling its guests without harming the planet. The hot showers use collected rain water, and the appliances and eco-friendly lights green power. All villas are equipped with a corner spa for luxuriating with your love, a cosy gas or wood fire for snuggling up at the end of the night, and air conditioning for the summer. With all this romance in the air, it's unsurprising that the folks at Frog Hollow Estate love a wedding. The staff will happily take care of the arrangements, including accommodation for your guests, leaving you free to attend to more important matters. You might even like to return to reminisce on your first anniversary! Accommodation at Frog Hollow Estate in Daylesford starts from $250 a night and includes a gourmet hamper, featuring the best local produce, on arrival.

  • Romance in Australia – Down Under Destinations for Love

    Australia may not have the romantic reputation of France or Italy, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know a thing or two about love Down Under.

    If you want to spend some quality time with a special someone, or even pop the question, here are some Aussie destinations worth considering. Wineglass Bay in Tasmania has arguably the best vista in Australia. The curved coastline and clear water are the stuff romance is made off. It will take an hour to reach the look-out on foot, but think of it as more time to spend with the object of your affection! A hike up Mount Kosciusko in the New South Wales Snowy Mountains puts you on top of Australia, literally. The country's highest peak may not hold a candle to the tall summits in other nations, but that only makes it easier for the average person to climb. And if you've never scaled any of the great mountains of the world, you'll still be impressed by the view!romantic spots in australia Oak Beach in Port Douglas is a bit of a local secret, but that makes it perfect for an intimate picnic lunch. It's likely that you'll have the place to yourself, so pack a gourmet hamper and a bottle of bubbly and enjoy the serenity. The thermal waters and waterfalls of Poppy's Pools are the stuff that romance is made of. This beautiful secluded spot is nestled in the bushland of the Northern Territory’s Cape Crawford. For the ultimate in luxury, contact the Cape Crawford Tourism. They'll fly you in by helicopter and ensure you can enjoy the pools in absolute privacy. A list about romance in Australia would not be complete without mentioning Heart Reef in the Whitsundays. It's almost clichéd, but flying over the heart-shaped island is likely to make even the most hardened cynic melt.

  • Romantic Aitutaki in Cook Islands the Ideal Vacation Spot for Honeymooners and Lovebirds

    The Cook Islands is a tropical slice of Oceania made up of 15 isles. Most tourists flock to the capital, Rarotonga, but if you have romance in mind the more peaceful Aitutaki is a much better choice.


    Couples can enjoy a little alone time at luxurious accommodation options including the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa and the five-star Pacific Resort. Both resorts are positioned right on the beach, with fine white sand and fragrant frangipani trees helping to create an idyllic island atmosphere. They also offer the kind of opulent rooms that lovebirds will struggle to leave. However if you do feel like venturing out, the resorts offer plenty of fun activities. You could immerse yourself in local culture with hula dancing classes and ukulele lessons. You could even learn to make traditional seafood dishes, or simply sit back and let the resort staff do all the work. Fishing and diving expeditions and lagoon cruises are other ways of experiencing all the island has to offer without breaking a sweat. This is a destination which encourages rest and relaxation after all.

    aitutakiWith lush private rooms, long white beaches lined with coconut palms, and tranquil surrounds, Aitutaki is a natural choice for honeymooners. If you’re not hitched already, the big resorts can take care of that too. Both Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa and the Pacific Resort offer wedding packages. The hotels take care of the license, celebrant, flowers, and all the trimmings, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your special day.

    Aitutaki is a 50-minute flight from Rarotonga. The international carrier Air New Zealand flies to Rarotonga via the Kiwi cities of Auckland and Christchurch. Air Rarotonga runs daily flights between the Cook Islands capital and its secluded sister from $390 return.