FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: save money

  • Tips for Avoiding Vacation Budget Blow-Outs

    We all travel with the very best of intentions. We’ll stick to our budget and avoid a nasty credit card bill at the end of our adventures. But like the best laid plans, it’s very easy to blow your finances when you’re having a good time. In this article we offer a few tips for avoiding a financial hangover after your next vacation.

    Saving money on your vacation starts before you even pack your bags. Research is the best way to avoid overspending. Discover the cheapest areas to stay, the most affordable ways to get around, and the budget eateries that locals rave about. Also make sure you familiarize yourself with the local currency and sales taxes. The only thing worse than your destination’s currency soaring while the one back home sinks is finding out about it after you’ve spent too much. Investing in a credit card which avoids international transaction fees is another great way to keep a little extra coin in your pocket.

    Of course you could always go the old fashioned route and rely on cash or travelers checks. While these options will incur conversion fees, using these money methods is a great way to stay conscious of your spending. And you’ll avoid those sneaky ATM charges!

    While on vacation you’ve got hours to fill, but don’t rely on your wallet to keep you amused. All destinations around the world have a host of free entertainment options, from enjoying the great outdoors to taking in a museum or festival. Grab a city guide when you arrive and let the locals and your surrounds take care of the fun!

    Avoid the old trap of taking your fully stocked wallet into a bar. As a big night wears on it’s very easy to start splashing around cash, on yourself and the good looking locals. Decide how much you’ll spend before setting off, leave the rest behind, and you’ll be able to do it all again tomorrow!

    piggy bank worldVacations have a way of encouraging us to reach for our wallet and indulge in silly souvenirs we’d never dream of buying at home. Forget the T-shirts, commemorative spoons, or tacky stationery. Instead look for local arts and crafts and other meaningful mementos you’ll enjoy long after the vacation buzz has faded.

    By following these simple tips you can avoid bill shock after your next vacation, which should make your memories of the time spent away a little fonder!

  • Save Money in Expensive Cities – Vacation on the Cheap in Holiday Hot Spots

    Many frugal travelers reject international hot spots like London, Paris, and Sydney in favor of more budget friendly alternatives like Thailand and Mexico. But it’d be a shame to let life pass you by without ever visiting your dream location. The good news is, you don’t have to. So long as you can save the airfare, our handy tips can ensure you save money once you arrive.

    Firstly consider the time you’ll travel carefully. Vacationing in the peak season may offer the best weather conditions, but if you don’t mind a chill you could save some serious cash.

    It’s a bit boring, but creating a budget is the secret to avoiding a vacation blowout. Consider a reasonable amount to spend each day, and then stick to it. Write down your expenses each day to ensure you’re staying on track. You could even find you’ve got some extra spending money at the end of your trip!

    Once you’ve arrived, you’ll need somewhere to lay your head. It can be tempting to stay in the thick of the action, but the most expensive accommodation is generally in the heart of any city. Research the local area before you leave and consider staying on the outskirts to save some extra cash.

    You might be on vacation, but you’ll save money if you spend your time living like a local rather than a tourist. Cook some meals in your hotel room and spend time absorbing the culture rather than frequenting high priced tourist attractions. While you’re soaking up the atmosphere, why not strike up a conversation with a local resident? This is a great way to discover the best value restaurants, affordable accommodation options, and the local gems not listed in the tourist brochures.

    Make sure you travel off the tourist path too when your tummy rumbles. You’ll satisfy your hunger for less by avoiding the city’s usual dining options. When traveling to a foreign country, steer clear of eateries with English menus. Some of Europe’s best value restaurants are in its back streets, and Asian street food is always cheap and delicious.

    piggy bank worldAnd finally, don’t reach for your wallet to keep yourself amused. Big cities always have an abundance of free entertainment, from national parklands and hiking trails to museums, art galleries, and historic sites. If you’re lucky you might also stumble across a free festival or concert. And remember, it’s always free to window shop. Perhaps thanks to our money-saving tips you can even indulge in a few souvenirs!

  • Save Money in Thailand – Frugal Travel Tips for Thai Vacation

    Thailand lures thousands of frugal travelers to its shores each year. They enjoy the country’s weak currency, wile away hours on its pristine beaches, and head back to their relatively affordable lodgings once the sun sets. A vacation in this Asian territory will never break the bank, but with a little local knowledge you can return home with even more baht in your pocket.

    Thai hotels are much cheaper than those outside Southeast Asia, but unless you’re staying for a night or two they don’t represent the best value. Hostels and guesthouses are much more economical for a mid-length stay. If you’re holidaying for more than two weeks, consider renting an apartment. Thailand has many vacation rentals, and that competition ensures they’re not too expensive. They give you all the comforts of home, so you can also cut down on meal and laundry costs.

    Thailand offers all the delicacies of the Western world including hamburger joints and pizza parlors. However it seems they’re simply there to tempt the tourists with their overpriced dishes. Eating local Thai cuisine is much more affordable, and culturally enriching. Indulging in exotic aromatic noodle and curry dishes certainly doesn’t feel like dining on the cheap. Resist the urge to tip too, as this practice is not a Thai custom.

    After a big feed, tourists are typically tempted to knock back a few cleansing ales or cocktails. However anyone wanting to save money in Thailand should give alcohol a wide berth. Avoiding this indulgence will help you save some serious coin. It’s not quite as exciting, but I recommend filling up on water. It’s free in many locations, including Thai banks and Buddhist temples!

    Thai business owners can smell a tourist a mile off, so it’s important to have your wits about you to avoid local scams. Everything seems affordable here compared to the Western world, so it’s not unusual for taxi drivers, street vendors and tour operators to quote their services at several times more than their real value. Seek out locals or expats to clue you in to expected prices, and prepare to haggle with businessmen inflating theirs.

    And finally, plan your trip carefully. Choosing which Thai locations to visit and when could make all the difference to your budget. Thailand enjoys a spike in travel between November and February, but it’s just as pleasant to visit outside these months. While you’ll likely encounter some rain in the wet season from May to November, you’ll also enjoy warm weather and blue skies. In fact, the showers can cool the country down a little and make conditions more pleasant! Traveling during the low season will help you save on airfares, accommodation, car and motorbike rental, and other holiday services.

    A Thai temple protector
    A Thai temple protector

    The idyllic Thai islands of Phuket, Koh Samui, and The Similans are very popular with tourists, but these locations are much more expensive than those on the mainland. I don’t suggest skipping them entirely, but you may want to limit your island time. Koh Lanta should make any frugal traveler’s shortlist. It’s not as popular as some of the other islands, so it’s quieter and cheaper. However its beaches and coves are just as serene, and its local sea gypsies add some real color.

    While you’re planning your vacation budget, remember to save something for a good travel insurance policy. There are many areas to save money in Thailand, but this isn’t one of them.

  • Save Money on Cell Phones – Cheap Calls & Internet Abroad

    In this modern high tech world, jetting off without your cell phone can seem like leaving your right arm behind. However travelers often find those pricy roaming costs can bite the budget harder than hotel mini-bars and excess baggage fees. Too many jetsetters return home to find phone bills costing thousands of dollars. By following these simple tips, you needn’t face such a nasty invoice when you return home.

    Doing some research before you leave can help you save big bucks while you’re away. Speak to your wireless provider and discuss the way you hope you use your cell phone abroad. Will you be making short phone calls to folks at home, sending e-mails to clients, or checking in to Facebook and Twitter? Your provider can explain the fees you’ll incur for voice calls, text messages, and data use. If you’re lucky you might even score a travel package, with minutes or megabytes offered at a fixed price. These packages are typically quite expensive, but for a quick getaway this is a smart solution.

    Swapping out your SIM card for a local one is a better option for most holiday makers. However this won’t work if your phone is locked. Your carrier may unlock your phone if you ask nicely for a small fee, but that’s not always possible. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea though; it’ll just require a little extra outlay. Basic GSM phones can cost as little as $20, depending on where you’re holidaying. Then grab a pre-paid plan and you’re ready to get dialing. Most carriers will be unfamiliar to you, so don’t be afraid to ask the locals what they recommend.

    In some circumstances you can bypass global roaming altogether by using Skype Mobile. This chat program offers subscriptions which allow users to call other cell phones and landlines around the world. By using free wireless hot spots in cafes and airports, it’s possible to call home for only a few cents a minute. That’s a lot better than the deals the cell phone providers offer!

    But these days, cell phones are much more than calling devices. The range of Smartphone travel apps can also make your vacation a bit easier, and cheaper. Downloading apps for dining, public transport, and getting about before you go can help you get the most from a city without logging on to the internet.

    If you must get online though, remember that once upon a time we did it without cell phones! Internet cafes and most accommodation offer computers with internet access. Whether you’re staying in a hostel or a resort, you’ll probably be able to access the net for a few dollars an hour. That might seem like highway robbery compared to what you’re paying at home, but it’s significantly cheaper than the cell phones.Cell Phone

    And finally, consider whether you really need to stay connected. There’s something freeing about doing away with technology and leaving your old life behind for a week or two. Without a ringing cell phone or tweets to disturb you, your vacation will be much more refreshing, and affordable!

  • Frugal Travel in Hong Kong – Cheap Attractions in Asia

    Hong Kong is regarded as one of the jewels of the East, a vacation destination where you can shop up a storm and live in luxury. However it’s still possible to enjoy this exotic Asian country on a budget with several free or frugal tourist attractions.

    One of Hong Kong’s greatest quirks is the world’s longest escalator. You can take it from Victor Harbor right up into the hills. It runs in a different direction depending on the time of day, but if you’re only there for the journey you won’t mind too much where it takes you!

    The Man Mo Temple will help you get your culture and history fix. This holy place at Central features statues of Chinese gods, coiled incense rings, and a wood-fired oven where worshippers burned money to send it to their relatives in the afterlife. While entry is free, small donations are gratefully accepted.

    Public transport is an affordable way to get from point A to point B, but Hong Kong’s more unusual transport options can also be enjoyed for the experience. A ride on the Star Ferry is one of the best ways to see Victor Harbor, and one of the cheapest. The ten-minute voyage will set you back just 30 cents.

    Riding Hong Kong’s historic trolley cars can also be a real thrill, especially if you take a prime position on the top deck. For just 25 cents you can enjoy a great view from high above the buzzing Admiralty and Central districts. The ride is particularly beautiful at night when the city is illuminated with neon and street lights.

    Victor Harbor in Hong Kong
    Victor Harbor in Hong Kong

    While you’re out in the evening make sure you don’t miss the free light show, which brightens the buildings of Central at 8 pm nightly.  The music is a bit corny, but the synchronized lights should mesmerize children and adults alike. Arrive at the Avenue of Stars or Hong Kong Cultural Center early for the best view.

    And it’s always free to explore Hong Kong’s alleyways and wander around Hong Kong Park. This is a country best enjoyed on foot, so why not set off and see where your travels take you?

  • Enjoy a Cheap Disneyland Vacation

    It’s safe to say that when trying to find the ideal destination for a family vacation, Disneyland is often the go-to choice.

    It's hard to resist a vacation that includes family fun, great weather and the familiarity of Disney characters. Not only do children love it, but adults enjoy themselves as well - so long as they're not stressed over the cost of the trip. Here are some ways to enjoy a fun and affordable vacation at one of California's biggest (and most loved!) attractions. Plan in Advance Let's face it. Traveling with kids can be hectic - especially when things are disorganized. Make it easier on yourself by planning in advance. While you may want to jump at the first discount you see, holding out for a better deal may be the best way to go. Planning ahead gives you more time to think things through, while also keeping your eyes peeled for a great opportunity. Also, be sure to set a budget, giving yourself clear boundaries while enjoying Disneyland and the rest of California. Of course, it's tempting to buy all that you can while there, so it's important to stay realistic with your budget. This will help keep yourself in check, while also allowing for some indulgence. Find a Great Disney Package There are a variety of different packages to choose from when looking to have fun in the sun at California's Disneyland. However, the key is to try to stick with more reliable and well-known sources when finding Disneyland vacation packages. Among the best places to look when finding great deals is Travelocity. They often offer great packages, so makes sure to frequently return to the site for an update on the latest deals. Here, you'll have to opportunity to find packages that include booking flights and car rentals. In addition, you could also be looking at getting free tickets to the park. Always a plus! Also, be sure to scope out resources such as Kijubi, City Pass, and Magical Travel, which can offer great discounts to the theme park. In addition, check out our article on great travel deal tips! [caption id="attachment_2833" align="alignright" width="221" caption="Save Money on Your Disney Trip"]cheap travel advice[/caption] Save on Food One of the larger expenses during a vacation is the cost of food, even more so when dealing with a larger group of people. Try to find a cheap hotel or vacation home that includes kitchen utilities such as a fridge, microwave, kettle, etc. Take advantage of this by stocking up on food during your stay. This way, you can save on expensive meals, and replace them with more affordable options. In particular, this is useful for young children, who may be picky eaters. Minimize stress and cost all at once. Rent a Car Though there is debate as to whether a rental car or public transport is more cost efficient, having a simple, reliable way to get around in California is priceless. Instead of paying taxi and bus drivers money every time you want to go somewhere, rent your own vehicle. This way, you have the freedom to go wherever you like at your own pace and enjoy beautiful California on your own time. Aggregators such Kemwel and Kayak are good resources as well as Expedia and Travelocity. Vacationing to Disneyland doesn't have to be scary. Follow some of these suggestions and you'll be well on your way to having a great time. Relax, and enjoy the magic of  Disneyland.

  • Teach English While Traveling

    Hundreds of travelers are teaching English to prolong their stay abroad.

    If you’re interested in traveling but are worried about having enough money to make your trip worthwhile, consider working abroad. 


    Working abroad allows you to live in a different country, experience the culture, travel, make money and prolong your stay. The only catch is that work visas, permits and the legalities surrounding working abroad is sometimes difficult to maneuver. That is why hundreds of native English-speaking travelers turn to teaching English while working abroad.

    Teaching English in Asia or South America is one of the most popular jobs among travelers who are living abroad. Many of the agencies that hire travelers have special permission to employ workers who are not under a specific work visa. This is of course, imperative to double check before you begin working, but regardless of how, there are a wealth of teaching English jobs for expatriates on non-English-speaking countries. Teaching is a wonderful way to examine the differences between your culture and that of the country you live in. You often times make friends with students, learn the foreign language faster and build work experience for your resume while you are traveling. Teaching English can also pay very well. Statistically in Asia, teachers earn more but they are also required to have certain teaching certificates as well. In South America, the pay is less, but so is the cost of living and jobs seem to be much more abundant and easier to procure.

    Working abroad is a great way to prolong your travel experience. Many teachers move from country to country funding their entire trip based off of the money they earn from teaching. This is a great way to expand your travels while gaining valuable work and life experience. FrugalMonkey has resources on working abroad and teaching English abroad in addition to other jobs that allow you to travel while working. There is more than one way to skin at cat and there is more than one way to be successful working abroad. Check out some of the other jobs we have listed.

  • It’s Not Too Early To Think About Summer

    Even though it seems the turn of the year has just passed, it isn’t too early to start making plans in regard to your summer. Especially for college students who want some great summer work, now is a great time to start making plans. If you’ve ever wanted to work at a resort as a lifeguard, bartender, activity organizer, waiter or cook – check out FrugalMonkey’s entire section on working for resort jobs. The travel opportunities are immense during the summer when it comes working for resorts. And you can make great paychecks while enjoying a lifestyle that is more reminiscent of a vacation than a summer job. See the world and make some money while working at a resort this summer. For more information, check out FrugalMonkey’s section on jobs that facilitate travel opportunities and start your search now.


  • Find Cheap Hotel Prices

    Because finding cheap airfare is only half the battle.

    When planning any vacation or backpacking trip, getting there is only half the battle. Similarly, for anyone living and working abroad with plans to travel, getting to South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Alaska or Australia is only a small part in the planning that needs to be done in order to travel as much as possible, and to do so on a budget.


    You need to find cheap hotel stays too! FRUGALMONKEY is here to give you a few tips on finding the cheapest hotel prices possible and advice on how to save money on accommodations while traveling.

    Now is an amazing time to travel with cheap oil prices and a lull in high-end tourism. This translates into excellent package deals for travelers. These deals don’t just stop at cheap airfare prices, but include discounts on hotel stays as well. Right now many airlines and vacation dealers are including hotel stays in their travel packages. So when booking airfare, look for deals that include a cheap hotel stay as well. Additionally, don’t forget about the discount travel sites such as Expedia, Hotwire and Travelocity. Not only do they offer good airfare deals but they also offer searches on hotel stays as well. You’d be surprised how many people didn’t know about the hotel deals they could be finding on discount travel sites. So check them out!

    Finally, one great way to save money on accommodations while traveling is to book your stay in a hostel. Hostels had once been viewed as a rustic way to travel. Today however, more and more hostels are catering to a crowd that values private rooms and bathrooms and better amenities. Many hostels have large private rooms with air conditioning, wireless Internet, private bathrooms, balconies and cable television all included in the price of the room. You might be surprised how nice some hostel accommodations are and how cheap you can find them. Check out sites such as hostelbookers, hosteling international and mini-hostels to find a luxury hostel for low costs and start saving now!

  • Flight Deals To Europe

    European travel is popular because of the wealth of countries and cultures within such close proximity to one another. Additionally, the use of the Euro among many European countries and the ease of traveling within Europe because of the Euro Rail, means Europe is a traveler’s backyard just waiting to be explored. Flight deals right now to Europe are at extreme lows. By utilizing travel auction sites and low oil prices you can find largely discounted flights from all over the world into nearly any European city. Another way to find flight deals into Europe is by calling airlines and asking them directly about flight discounts or packages they are offering. Many people don’t think of airlines as a good place to go, but often times they can offer you help on booking the cheapest flight possible into Europe. By planning your trip right, you could be traveling the Greek Islands or visiting castles in Germany. Don’t let the idea of an expensive flight deter you from seeing some of the most beautiful countries in the world. After all, now you know flying can be cheaper than you previously thought. Enjoy your European vacation, from FRUGALMONKEY!