FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: transport

  • Get Walking on Your Next Vacation

    Most articles about frugal travel focus on finding cheap flights and navigating public transport. But there’s a much cheaper way to get around your next holiday hotspot. It doesn’t take a lot of preparation or planning. In fact, you can do it right now. Just grab a pair of sensible shoes and start walking!

    Why We Love Walking

    One of the key advantages of walking for frugal travelers is the bottom line. You can walk anywhere for free! That’s logically true, but practicality’s another matter. It’s best to stay close to the heart of the city with its facilities and attractions if you’re planning a walking vacation, especially if you have kids in tow. This can be more expensive, but you’ll likely recoup these savings with your reduced transport costs.

    Walking also lets you really experience the flavor of your destination. It allows you to stop and appreciate the streets around you, rather than watching them whizz by from a bus or train window. If something piques your interest, you can divert from your path and explore. You’ll likely discover local secrets that aren’t on any tourist map and have more opportunities to mingle with the residents.

    The average holidaymaker tends to gain five to 10 pounds sampling those breakfast buffets and local delicacies, but walking can help you buck that trend. It’s a very accessible form of exercise that’s much easier to incorporate into your vacation regime than a session in the gym.

    Walking won’t just benefit you though. It’s also great for the planet as it’s one of the few types of transport that leaves no carbon footprint! Even if you’re not an ecotourist, you’ll appreciate your efforts to keep the air clean as you breathe it in on your walking adventures!

    Make the Most of Your Walking Vacation

    A pair of sensible shoes is essential for any walking tourist. They needn’t be sneakers, but they should have arch support and flat soles. Running shoes, hiking boots or sandals, or even a well-made pair of dress shoes can work well. It’s important to consider the type of walking you’ll do though. Something as simple as a pair of flip flops will suit walks around the city, but hiking boots are essential if you plan on hitting the trails.

    While walking is ideal for spontaneous travelers, there’s merit in planning a route. This will ensure you see points of interest and don’t get lost. It’s a good idea to take a tourist map with you on your travels, as they have attractions, bathrooms, and restaurants clearly marked. Find them at your hotels, tourist information centers, and tourist attractions.

    walking_awayAn oversized handbag might be fashionable, but it’ll quickly lose its appeal after a day on your feet. We suggest only packing the essentials in your pockets or a small cross-body bag. Just make sure there’s space for a bottle of water, especially you’re vacationing during summer. It’s easy to dehydrate on a day outdoors, particularly if you’re tackling challenging terrain.

    With the right attitude and preparation, days spent walking can be the highlight of any 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.

  • Explore India on a Jeep Safari

    India is a vast country with many places begging to be explored, but few tourists ever reach some of the nation’s most breathtaking spots.

    The country's deserts and mountains are not easily accessible by traditional Indian transport, but don't let that stop you discovering them. A jeep safari is up to the challenge! The rugged jeeps are made for dealing with the varied terrain you'll encounter in the Indian wilds. One can take on the sandy ground of the Thar Desert, and then switch gears to tackle the rocky Manali Leh route across the Himalayan Mountains. The majestic Himalayan Mountains are the most popular place for a jeep safari. You'll travel through rugged valleys untouched by the commercialism of India's major centers. A highlight of your journey is Pangong Tso Lake, a high-altitude basin which serves as a summer home for many migrating birds. This serene wilderness is breathtaking, so make sure your camera is fully charged. [caption id="attachment_4769" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Himalayan Mountains"]The Himalayan Mountains[/caption] If you'd like to connect with the locals, consider traveling through Uttarakhand's Kumaon and Garhwal regions are worth a visit. The area has small hill towns with marketplaces where you can by textiles and woolen items carefully crafted by neighborhood women, as well as homemade pickles and chutney. If locals of a different kind pique your interest, you'll find them at India's remote parks. Some of the best include the Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, and Sariska and Jim Corbett National Parks. Many travelers join a camel safari tour to explore these inaccessible areas, but a jeep is much quicker, and more comfortable. Of course you'll pay for those advantages, and the experience isn’t quite as unique, but if you have the cash to spare this is the better option for an extended journey. The Indian landscape is unforgiving, so it's not advisable to go it alone. You could join an organized convoy if you enjoy traveling in a group, or hire a guide if you prefer a more intimate travel experience. You may be a confident driver, but the guides know the safest traveling routes and essential travel items. Hiring a guide allows you to linger a little longer at places of interest and skip through the boring bits without feeling tied to the schedule of a group, but you'll lose out on the social aspect. Whatever style of jeep safari takes your fancy, a local tour company such as Peak Adventures or Ibex Expeditions can organize it. ?

  • Vacation on a Budget in Affordable Tonga

    The South Pacific has a reputation as a luxury holiday destination, with the prices to match. If you don’t want to abandon your dreams of a Pacific getaway but you’ve got a strict budget to follow, consider heading to Tonga.

    This island nation has a reputation as the best value destination in Oceania. While those with cash to spare can splurge on deluxe digs, there are a wide range of accommodation for travelers on a budget. There are many affordable options scattered around the islands including Otuhaka Beach Resort in Tongatapu, Paradise Hotel on Vava’u, and SandyBoyz Motel in the capital city, Nuku'alofa. They might not offer the most plush accommodation or all the modern conveniences, but these modest options have everything you really need in some beautiful locations. Travelers from the Northern Hemisphere are eligible for an Air Pass, which allows them to fly between the islands of Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai, and 'Eua for a fixed price. Tourists from the south can save cash by catching the inter island ferries. The sea journey is slower, but more affordable. Tongatapu has Tonga's most extensive bus network, although some buses also run on Vava'u and the tourist centers of Lifuka and Foa in Ha’apai. The bus stops of Tongatapu are marked by the word "Pasi"; elsewhere you’ll need to flag down a bus as you would a taxi. Bus fares are inexpensive, ranging from 50 seniti to T$2. There are many inexpensive activities to pass to your time in Tonga. Relaxing on the sandy beaches and swimming or snorkeling in the oceans around Tongatapu and Ha'apai is an easy way to pass the time. Visitors can immerse themselves in Tonga's history with a trip to the ancient Royal tombs at Lapaha and the Ha'amonga’a Maui trilithon, Tonga's answer to Stonehenge. The natural wonders of Tonga also cost nothing to enjoy. You can hike through the tropical rainforest at 'Eau or marvel at the massive volcanic crater on Tofua Island. One thing's for certain; even if you're not spending a lot of money in Tonga you certainly won't be bored!

  • Getting Around Vanuatu, A Guide to Transport in Vila and Luganville

    Many tourists are content to spend their Vanuatu vacation lazing by the pool of their resort with a cocktail in hand. But if you hope to explore, there are a few transport options worth considering.

    Vanuatu’s bus service may seem chaotic to Western tourists. The buses don’t run to any timetable, and there are no regular bus stops! But you’ll find many of these buses in the major tourist areas of Vila, Luganville, eastern Santo, and eastern Malekula.

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    Look for the vehicles bearing a red letter B near their numberplate, and flag them down as you would a taxi. As there are no set routes, the drivers will happily drive you to any destination on the island.

    The taxis in Vila and Luganville look like regular sedans, while in regional areas you’ll find four-wheel drive vehicles marked with a red letter T. The amount charged will depend on the distance you’re traveling, and the condition of the road. To avoid a nasty scare at the end of your journey, you can ask the driver before you set off. Taxis are scarce on Sundays and public holidays, so be prepared to wait longer when traveling on these days.

    If you’d prefer to take charge of your travel consider hiring a car or scooter. Cars are available to drivers aged 23 and over, while scooters are available for riders 17 and over. An international drivers license is not required, but drivers must have held a license in their own country for at least one year. The tourist centers of Vila and Luganville have a maximum speed of 50 km/h, but there are no speed limits in rural area. However as many roads are in poor condition, it’s not advisable to go too fast! Cars in Vanuatu travel on the right side of the road, and seatbelts are not compulsory.

  • Ride the Naked Bus, Stripping Travel Costs in New Zealand

    Tourists looking to travel around New Zealand on the cheap should forget about planes and hire cars. There’s a much more affordable travel option: the cheekily named Naked Bus.

    Since 2006, Naked Bus has been providing budget travel between New Zealand’s major cities and towns.

    Its initial four routes have expanded to a national network crossing the North and South Island. If you want to jump from one to the other, that's no problem either. For an additional $39 your Naked Bus trip can include the ferry ride across Cook Strait. The first seat on every service costs just one dollar, so the sooner you book the less you'll pay. Naked Passports are also available, giving tourists discounted travel on a minimum of five trips. The priciest option is the Unlimited Travel Pass, although at less than $600 for a full year's travel it’s a great option for those taking an extended stay. Naked Bus staff are also happy to book activities for their guests, including the blackwater rafting in Waitomo or bungee jumping from the Auckland Bridge. Every activity you book also reduces the price of your bus fare. Day trips are also available at discounted prices, including scenic trips to Milford Sound or whitewater rafting adventures in Rotorua. Travelers can book a Naked Bus trip through their website or by calling 0900 62533 from a cell phone in New Zealand. Booking confirmation is sent via SMS, which is then shown to the driver.

  • Getting To and From Auckland Airport – New Zealand Transport Made Easy

    Auckland Airport is the largest in New Zealand, the gateway to your Kiwi getaway. However its location in suburban Mangere, a small town 21 kilometers out of Auckland, can perturb some visitors. With a little know how though it’s not hard to make your way from the airport to the city center and other local vacation spots.

    Regular MAXX bus services connect the airport to Auckland City and other major centers, including Paptoetoe, Manukau, and Botany.

    The MAXX website offers timetable information for its bus services. In addition to Auckland's regular MAXX bus service, Airbus Express also offers bus travel exclusively for travelers. Look for the bright blue buses,' which will take you to Auckland's central business district, the city's ferry terminal, or the suburban areas of Manukau, Botany, Pakuranga, and the Northshore. One-way tickets are available on board for approximately $12 NZD. City buses leave every 15 minutes, while suburban routes travel a little less frequently. Taxis and the larger shuttle buses will also take you from the airport to your accommodation. You'll find taxi ranks outside the arrivals area of the international airport, and outside the luggage collection area at the domestic terminal.cheap new zealand flights You can expect to pay between $60 and $80 NZD for a taxi to the city, and between $30 and $40 per person for a shuttle bus. Regular, affordable transport options make it easy to get from Auckland Airport to your accommodation. However, if you are lost or confused about which mode of transport will suit your needs, simply ask one of the friendly staff members at the visitor information kiosks around the airport.

  • Transport Tips for Traveling Around India

    A vast number of transport options make getting around India easy.

    Few tourists take self-driving vacations in India. While India’s largest cities have international car rental companies like Budget and Hertz, the challenging urban driving conditions are a deterrent.

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    It’s more common for visitors to hire a car which comes with its own driver.

    While inner-city driving is not recommended, India is ideal for long motorcycle journeys. Motorcycles handle the country’s pitted roads better than four-wheeled vehicles do, and there’s the freedom to stop when something catches your eye. Many people begin their motorcycle journey in Delhi and travel to Rajasthan, South India, or Ladakh. Providing you have the correct paperwork, you may also like to ride to Nepal, Bangladesh, or Bhutan. When hiring a motorcycle, look for bikes covered by third-party insurance. It’s not unusual to leave your passport, airline tickets, or a large cash sum as a security deposit. While solo touring holds a certain appeal, many tourists prefer to join an organized group. Companies including Wheel of India, Classic Bike Adventures, and Himalayan Roadrunners all offer tours including support vehicles, mechanics, guides, and bike hire.

    Buses are India’s most inexpensive transport option. While services are fast and regular, the country’s perilous roads and the risk-taking nature of many drivers can make bus travel a harrowing experience. Government buses are the safest options, but seats can be booked months in advance. Private buses are less expensive, but they are often overcrowded and their drivers regularly exceed recommended speeds. Luggage may be stored underneath the bus or on the roof. If your bags are on the roof, make sure they are closed tightly and secured to the metal baggage racks as the bumpy roads may send suitcases flying.

    Compass

    While it is regarded as risky in many Western countries, hitch-hiking is an established part of Indian culture. Truck drivers stand in for bus services in remote areas including Ladakh, Lahaul, and Spiti. They charge a small fee for this service, which can be negotiated. But this can often prove difficult as few drivers speak English. While hitch-hiking is common, women are cautioned against doing it alone.

    Train travel offers a more luxurious experience for tourists. The network is extensive and prices are affordable. Major cities also have suburban networks, although these trains can become overcrowded in peak times. While the ticket buying process can seem confusing, most stations have English speaking staff to assist foreign travelers. The Indian Railways site offers timetables of all major train lines.

    A variety of water transport options help travelers make their way across and down India’s waterways. Wooden canoes and primitive coracles are inexpensive passenger options, while larger ferries can transport guests and their cars. Most boats will accept an extra fee to transport bikes and motorcycles.