FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: transportation

  • Save Money on Europe’s Night Trains – Travel While You Sleep

    Accommodation and transport can drain the finances of anyone vacationing in Europe. So why not combine the two? Catching some zees on a night train is a great way to consolidate your expenses. It’s got all the advantages of traditional train travel, with accommodation to boot!

    Europe’s night trains travel long distances, alighting in the evenings and reaching their destinations the next morning. Popular routes take travelers from Rome to Munich, and from Paris to Berlin. Passengers snooze in sleeping compartments known as sleepers, the more affordable couchettes, or standard seats. It’s worth noting that the first two options will add Euro to your standard fare, but this premium is still less than you’d spend on an average hotel.

    Sleepers are the most expensive night train sleeping option. Each compartment has fully reclining seats with a pillow and complete sets of linens. Curtains separating the compartments from the rest of the train offer a little privacy, but unless you buy a single or double compartment you’ll likely be sharing your sleeping space with other travelers. Expect to pay around $50 American dollars for a basic communal sleeper, and up to $150 a night for those double and single compartments.

    You’ll lose that little amount of privacy and the linens if you opt for a couchette. However as they’re much cheaper, with prices ranging from $25 to $50 American dollars, they’re popular with backpackers and other frugal tourists.

    The extra dollars you’ll spend on a sleeper or couchette gives you some added peace of mind. Conductors will hold your passport and keep a watchful eye over your sleeping quarters while you sleep. They’ll also give you a wake-up call, and coffee and a cookie if you’re lucky, to ensure you don’t miss your stop. Sleepers and couchettes are always in demand, so you’ll need to book your place at least a few days in advance.

    Alternatively you can just sleep in your seat. No one’s suggesting it’s comfortable to sit upright, jostled about as the train makes its way through the night, but at least you’re saving money. Just remember that no one else is looking out for you, so take care with your valuables while you slumber. Keep your passport, money and other important documents close to you, ideally in a travel pouch underneath your clothes. You could also loop your backpack underneath your leg to safeguard it from thieves. And remember to set a cell phone alert or travel alarm to ensure you don’t zoom past your destination!

    trainWhile night train travelers love to save money, they also appreciate saving time. By traveling while you sleep you don’t waste waking hours getting to your next location. Instead you’ll arrive at your next port relatively rested and ready to see the sights. Your body may start to complain if you spend too many nights on Europe’s trains, but using them sparingly can be a great way to save cash and travel efficiently around the continent.

    [Image Source: Andrew Bowdan/Flickr]

  • Tips for Traveling Green on a Budget

    I read a lot on travel blogs and in travel magazines about traveling green or low-impact travel. However, did you know that traveling green also tends to be less expensive than more conventional modes of travel? From transportation to lodging, here are some helpful tips for traveling green and saving money in the process. After all, what could be better than that?

    Transportation: Moving Around Ecologically Flights It’s true that flying is not exactly eco-friendly. Do your research before you book to make sure you are flying with airlines that recycle at least some of the waste created when serving food and beverages during the flight.  There are certain airlines like British Airways and Southwest Airlines that maintain a strong commitment to environmental health through a variety of initiatives. An easy way to do your part to help the environment when booking a flight is to use electronic tickets (e-tickets) instead of paper ones. Public Transportation It’s time to start thinking outside the box when it comes to transportation. Instead of automatically renting a car when you travel to a different place, check out the public transportation system in that location. From trains to subways to buses, most cities have the infrastructure to help you get where you need to go while saving the earth and saving money. If you’re worried about getting from the airport to your hotel, call ahead to see if they offer a complimentary van pick-up at the airport. [caption id="attachment_5511" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Biking is an eco-friendly form of transportation that allows tourists to remain autonomous and connect to people and places in deeper and more meaningful ways."]biking vacation photo[/caption] Biking and Rentals Another option is to consider a bike tour. This can be a great way to really see the area you’re visiting and connect with places and people on a deeper level (not to mention the fact that it’s great exercise). In addition to being useful on longer adventures, bikes are a great way to get around a city (European cities are known for their “bike friendliness”) autonomously.  Many cities, such as Paris, now have user-friendly public bike rental programs that allow you to use a bike for as long or as short a time period as you would like. Walking and Hiking Walking tours are a great way to really get to know a city. In addition to going on guide-led walking tours, I’ve discovered many gems on my own by simply walking around a city (things I never would have found if I had been concentrating on driving a rental car). Going for a walk once you arrive at your destination is also an excellent way to stave off jetlag and sore muscles. If you’re into spending time in the great outdoors, considering a hiking trip (or at least make hiking a portion of your trip). Of course, it’s important to respect the local ecological system by not picking plants or wildflowers and staying on the marked hiking paths. Lodging: Staying Green Resorts and Hotels Low-impact lodging has become a buzz phrase in the travel industry. As a result, many hotels and resorts have adapted their daily practices to become more environmentally friendly. Do your research before you book a room to make sure the hotel or resort recycles and participates in energy saving programs. Even if you find yourself staying somewhere that is not exactly green, you can still do your part to reduce your impact on the environment. Let the hotel management know that it is not necessary to change your towels and sheets every day while you are staying with them. Do the same things you would at home to save energy: turn off the AC/heat, lights and TV if you are not using them. Also, if you decide not to use the complimentary bottles of shampoo and soaps, leave them on the counter so that they can be passed on to the next guest. Staying with Friends Of course, few options are more eco- and budget friendly than staying with friends or acquaintances when you travel. And if they happen to be green as well (they recycle, engage in energy saving practices, drive hybrids, etc.), well that’s even better. Camping Of course, camping is generally a low-impact and inexpensive lodging option. If you don’t want to bring all of your camping gear with you, you can always rent tents and such on-site. Only camp in designated camping areas and make sure you leave the campground site exactly how you found it.

  • Frugal Driving in France: Auto Europe’s Peugeot “Buy Back” Program

    Recently, a friend who spent a year WWOOFing through Europe told me about a unique transportation option he chose to use during his time in France, Peugeot’s “buy back” program.

    A decidedly frugal traveler, he had researched several rental options before determining that Auto Europe’s Peugeot “Buy Back” Program (i.e. literally buying a brand new Peugeot to use during his time in France) would suit his needs the best. Sound intriguing? Read on. Here’s the scoop: If you are a non- European Union citizen traveling to France for more than 17 days, you are eligible to purchase a brand new Peugeot, drive it during your budget vacation (like a rental car) and then sell the car back to the dealership at the end of 21 days (or longer). What’s in it for you? [caption id="attachment_5090" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Participating in Peugeot's Buy Back Program is a great way to save money on transportation costs while driving a brand new car!"]peugeot buy back photo[/caption] Price: In terms of cost, it is often less expensive to participate in a buy back program than it is to rent a car for a longer period of time. It is in the dealership’s best interest that the car is well taken care of while in the possession of its first owner (you), so they offer zero deductible insurance coverage and a 24-hour service hotline as part of the buy back package. Convenience: If you are arriving at Charles de Gaulle airport (as most international flights do), there is a Peugeot dealer located very close to CDG where you can buy your Peugeot as soon as you land. You can also request to be picked up at the airport/train station/hotel and taken to the nearest dealership to complete your paperwork. When you go to sell the car back, you can do this at any Peugeot dealership in France. What’s in it for the Peugeot dealership? Avoiding the VAT: All countries in the European Union have a Value Added Tax (VAT) (anywhere between 17-22% percent) that makes luxury purchases like new cars quite expensive for the buyer. If dealerships sell cars that are “slightly-used,” it saves the owner this tax (because the car is no longer new). Don’t worry; you won’t be hit with the VAT as the first-time buyer either. Non-European citizens of the European Union are not required to pay the VAT. So, the Peugeot dealer sells you (a non-European citizen) the car (without VAT) for at least 21 days (this is the shortest amount of time you can legally own a car), you sell it back, and then the dealership sells it to an E.U. citizen or to a rental company (with no VAT, of course, thanks to the fact that you owned it first). Pretty smart, no? Things to consider (both good and bad) if you’re considering participating in the Peugeot buy back program (vs. renting a car):
    • You get to drive a brand new Peugeot
    • The car is fully insured (zero deductible) and you have 24/7 breakdown coverage in case anything goes wrong
    • You need to keep the have the car for at least 21 days
    • You only have to be 18 to participate in the buy back program (most car rentals that require the primary driver to be at least 21)
    • You can pick up and drop off the car in different cities within France (convenient!)
    • You will be charged extra for pick-up or drop-off outside of France
    • You can return the car without filling up the gas tank (which is not the case with most rental cars)
    • The flip side of this is that the car will usually come to you with very little fuel in it, so it’s important to locate a gas station near the pick-up location before you go too far
    • This program has become very popular over the last couple of years. It’s a good idea to reserve a car as soon as possible. To do this, and for more specific information on the program, see: http://www.autoeurope.com/buyback-terms.cfm

  • 8 Tips for Frugal Travel

    Even if you have set a budget ahead of time, it is easy to end up spending way more money than you would have ever imagined on your vacation, especially if you’re traveling abroad.


    Here are some tried and true frugal travel tips to help you enjoy your next trip without breaking the bank. Be realistic with local currency. As soon as you exchange your money, it’s easy to feel like you have a stack of monopoly money in your hands. In addition to reminding aware that you are spending actual money, be sure to come up with a quick way to calculate the exchange rate into your currency (for example, if the exchange rate is 1.345, round that up to 1.5 and multiply every purchase by time and a half). On a related note, before you leave, research what kind of fees your bank or credit card charge for getting cash out of foreign ATMs or for foreign purchases and plan accordingly. Travel with friends. Traveling with friends (or another couple) is a great way to cut down on lodging and other costs. Sharing a large discounted vacation rental (condo or house) with a group of friends can end up being much cheaper than booking a hotel room alone. If you’re your rental has cooking facilities, all of you can go grocery shopping at the beginning of the trip and cook at the house most (or all) nights instead of spending money in a restaurant. And remember, it can be much more fun to travel with another couple or a group of friends! Book a hotel with a continental breakfast (or at least a coffee machine in the room). Most hotels that offer continental breakfasts are not more expensive than their counterparts (i.e. other two-star hotels) that do not. If you have a coffee machine in your room but there is no continental breakfast, scope out the surrounding areas for options. Not having to pay for breakfast and coffee for you and your tribe can really help stretch your dollar (or allow you to spend more on meals out). For meals and shopping, avoid “touristy” areas. Many local businesses prey on tourists’ impulses and, sadly, their confusion by hiking up prices and positioning themselves next to main tourist sites or area. So, even though that crêpe or mini Eiffel Tower may look great, resist the temptation to hand over your euros on the spot. Instead, head to a less touristy area to eat and/or shop there. Not only will it be less expensive, the products and experience will be much more authentic. Remember, picnic lunches are also an inexpensive (and fun) alternative to eating lunch in a restaurant each day. Read out post about eating cheaply in Paris. [caption id="attachment_4411" align="alignright" width="225" caption="Using public transportation is a great way spend less money while traveling."][/caption] Rethink the value of souvenirs. How many times have you purchased an expensive souvenir on a trip and got it home only to think “what I am going to do with this?” That’s the funny thing about being on vacation, we see things we think we “need” to buy that we would never even consider purchasing if we saw it back home. Truth is, many souvenirs are either very expensive (not a great value) or useless (or both). Instead take home local canned goods like jellies or jams, teas and coffees. Each time you enjoy your “souvenir,” it will bring back memories of your trip (and you are sure to use it). Start thinking of your photos and your travel journal as your souvenirs. Chances are, these are the things that will be most meaningful to you years after your trip. Also, don’t feel like everyone at the office or every member of your family needs a “remembrance” of your trip to another country. They’ll be happy just seeing your pictures and hearing your stories. Carry a water bottle and light snacks. Having sustenance on you at all times will help you avoid buying expensive snacks and sodas because your blood sugar is low and you are “desperate.” For health reasons, it’s good to stay hydrated while you’re traveling, especially if you’re doing a lot of walking. Know your cell phone plan. I know many friends who have accrued some major charged on their cell phone bills as a result of making calls or texting from abroad. To avoid these unexpected expenses, read through your cell phone contract or contact your carrier before hopping on the plane so that you understand what the financial implications of calling or texting from abroad will be. Use public transportation as much as possible. Be sure to research the public transportation options in the place you’ll be staying, including reduced rate multi-day/week travel cards. If you know about and feel comfortable with your public transportation options from day one, you’ll feel less tempted to take a cab everywhere you need to go.

  • Berlin (Germany) on a Budget

    A haven for writers, artists and other creative types, Berlin is one of the most financially accessible cities in Europe. As a result of the city’s political instability over the last decade, there are many areas in Berlin where it is possible to find cheap places to stay, eat and visit.


    As is typical when artists enter an area, developers have already started the gentrification process in certain neighborhoods. So visit soon for the best deals! Also, see our piece about eating cheaply in Paris, which was published last week. How to get around: Between the buses and the underground, Berlin’s public transportation system is excellent. Bus Number 100 makes takes a large circular route that hits most of the city's major tourist sites. Berlin's U-bahn/S-bahn lines are very efficient and inexpensive. There are a variety of City Tour Cards or City Passes that allow you unlimited travel on Berlin’s public transit for a specified amount of time (from 48-hours to 1 month, depending on the pass). These can be purchased throughout the city, but the easiest place to buy yours is right at the airport when you arrive. If the weather’s nice, consider renting a bike to transport you around the city (Berlin is an incredibly biker-friendly place). What to eat (heaven for foodies on a budget): [caption id="attachment_4357" align="alignright" width="300" caption="From street food to free entertainment, I describe how to take a budget-friendly trip to Berlin."]travel to germany picture[/caption] There are few places with as many excellent street food choices as Berlin. Stick with street foods like puddingbrezels (a sweet pretzel filled in with custard and sprinkled with rock sugar) or the “national dish” currywurst (sliced, hot pork sausage--“wurst” in German--covered with a combination of ketchup or tomato paste mixed with curry and served with a crusty roll or fries). Berlin is home to one of the world's largest Turkish populations outside of Turkey itself. Look for food stands marked with the sign "Imbiss" where you can get gyro-like sandwiches for low, low prices. Another delicious option is one or several kebabs (“kebap” in Turkish) covered with fresh greens and spiced sauce. Another way to enjoy your kebab is in a thick pita with greens and yogurt sauce (this more portable option is called a döner kebap). Of course, you’ll need something to wash down all of these delicious eats. Beer would be the obvious choice, but give Gluhwein a try as well. It’s a hot, spiced red wine, typically prepared with cinnamon sticks, vanilla pods, cloves, orange peel and sugar. Fruit wines such as blueberry wine and cherry wine are sometimes used instead of grape wine. I like mine best “mit rum” (with a shot of rum). Where to stay: Berlin boasts a variety of economical hotels, hostels and rooms for rent. There are literally hundreds of smaller boutique hotels that offer comfortable accommodations and breakfast for less than 80 euros a night. If you know people living in Berlin, ask them for ideas. It’s relatively easy to find someone willing to rent you a room in their home for a few weeks. What to buy: Berlin’s fashion boutique culture has grown considerably in the past ten years. Though it’s fun to browse in these shops, stocking up on gifts and souvenirs here will surely empty your pockets. For unique, handmade or vintage finds, consider checking out one of Berlin’s many flea markets (flohmarkts). You can find more than just “old stuff” at Berlin’s flea markets; this is also where artisans and craftspeople come to sell their wares. Here are some of the most popular: Flohmarkt am Mauerpark  market is open each Sunday and located near to the Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Stadion M10 tram stop (formerly Oderberger Straße) and is a short walk from the U2’s Eberswalder Straße (Station). Euroflohmarkt is open daily (9am – 6pm; Wed. 3pm – 6pm). Located in Pankow. Nearest U-Bahn station: Vinetastraße (U2); Tram: M1, M13 (Bornholmer Straße / Schönhauser Allee). Straße des 17. Juni Flohmarkt's opening hours are Sat. – Sun. 11am – 7pm. The closest U-bahn stop is Tiergarten. Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz is open Sun. 10am – 5pm; in winter until 4pm. The closest U-bahn stop is Bernauer Strasse. Another good option for shopping is the cultural market at Alexanderplatz or the weekly artist market on Museum Island. If you’re there during Christmas market season, then you’re in luck. There is a huge one at Alexanderplatz where you’ll be able to stock up on holiday goods from the last weekend in October- December.
    What to do: There is plenty of free entertainment available in Berlin. I suggest heading to the parks. For example, musicians and artists fill the expansive Tiergarten park near the city center. Grab the fixin’s for a picnic lunch and enjoy the lovely scenery and, if you’re lucky, live music. Many of Berlin’s historical sites and memorials are free as well. Explore one neighborhood at a time (on foot) and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all of the things you find to do on the cheap.