FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: Travel Deals

  • Helpful Travel Auction Sites

    FrugalMonkey has a wealth of travel auction websites to help you navigate and plan your summer vacation. Travel auction sites like the ones featured on our site, help you to find the cheapest travel deals based on destination or price. You have probably heard of Orbitz, Travelocity or Kayak, but check out these helpful others that are popping up all over the web, ripe with great travel deals.

    FareCaster.com: this helpful site will show you whether to buy your plan ticket or wait for fares to drop
    BING/travel.com: functions a lot like FareCaster, but is Microsoft’s bigger and supposedly better version
    Travelzoo.com: a great online forum of the week’s best travel deals
    Priceline.com: an oldie, but a goodie
    CheapTickets.com: as the name says, these tickets are cheap
    Bestfares.com: a site pooling all the best flight prices
    FareCompare.com: a site that works a lot like FareCaster and Bing Travel

    Check back here for more travel related info, each week!


  • Great Southwest Flight Deal – Friday Only

    If you happen to stumble upon this week’s best flight deal, consider yourself lucky. Today only (beginning at 7:00am and ending at 7:00pm) you can find one way flights on Southwest airlines for as low as $38. Here’s how you do it:

    Southwest has an application on their homepage called DING.


    It is very helpful for finding last minute travel deals through the airline because the application is designated for last minute flights and for offering one-time deals. You will have to download DING onto your desktop in order to search for flights through the application, but once you have it, it is easy to use and can save you a lot of money on otherwise expensive flights. Here are some helpful flight booking tips to get these great summer deals:

    Today, search Southwest for flights from July 7 – Aug 31 and get the major savings. You will have to be lucky enough to find the flight you want on dates that work for your travel plans, but if you do you will enjoy some extremely cheap flight prices. Keep in mind that the initial flight prices don’t include taxes (adding as much as $10 to the flight price), but with prices this low, an extra $10 won’t exactly break the bank.

    If you’re looking for a cheap shorter flight during the best part of summer, take a look at Southwest airlines using DING and enjoy some summer special savings.

  • Five Ways to Save on Travel This Summer

    As you well know, FrugalMonkey is keeping a keen eye out for the best summer deals. Recently Nina Wildorf from Budget Travel was on Good Morning America, sharing Budget Travel’s best ways to save this summer. 


    Here’s what she had to say about finding the best summer travel deals and saving money.

    1. Last Minute Deals
    Most people get a little nervous about waiting to book travel until the last minute, but with travel companies throwing out so many last minute deals, some of the best flight prices can be found in the few days before departure. When airlines and travel companies unload inventories, last minute travelers reap the benefits. Check out FrugalMonkey’s links to excellent last minute travel websites. Some of the best online discounts can be found if you’re trying book a flight at the last minute.

    2. Opportunity!
    Unfortunately in this economic climate a lot of people are getting laid off. But turn this time off from work into an opportunity to travel. With such great travel deals to both domestic and international locations you can find amazing deals. Take the time you have off and enjoy a trip, or go see family and friends. With discounted airfares, hotels and car rentals you can enjoy a trip on a very low budget. You just have to look! Also, Intrepid Travel has a ‘Laid Off Promotion’ where if you book with them and enter the code: 2653, you can travel at a discount of as much as 15%.

    3. Negotiations
    It’s no big secret that now is the time to take advantage of travel deals, but what still remains a secret (until now, that is) is your ability to negotiate with airlines and hotels on what you’re getting. Airlines tend to have more strict policies regarding travel packages but when you’re looking for hotels in Oahu for instance, try bargaining. Hotels are especially eager to get rid of rooms and increase lodging rates. This means you can usually bargain the price down, or negotiate more bang for your buck. If you can’t get the price lowered on your stay, try asking for an upgrade. A lot of the bigger and better rooms are vacant and hotels are willing to make negotiations in order to book rooms. Don’t pay the asking price this summer, instead try talking those hotels and airlines down!

    4. Public Transport
    Don’t forget about the amazing travel deals you can find when you utilize public transportation. Especially trains! In the Northeast of the United States you will save big if you book your train trip at least 14 days out. Savings as much as 20% during the summer.


    Train fares are a great way to enjoy cheap travel. You save on gas money and get to enjoy a good book or the scenery as you make your way. Don’t forget about amazing train vacations like those available on the Alaskan Railroad. It is a great way to save money on a stunning summer vacation.

    5. Girlfriend Vacations
    It may sound silly, but hotels, resorts and airlines are doing anything they can to lure travelers into a summer vacation. This includes girlfriend vacations where promotions and discounts are offered to girls traveling together. Wine tours, spa vacation packages and shopping deals are all included. Take a look at Spafinder.com and Napa Valley travel packages with discounts for women.

  • Travel to Sydney!

    Australia has been a favorite travel destination among travelers and one of FrugalMonkey’s favorite places to talk about! 


    What more do you need besides incredible architecture, cosmopolitan culture, gorgeous beaches, amazing weather, wildlife and adventure?  You probably answered “Not much,” which is why we’re bringing Sydney, Australia to the forefront of this week’s travel deals.

    Check out some of these amazing travel deals to Sydney and take advantage of low travel prices this season.

    Australia’s major airline carrier is Quantas, which flies from most of Australia and New Zealand’s major cities to locations all over the world.  Frequent flights to and from the United States, means that most travelers can find a connecting flight to Australia on Qantas, with ease.  The following flight specials and vacation packages end on June 16, but are a great example of what you’re likely to find this summer while traveling to Australia. Right now you can enjoy round trip airfare from JFK airport in New York and 7 nights stay in a deluxe Sydney Hotel including tickets to the Sydney Wildlife Park for just $999.  When you break it down, that’s no more than $150 per night, per person – an incredible savings on travel to Australia!

    One-way tickets from New York to Sydney are going for as low as $289 with amazing partner deals for people connecting from other cities like Seattle, Chicago and Los Angeles.  When you’re searching for hotels in Sydney look no further than our FrugalMonkey page featuring a number of wonderful places to stay.  But also be sure to check out Qantas Vacation Specials.  Right now travel discounts like $50 a night for 7 nights at the Grace Hotel and more are just a click away!

    When you planning your vacation take the time to do your research.  Deals offered by Qantas and other airline carriers are the lowest they’ve been in years.  Right now, in the travel industry don’t book a vacation unless you can find an incredible deal.  There are so many out there, don’t even think about paying full price!  And when it comes to travel in Australia, be sure to check out FrugalMonkey’s country profile.  We have information on Perth, Brisbane and the Great Barrier Reef – all the information you’re likely to need when traveling to Australia!

  • Destination: Hawaii

    We pride ourselves on offering the best destination profiles along with travel deals that will take you there.


    This week, we’re featuring Hawaii and bringing you all the best discounts and promotions to get you and your family on an amazing summer vacation, while doing so on a manageable budget.

    Hawaii has been on our travel radar for a while and if you’ve been reading our blog, I’m sure you’ve noticed. Travel to Hawaii is in a lull mainly due to problems with the economy. People who used to travel regularly are putting luxuries such as Hawaiian travel on hold in order to save money. The result however, means that the Hawaiian travel industry is in a major slump and the state’s economy as a whole is suffering. In order to entice travelers to the region hotels, cruise liners, flights and vacation packages are slashing prices – making Hawaii not only an amazing destination for luxury travel but now, an affordable one.

    Vacationers can find flights to Hawaii for prices lower than they have been in years. Prices from the west coast were coming in around $600 just last year. This year however, you can find flight discounts from the west coast to Hawaii for as little as $299, with some specials offering deals as low as $150 for one-way flights. This makes the Hawaiian Islands more accessible then they have been in years and travelers are taking advantage. Don’t take our word for it, take a look at some of these amazing vacation deals to Hawaii!

    For as little as $529 you can enjoy four nights in Honolulu at a Maile Sky Court or similar hotel, including airfare from Los Angeles or Seattle. Other prices from west coast cities include flights from San Francisco or Portland for $579 and $779 from Denver. These prices are valid through mid-July when they change, but only slightly.

    Keep an eye out for amazing travel deals to Hawaii. Additionally, keep an eye peeled for deals listed on our blog – we’re on the hunt to bring you only the best!

  • Package Deals for Alaskan Travel

    This week, it’s all about travel packages so check out this great deal that will land you smack dab in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness.

    Mt.McKinley is the tallest peak in Northern America and it resides in Denali National Park, a tourist favorite for summer travel. These two attractions are combined in this great deal provided by Rail Tours. This summer get a 2 for 1 deal on the Princess Rail Tour and lodging at either Denali Princess Lodge or Mt. McKinley Princess Lodge for as little as $99 a night. Both options take you from Anchorage and Fairbanks, into the Alaskan wild by railroad to experience luxury and the outdoors like you have never seen. The railroad is special because it offers you a chance to see Alaska in a way that is impossible by car and difficult to access by hiking. Take advantage of this great package deal by Rail Tours and Princess Lodges.


  • Flight Deals to Cabo San Lucas

    Mexico is a favorite travel location for North Americans because it offers a tropical paradise just a flight or two away. It is also close enough for travelers to enjoy small or week long vacations as opposed to longer vacations that require a great deal of time off work or school. But with summer here and school out Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is the perfect destination for graduation celebrations or just a get away.

    Right now from Los Angeles you can find amazing flight deals to Cabo. With Mexicana airlines there is a round trip flight for only $150. Or, you can fly United and pay only $260. If you’re willing to a make a stop, your flight price will drop significantly. Check out travel auction sites for ongoing deals and of course our blog for all the best ongoing travel info to your favorite vacation destinations.


  • Hawaii Hotels are Cheap All Summer

    Travel to Hawaii is as cheap as it has ever been. This means that not only are round trip flight prices low (as low as $300 round trip from the West Coast) but so are hotel prices. These prices aren’t going anywhere soon, with prices as low as $79 a night through December 21st. So, if you’re looking for a cheap getaway for summer, fall or even winter, think about a trip to Hawaii. Most of the cheapest hotel deals are in Waikiki but other discounts extend to other areas of Hawaii as well. Checkout some of our favorite travel sites such as TravelZoo, Hotwire, Orbitz and Kayak for low fares.


  • Alaskan Cruise Deals

    Check out some of this summer’s hottest cruises to Alaska. Right now you can join the thousands of people who will be taking a luxury cruise into Alaskan waters this summer.

    Our Top Pick for Alaskan Cruises this week comes from Celebrity Cruises. This summer you can take a 7-night cruise through Alaskan waters and Hubbard Glacier for as low as $379. Dates for this price run through September.

    Or, sail from Anchorage with Sapphire Princess Sailing on another 7-night cruise for only $449.

    Cruises to Alaska are a great way to enjoy a summer vacation and experience the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. Check out more about cruises into Alaska and travel into Alaska with FrugalMonkey.


  • Resources for your Memorial Day Weekend

    Memorial Day weekend is a popular weekend for domestic travel. The weather is improving and this long weekend represents the beginning of summer travel.


    A lot of people hit the road and travel via car for a hiking or camping weekend away. While others take flights and go a little further in order to enjoy the weekend off. Whatever your travel plans, take a look at these travel resources that will help you plan the perfect Memorial Day vacation.

    Flights
    If you haven’t booked a flight it isn’t too late. There are lots of travel deals regarding domestic flights for the upcoming weekend. Be sure and take a look at travel auction websites These sites are a great resource for any last minute travel, and for cheap travel packages. Perhaps a weekend trip to Vegas? Right now you can find extraordinarily cheap flight deals to Vegas. Or, if you’re flying south for some surf and sun, flights to Southern California are also discounted heavily. Search those key words on travel auction sites and book your vacation away, at low, low prices.

    Rental Cars
    Rental cars commonly represent a big travel charge while vacationing. But it doesn’t have to. If you’re going out of town and need to purchase a rental car for your Memorial Day weekend then take a look at these travel deals. FrugalMonkey suggests looking through travel auctions sites. These sites also offer great deals on rental cars. Additionally, right now Hotwire is offering rental cars for as low as $14 and up. This is a great way to save on this usually expensive travel cost. Also, be sure to look up car rental discount codes online. By simply searching for discount codes you can sometimes find incredible deals!

    Don’t forget to check out FrugalMonkey’s destination profiles also. Trips to Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico are perfect for a long weekend away.