FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: travel tips

  • 8 Inexpensive Ways to Green Your Next Vacation

    As global warming continues to take its toll, travelers want to be sure that discovering the planet won’t ruin it for future generations. Ecotourism is an exciting new trend, but sustainable lodging and vacation packages can often cost a bomb. Happily though, you don’t need to invest in expensive accommodation and extras to vacation a little greener. Read on to discover sustainable traveling tips that won’t hurt your hip pocket.

    Stay Close to Home

    The further you go, the higher the cost to our planet. It’s exciting to consider discovering a far-flung destination, but have you fully explored your own backyard? Chances are there are plenty of hidden holiday gems in your own state, or even your own country. You could even explore your own city on a staycation! Look to these destinations if you want to minimize your carbon footprint and save money.

    You’ll also cut your carbon emissions, and see much more, if you focus on just one or two destinations rather than hopping around from one holiday spot to the next.

    Carbon Offset Your Flights

    Of course no one wants to be restricted to domestic travel all the time. If you’re itching to travel abroad, make sure you do it on a carrier that allows you to carbon offset your flights. Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, Thai Airways, Air New Zealand, and United Airways all allow travelers to offset their flights for a small additional fee. This can be just a couple of dollars, which you’ll never miss!

    Travel Lightly

    The heavier your luggage, the more fuel it’ll take to transport it. Taking more luggage may also see you slugged with excess baggage charges. That means you’ve got two great reasons to leave behind the kitchen sink! Click here to read some simple tips for packing light.

    Pack Green

    Traveling green isn’t just about how much you take, but what you take. There are several sustainable choices you can make when packing your suitcase.

    For a start, consider what you’ll carry your luggage in! Many manufacturers use eco-friendly and recyclable materials to craft their suitcases and backpacks. Alternatively, you can cut costs and go green by choosing a second-hand case.

    Opt for rechargeable batteries rather than throwaway ones to power your devices. They cost a little more at first, but pay for themselves very quickly. Solar-charged gadgets also need nothing more than the sun to stay charged.

    Forget Rental Cars and Cabs

    Rental cars and cabs might be convenient, but they’re also far from the greenest ways to get about. Both see gas emissions pumped into the atmosphere for your single journey. It’s much more sustainable to join other travelers on public transport options like buses and trains. You’ll also pay a fraction of the price to use these services.

    If you don’t have far to travel though, remember that walking and cycling are the greenest ways to get about. They have no carbon footprint at all! Walking’s completely free, and bike hire is generally affordable. Both transport methods are great ways to discover your vacation spot, as you’ll undoubtedly find new places to explore on the way to your destination.

    Live as Green as You Would at Home

    When we slip into vacation mode, it’s easy to let standards slide. However keeping them up can have a big impact on the planet. Make sure you only turn on the lights you need, and turn them all off when you leave the room. Don’t leave your air conditioner or television running, and remember to conserve water.

    Many hotels will only launder your towels if you leave them on the bathroom floor. Remember to hang yours to reuse them if you’re staying more than one night. This is another great way to save water.

    Enjoy Eco-Friendly Activities

    Taking a trek, joining a bike tour, or exploring a wildlife sanctuary are all green ways to pass the time on vacation. These activities won’t pollute the planet, and they’ll also help you learn about the natural world around you. Often you can do these activities for free. Those that attract a fee usually cost far less than big tourist drawcards like theme parks and luxury tours. Often the cost of admission is also invested into conservation and preservation programs.

    Buy Local

    Hands making a heartBuying local doesn’t just support the small businesses operating in the town you’re visiting. It also cuts your carbon footprint. Importing stock guzzles gas. Eating at restaurants that serve local produce and buying souvenirs made in the local area is a great way to go green, and immerse yourself in the true culture of your vacation spot.

    Employ these green travel tips and enjoy the good karma that comes!

  • How to Fight Jet Lag – Vacation Without the Fatigue

    Few things can slow you down on an overseas vacation like jetlag. A nasty case of fatigue can see you bedridden and wasting your valuable time abroad. Here are a few handy tips that will help you feel bright eyed and bushy tailed throughout your international adventures.

    Your battle against jet lag begins before you even set off. Many swear by pre-travel sleep deprivation. They feel this tactic will help them sleep on their travels and arrive feeling well rested. Unfortunately all it will do is kickstart poor sleeping patterns. It’s difficult to get quality sleep in transit, so it’s better to leave well rested. This will help your body compensate for any sleep lost on your journey.

    Changing your sleeping patterns before you leave is one common practice that has some merit. If your work schedule allows, you can gradually shift your routine to match your destination. Remember to change your eating habits too and you should barely notice a difference when you touch down.

    Booking a flight with an international stopover isn’t just a way to see another destination and save on the price of your airfare. It can also help combat jet lag. Even a short stopover can help you feel rejuvenated. All you really need is enough time to take a shower or a swim, eat some quality food, and kick back. It really does recharge the batteries!

    Don’t get complacent once you board the plane. Your fight against jetlag isn’t over yet! While you’re in transit you’ll want to drink, drink, drink. We don’t mean that complimentary alcohol or caffeinated beverages either. These tempting drinks can actually disturb sleep and exacerbate jet lag symptoms. Downing water isn’t very exciting, but it’s the best way to avoid dehydration.

    You’ll need something to go with those beverages, and we suggest choosing something full of carbohydrates. Pasta and rice dishes send a shot of tryptophan to the brain, where it’s turned into sleep-inducing serotonin. Once your body is flooded with this relaxing natural chemical, you’ll find it easier to sleep on a cramped cattle class cabin. Thankfully carb-laden dishes are often part of airline menus!

    It’s difficult to enjoy restful slumber while traveling, even if you’re in a carb coma, but you can do a few more things to improve the quality of your catnaps. Eyeshades and earplugs can help block out the sights and sounds of the cabin. Natural remedies like melatonin or valerian can also help you doze off, but avoid stronger medications. These can inhibit your ability to adjust to a new sleeping regime.

    You’ve touched down and you’re feeling fine, but it’s no time to get smug. While it’s tempting to harness all that energy and hit the bars, it’s important to maintain your regular sleep schedule. Getting less sleep than usual is a recipe for fatigue. We’re not saying that you can’t party hard. But if you are raging until the wee small hours of the morning, consider indulging in a siesta during the daylight.

    You can improve the quality of your vacation sleep with the aid of some lavender oil. This mild sedative promotes deep sleep and ensures you’ll awake feeling refreshed. Sprinkle a few drops onto your hotel pillow and let the heady scent weave its magic!

    Girl in bedWe also suggest bypassing your usual morning cereal for bacon and eggs or a Spanish omelette. Eating protein-rich foods will help you feel alert, not just in the morning but throughout the day.

    We all know time is money, so why spend yours sleeping off that jet lag? It’s easier than you think to fight that frustrating vacation fatigue.

  • Stay Healthy on your Next Vacation

    There’s nothing worse than getting sick while you’re on vacation. Instead of seeing the sights, you’ll likely spend time staring at the four walls of your hotel. And it’s difficult to enjoy the local delicacies when you can barely keep a bite down. That unfortunate illness can also eat a sizable hole in your finances, especially if you forgot to neglected to buy travel insurance! While a hospital stay can cost you an arm and a leg, even seeing a doctor and purchasing simple medications can be pricy. There’s no fool proof way to stay well, but following our tips will help you minimize the risks.

    Your healthy holiday practices should start the moment you leave home. Stock up on nutritious snacks so you won’t be tempted to gorge on all the wrong things. Fresh fruit, nuts, jerky, and wholegrain snack bars are all ideal options. Just remember to finish the fruit before you enter another country or state, as you may not be able to take the treats across the border. Make sure you also pack a few bottles of water. Flying is particularly dehydrating, but driving long distances isn’t much better on your system! If you’re flying, make sure you get plenty of rest to avoid jetlag at your destination. If you’re driving, take regular breaks to ensure fatigue doesn’t set in.

    Once you touch down it’s time to slip on your walking shoes and explore your surrounds. It’s not just a great way to become familiar with your destination; it’s also a sneaky way to enjoy some exercise. Wearing the right shoes will allow you to walk further and ensure you don’t damage your feet. They need to be in tip-top condition for more sightseeing after all! We suggest taking the business card for your accommodation with you on your journey; if you wander too far or get lost you can simply hail a cab for the return leg.

    While you’re out and about, it’s time to replenish your snack stock. Keeping some nutritious goodies on hand at all times will keep your energy levels up while you’re out and about. It’s also much easier on your wallet to buy snacks from a store in bulk than impulse high-calorie items on the go. Remember to buy some bottled water too, as water from the faucet may be unsanitary in some locations.

    Friendly locals and hotel staff can point you in the right direction of your destination’s dining delights. Eating in these recommended establishments will minimize the risks of food poisoning and upset tummies.

    If you’re a gym junkie, it’s smart to stay somewhere with one on site. It might mean you’ll need to splurge on a hotel rather than a hostel, but this can be cheaper than paying for short-term gym membership. If you can’t afford the extra, remember to utilize your natural surrounds. Swim in the ocean, hire a bike and cycle the city’s streets, or hike its mountains. Just make sure you follow our hiking safety tips if you plan on hitting the trails! Maintaining your regular workout regime is the best way to ward off disease.

    Girl jogging near Bondi BeachThat doesn’t mean you should overdo it though. While staying healthy is important, so is enjoying your vacation. Allow yourself some time to unwind, and make sure you indulge in a few rich desserts. That balance is the key to enjoying a healthy and happy vacation.

  • Meet the Locals On Your Next Vacation

    We’re all told to chat to the locals to enjoy an authentic experience on vacation. But how does one meet a local? They’re not in the queue for the popular tourist attractions, or drinking at the kitschy pubs. This article suggests ways you can make contact with the residents of your next holiday hot spot.

    For many of us the connections are made before we start our journey. The internet makes it very easy to forge friendships with folks abroad. Spend time interacting on travel forums and blogs. Look outside your usual sphere on social networking sites and comment on the posts of friends of friends. And if you’re really game, why not try couchsurfing? Staying with a friendly local you’ve met online is a great door to an authentic vacation experience.

    Once you arrive, make sure you ditch your guidebook. These travel books are handy for tourists who want to tick all the usual boxes, but not so great for anyone looking to immerse themself in local culture. The residents aren’t dining at the restaurants featured in its pages, or partying at its nightspots. You’re more likely to stumble across friendly locals by exploring the city at your leisure. Don’t forget the back streets!

    Give a wide berth to anywhere that looks like it caters for tourists. Stores selling souvenirs should be avoided. If you’re visiting a non-English speaking country, restaurants with English menus should also be missed. You’ll likely pay more for a watered-down version of local culture and the only people you’ll strike up a conversation with will be other travelers.

    Remember that restaurants aren’t the only places to find food either. While they’re staples for tourists, they’re an occasional treat for locals. Instead the residents source their food from bustling markets and supermarkets. If you do too you can strike up a conversation, and grab some interesting local ingredients for your dinner. If you’re lucky, you might even score an invite for a home-cooked meal!

    Keep your ear to the ground and listen out for news of local festivals. These events bring the town together and encourage locals to socialize. Their party atmosphere is provides the perfect opportunity for making new friends. Many also offer a full day’s entertainment for free!

    After a busy day it can be tempting to retire to your accommodation. Resist the urge though, because making connections is easiest once the sun goes down and the alcohol is flowing. The locals are probably winding down after a hectic day at work, and chatting to someone from abroad is a great distraction from the nine to five. If you’re lucky you might score an invite to a cool gallery opening ormusical performance that’s a tourist-free zone.

    handshakeIf your attempts at friendliness don’t work, don’t sweat it. Some country’s residents prefer to keep to themselves, while others are more welcoming. If you find yourself alone at least take comfort in the knowledge you did your best to socialize.

    Rubbing shoulders with the locals will give you a different perspective on your dream holiday hotspot. You’ll learn about the city’s real culture, and probably avoid those high tourist prices as well!

  • First Time Camping Tips – Camping for Beginners

    The daily grind is getting you down, and another weekend at home seems like little respite. You’d take a vacation, but your bank balance won’t stretch to a hotel. And so you begin to consider something you thought you never would: a camping trip. While the thought of inclement weather, too many baked beans, and things that go bump in the night can be scary, this guide will help you overcome those first time jitters and enjoy your debut camping trip.

    Packing is your first obstacle, as it’s a little different for a camping trip. Without a stocked hotel to rely on, campers need to bring their own bedding, basic kitchen equipment, a cooler stocked with food and drink, lighting, and entertainment. Making a list a few days before is a great way to ensure everything you require ends up in your car.

    It’s a common misconception that all campgrounds are created equally. So it’s important to research your destination to ensure it offers the creature comforts you need. Beginner campers can feel out of their element without public restrooms or powered sites. Of course once you get the hang of the great outdoors, there’s something to be said for going back to basics! Ask your friends for their favorite camping spots, or chat to your local scout troop or camping store staff.

    Once you’ve settled on your destination you’re ready to reserve your campground. In the digital age you can book in to a campground online, just as you would a hotel or resort. User-friendly websites like ReserveAmerica and KOA Kampgrounds make the process simple. Just make sure you read the cancellation policies before you commit, as they can vary from park to park.

    On arrival at the campground, it’s time for the novice camper to become bewildered once again. Setting up camp can be daunting, but it needn’t be if you consider a few simple points. Smooth, dry ground is best for pitching a tent. No one wants to sleep on soggy, uneven land! Think about your conditions and the surroundings too. If it’s cold you’ll want to find somewhere sheltered, but if it’s warm you might sniff out a cooling coastal breeze. And if you can find a spot with ocean views or the clear night sky above, so much the better. Five-star hotels often don’t enjoy such amazing outlooks!

    When you’re camping the great outdoors is your playground. Make sure you explore the local area’s hiking trails and go swimming in its waterways. Fishing is another great way to spend some time. If you’re lucky you might even hook your dinner! Once the sun goes down make sure you rediscover simple pleasures like sharing ghost stories, playing card games, and putting on a shadow puppet play.

    After a day’s activity your tummy’s probably rumbling. Gone are the days where camping means basic meals of canned slop. You can take a small camp stove or dutch oven and cook up most things you’d serve at home. If you don’t have that equipment, try wrapping meats, seafood, and potatoes in heavy duty aluminum foil and roast them over hot campfire coals. Food steams inside the foil parcels as they cook, which makes for mouth-wateringly tender meals. And don’t forget roasting marshmallows over the fire for dessert!

    TentsA camping trip isn’t just a cost-effective vacation. It forces modern families to leave technology behind and reconnect with the world around them and each other. It’s also a much more eco-friendly style of travel than your usual getaway. And after spending so much time in the great outdoors, you’ll probably feel a bit more protective of the world around you! These benefits to your personal relationships and the planet may even be greater rewards than the dollars you’ll save!

  • Avoid Food Poisoning on Vacation – Tips for Safe Eating Abroad

    When you’re traveling on a budget you’ll invariably forgo those Michelin-star meals in favor of street food and cheap takeaways. Many of these inexpensive meals can be unexpected culinary marvels, but if you’re unlucky they could also leave you spending much of your vacation in the bathroom. Read on to discover how best to avoid food poisoning on the road.

    Unsanitary water is one of the biggest causes of food poising abroad. In many parts of Asia, South America, and Africa you can’t simply rely on getting safe drinking water from a tap. Bottled water is a necessary expense for staying hydrated when abroad. Make sure you always check the seals to ensure you’re getting just what you pay for. It’s also smart to consider unexpected ways you could consume local water, such as ice cubes, washed fruits and vegetables, or cutlery and plates. To be on the safe side only accept drinks without ice, eat whole fruits with protective peels, and keep a stack of paper plates in your backpack!

    Street food is one of Asia’s great joys, but it can also be a source of food poisoning. It’s much safer to eat freshly cooked meals than anything that’s just been warmed through or served cold. Many of these dishes are prepared earlier in the day, and left to sit for hours. Look for vendors with kitchen and refrigeration facilities in plain sight for extra peace of mind.

    Street Food in Vietnam
    Street Food in Vietnam

    Refrigeration is also a concern in Asia’s mobile ice cream stalls. Many don’t have the best freezers, and eating their desserts can make you ill. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the frozen treats at cafes and supermarkets.

    Some Asian nations also have incredible seafood, but unless it’s live you can’t be sure of its freshness. Only indulge if you can choose your crustaceans and fish from a tank.

    Of course nothing is certain, but if you follow our tips hopefully you’ll keep your health, and some money in your wallet, on your next vacation.

  • Avoid Hotel Fees – Tips for Saving on Accommodation

    Gone are the days when paying the hotel tariff entitled us to enjoy all the perks our accommodation offered. Today our rooms are full of traps which can drain the pockets of the uninitiated. Here’s our guide to avoiding those pesky accommodation fees.

    Look out for parking. The days of complementary hotel parking are all but over. These days you’ll likely spend a significant amount on daily parking, and even more if you hand your keys to a valet. These charges can add up, particularly if you are enjoying an extended getaway. Consider parking off site, such as in the local council’s parking lot or in a well-lit back street. Or perhaps leave your car at home altogether. Using public transport rather than your own vehicle is often a more economical choice.

    Beware the mini bar. Those in-room candy bars and alcoholic beverages may look tempting, but they come with inflated prices. The treats may be convenient, but you’ll find similar items at a local store. Don’t think you can outwit the hotel either by enjoying the snacks, then replacing them later. Many high tech mini bars have sensors which signal to the front desk the moment an item is removed!

    Hang up the phone. Most accommodation comes with in-room phones, but resist picking them up. Many hotels even charge for local calls, and the price for dialing long-distance can be astronomical. Using your own cell phone is generally a much smarter option, although remember to consider international roaming charges if you’re holidaying abroad.

    Re-use your towels. This tip isn’t simply about saving the planet; it could also save you serious coin. Most hotels have a warm, fuzzy sign encouraging guests to re-use their towels as an environmental measure. It seems like a gentle note, but most guests don’t know they could face charges if they don’t oblige. New towel fees are common in Costa Rica’s eco-friendly accommodation options, but they’re becoming more prevalent in other parts of the world.

    Consider breakfast. The promise of breakfast the next day is a real selling point for bed and breakfast accommodation and many larger hotels. But it’s smart to know exactly what your accommodation entitles you to. Sometimes the hot portion of a buffet will cost extra, sometimes your entire morning meal will incur a charge. Consider this, as often bacon and eggs at a local café will be much cheaper.

    Room service could cost more than you think. Most of us know the prices on the room service menu are greatly inflated. We’ll happily pay the surcharge to indulge our midnight cravings for mac and cheese. However the money we’ll spend doesn’t always end at the cost of the meal. Many hotels add a gratuity of between 15 and 20 per cent to the base room service charge. Unknowingly, many guests also leave the staff an additional tip. And on top of that, you could even face a clean-up charge if you leave those dishes in the room, rather than at the door. Your craving may be satisfied, but your wallet may smart.

    Watch the work out. The use of the gym is often included in a hotel package, but this isn’t always the case. Don’t assume a gym key and access code entitles you to sweat it out at your leisure. Some establishments will slap you with a charge the moment you access the workout room. Reject those fees and burn those calories with a run around the local area. The view’s sure to be an improvement over the hotel gym’s four walls!

  • Top Traveling Tips – Money Saving Advice for Vacation & Travel Plans

    Here at Frugal Money, we don’t believe you need to go into debt for that next big vacation. Instead we celebrate vacationing smarter to ensure your dollar goes further. By following our friendly advice before you leave, and while you’re away, you can enjoy a great getaway for less than you might imagine.

    Before You Go
    Think currency. If your aim is simply to take some time out, it’s smart to travel to places where your dollar is worth more. People from affluent nations often find they can live like kings in small Asian and African countries.

    Investigate flight options. Sometimes the most logical route isn’t always the cheapest. Return trips can be more affordable than single ones, so it might be worth considering buying one of these tickets even if you don’t plan on coming home. Adding a layover can also help you save serious coin if you don’t mind the extra flying time. Also check the prices for dates surrounding your intended arrival and departure times. Flights are generally cheapest in the middle of the week, while you’ll pay a premium for weekend and holiday trips.

    Remember buses and trains. Depending on where you’re traveling to, flying may not be your only option. Buses and trains take longer to reach their destination, but they’re also often significantly cheaper. It’s worth weighing up those savings before you commit to transport.

    Travel light. By carefully considering what you really need you can save on those nasty luggage fees, or even avoid them entirely!

    While You’re There
    Stay outside the city.     Accommodation in the heart of any vacation hotspot will typically cost more than digs on the outskirts. You might need to spend more on public transport, but you’re still likely to be ahead.

    Consider hostels. Hostels have a reputation for being strictly for smelly students and hippies, but these days they’re a great option for all kinds of frugal travelers. You get what you pay for, but if you’re spending most of your time sightseeing you’ll likely need little more than a bed when the day is done!

    Ask for discounts. If you’re old or young, unemployed or a war veteran, you may be eligible for discounted accommodation, meals, and attractions. It can be embarrassing to ask for the savings, but that shame is lessened when you’ve got a few extra bucks in your pocket.

    Cut coupons. Hotel brochures, group deal websites, and the individual business sites often offer savings on tourist attractions, car rentals, meals, and more.

    Pack your walking shoes. Walking isn’t just a great way to exercise. It’s also the only way to get around that won’t cost you a cent. And remember that old saying about the journey being more important than the destination? Often walkers discover fascinating parts of the world en route to other places.

    Catch public transport. Taxis might be the easiest way to get around a strange city, but they’re never the cheapest. With a little practice the local buses and trains can get you to those must-see attractions with some extra coin in your pocket.

    Enjoy lunch. Dinner is often regarded as the main meal of the day, but this isn’t the best option for travelers. Many restaurants and cafes offer a much more affordable lunch menu, so this is the best time to indulge. If you eat heartily you may not feel like eating much at all once the evening rolls around!

    piggy bank worldDon’t forget the grocery store. Many travelers feel eating out is their only option, but with accommodation from hostels to resorts offering kitchen services that’s simply not so. At the supermarket you can grab all you need to whip up a gourmet meal on a budget, or even some cheap snacks for those long journeys ahead.

    Skimp on souvenirs. Everyone wants to take home a memento of their vacation, but think before you spend money. So often the goods are overpriced and more than a bit tacky. Rather than taking home a swag of stuff consider your purchases carefully, and only indulge if you can’t buy the same item at home.

  • Guide to Group Deal Websites – Tips for LivingSocial, GroupOn, and More

    With families around the world still smarting from the global financial crisis, the rise of group deals websites has allowed frugal shoppers to still enjoy a few luxuries. Sites like LivingSocial, GroupOn, and Dealster harness the power of collective buying, offering massive savings to consumers and increased sales to businesses. This world of cheap, cheap prices is very alluring, but it’s worth keeping your wits about you if you don’t want to be burned. Here are a few things to consider to get the most from these websites.

    Book early
    Businesses become much busier once they advertise through a group deal website, so you’ll need to get in early if you want to use your voucher at a time that’s convenient to you. Leave it until the week before and you’re likely to face booked out restaurants and hotels.

    Sign up for deals before a vacation
    This one takes a little planning, but it can save you a packet. Once you begin to plan a vacation, set your group deal subscription to send you deals for that location. Start looking for meals, entry to tourist attractions, and even the accommodation months in advance. It’s possible to pay for much of your vacation before you leave, and for a fraction of the cost.

    Look out for lock-out periods
    Participating businesses look to maximize their sales during difficult periods, so often the vouchers can’t be redeemed when it’s most convenient for you. Hotels might not let you travel during school vacation periods or long weekends, while restaurants might insist you dine midweek. These restrictions will be spelled out in the terms and conditions, so take note of them and consider whether they’re too limiting for your circumstances.

    Consider the expiry date
    Just because you’ve paid for a deal, doesn’t mean you can use it at your leisure. Deals for accommodation and experiences often have an expiry date far in the future, while those for restaurants and local services might only last a few months. Take note of these dates and consider whether you’ll take advantage of the offer before the time is up. And once you commit to the deal, note its expiry date on a calendar. It’s easy to forget about that restaurant lunch and round of mini golf you intend to enjoy a few months from now.

    Hotel sign with mouseAlways read the fine print thoroughly
    Group deal websites are notorious for restrictive conditions. Sometimes hotels will only permit one voucher, and insist families buy rooms at the regular rate if they want a longer stay. I’ve even heard of restaurants allowing only one diner per table to use a voucher. Unless you want to dine solo, or fancy a longer getaway, these aren’t the vouchers for bargain hunters. Don’t assume you know what you’re getting until you read those terms with a fine-tooth comb. These sites often feature deals that seem too good be true, but that shouldn’t make customers complacent. Sometimes they really are better than they first seem. Keep your wits about you and you can save plenty through group deal websites, both at home and on vacation.

  • 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!