FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: travel websites

  • Frugal Monkey’s Web Wrap

    We might be past Hump Day, but the weekend still feels like it’s a lifetime away. You might not have a great getaway planned to escape the real world, but you can fantasize about one with these awesome travel blogs and excellent tourism articles.

    • A Little Story … The Origins of Chocolate and Effects of Grassroots Tourism @ A Little Adrift – In this incredible post blogger Shannon O’Donnell shares the story of her recent stay in Silico Creek, Panama. To many it’s a small speck on a map, but for Shannon it represented an opportunity to learn about the indigenous culture and the cacao beans that sustain them. Her post reveals a very different side of Panama than the one that spring breakers see!
    • Budget Travelers Sandbox – When she left the corporate world at the turn of the century, Nancie intended to take a year-long sabbatical. She’s been traveling ever since. She recounts her adventures in her blog posts, which include her weekly visual postcards on Travel Photo Thursdays.
    • An Adventurer’s Guide to Turkey @ Maiden Voyage – Turkey’s beaches might encourage you to kick back and relax, but the country also has an adventurous. This blog article profiles some of the country’s best sites, including the hot springs of Pamukkale and the ruins of Ephesus.
    • Wandering Trader – Marcello Arrambide has travelled the world for the last four years. It’s given him the chance to visit all seven continents and around 80 countries. All those adventures give him plenty to draw from when crafting his blog posts, which jump around the world showcasing its best attractions, from the Colosseum in Rome to the pier at Nantucket Island.
    • Tips for Visiting Thermal Pools in Iceland @ Kaleidoscope Wanderings – When the mercury dips in Iceland, a swim in its thermal pools is a great way to thaw out. This post details how to find a thermal pool near you, what to bring, and how to get the most from your visit.

    Neon_Internet_Cafe_open_24_hoursYou’re not the only one who deserves a mental vacation though. Remember to share the great travel resources in our latest web wrap with your friends using our social networking buttons below!

  • Frugal Monkey’s Web Wrap

    It’s Hump Day, so chances are you’re mindlessly surfing the internet looking for anything more interesting than the work you’re supposed to be doing. Never fear, Frugal Monkey’s latest web wrap is here! Read on to discover the travel blogs and articles that are well worth reading!

    • The Wonders of Ravenna @ Velvet Escape – Before we read this article, the tiny Italian town of Ravenna wasn’t even on our radar. After seeing pictures of its stunning mosaics and delicious food, we’re desperate to witness it for ourselves. This article gives a fascinating insight into this largely unknown gem.
    • Adventurous Kate – Adventurous Kate certainly lives up to her name. She’s been shipwrecked in Indonesia, got naked in Instanbul’s baths, and become an extra in a terrible German film. Her focus on affordable accommodation, food, and attractions should appeal to other frugal jetsetters. With her plans to visit Dubai and Japan in coming weeks, we can expect more exciting tales from this full-time traveler.
    • “Who Goes There?” You Asked, I Answered: Five Not-So-Popular Travel Destinations @ Runaway Juno – Are you sick of reading about the same old tourist hotspots? If you answered yes, this post is for you. It offers new travel inspiration in unlikely places like the Spanish city of Figures and New York’s capital, Albany. The “must visit” list is a handy resource if you do decide to take the path less traveled.
    • Vagabondish – Vagabondish is so crammed with useful information that it’s impossible to pick just one post. Articles like “9 Tips to Make Sure Museums and Galleries are Never Boring” and “Surviving the Suburbs: An Unconventional Travel Guide” offer useable information with a sense of humor.
    • Breakfasts in Nepal – Best in the World? @ The Longest Way Home – They might not have the reputation of English fry-ups, but Dave at The Longest Way Home insists the breakfasts in Nepal are amongst the world’s best. Looking at the photos, it’s hard to disagree with him. His post explains where to find great breakfasts, what to order, and how to enjoy it.

    Hand with laptopWhy not brighten your friends’ Wednesday and share these great travel websites and articles via the social networking buttons below?

  • Frugal Monkey’s Web Wrap

    When the slog of the working week gets you down, it’s easy to fantasize about getting away from it all by browsing When the slog of the working week gets you down, it’s easy to fantasize about getting away from it all by browsing through some of the best travel websites online. That’s definitely what we’ve been doing! Here are the most recent articles and blogs that have us itching to pack our bags.

    • 6 Destinations Made More Popular By Celebrities @ Gadler – You wear details of their lives in the gossip rags, now you can stay where they stay! Gadler profiles six locales that have become holiday hot spots thanks to your favorite celebrities. We can’t promise you’ll see any stars when you visit these celebrity hideaways, but it might be the closest you’ll come to living the life of George Clooney or Jay-Z!
    • Travel with a Mate – Travel bloggers and writers from all over the world come together on Travel with a Mate. The range of contributors means the post quality does vary, but it also ensures there’s a steady stream of new travel articles to enjoy.
    • Sand Boarding Namibia: Chicks Dig Scars … Right? @ Brendan’s Adventures – Call us crazy, but sand boarding in Namibia is now officially on our to-do list. Sure, blogging Brendan ended up with a row of stitches after his African adventure, but he was still keen to repeat the experience. Perhaps minus the pain!
    • Do It While You’re Young – If you’re looking for travel inspiration, this blog deserved to be bookmarked. It’s all about those dream vacations, from hitting the casinos of Las Vegas to the castles of Ireland. It’s also pretty realistic about what the Average Joe can afford too. A recent post called “Make Your Dream Vacation a Reality” is essential reading for anyone on a budget.
    • Balancing Technology and Social Experiences While Traveling Abroad @ Traveldudes – Okay, so this isn’t a post that inspires us to get away, but it’s so thought-provoking that it had to make our web roundup. As the face of travel continues to change in the digital age, this article makes some insightful points about getting the balance right.

    Girl Taking a Photo on Cell PhoneIf someone you know could use a vacation, make sure you share this post with them using our social networking buttons below!

  • Frugal Monkey’s Web Wrap

    With the United States celebrating its independence today, it makes sense to look at the great travel destinations in our own backyard with our latest Web Wrap. It’s often most affordable to travel interstate rather than venturing abroad after all! Read on to discover the local blogs and homegrown stories we’ve loved online in the last two weeks.

    • Technomadia – Cherie and Chris are living the dream as self-proclaimed technomads, a couple who works from their RV as they travel across the United States with their faithful cat Kiki. Read about the places they visit and the ways they make their nomadic lifestyle work.
    • SeaWorld Orlando’s Newest Attraction Opens @ What a Trip! Nancy D. Brown recently visited SeaWorld Orlando to check out one of its biggest new attractions in years, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. Nancy describes all the features of this new icy exhibition and offers tips for making the most of your visit.
    • The Q Family Adventures – After traveling to Thailand last year, the Q family has decided to tighten its belt and opt for an old-fashioned road trip across America. Over the next few weeks they’re traveling from their home in Georgia to Indianapolis, Niagara Falls, Toronto, New York City, and Philadelphia. They recently posted about their trip to Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park, and they assure us there are more virtual postcards from the road to come.
    • Space Acorn @ Atlas Obscura – Atlas Obscura is worth bookmarking if you want to discover a country’s oddities. Kecksburg, Pennsylvania doesn’t have a lot to entice tourists, except for its Space Acorn. This unusual monument was erected in honor of a UFO that locals swear crashed in the local woods way back in 1965.
    • Alaska TravelGram – Alaska is arguably one of the most beautiful parts of the United States. Scott McMurren is an Anchorage resident with 30 years’ experience in the travel business, most of it in his home state. Log on to read his posts and listen to his podcasts about this stunning state.

    alaskatravelIf you can pull yourself away from your barbecues and fireworks displays, make sure you share these great blogs and posts with your friends using our social networking buttons below!

  • Frugal Monkey’s Web Wrap

    Have we really passed the half-way point of the year already? 2013 might be flying by, but it’s worth pausing to take a look at some of the great travel articles and blogs that have turned our heads recently.

    • Best Tips Camping Paris @ SoulTravelers3 – A stay in Paris needn’t cost you a fortune if you follow the advice of the SoulTravelers3, a family of three from California. They swear that camping’s cheaper than renting a hostel room, and you can even enjoy a view of the Seine!
    • Mother of All Trips – Mothers know a thing or two about saving money on vacation, so it stands to reason to Mother of All Trips has some handy advice all frugal travelers could use. It’s the brainchild of Mara, a mother of two whose children have done nothing to curb her urge to see the world.
    • Saying Goodbye to Seasickness @ SoloFriendly – We love the way cruising makes budgeting easy. But while they’re easy on the finances, as almost everything is included, they can become downright unpleasant if the swell picks up! Find out what Gray Cargill does to curb the nausea in this light-hearted blog post.
    • Isabelle’s Travel Guide – Isabelle has some really useful travel insights on her blog, but it’s her photos that have sealed the deal. From majestic images of Germany’s castles to clear shots of Australia’s most beautiful vistas, this blogger has us hooked.
    • Homage to Hoary Marmots @ Travel Wonders of the World – What better way to end the week than seeing something cute? These gorgeous rodents are regularly spotted on trips through the Rockies and Alaska. Don’t the adorable pictures make you want to pack your bags?
    Photo credit: Glenn Fleishman
    Photo credit: Glenn Fleishman

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  • Frugal Monkey’s Web Wrap – 9 May 2013

    With the weather warming up, we’re all spending less time online and more time enjoying the sunshine. But that’s no excuse for failing to check in with some of the best travel blogs and articles online. So you don’t need to spend hours wading through them, we’ve rounded up some of the best.

    • Hostelling with Kids in Germany @ Travel Mamas – Farrah Ritter reminds us that backpacking isn’t just for college kids on gap years and aging hippies with this informative article. Read about her experiences staying at hostels in Germany with her brood in tow. Her tips for finding the right hostel for your family are priceless for frugal travelers. Who would have thought backpackers’ hostels could be so family-friendly?
    • Migrationology – Get your tastebuds watering at Migrationology, a blog which focuses on the best street food from around the globe. Creator Mark Wiens is based in Thailand so the blog features many dishes from this nation, but it also touches on other local delicacies from Asia and the rest of the world. A recent post about catfish curry made us salivate, but we’re not so sure about the fried tongue!
    • Travel Taiwan: Shalun Beach in Danshui, Taipei @ My Several Worlds – We love a story about a hidden vacation gem. Veering off the tourist path is a great way to save cash and avoid the crowds. After reading Carrie Kellenberger’s article, we can’t wait to catch some waves at this local Thai secret.
    • MomsMinivan – Laurel Smith bills herself as the Road Trip Mom, a frugal traveler who loves hitting the road with her kids in tow. Of course, taking the brood on vacation isn’t always easy, but her travel games, activities, and tips should make your next journey run a little smoother!
    • Budget Travel for Girlfriends – Traveling on the Cheap @ Traveling Mamas – Julia Rosien of GoGirlfriend.com recently wrote a guest post for Traveling Mamas to promote GoGirlfriend.com’s budget travel month of April. It’s so convenient to have these great posts rounded up in one handy entry. We particularly liked the information on staying cash positive on vacation and the hidden costs of cruising.

    piggy bank worldDo you want to save your friends some time and share these great articles with them? Simply click on the social networking buttons below!

  • Frugal Monkey’s Web Wrap – 11 April 2013

    As we haul ourselves to the end of the working week, we can’t help daydreaming about a getaway. We’d much rather be sunning ourselves on a tranquil beach or hiking a majestic mountain range than facing another nine to five. If you have itchy feet too, look to these great travel blogs and articles for inspiration.

    • Best Places to Find Free Entertainment and Cultural Activities in Hawaii @ Go Visit Hawaii – Frugal travellers often resist the lure of Hawaii’s beaches because the tropical state has a reputation for being expensive. However the Go Visit Hawaii blog assures us there are plenty of places in the state to find free entertainment and soak up some local country. We love the way the article clearly lists free attractions from each of the most popular islands.
    • Hole in the Donut – Don’t make us pick just one recent entry that’s wowed us. Frankly everything about this blog makes us want to pack our bags, whether it’s Barbara Weibel’s photos of French artisan cheeses or her tale of leaving behind a successful but soul-sucking career to go backpacking.
    • Jaipur – The Pink City @ Go Backpacking – We love the images of Jaipur in this informative article. The rosy Hawa Mahal and half-submerged Jal Mahal look especially impressive, and we’re sure they’re even better in person. It seems there are enough historical sites in Jaipur to entertain any frugal traveler. After all, it’s often free or close to free to visit such landmarks! This is definitely a city we want to discover more about.
    • Uncornered Market – If your dream destination is one you haven’t discovered yet, Uncornered Market is worth checking out. Rather than visiting popular tourist hotspots, husband and wife team Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott prefer exploring underappreciated offbeat locations. Recent posts showing some major love to New Zealand will inspire you to visit the Land of the Long White Cloud.
    • Free and Affordable Foodie Experiences in the Napa Valley @ Peter Greenberg.com – The Napa Valley is another destination that frugal travelers usually give a wide berth. While the Michelin-star restaurants and high-priced vineyards can drain your finances quickly, Peter Greenberg alerts us to some more money-savvy options that are just as delicious. The thought of Solbar’s slow-roasted pig shoulder, which is made for sharing at $38, is making us drool.
    • Neon_Internet_Cafe_open_24_hoursCelebrating a Greek Easter: Candles & Fireworks @ Europe UpClose – Ruth Kozak reminds us that Easter isn’t all bunnies and chocolate eggs with her look at the Greek traditions alive on the island of Patmos. Now this is a place we want to celebrate the holidays!

    Make sure you share this article via your social network contacts, who are probably struggling through the week every bit as much as you are!

  • Frugal Monkey’s Web Wrap – 27 March 2013

    As we race towards Easter, it’s the perfect time to stop and reflect on the world around us. And for us here at Frugal Monkey, that means taking a look at some fabulous travel blogs! Read on to discover what’s made our latest Web Wrap!

    • Available Light @ Canada’s Adventure Couple – Deb and Dave don’t just know a thing or two about adventure traveling. They’re also very skilled photographers. In the latest in their series of travel photography tutorials, they show us how to make the most of the available light in our locations. Use their tips and you’ll have impressive looking vacation snaps without paying for a professional’s services!
    • Fluent in Three Months – We’re intrigued by Benny the Irish Polygot, a jovial jetsetter who does his level best to learn the languages of his global destinations in the shortest time possible! His latest challenge is learning Polish in just five hours. Can he do it? We’ll be tuning in to find out!
    • The Most Amazing Church I’ve Ever Seen & Can’t Show You @ Wandering Earl – If there was ever a post to pique our curiosity, it’s this one. Church rules forbade Earl from snapping any more than the exterior of the Church of San Juan. Without any photos, he does his best to describe the church’s incredible interior. He does well. And now we want to see it for ourselves.
    • Travel with a Purpose @ Wanderlust & Lipstick – Angela Dollar serves up a travel blog that isn’t afraid to tackle the big issues. She’s an environmentalist, a feminist, and an altruist, and that might just be skimming the surface. Her opinionated posts have such drive; they’ll really make you think.
    • Photo Memories from the Grand Canyon @ Gone with the Family – Lisa and her brood have us wanting to head to Arizona after this photo-heavy post. The images of the rugged American natural wonder are simply stunning, and the bullet-point facts at the bottom of the article are really useful.

    Hand on keyboardIf you think anyone you know would love to read these great articles and websites over the Easter weekend, make sure you share them via our social networking buttons below!

  • Frugal Monkey’s Web Wrap

    You read Frugal Monkey because you know it’s a great source of information about traveling on a budget. So we thought you may be interested in some of the other websites who provide valuable information about frugal tourism. Feast your eyes on the following online gems we’ve recently found.

    • The Goldilocks Number: Why $50 a Day is Just Right @ Nomadic Matt – Spending just $50 a day on a vacation that doesn’t cut corners sounds like a pipe dream, but blogger Nomadic Matt assures us it can be done. He explains his budget, which includes travel insurance and a decent backpack, in his new book How to Travel the World on $50 a Day. This blog article gives you a taste of his frugal travel philosophy.
    • Johnny Vagabond – He began his life as Wes Nations, a mild-mannered American who’d turned 39 more times than anyone should. But now he’s Johnny Vagabond, a gray nomad who’s decided you’re never too old to see the world. The blog documents Johnny’s adventures as he circles the globe until his money runs out. We love Johnny’s informative product reviews and his colourful and crazy travel stories!
    • Dealing with Long Flights @ The Aussie Nomad – As he hails from the land Down Under, The Aussie Nomad knows a thing or two about long flights. Even if you aren’t strapping in for a 24-hour journey, you’ll find his tips for dealing with air travel useful. From selecting the right seat to sorting your entertainment, this guide has some great advice for jetsetters.
    • 2 Backpackers – If you’re heading to South America, make sure you stop by 2 Backpackers first. This informative site tells us that Rio isn’t the only place to celebrate Carnival and that some of the tastiest drinks in Latin America are non-alcoholic. Who knew?
    • Rerunaround – Shawn serves up travel advice with a social conscience in his blog Rerunaround. You don’t need to have an interest in volunteering to appreciate the site, but his fascinating stories of helping communities in The Philippines and Haiti give his blog a real point of difference.

    Neon internet cafeWe’d love to know your opinion of these great travel websites. Feel free to suggest any other online destinations you think we need to visit!

  • Haggle for Cheap Accommodation Online

    When we think of haggling, most of us imagine talking a street vendor down on his kitschy souvenirs. But a trip to the markets isn’t your only opportunity to secure the best prices. Increasing numbers of tourists in the know are shunning traditional accommodation websites for new sites that encourage users to haggle for the best price.

    Of course, tourists have been haggling with their accommodation providers long before the internet got in on the act. It’s not uncommon for plucky travelers to ask for room upgrades or discounts before checking in. However, now that haggling has gone digital the practice is more accessible to people who’d ordinarily be too shy or embarrassed to engage.

    These new haggling websites also make organizing cheap accommodation easier. Rather than schlepping from hotel to hotel in search of a bargain once you arrive at your destination, you can do all the legwork from the comfort of your couch before you leave.

    Haggling online typically saves users at least 20% on the lowest advertised price available through last-minute booking sites, and a whopping 50% on the rack room rate. Satisfied travelers even report enjoying these big savings over busy periods including the festive season and school vacations. However, you could score even bigger discounts if you travel in the off season or book an extended stay.

    The haggling process sounds more complicated than traditional booking methods, but it’s surprisingly simple and speedy. Many users say their accommodation is often sorted in as little as ten minutes. Satisfied shoppers also report that they’re treated just as well by hotel staff as travelers who’ve paid full price. Hotel staff know that a vacant room equals lost revenue, so they’re happy to spoil anyone willing to throw a few dollars their way!

    So how do these new haggling websites work? Each site runs a little differently, but the basic process is essentially the same. You’ll typically choose a destination, and in some cases a preferred place to stay. The haggling websites generally have deals with a range of accommodation types, so whether you love five-star luxury, bed and breakfasts, or homely hostels you should be satisfied. Just enter in the dates you’d like to travel, and the price you’d like to pay for a room, and the haggling begins.

    The dealing is generally kept secret between the traveler and the accommodation provider, although some sites allow linked haggles. This allows tourists to bid on several different rooms in their preferred location. As the accommodation providers can see who else is in the running for the business, they’ll often undercut their rates significantly just to get a sale.

    Priceline allows browsers to name their price on accommodation around the globe, as well as flights and rental cars. Unfortunately this site only allows you to specify a city, rather than a particular hotel, but if you don’t care where you stay it works well.

    If you fancy a deal in Australia, New Zealand, or tropical Fiji, head to Grays Escape, the latest arm of the massive GraysOnline auction hub. This site does allow you to target the places you’d love to stay, and even link your haggles. Major chains like Best Western, Rydges, Stamford Hotels, and Golden Chain have all signed up to offer their hotels’ rooms on the site.

    Hand on keyboardHotel Haggle is a site that’s in development, but planning to offer a similar service to travelers in the United Kingdom.

    As the trend takes off, we can expect more of these websites to hit the internet. And as their popularity grows, we can all start enjoying cheaper vacations!