FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: travel

  • Take Patagonian travel to the extreme and go for a cruise in Antarctica

    Traveling to Patagonia is one of the greatest outdoor adventure vacations travelers can possibly take.


    Accessible from both Argentina and Chile, people venture to the end of the earth to view glaciers, the famous mountains of Torres del Paine and the vast landscape of Patagonian beauty. Even high-end travel is earning a following; Argentina’s cool region wines and the gorgeous hotels that can be found there are bringing in a more diverse crowd than simply the adventure loving backpacker. It seems everyone’s interest has been peaked by the increase in travel to Patagonia. Now, visitors can find luxury hotels, restaurants and all the amenities surrounding a more comfortable style of travel. Although, in order to access some of the more beautiful views and to get the true Patagonian experience, some outdoor hiking and toughness is a requirement.

    Patagonian travelers however, are taking their ventures further than ever before. Thousands of travelers each year are accessing the icy waters and the cold deserts of Antarctica with cruises leaving from Ushuaia, Argentina. Travel into Antarctica has seen an incredible increase in the last few years. In fact, in the last decade the number of travelers has quadrupled, growing to more than 45,000 visitors in the 2007-2008 season alone. The popularity of going where very few people have gone before in addition to the intrigue traveling to such an isolated part of the world entails is capturing the imaginations and pocket books of seasoned travelers and tourists. While cruises into Antarctica were previously only accessible through special cargo ships, now an entire industry has emerged that provides cruises within and around Antarctica. Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess and Holland all offer and provide a tour into the icy South. However, small ships and private operators have cornered a portion of the market by providing an even more adventuresome vacation than the larger cruise liners. Regardless of the outfitter you book with, Antarctic cruises will cost a pretty penny.

    The first issue in sailing the waters of the Antarctic is getting to a launch point. Since Antarctica is located so far south, you first need to travel very long distances in order to access the boats that will take you there. Additionally, sailing in such potentially dangerous waters and in places very few people have traveled before requires special equipment and boats. The length of an Antarctic cruise is usually around 15 days in order to travel the area safely, access ports for land tours and to simply cover such a large distance.


    As a result, going on an Antarctic cruise isn’t as cheap or comfortable as sailing the Gulf of Mexico, for example. Tours can easily run as much as $10,000 a person and are considered in the industry adventuresome tours. Simple put, don’t expect to be lounging on the deck with a margarita in your hand – the elements are harsh and safety measures are taken very seriously by tour operators.

    The pay off you receive by traveling to such an untapped region of the world is worth any time and money you pay to get there. Simply put, it is the experience of a lifetime. Because of weather conditions most tours only operate during the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere. As such, most travelers see Antarctica from October – February when the weather is warm and water conditions are at their best. Just think, a cruise through Antarctica as the perfect end to your vacation in Argentina.

  • Wine and dine with travel to Australia

    Bad news for Napa but excellent news for travel buffs and wine connoisseurs, Australia’s wines are making an excellent impression among industry professionals. In a recent blind taste test, wines from Clare Valley, Eden Valley, Tasmania and Western Australia competed well against Rieslings and Chardonnays from Europe and North America. So much so that despite Australia’s recent bout with bad weather, the current global economy, an invasion from harmful caterpillars and if you can believe it even more unnamed trouble with local harvests, Australian wines are garnering some serious attention. While wine regions such as Perth, Australia have been popular among wine lovers for decades (Perth has a famous wine cruise) this new increase in quality and standard is bringing wine lovers and travelers to Australia in droves.

    Australia has traditionally been known for having exceptional Chardonnays, but old vine reds and other varieties are starting to become serious contenders for the top of list among educated wine lovers. The diversity of the cold region wines produced in Australia and the quality of wines now emerging make Australia an excellent travel destination for those who love to wine and dine in the shadow of an outback sunset.


  • Check out this week’s amazing travel deals!

    If you’ve ever been to the FrugalMonkey home site you know that we provide vacationers with a wealth of information regarding travel.


    This includes our country profiles that have information on Alaska, Australia, Argentina, Greece, Hawaii, Mexico and South Africa. If you’re curious about traveling to any of these amazing and wonderful locations, just check out the FrugalMonkey country profiles. You will learn everything you need to know about your vacation including history, attractions, hotels, famous sites, activities and travel preparation for each place. You simply can’t go wrong. But what about getting there? FrugalMonkey is dedicated to bringing you all the best travel deals for our favorite locations. So check out what we’ve found this week in our quest to bring you the best travel and the lowest prices!

    A trip to Alaska
    The Last Frontier is calling. Gorgeous summer skies, cool coastlines, the great outdoors in all its glory and what basically can be summarized as one of the coolest vacations you can take. Right now, CruiseDeals is offering a Balcony Cabin for a 7-night Alaskan Cruise starting at only $829. That’s practically a steal if you consider how far you’ll be traveling and all the sites you will see in one of FrugalMonkey’s favorite travel locations. Book now, these prices won’t last.

    Fly to Australia…
    And see the Sydney Opera House, cute Kangaroos, the gorgeous beaches of the Sunshine Coast and bask in the sun during your Australia vacation. It might be hard to pick between Perth, Sydney or Brisbane so choose one of the smaller coastal towns instead! Whatever you decide you can’t go wrong with deals from Qantas Airlines that offer flights from California for just $299 each way. You read that right, it’s absolutely and incredible flight price!

    Tango In Argentina?
    You’ve heard about Buenos Aires in the travel section of the New York times and you’ve ordered Malbec with your steak dinner, but now its time to head down south and experience South American living the way it was meant to be enjoyed – in Argentina! After you’re done in the city you can peruse wine country in Mendoza, check out the world famous falls in Iguazu or go to Patagonia for hiking.


    Whatever you choose, you’ll have the time of your life. You’ll also enjoy American Airlines flights starting at $200 from select cities.

    Mexico Anyone?
    Mexico is a favorite vacation spot for romantic couples, family trips and spring break getaways. Now, it can be a favorite vacation spot for anyone with $166 to spare. Right now flights into Mexico and the Caribbean are discounted so heavily you can go for practically pennies. Look for those deals on AeroMexico and enjoy your beachside vacation.

    Hawaii On A Budget
    Hawaii isn’t traditionally considered the cheapest place to visit, but now you can visit Hawaii for as little as $300 if you book on travel auction sites such as Orbitz. We’ve been raving about the amazing travel deals you can find into Hawaii, but the flight prices are just so good, we can’t stop dreaming about this perfect vacation spot! Book now and save hundreds on your spring or summer vacation.

  • Pass the time with a trip on the Alaska Railroad

    The Alaska Railroad might be that perfect summer trip you’re looking for. You may have heard about the gorgeous Alaskan countryside or read about it in countless outdoors and wilderness tales.


    So have the thousands of tourists who flock to Alaska each summer to take in the incredible display of outdoor beauty and adventure that they have heard so much about while living in the lower 48 states. But what does the Alaska Railroad offer that is so special besides a laid back and worry free trip to Alaska?

    Trips on the Alaskan Railroad are gaining in popularity because of the many things you can see along the way. It’s worth mentioning the gorgeous landscape that slowly rolls by as the train makes its way from Seward to Anchorage, through Denali National Park and then into Fairbanks. From May to September the railroad offers trips starting as low as $75 from Seward to Anchorage and $167 from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Along the way, the train stops, allowing passengers to take day trips or even stay overnight in some of Alaska’s most famous terrain and incredible cities. Hotel packages, tours and other amenities are offered when you book your tour, but what is most amazing is the incredible access you gain into the Alaskan wilderness.

    The railroad not only takes you on a spectacular trip but it offers up access to parts of Alaska that only dog-sleds, four-by-fours and backpackers are able to see. All of this with a full bar, food and a camera ready to take it all in. Because the railroad trolls through places where cars, cruise ships and hikers can’t even access you get a truly original and uninterrupted view of the Alaskan landscape. It’s a hard trip to pass up if you’re eager to get outdoors, check out some well-known Alaskan cities but then escape back into the tree line. At such low prices it’s impossible to ignore the priceless view that awaits you during your trip on the Alaskan Railroad.

    Find out more information by visiting www.alaskarailroad.com.

  • Travel Deals Into Alaska

    Planning the perfect summer trip? Or perhaps you’re investigating your family’s next winter wonderland vacation?


    Alaska is one of the most breathtaking displays of nature and wilderness available in the United States. Each summer and winter tourists flock to Alaska’s many cities and rugged outback trails for romantic getaways, adventure vacations, cruises, road trips and site seeing. Whether you want to travel in the summer, enjoying the warmer days, camping and the outdoors, or if you want to ski the Alaskan mountains and snowshoeing during a winter adventure, Alaska is as good as it gets. Check out these flight deals from the west coast into Alaska brought to you by FrugalMonkey!

    Anchorage
    Looking for flights into Anchorage? If you want to enjoy a vacation in the Land of The Midnight Sun, check out these incredible deals. Right now you can fly round trip out of Seattle from $510 including tax. Check out the travel auction sites, rent a car as a package deal and check out some of Alaska’s other gorgeous cities.

    Ketchikan
    If you have a pallet for salmon, you’re going to love eating fish in Ketchikan. Each summer tourists pour into this fishy hub for excellent food and some incredible sight seeing. Right now you can get flights from $435 when you book on Hotwire.

    Juneau
    If you are interested in visiting the state capital and seeing the surrounding glaciers, flights start at just $512 with Hotwire.

    Fairbanks
    For a look at the center of Alaska’s rustic charm and laid back nature, you’re going to love a trip into Fairbanks. For you summer vacationers, keep your eye on the sky; Fairbanks is known for gorgeous displays of the Aurora Borealis which can be seen a reported 200 days out of the year. Flights into Fairbanks can be found for $695 with Orbitz.

  • Fly As Cheap As $37 With American Airlines

    American Airlines is slashing prices in a nationwide promotion that means you could be booking domestic flights for as little as $37. With so much pressure on the airlines to fill seats, prices are being cut dramatically. Therefore, if you have the desire to do some domestic traveling, you can be on your way for practically pennies. The discounts do have some stipulations. You have to book your flights before their blackout date in March and you have complete your travel before May 20, 2009. Yet, if you have some relatives to visit, a spring break vacation to enjoy or simply want a getaway, now is the time to do so. You can also find cheap hotel prices through American Airlines and through various online travel auction websites. With the number of people flying at an all time low, hotels have to lower their prices as well. Book your travel plans now and fly at extraordinarily low costs.


  • Destination: Patagonia

    In the mood for some South American flavor but want to hit up the outdoors? Traveling into Chilean or Argentine Patagonia is perhaps one of the most amazing, beautiful and incredible vacations you can possibly take during your time in South America. Argentine Patagonia is not only home to the southern most city in the world, but it also houses some of the best adventure hiking, mountain climbing and site-seeing in the entire world. The region of Patagonia is nothing less then gigantic, meaning that a trip to see it all would take weeks. Most people fly into El Chalten and then take day hikes to see the glaciers. In Chilean Patagonia there is a world famous five-day backpacking trail which features one of Patagonia’s most valuable treasures, Torres del Paine. This mountain and the nature surrounding it brings in travelers year after year to experience the outdoors and to see these gorgeous landscapes. Because of its geographical location you can only visit Patagonia for hiking and camping safely from October – April. As such, there is still plenty of time to snatch up a last minute flight, or to start planning for next year.


  • Everyone Is Talking About Travel

    It seems that the current economic state of things has everyone talking about travel. What will the airlines do to cope with a smaller number of people flying? How will prices be affected? Even though the economy is in a lull the number of travel deals and cheap flight prices seems to be at an all time low. It isn’t likely for prices to stay like this when the economy rebounds, meaning that while everyone is talking about saving money and how to cut corners, if you’ve been wanting to travel now is the time to do so. FrugalMonkey has a wealth of information on travel plans, amazing vacations and our blog highlights travel deals perfect for planning your trip. If you don’t want to take our word for it, check out what the San Francisco Gate had to say about the economy and what an excellent time it is to hop on a plane and take that much needed vacation away.


  • A Look Back At Australia

    Everybody knows why Australia is such an amazing travel destination. Sunny and warm weather, gorgeous beaches, metropolitan cities, charming towns, a mysterious outback and a wealth of land for travelers to explore. But not everybody knows the history behind this premier travel destination. The history of Australia is diverse and incredibly interesting. Travelers are usually interested to know that although it is considered a relatively new place, the Aboriginal tribes that still reside there have been there for over 50,000 years. It wasn’t until the year 1788 when 1500 or so settlers, most of them criminals, came to Sydney Harbor to begin a legacy that would end up producing a country that is progressive, gorgeous and a magnet to travelers. Much of Australia’s history is documented and recorded through artifacts and historical documents in Sydney and Brisbane museums. As a part of seeing the city, many visitors pour into museums to take a look at an incredibly rich historical background to go along with its coral reefs and pristine shorelines. Visit Australia and learn more about the place you are visiting while you’re there. Its an educational and amazing payoff.


  • Hit The Road For An Alaskan Adventure

    If you’ve ever wanted to take that classic road trip, turn away from the traditional cross country car trip and head north to Alaska instead!

    Alaska can be an amazing trip to take at anytime of year. Whether it be for the long and dreamy summer days or to see the Alaskan wilderness at its peak during the winter months, the beauty and vastness of Alaska is famous. As such, thousands of people each year fly, cruise and travel north to see the Last Frontier.


    To really take in the view and watch the scenery change from south to north, think about doing what only a handful of people do each year and drive to Alaska.

    Driving into Alaska can be an excellent adventure. From Seattle to Fairbanks the drive can be done in about 7 – 10 days. However, alongside the freeway there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, camping and sightseeing. So much so, that if you want to take 2 to 3 weeks to make the drive you can have as much North American wilderness and adventure as you can take in, with plenty more to do before you even get into Alaska! You’ll see wildlife, wildflowers and the gorgeous mountain ranges along the way. From June to August the freeway is the most crowded since the weather is the best and the roads are the safest. In the winter months, the roads remain open for the most part but all cars need to be equipped with snow tires or chains in order to pass through the checkpoints. As a result of weather complications and shorter days, driving is most popular during the summer.

    If you can plan your trip during a time when gas prices are low you can see several of Alaska’s citiesand enjoy the car ride at extremely affordable prices. Camping sites are cheap, hiking is free and fishing licenses are affordable as well. By splitting gas costs between you and your friends you can enjoy an Alaskan vacation at a fraction of normal vacation costs.

    Think about hitting the road on your next vacation and seeing Alaska!