FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Family Vacations

  • Summer in Minneapolis/St. Paul

    It’s time to start planning your summer travels. If you are looking to travel domestically this summer, why not head to the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul)? This urban, cosmopolitan area is a veritable mecca for arts and nature lovers. Here are some ideas for how to spend your time while you’re there. The best part is that they’re all inexpensive (most are free).

    Talk a walk (or canoe, or kayak) around the lakes. Minneapolitans love their urban lakes – Lake Calhoun, Lake Harriet and Lake of the Isles – that are all located in the Uptown area. They are all relatively close to one another (Lake of the Isles and Lake Calhoun are connected), so it is easy to check them all out in one day.  Canoes and kayaks are available for rental at each of the lakes. This is also a great place for a picnic. If you’re looking for good fish dishes, check out Tin Fish at the pavilion at Lake Calhoun.

    Take a walk around Lake Calhoun, one of Minneapolis’ beloved urban lakes.

    Take advantage of Minneapolis Arts Weekend. Each year on a weekend usually in early August, artists from around the country come to the Twin Cities to show and sell their creations. There are three major art fairs in Minneapolis on this weekend.

    Powderhorn Park Art Fair

    Head to this 66-acre urban park to browse the wares of over 200 artists in various disciplines and styles. Food trucks featuring organic goodies provide sustenance for browsing, socializing and shopping.

    Loring Park Art Fair

    Quite a bit smaller than Powerhorn,  Loring Park is located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. After checking out the creations of 140 artists in a variety of media (including painting, photography, printmaking, handmade paper, wood, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, mixed media and glass), grab a snack from one of the food vendors or try one of the excellent eateries that circle the park. If you still haven’t had your fill of art, head across the street to the world-renowned Walker Art Center.

    Metris Uptown Art Fair

    During the weekend of August 6-7, the streets of Minneapolis’ Uptown area will be lined with over 200 artists’ booths as crowds of fair-goers slowly meander down Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street. As with the Loring Park area, there are loads of great restaurants in Uptown if you need a reprieve from the heat and crowds.

    There are also a variety of excellent art museums in Minneapolis.

    Get to know St. Paul’s Highland Park neighborhood during Highland Fest. Highland Fest usually takes place on a weekend in mid-July. This celebration of summer features a juried art fair, live music on two stages, food, amusement rides, a 5K, a strongman competition and a craft-brew tasting.

    Enjoy live music at the St. Paul Jazz Fest. Each year in June, St. Paul’s Mears Park will fill with jazz musicians and aficionados from around the country. In addition to the myriad live jazz shows over the weekend, you’ll be able to enjoy top-notch street food from some of the city’s best restaurants’ food trucks.

  • 10 Tips for Traveling with Kids

    For many of us the arrival of children signals a change from luxury vacations to more modest trips. Perhaps the expansion of your own family is what brought you to the Frugal Monkey blog! We’ve already looked at ways to save money on family vacations, but conserving the bank balance isn’t the only thing we need to worry about. What about your sanity? Traveling with children can be challenging, but we’ve got plenty of tips for helping you survive, and even enjoy, your next frugal family vacation.

    Embrace the off season
    Your kids get a few months’ vacation over summer, so it makes sense to take advantage of that time off and see the world, right? Wrong. That’s the idea everyone else has. And that drives the price of airfares and accommodation sky high. If it’s at all possible, consider yanking your kids out of class and traveling during the school terms. You could save hundreds of dollars, which you can of course inject back into your vacation budget.

    Pack it right
    A family can quickly put together a load of luggage. But no one wants to be swamped with stuff, or pay hefty excess baggage charges. You can cut down your suitcases by choosing simple clothes that can be mixed and matched to create several outfits. Make sure you check your kids’ suitcases too; they’ll typically include far too many things they don’t need and forget other items that they do!

    Location, location, location
    Choosing the right place to stay can make or break your family vacation. Look for accommodation in safe areas that’s close to local attractions or at least public transport. Make sure it has all the beds you need to fit your family comfortably. A place with a pool or games room can keep your little ones entertained. Ask nicely and you might receive an upgrade to a larger room or a discount for staying multiple nights.

    Money matters
    Set a budget for each day of your travels and stick to it. If you want to splurge on a good restaurant meal, arrange to see a free museum or festival during the day. Being conscious of your finances is the best way to avoid a blowout.

    Vacation as a team
    You probably figured this out once your little bundles arrived, but life isn’t all about you anymore. You’ve got new little people to consider, and when it comes to vacations, their opinions matter. We’re not suggesting that you stick to a child’s schedule, but making time to see the attractions that pique their interests will ensure they stay happy. And as we all know, happy children make for a happy holiday.

    Stop and smell the roses
    When we’re footloose and fancy free we want to cram everything into our vacation that we possibly can. But traveling at a rapid pace is a recipe for a few cranky kids. Make sure you account for time spent napping, snacking, and using the restroom for the umpteenth time. Slow things down and you’ll all feel a lot less stressed.

    Remember those toilet breaks
    The age of your children will determine how relevant this point is to you. But if you’ve got young ones in tow, ensuring they have regular toilet breaks is crucial. Whenever you spot a handy toilet, make sure you ask if they need to go. Otherwise you can be sure they’ll feel urgent when a bathroom is nowhere in sight!

    Maintain your routines
    This one might seem like a pipedream, but it’s worth the effort. Read books or play board games before bed, and tuck them up with their favorite toy at the same time they’d sleep at home. This is the best way to avoid hyperactive, overtired terrors!

    Expect the unexpected
    This point might seem to contradict the last, but stay with us. You can insist on regular bedtimes and good meal habits, but there’s only so much you can control. Traveling isn’t always a walk in the park, and sometimes things will go wrong, particularly when you add the unpredictability of children to the mix. Keep a positive attitude and this will flow through to your children, making any challenges much easier to deal with.

    Happy girl at Hong Kong Disneyland
    Happy girl at Hong Kong Disneyland

    Hold on to the memories
    Family vacations are all too rare, so make sure you remember the ones you have. Take plenty of photos, and buy your kids cheap digital cameras so they can do the same. Purchase travel journals and encourage them to write stories and draw pictures about the time they’ve had. These all make wonderful keepsakes to look back on years later.

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  • Guide to the Great Lakes (U.S. and Canada)

    The Great Lakes are some of the most impressive U.S. natural wonders. However, they are usually only considered a “destination” for people who live nearby. Here is an overview of each lake and reasons why you should venture to one of their shores for your next frugal adventure.

    The Great Lakes are a gathering of massive lakes located in the northeastern region of  the U.S., on the border of Canada and the US. Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario comprise the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. In certain cities around each lake, the tourism industry is alive and well, especially during the summer months. The Great Lakes are easily accessible by flying (or driving) to the cities of Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

    There are plenty of opportunities to camp and engage in outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing around the Great Lakes. There is even a hearty group of outdoorsy folk who surf the Great Lakes when the waves are big enough (especially Lake Superior and Lake Michigan).

    If you’re interested in visiting all of the Great Lakes via car, you can take the historic Great Lakes Circle Tour, a scenic road system that connects all of the Great Lakes as well as the St. Lawrence River.  If one or two lakes is more your style, you can branch off on individual “circle drives” that take you through some of the nicer tourist areas and scenic natural spots on the shores of each lake. For more information on this drive, see: Great Lakes.

    Lake Superior

    The largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior is bordered by Canada (Ontario), Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Major tourist regions on Lake Superior include the North Shore in Minnesota (there are a variety of state parks an natural areas in this region), Thunder Bay (at the Canadian border) and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (Marquette is the major city).

    Lake Michigan

    Of the five Great Lakes, Lake Michigan is the only one that is entirely located within the U.S. (the rest share shoreline with Canada). In terms of volume, it is the second largest of the Great Lakes (behind Lake Superior). Major tourist regions on Lake Michigan include Door County and Mackinac Island.

    Lake Huron

    A view from the shores of Lake Ontario.

    Lake Huron is bordered to the east by the Canadian province of Ontario, and to the west by Michigan. A popular tourist spot on Lake Huron is Bruce National Park (located on the Bruce Peninsula that nearly separates Georgian Bay from Lake Huron) known for its impressive limestone cliffs.

    Lake Erie

    The smallest of the Great Lakes (in terms of volume), Lake Erie is bordered by Ontario to the north, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York to the south and Michigan to the west. Water from the lake powers the large turbines at Niagara Falls that provide power to both Canada and the U.S. One of the major tourist regions on the lake is Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands

    Lake Ontario

    The last in the chain of the Great Lakes (it is an outlet to the Atlantic Ocean by way of the St. Lawrence River) is bordered to the north and southwest by Ontario and to the south by New York. One of the major tourist areas is Nigara-on-the-Lake, near the famous Niagara Falls.

    St. Lawrence River

    Though it’s technically not one of the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River connects Lake Ontario to the Atlantic Ocean and constitutes the eastern limit of the Great Lakes Region. The river crosses the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario and forms a section of the U.S./Canadian border between Ontario and New York. The 1000 Islands Region is one of the major tourist areas near the St. Lawrence River.

  • Five U.S. Natural Wonders You Should Visit

    I am an advocate of U.S. road trips as a cost-effective and adventurous way to spend one’s summer vacation. One of my favorite things to do while I’m on the road is to enjoy the variety of “natural wonders” the U.S. has to offer. Here are some of my top picks for you to check out the next time you find yourself on the road and in search of some natural beauty. Many lodgings in these areas fill up quickly for the summer months, so I recommend planning your natural getaway in advance.

    Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim), Arizona

    Grand Canyon National Park, visited by more than five million people each year, is considered one of the seven natural wonders of world and is a World Heritage Site. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is much less touristy than the South Rim, which is why I prefer it. During the summer months rooms are hard to come by at the Grand Canyon Lodge (they bill themselves as the only lodging on the North Rim, however there are some smaller options nearby), so book early if you’re interested in staying here. The North Rim features exposed geologic formations from the earth’s four eras of geologic history. Information at look-out spots and the North Rim Visitor’s Lodge teaches visitors about the formation of the Canyon (it was carved by the Colorado River over a period of six million years) and biological diversity.

    The expansive Grand Mesa (view from the western end).

    Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

    Since I first visited them as a kid I’ve been enthralled with the Carlsbad Caverns, over 117 underground caves that were formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone. The well-designed visitor’s center provides information on these unique geological formations as well as schedules for the variety of cave tours available. Whatever you do, make sure you’re at the “bat cave” at dusk where you can watch hundreds of Mexican free-tail bats fly out of the cave and over your head.

    Redwood National Forest, California

    Redwood National Forest is comprised of the official Redwood National Park and Redwood State Park and located in northern California. It runs along 37 miles of northern Californian coastline. Of course, the Redwood National Forest is best known for its “stars,” massive redwood trees (in height and girth) that cause most visitors to drop their jaws. However, this diverse ecosystem is also home to expansive prairies, oak forests and over 35 miles of savage coastline. The forest is also a protective area for various threatened species including the Northern Spotted Owl, Brown Pelican, Tidewater Goby, Bald Eagle, Steller’s Sea Lion, and the Chinook Salmon.

    Yosemite National Park, California

    Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of Central California, Yosemite National Park encompasses a variety of breathtaking sights including waterfalls, valleys, meadows, and giant sequoias. The park spans 1,170 square miles and ranges in altitude from 2,000 feet to over 13,000 feet above sea level. Nearby cities include San Francisco, Los Angeles and Reno.

    Grand Mesa, Colorado

    The area commonly referred to as Grand Mesa is a combination of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests, all located on the western side of the Colorado Rockies, an area that lies south of the Colorado River and west of the Continental Divide. The three forests together span over 3,161,912 acres and vary in elevation from 5,800 feet above sea level (in Roubideau Creek Canyon) to 14,309 feet (on Uncompahgre Peak). Highlights include Bridal Veil falls, the over 300 lakes  in the Grand Mesa, and the Alpine Tunnel.

  • Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling

    There’s nothing worse than getting sick while on vacation. Not only does it eat into your relaxation and discovery time, it can also be a drain on your budget. Depending on how severe your illness is, you could end up spending a large portion of your travel budget on medication and/or hospital fees.  Of course, there are much better ways to spend your hard earned cash while traveling! Here are some suggestions for staying healthy while traveling.

    Get immunized. It’s important to research the immunizations that are required for travel to your destination. If you are traveling with the whole family, it’s especially important to know if your kids’ vaccinations are up to date and if they may need additional ones. As is the case for most things these days, there’s an app for that. If you’re an iPad or iPhone user, Healix Travel Vaccinations allows you to check which vaccinations you need to travel to any country (the app also provides country-specific travel and safety tips). You should also check with your primary caregiver. He or she should have an up-to-date list of required immunizations on file.

    Know your health status. Planning a ‘round the world adventure? This would be a great time to schedule that basic health exam you’ve been putting off. Especially when traveling abroad or taking long trips, it’s important to know your health status inside and out. A general physical will help identify any health problems you may have and allow you to find a remedy before it gets any worse.

    Stock up on your meds. It’s never a good idea to assume that you’ll be able to find the medication you need while on vacation. Even over-the-counter meds have different chemical make-ups and dosage requirements in other countries. If you regularly take prescription or over-the-counter meds, plan to bring as much as you’ll need for the duration of your trip.

    Be aware of water quality and plan accordingly. In most parts of the U.S., we have the luxury of turning on the faucet in most places and drinking the water that comes out of it. This is not so in many other parts of the world. Research the water quality in the places you’ll be visiting. You may want to opt for bottled water or bring along iodine tablets for water purification.

    Do some yoga. You don’t have to be a hard-core yogi to benefit from a few yoga stretches here and there while traveling. Doing yoga before and after your flight can do wonders for overall health. For some ideas, check out: “Yoga Positions to Ease the Pain of Long Flights.”

    Practicing yoga while traveling is a great way to stay centered, fit and healthy.

    Eat well. It can be hard to maintain a balanced diet while on vacation, but it’s important to do so if you want to remain healthy for your entire trip. A few days of subsisting only on red wine and pastries takes its toll, after all.  Grab some fruit and whole-grain snacks to keep in your hotel room, and follow your mom’s advice and “eat your vegetables” and a healthy dose of protein at each meal.

    Stay hydrated. It’s easy to forget to drink enough water each day, especially if you’re on an intense travel schedule. However, it’s important to drink at least 8 large glasses of water a day (more if you’re physically active throughout the day). The dangers of dehydration can be as annoying as a slight headache or as sever as heart palpitations or fainting. Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to ensure your health (and happiness) while traveling.

    Get some exercise. Whether it’s taking a brisk walk around the city or going on a bike tour, it’s important to get regularly exercise each day (if possible). This will help to keep you healthy and keep your energy level up. Plus, being active outside is a great way to get to know your surroundings and discover new things while traveling.

  • See Historic Ships for Free at Australian National Maritime Museum

    Australia’s historic ships and naval heritage are celebrated at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

    The museum’s galleries feature important documents and other relics from Australia’s maritime history. You can explore these displays at your own pace or join a free guided tour. The interactive touch screens in the museum’s foyer give times and information about this service along with other museum events and activities.

    But for most visitors, the most exciting parts of the museum are outside its halls. Several ships are docked in the harbor just outside, including the navy destroyer HMAS Vampire, the 1847 tall ship James Craig, the Blackmores First Lady sailed around the world by Australian solo voyager Kay Cottee, and a replica of the Endeavour, the ship that Captain James Cook traveled to Australia in.

    All those boats and talk of history can be a bit dry for the kids, so if you’re taking the family visit on Sundays or during school holiday periods. Extra activities including craft projects, story time, and games should keep children aged between five and 12 entertained. These sessions do attract an extra fee of $7 though, so they can get pricey if you have a large brood.

    The Australian National Maritime Museum's replica of the Endeavour
    The Australian National Maritime Museum's replica of the Endeavour

    The Australian National Maritime Museum is conveniently located on the western side of the bubbling Darling Harbour precinct. This tourist hub is easily accessible by Sydney’s bus, light rail, and monorail networks.

    The Australian National Maritime Museum is one of Sydney’s free museums, although special exhibitions and activities may attract a small fee. It’s open every day except Christmas from 9:30 am in the morning. The museum closes at 5 pm, except in January when it closes at 6 pm.

    [Image Source: Andy Mitchell/Flickr]

  • Tips for Taking Road Trips Across the U.S.

    Road trips are a fun and economical way to discover the U.S. However, up until about 5 years ago, I’d always dismissed them in favor of cheaper travel in other countries.

    It wasn't until a French friend shared his dream of one day driving from New York to Los Angeles that I thought: “Hey, I want to do that, too!” I discovered that there are many things I don’t about the U.S. and many places I’d like to visit. So, now I set out on at least one road trip per year to learn more about the diverse country in which I live. What I’ve found during my multiple cross-country road trips is: (1) They are always more fun than I anticipated they’d be; (2) It’s easy to be frugal if you stick to a budget; (3) The trips rarely go as planned. Spring is almost here, so now is the time to start planning your late spring/summer adventures. Here are some tips for making the most out of your road trip:
    • Have a general idea of your itinerary before setting out on your journey. When planning your itinerary, be realistic in terms of time. If you only have 1 week of vacation time, perhaps you just want to explore a small part of the U.S. (after all, you have the rest of your life to make it to the other states!).
    • Always budget more time than you think you’ll need. When I go on a road trip, I typically alternate long driving days with sightseeing days. It’s important to remember that your driving days may take longer than you think due to unforeseen circumstances.
    • Take along a GPS or maps. It’s important to have access to maps for every region you’ll be traveling to. Even if you MapQuest it all before leaving, you may want to take a detour, etc. that will require knowledge of an alternate route. Stopping to ask for directions takes time, so it’s best to be self-sufficient in this regard.
    • Check the weather often while on the road. I once spent several days dodging tornados in the region where I was traveling. In order to stay safe, I checked the weather multiple times per day.
    • If possible, bring your own source of Internet access. Smart phones and tablets now make it easier than ever to stay connected without lugging around a computer. Having Internet access is important for checking weather, finding information about various locations (tourist information, lodging, etc.), and staying in touch with those back home.
    • Have a general plan for lodging. Camping is the most frugal option, but there are plenty of cheap motels throughout the U.S., too. I always try to spend at least one night with a friend while I’m on the road. Keep in mind that, due to unforeseen circumstances, your accommodation plans could change.
    • Set a trip budget. Before you leave, it’s important to have an idea of about how much you’ll be spending. AAA offers some good discounts, so if you are a member be sure to take advantage of them. If you don’t have a plan for roadside assistance, be sure to budget in an extra cushion for flat tires and whatnot. Save money on food by bringing a cooler and making sandwiches for lunch instead of shelling out for fast food.
    • Pack an emergency kit. Be on the safe side an pack an emergency kit with first aid supplies, blankets, extra water and dry food, a flashlight, etc. It’s best to be prepared because you never know what can happen on the road.
    • Traveling with kids? Stay flexible. If you’re going on a road trip with kids, there are a variety of things to consider. Remember that, depending on the ages and personalities of your kids, you may not be able to get quite as far as you had planned each day. The important thing is that everyone stays safe and happy - you want your kids to remember this as a good experience, right?
    • Enjoy the unexpected. One of the best things about road trips are the pleasant unexpected opportunities/events that arise. Relish in an impromptu hike, stop for a live rodeo you hadn’t planned on attending, enjoy a relaxing picnic with your travel partners. It’s all part of the experience.

  • Visiting Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior on a Budget

    If you’re looking for a cheap, stress-free getaway surrounded by nature, consider a trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota.

    Whether you choose to spend your time dining on the cheap in delicious local eateries, sampling local beers, hiking along the miles of inland trail, kayaking, surfing (no joke!) or simply strolling the shore of Lake Superior, a visit to the North Shore is sure to be a relaxing escape from the realities of everyday life. How to get there: Duluth, Minnesota (the first big city on the North Shore), is an approximately 3.5 drive from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul (a straight shot up interstate 35W). Duluth does have a regional airport, but flights here are more expensive and fewer than those arriving at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP). I would recommend flying into MSP, spending a night in the Twin Cities, and renting a cheap car for the scenic drive up to the lake. [caption id="attachment_5030" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Enjoy the the natural beauty of the sun setting over Lake Superior."]Lake Superior vacation photo[/caption] Where to stay: In addition to hotels, resorts and cabin rentals in all price points along the North Shore, there are several privately owned and state park campgrounds that are perfect for travelers on a budget. Wherever you end up staying, make sure you reserve a spot early, especially if you are planning to visit during the peak tourist months (May- October). If you’re traveling by plane and don’t want to bring a tent, sleeping bags and other gear (fishing or hiking gear, for example) with you on the plane, it’s relatively easy to find places to rent gear in Minneapolis/St. Paul or on the North Shore (in Duluth or Grand Marais). Check at the visitor’s centers in Duluth and Grand Marais for the most recent information on rental spots. Here are some private, municipal campgrounds that are popular with tourists: Knife River Campground 218-834-5044 This medium-sized campground (30 tent and trailer sites with hookups) is located on the western side of the Knife River. Penmarallter Campground 218-834-4603 This campground is known for its large RV (with hookups) & tent sites. Each site as a fire pit and picnic table. Penmarallter is located midway between Duluth and the city of Two Harbors . Burlington Bay Campsite 218-834-2021 Located in Two Harbors, this campground is located on the shore of Lake Superior. There are 20 tent sites and 93 trailer sites (with hookups). Golfers will enjoy the municipal course across the highway. Lax Lake Campground 218-353-7424 Located near Gooseberry Falls State Park, Lax Lake Campground and resort has sleeping rooms, cottages, cabins, and tent and trailer sites with hookups for rent. The compound also has a spacious lodge with laundry facilities and a game room. What to do: My favorite things to do along the North Shore include hiking, kayaking, gallery browsing and eating. For more information on hiking the North Shore trails or the famous Gunflint Trail, see http://www.northshorehiking.com/. There are a variety of spots to rent kayaks in both Duluth and Two Harbors (ask at the visitor’s center in each city for the most recent information). Every August, Two Harbors hosts a kayak festival, which is fun for the whole family http://kayakfestival.upnorthmn.net/. Sivertson’s Gallery http://www.sivertson.com/ has locations in Grand Marais and Duluth. The gallery features a large array of sculptures, paintings, paper goods, jewelry and accessories (silk scarves, etc.) from Minnesota and Wisconsin artists. Where to eat: There are some great options on the North Shore for frugal foodies. The Angry Trout Café, located in Grand Marais, serves a variety of fresh fish dishes in a casual atmosphere overlooking the lake. The best breakfast on the North Shore can be found at the Duluth Grill. Don’t be fooled by its Denny’s-like exterior, this place is definitely foodie-friendly (be sure to try the red flannel hash -- grated and spiced carrots, potatoes and beets). If you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene, Duluth is your best option. Fitger’s Brewhouse often has live music to be enjoyed along with good food (and beer, of course!) at reasonable prices. Red Star serves up drinks from a full bar and has a nightclub vibe (both are located in the Fitger’s complex). At the other end of town, check out the live music, full bar and reasonably-price wood fired pizzas and tap beers at the Clyde Iron Works Restaurant (located in the renovated Clyde Iron Works factory).

  • How To Be a Good Houseguest

    One of the most expensive aspects of travel is lodging. Hotel stays can really start to add up after a week or two.

    There are many alternative lodging options available to help frugal travelers cut costs. Of course, one of the cheapest of these is staying with an acquaintance, friend or family member (because it is usually free). It’s true that host/guest expectations can vary widely depending on relationships, work schedules, and numerous other variables. Here are some general tips to assure that your stay goes smoothly and improve your chances of being invited to come stay again. Communicate your schedule and other details about your stay. It’s important that your host(s) know what to expect during your stay. Communicate details about your travel schedule (flight/train arrival and departure times, etc.) and about your stay in general (how many days you will be staying, if you will be staying with your guests the entire time, what your plans are during the day and evening, etc.). These details are especially important if your hosts will be filling various roles (airport chauffeur, tour guide, etc.) to accommodate your stay. If your hosts would like to spend some time with you (take you to see certain sights, have dinner at home together, etc.), it’s important to plan this in advance to make sure everyone is aware of one another’s expectations. Consider all aspects of transportation. Never assume that your host will provide transportation for you. It’s always best to discuss these things in detail up front. Be aware of your host’s own transportation situation. If you are staying with a married couple who both work and need two cars to get to their jobs each day, then it is unrealistic to expect that you would be able to borrow a car for each day of your stay. In this type of situation, it is best to consider renting a car to make sure that everyone’s transportation needs are covered and that you do not cause undue stress to your hosts. Remain aware of your host’s schedule. If your host has to work at 8am, be quiet when you come home after a night out on the town. Likewise, if you’re an early riser and your host prefers to sleep late, postpone louder activities until after he or she awakes (or sneak out of the house and grab breakfast at a local coffee shop). It’s also good to be clear about what everyone’s eating plans are for the day (Will you be eating together that evening? Should your host make extra coffee for you in the morning? Etc.) to avoid misunderstandings and possible frustration. Show your gratitude. There are many ways to do this. Keep in mind that even the simplest gesture of gratitude can go a long way. If your host drives you around for a day, offer to pay for gas. Offer to pay for food that your host has purchased for your stay or offer to cook him/her a special dinner (and do the dishes!). If culinary arts aren’t your thing, offer to take your host(s) out to dinner or buy them a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant. You could also bring a host gift (a nice bottle of wine, etc.) to give to them at the beginning of your stay. After you return home, be sure to send a thank you note reiterating how nice it was for them to accommodate you. Of course, good houseguests always offer to wash the sheets and towels they have used and leave their rooms as clean as they found them. Offer to return the favor. Make sure your hosts know they are welcome to stay with you at any time. If they do take you up on the offer, be sure to treat them even better than they treated you during your stay. This is the key to establishing a great routine and assuring more free lodging in your future.

  • Paris (France) on the Cheap

    It’s no secret that the City of Lights is also one of the most expensive in the world. Never fear, frugal travelers.

    With a bit of creativity, it’s possible experience all of what Paris has to offer on the cheap. Here are some suggestions. Where to stay: In addition to checking out alternative discount lodging options (housing swaps, vacation rentals, couch surfing), here is a very abbreviated list of reasonably priced places to stay in Paris. Hôtel Séjour Beaubourg, 36 Rue du Grenier St-Lazare, has clean, bright rooms with private bathrooms and showers starting at 60 euros a night. Hôtel du Commerce is a cross between a hotel and a hostel (only 3 of the hotel’s 32 rooms have a private bathroom and shower). Rooms here go for as little as 40 euros per night. Absolute Hotel Paris is another hotel/hostel hybrid located at 1 Rue de la Fontaine au Roi. There are quad, triple or double rooms for as little as 30 euros per night. Each room has its own bathroom and shower. Hôtel du Nord et de l’Est, 49 Rue De Malte, is a cozy 2-star hotel with rooms starting at 50 euros a night. What to do: [caption id="attachment_4886" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Spend an afternoon strolling through the Luxembourg Gardens (for free!). "]luxembourg gardens photo[/caption] There are a variety of free, interesting things to do in Paris. Keep in mind that most museums offer free or discounted admission prices for children and students (as is the case in other European countries, most museums are closed on Mondays). Here are a couple of suggestions for interesting (free) ways to spend an afternoon. One of my favorite “budget activities” to do in Paris is to pick a neighborhood and simply wander around. This is one of the best ways to really get to know a city’s history and culture. Paris’ oldest neighborhood, Le Marais, is located on the Right bank of the Seine river. This is where you’ll find the oldest private residence in Paris (from the early 15th century), located on the Rue de Montmorency. It’s a wonderful area to stroll around and relatively easy to navigate. History buffs will love the Arenes de Lutece, 47 rue Monge et rue de Navarre (Métro: Place Monge, Jussieu, Cardinal Lemoine), located in the 5th arrondissement. Hours: Daily 8AM - 5.30PM (winter), 8AM - 10PM (summer). This impressive ancient Roman theater is one of two that have survived over the years in Paris (the other being Thermes de Cluny). Spend the afternoon in this lovely archeological park to get away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. Admission is always free. Located in Paris’ 6th arrondissement, the 55-acre Jardins de Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) is free and open to the public. Amidst the impressive landscape architecture comprised of gravel walkways, grassy expanses, and large pools and fountains, you’ll find the French Senate, which is housed in the luxurious Palais du Luxembourg. It’s not just tourists who flock to the Jardins de Luxembourg. You’ll see many Parisians strolling around or enjoying a picnic here as well. Admission is always free. Where to eat: No doubt that Paris is a haven for foodies. See: eating cheaply in Paris. However, you don’t need to fork over the big bucks in a Michelin star restaurant to have a great culinary adventure in Paris. Street vendors selling crêpes, gaufres (large waffles), and long sandwiches made of baguettes are ubiquitous. One of my favorite “foodie on a budget” activities in Paris is buying fresh fruit, cheese, baguettes and a bottle of wine at a local open-air market (or at one of the specialty shops along Rue Mouffetard) and going on a picnic along the banks of the Seine river.