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Category: Trip Planning

The World’s 5 Most Unusual Hostels

Taking a frugal vacation doesn’t mean you need to face another boring, bland hostel. Read on to discover some of the weirdest and most wonderful backpackers’ stays on the planet.

ArkaBarka Floating Hostel in Belgrade, Serbia

Backpackers can’t ask for better water views than those offered by the ArkaBarka Floating Hotel in Belgrade. This unusual hostel actually floats on the Danube River! All the rooms offer those enviable river views, but the balcony is also a great place to soak up the scenery.

The ArkaBarka Floating Hostel is far enough away from the action to offer peace and quiet, but it takes just 20 minutes to walk to the city center. It’s also close to Usce Park, which is a popular spot for cycling and roller blading. Rates start at 15 euros for a bed in a shared room and breakfast.

Kadir’s Tree House in Olympos, Turkey

Relive your childhood at Kadir’s Tree House in the Turkish coastal city of Olympos. This striking hostel sees guests bunkering down in a real tree house! It’s far more sophisticated than the one you played in as a kid though; Kadir’s has three bars and a nightclub on site! Its staff members also organize plenty of outings to help you make the most of your stay, including treks through the Lost City, sea kayaking excursions, and fishing expeditions.

Dorm rooms are very reasonable, with prices starting from $16, but they jump up to $29 a night if you want your own room.

Carbisdale Castle Youth Hostel in Culrain, Scotland

If you thought staying in a real castle was out of your price range, think again. Scotland’s Carbisdale Castle is a real historic castle that was originally built for the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland! It might be a hostel now, but it hasn’t let itself go. It boasts a large art collection and an array of Italian marble statues. It’s also set in immaculate grounds overlooking the nearby River Kyle.

It’s not the place to stay if you’re at all superstitious though, as several ghosts are said to haunt the manner. Look out for a lady in white, fallen soldiers, and the former gardener roaming the grounds hunting for his long lost daughter. If you don’t mind the spectres, you can enjoy a dorm room from $20 or a private space from $25.

Hostel Celica in Ljubljana, Slovenia

It looks like any other hostel from the outside, but there’s more to Hostel Celica than meets the eye. This hostel proudly bears the tell-tale signs of its heritage as a military prison. Cell bars on the doors and windows of all guest bedrooms remind visitors what it must have been like to be locked up.

Thankfully Hostel Celica is a much more entertaining place now than it was then. There’s an art gallery on site, and the hostel also hosts concerts, workshops, and poetry readings. It’s also conveniently located right next to the Metelkova party district, and a ten-minute walk to the city center. Expect to get a dorm room for a little as $18, and a private one for $24.

Hedonisia Eco-Hostel in Hawaii, United States

Kadir’s Tree House in Olympos, Turkey

You’ll feel a little like Tarzan when you stay at Hedonisia Eco-Hostel, a sustainable backpackers’ stay nestled in the tropical rainforests of Hawaii’s Puna region. This area is far quieter than tourist traps like Honolulu and Waikiki, so it’s well worth exploring. And few other hostels boast a giant volcano crater, a guava hut, and a remodeled schoolbus all on site! This hostel is also perfect for eco-conscious travelers, as everything you’ll find at Hedonisia is made from recycled or locally-sourced materials.

As with so many green travel options though, Hedonisia is a bit pricier than your average hostel. You can stay in one of the shared indoor tents in The Barn for around $34, or upgrade to a private room for around $62.

So why stay at another forgettable hostel? This is just a taste of the affordable establishments that have upped the ante.

[Image Source: Elena Pleskevich/Flickr]

May 14, 2013
Wine Tasting Tours on the Cheap

It’s Friday, and so many workers around the world are starting to watch the clock and anticipate that first drop of weekend wine. You could have another get together with the girls, the same old bottle of sav blanc, and trashy reality TV, or you could do something different this weekend and go wine tasting. Wine tasting sounds like a posh activity for the well-to-do, and it can be, but it’s also an excellent way for frugal travelers to pass the time.

If you want to do things on the cheap, forget about private tours. Sure you might enjoy the intimacy and a ride in a luxury vehicle, but these tours can cost hundreds for every person in the party. Look for small wine tour operators that drive larger buses. With more people on board, these guides can keep the costs down.

If you want to cut costs even further, consider asking a non-drinking friend or one of your pals’ teenage kids to play chauffeur. Chip in for their gas and a little extra for their trouble, and it’ll cost you next to nothing. You’ll miss out on the expert knowledge of a qualified guide, but you’ll have the flexibility of planning your own itinerary. Most wineries have comprehensive websites which display the details on their range of wines and cellar door hours so it’s easy to plan your own route.

Wine tasting costs around the world vary significantly. In Australia, you’ll rarely pay to taste wine. In New Zealand, a small tasting fee of a few dollars is common, but you will usually recoup this if you buy a bottle or two. In America, small wineries will often offer free tastings while larger wineries tend to charge between $5 and $50 to taste their wines. Others also have a cap on the amount you can taste for free. In Europe many wineries charge between five and ten euros to taste, while others offer complementary tasting sessions.

All that drinking is fun, but it’ll go to your head if you forget to eat. Many wineries have restaurants attached to their cellar doors, but they can be pricy. Taking a picnic lunch is a more affordable option. The world’s wineries have some beautiful outdoor areas just waiting for you to relax and refuel amongst the vines.

Touring a vineyard and attending a wine tasting can be a fun, educational part of a custom culinary tour on a budget.

While wine tasting is affordable and sometimes even free, you shouldn’t think of it as a cheap way to get liquored up. Wine makers put their heart and soul into their vintages after all. If you enjoy the wine you taste, make sure you take home a bottle or two. It’s a great souvenir of your wine tasting trip, and an excellent way to make your vacation in the vineyards last a little longer.

April 19, 2013
Bird Lovers Sanibel Island Vacation on a Budget

Nature lovers looking to escape the Northern Hemisphere’s chilly conditions should consider following the birds and flying south. Sanibel Island, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is one of America’s best places for a spot of bird watching. During the spring, some 250 bird species, including little blue herons, anhingas, and roseate spoonbills, call Sanibel Island their home. And by following our advice, it’s surprisingly affordable to admire these feathered creatures.

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the most popular place for bird watching on Sanibel Island. You might think that would make it crowded, but as the refuge spans some 6, 400 acres it’s easy to claim a private patch of bird watching turf. The Wildlife Drive, which is the sanctuary’s primary road, is open from 7:30 am to thirty minutes before sunset every day but Friday. The animals deserve to live away from prying human eyes one day of the week, don’t they? We love to visit during low tide, as it allows you to observe the shorebirds feeding on the worms and crustaceans that live on the exposed mud flats. Entry to Wildlife Drive costs just $5, which is very affordable for a full-day’s entertainment in the great outdoors. If you’ve got cash to spare, you could join one of Tarpon Bay Explorers’ guided tours. The company will take you through the national park by tram, canoe, kayak, or pontoon boat. In addition to the birdlife, tour participants often see manatees, dolphins, and alligators.

The historic Sanibel Island Lighthouse and its nearby beach are also perfect for bird watching. On the shore you’ll see pelicans and other wading birds; look up to find nesting ospreys perched in the trees. If you’ve got little ones in tow, make sure you bring their bathers. They’ll enjoy splashing about in the clear, calm water while you take in the scenery. Visit early in the morning to see the most migrating birds and score an easy parking space. Parking is cheap for a short stay at $2 an hour.

The wetlands at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s Nature Center and Center Tract Preserve, Sanibel Gardens Preserve, the Sanibel Island’s other beaches also provide opportunities for eagle-eyed bird watchers.

When spring hits, Sanibel Island enjoys a flurry of tourists. They start to drop away by the time May rolls around, so that’s the best time for frugal travelers to make their journey. You can often enjoy rooms for half the price then, and the climate is surprisingly pleasant. Visit early in the month to avoid summer heat and mosquito plagues.

For the best deal, look for accommodation that’s situated several streets back from the beach. You’ll find the cheapest hotel prices come without those coastal views. We love the pet-friendly rooms of Driftwood Inn, the resort stylings of The Palm View, and the old world charm and free bike rentals at Sandpiper Inn. All these affordable hotels are conveniently located on Donax Street.

If you love to eat in, stock up on groceries before you reach Sanibel Island. Food and other essentials are much cheaper in nearby Fort Myers than on the island. If you want to add some atmosphere to your dining experience, pack a picnic and enjoy enviable water views!

If restaurant meals are more your style, you can save money by dining at some of the island’s favorite local haunts. Sports nuts will love the pub grub at Doc Ford’s Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille, the island’s most popular sports bar. The sandwiches at the Rosie’s Cafe & Grill are great for a cheap feed, but the island eatery also offers more substantial fare. The cheesy nautical theme makes a night out at the Lazy Flamingo lots of fun.

A tri-colored heron at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Florida

So with your vacation strategy planned, how should you get there? Southwest Florida International Airport is the closest to Sanibel Island. Budget airlines including AirTran Airways, Spirit, and Southwest Airlines all service this terminal. Cut-price rental companies Alamo Rent-A-Car, Budget, and Thrifty can help you get from the airport to your accommodation.

So what are you waiting for? A bird lovers’ spring break in Sanibel Island could cost far less than you thought!

[Image Source: Andrea Westmoreland/Flickr]

March 6, 2013
Travel Arrangements To Save You Money

Frugal travelers spend plenty of time sniffing out the cheapest accommodation and securing low cost air fares. But there are some other arrangements you should make before you set off on your dream vacation. In this article we look at some of the other preplanning activities that can save you serious money.

Passport matters
Check the date on your passport, and arrange for a new one if necessary. Your passport should be valid for the period of your stay as a minimum. Some countries require travelers to have a passport valid for six months past their trip’s end, so check the requirements of your destination. It typically takes between four to six weeks to receive a new passport, so it’s important to order yours early. Leave it too late and you’ll be slugged with an expedited service fee.

Sort out visas
Visa requirements will vary depending on your nationality, the place you hope to travel, and the length of your intended stay. Do your research and pay for your visa before leaving. Failure to do so could result in a hefty fine or even a little jail time.

Purchase travel insurance
This is one of those cases of spending money to avoid spending much more in the future. Too many frugal travelers foolishly forgo travel insurance, then face massive expenses later. This precaution ensures you’re not out of pocket for lost luggage, hospital bills, and much more. Read our tips for finding the best travel insurance policy for you.

Stock up on medications
If you take prescription medication, make sure you have enough for your getaway. It can be difficult and expensive to buy medications while you’re away, particularly if you’re traveling overseas.

Look for the discounts
Discounts are much harder to get once your holiday is underway, so start looking for great deals before you leave. Many hotel chains and restaurants have reward programs which you can join online, allowing you to earn points sooner rather than later. Browse the websites of your car club and other loyalty programs to see the discounts offered in your travel destination. Make sure you have all relevant cards in your wallet to receive these benefits.

Get a handle on the language
No one expects you to become multilingual, but learning the basics can take you far in a follow country. Mastering simple phrases of courtesy and request will mean you’re less likely to be taken advantage of abroad.

Pause subscriptions
There’s no sense paying for something that you’re not around to enjoy. Most newspapers and DVD subscription services will happily suspend your service while you’re gone for free. Putting a hold on such subscriptions also helps minimize your mail, making it less likely that would be thieves will guess you’re away.

Break in new shoes
This one sounds a bit silly, unless you’ve ever struggled through a vacation with uncomfortable shoes! Most of us walk much more than usual while we’re away, so your shoes have to feel good. If yours don’t you’ll probably bin them and move on to another pair, at considerable cost. If only you’d broken them in earlier!

As you can see, a budget traveler should think about much more than their transport and accommodation. There’s plenty more to consider before setting off on an affordable vacation!

January 8, 2013
How to Create an Awesome Travel Itinerary

Many travelers love to get away because they can move from here to there, exploring the world without rules or restriction. Ask one of these free-spirited tourists to create an itinerary and they’ll probably scoff and insist the schedule will only spoil their fun. However, planning your vacation can save you serious dollars and stress. In this article we look at the perks of planning and help you create your own itinerary.

Creating an itinerary ensures you don’t miss the sights you’ll enjoy most. You can get a feel for a city when you’re on the ground, but it’s much easier to get an overview of your destination’s highlights online. It’ll also ensure you’re traveling in the most efficient, and budget-friendly, way rather than back-tracking during your journey.

While an itinerary takes some time to put together, you’ll get that time back and more while you’re away. Who wants to spend hours searching the streets for suitable accommodation when they could have booked a bargain room weeks ago from the comfort of their own armchair?

Consider creating an itinerary a bit like completing a crossword puzzle. As you add your answers you’ll start to see how your trip will fit together. Tackle the easy decisions early, and the other aspects will start to come into view. You might discover sections that don’t work with the rest of your schedule, so like a crossword it’s sometimes best to plan in pencil!

Choose your arrival and departure dates
If your company allocates set vacation time, this will be an easy decision. If you have more freedom you might decide to travel in the low season to save cash, or enjoy a summer abroad. Consider your budget carefully, as you shouldn’t stay away longer than you can afford.

Add the dates that can’t be moved
With travel dates planned, it’s now time to add more details. You shouldn’t plan anything major on the day you arrive or depart, as these days will be busy with traveling. Then consider any commitments you’ve already made. If you’ve bought tickets for a concert or arranged to stay with a relative, jot it down. You’ll want to build your itinerary around these solid plans.

Get brainstorming
Now you’re getting to the fun stuff. Hop online and break out the guidebooks and note down anything that appeals to you. This might be cities you’ve always dreamed of seeing, natural wonders, museums and historic monuments, or festivals. If it gets you excited, you’ll want it on your shortlist.

Consider your options
Now you know all the things you’d like to do, it’s time to decide what’s really important. We like to use a three-star rating system with our travel wish list. Anything that scores three stars, you’re desperate to see. You’d really like to see the two-star stuff, and while the one-star items sound cool, you wouldn’t lose sleep over missing them.

Plan your path
This step can be incredibly simple or a major headache, depending on your holiday style. If you want to visit just one city, it’s easy. If you’re planning an extended European getaway with stops in various countries, it can be a bit trickier. Choose the cities where you’ll stay, using your shortlist as a guide. Consider how many days you’ll stay in each spot and block out your time, including travel between locations. While you’ll want to see as much as you can, it’s important to be realistic. If you overstuff your schedule you’ll get burnt out and bad tempered. Don’t forget to factor in jetlag too. Spending more time in fewer cities is preferable, as you won’t waste vacation time in transit or feeling sluggish. Many hotels also offer discounts on long-term stays.

Decide on the final details
Now you know where you’ll be when, and what days you have free, you’re ready for the final steps. Return to your vacation wish list and add the attractions, restaurants, and other sights you’ll see to your schedule. If you’ve got your heart set on particular restaurants, make your bookings now. It’ll avoid disappointment on the day. Do a little more research on the sights you’re interested in. Some may not be open in the off season or through the week, while others may offer discounts on particular days. Move things around now to get the best deals. Book accommodation in each city you’re staying and you’re done!

While itineraries can make vacations run more smoothly, don’t be afraid to move away from the script now and again. Where possible, book refundable or exchangeable tickets to ensure you won’t be out of pocket if your plans change. Then if you see something that catches your eye, make sure to check it out. Some of the best stuff isn’t in a guide book, and if you miss it you’ll regret it!

January 3, 2013
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.

Hotel 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!

December 17, 2012
Best Guidebooks for Budget Travelers

As young travelers embrace the digital age, many feel guidebooks are becoming passé. Yet these handy travel companions still have a place in the suitcases of many globetrotters. After all, when you use an old-fashioned guidebook you need never worry about flat batteries! If you prefer to thumb through crisp pages than stare at a tablet full of the latest travel apps, this article detailing some of the best guidebooks for budget travelers is for you.

Lonely Planet is one of the most popular guidebook series on the planet, and with good reason. The series caters for youthful travelers seeking value for money. The ability to download .pdf versions of the guides is particularly useful, especially if you plan on visiting several locations. However the popularity of these books leads to increased tourism in the sites it profiles, so they’re not recommended for anyone who hates crowds.

The Let’s Go series started as a service for Harvard University students, and it still caters for students on their gap years and other tourists with tight budgets. The writers show you how to enjoy the best a destination has to offer without paying high prices.

Mark Ellingham created the Rough Guides series with the ethos that you should “make the most of your time on Earth.” It was originally targeted at backpackers, but these guides aren’t just about roughing it any more. Recent editions have included pricier experiences and travel options, so they’re more appropriate for holidaymakers looking for a more balanced vacation.

Arthur Frommer creates travel guides for all budgets, but his Dollar-a-Day series is a must for frugal tourists. It’s not for backpackers and students happy to subsist on ramen noodles, but rather travelers with taste who want to stretch their dollar further. These guides feature affordable accommodation, good value bistros and ethnic restaurants, free and almost free attractions, and a shopping section for bargain-hunters.

It’s worth noting that guidebooks should never be your only travel resource. They’re out of date shortly after they’re published after all, with the best series updated only once a year. They also aim to please the largest possible audience, so they rarely highlight a destination’s quirkier features. They’re also a bulky billboard that screams to the locals that you’re a tourist. So much for blending in!

But guidebooks are a great starting point for learning about your destination’s well established haunts, public transport systems, and more. If you want to save more, forget the bookstores and head to thrift shops or eBay. Most travelers offload their old guidebooks when they return home, so you can enjoy a real bargain!

October 23, 2012
Tour the World’s Remote Locations – Travel Off the Beaten Track

Signing up for a touring vacation seems counterintuitive to the way most bargain hunters travel. You must stay in planned accommodation rather than searching for the best deal, and eat the same dishes as your fellow travelers rather than stumbling across out-of-the-way eateries. In short, most often you’ll find yourself sticking to the well-worn tourist path rather than exploring the beaten track. But touring vacations shouldn’t be dismissed entirely. In fact, if you want to explore the wilds of Australia’s Outback, remote corners of India, and the dangerous streets of the Middle East, tours are the only way to go.

Such tours showcase the best that these rarely explored areas have to offer. Guides are knowledgeable about the regions they visit, and their expertise will help you learn much more about your surrounds than the fear-mongering media reports.

Safety is perhaps the most important reason to sign up for one of these tours. All too often we hear stories of travelers who set off independently exploring, only to run into trouble. The guides know how to handle their regions’ hostile environments and locals. Tours don’t just offer safety in numbers; they also offer safety in experience.

Joining a tour is also a great way to meet like-minded travelers from around the globe. These tours typically attract tourists of all ages, and lifelong friendships are often forged.

Tours also make traveling much easier. There’s no waiting for public transport, no confusion about navigating from one place to the next, not even the stress of searching for parking spaces. Of course you sacrifice some flexibility for that ease, but if you want to see spots not serviced by traditional transport this drawback seems reasonable.

While you can pay through the nose for some tours, many companies target frugal travelers. Their tours will generally see you pitching tents or bunkering down in hostels rather than checking into five-star resorts. Meals are often not included in the tour price, as it is in more luxurious tours, although in some cases members contribute to the group’s food kitty. The flights to remote parts of the world can be pricy, but at least you’ll know there’s little more to spend once you arrive.

Companies like Dragoman Adventure Travel and Absolute Africa offer overland tours in their rugged rigs. These vehicles can happily travel off established roads and explore the paths less traveled. These aren’t like seniors’ cushy coach tours. You become part of the crew, pitching in to set up camp, collect firewood, shop for food, and cook it for your fellow travelers. And with the companies offering tours that last just a few weeks or several months, there’s bound to be one to suit your budget.

Such tours offer their charges a wealth of experiences. Activities are often physical. Why see the region as it passes your vehicle when you could discover it on horseback, on foot, or from a river raft? When you need to catch your breath you might find yourself taking cooking lessons from friendly residents, exploring a bushman village, or interacting with the local school students. These experiences are rarely afforded to the independent traveler and designed to create memories to last a lifetime.

While tours of holiday hotspots are often overpriced and uninspiring, group journeys can offer frugal travelers some unexpected pleasures. So why not see a little more of the world on an organized tour?

September 26, 2012
Stay for Less – Affordable Accommodation Options for Your Next Vacation

Accommodation is one of the largest expenses for any vacation, so it’s important that you consider yours seriously. We all want to save money on our room, but basing your decision solely on price can lead to a miserable vacation. In this article we examine a range of affordable accommodation options to help you find the best place to lay your head.

Hostels are an obvious choice for many budget travelers. You’ll find more than 5000 backpackers motels in around 70 countries around the world, and rooms often cost as little as $8 a night. They were once commonly known as youth hostels, and still attract many young tourists. However these days hostels are gaining popularity amongst more mature holidaymakers.

When considering a hostel stay, it’s vital to consider your preferred travel style. Dormitory-style accommodation can suit young travelers who want to meet fellow globetrotters and spend little time in their room. However private rooms are often favoured by families and older travelers. You’ll typically pay more for in-room bathroom facilities, but many holidaymakers find this creature comfort is worth the splurge.

It’s important to learn what your hostel accommodation includes before setting off. You may need to leave room in your suitcase for a towel or linens, as these are often not included in the tariff. If you’re planning to visit many hostels, consider joining an organization like Hostelling International. Membership incurs an annual fee, but will ensure you get the best rates on hostels and attractions around the world.

If the communal living of a hostel stay isn’t your cup of chai, a vacation in a charming bed and breakfast or pension hotel may be more your speed. These establishments are typically set up outside the city, so they offer a peaceful alternative to urban digs. The rooms are private, although you may need to share your bathroom facilities. While bed and breakfasts can be expensive in the United States, they can cost as little as $20 a night abroad. Make sure you eat your fill at breakfast time to see real value. A hearty fry-up can often keep you satisfied until the evening!

If the rural air and warmth of a bed and breakfast sounds appealing, perhaps you should try a farm stay. Farm stays first became popular in Europe, and now properties in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand are following suit. The experiences are diverse though, so make sure you do your research. Some are essentially country retreats, where guests can do as much or as little as they like. Others house guests in simple dorm rooms and insist visitors put in a full day’s work, no matter the weather! You could pay as little as $10 to pitch a tent on a property, or spend several hundred on a luxurious suite. Rates typically include breakfast and dinner, which is always farm fresh and delicious! Some farms even offer free accommodation in exchange for hard work. Look to a website like World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, or WWOOF, to sniff out these free farm stays.

If you favor functionality over frills, staying in a monastery or convent could save you serious cash. While the historic buildings are beautiful and impeccably clean, facilities are modest and rules can be strict. Don’t be surprised to learn alcohol is forbidden, attendance at religious services is compulsory, and evening curfews are stringently enforced! Some rooms have private bathrooms, but most often you’ll need to share. Single beds are also the norm, so they’re best suited to solo travelers. Some monasteries and convents charge as little as $20 for their rooms, while others will gladly accept a donation. If you’re happy to prepare meals, welcome pilgrims, and take on other household duties you might even score a room for free!

So don’t get stuck in the hotel rut when planning your next vacation. Trying a new accommodation style could broaden your holiday horizons and save you some serious cash.

September 12, 2012
Camping at Home – The Ultimate Budget Vacation

Here at Frugal Monkey we focus on the cheapest holidays around, but few are as budget friendly as a staycation. Playing tourist in your home town is a great option for couples, but it doesn’t have the novelty factor that kids love. Keep the whole family happy with a camping adventure right in your own backyard!

Camping vacations are never expensive, but they’ll still cost more than a homegrown adventure. With an at home camping trip, you’ll save on fuel and site fees. You can also access the food in your own fridge, and there are clean bathrooms just a stone’s throw away. Those little perks make this style of vacation perfect for first-time campers! So set up the tent, pack up your gear, and prepare for a sleep out under your neighborhood’s stars!

The key to really enjoying an at-home camping vacation is to make the experience as authentic as possible. Once you start sneaking inside to watch television or play some games on your console, the magic is lost. Just as you would on a camping vacation further afield, think of ways to amuse yourself outdoors. Your backyard could become an obstacle course, or your neighborhood a trail ready for exploring. A deck of cards can also provide endless games.

Resist the urge to call for pizza or use your kitchen and enjoy an old fashioned cookout outside instead. Fire up the grill, and don’t forget the marshmallows and crackers for s’mores! Just make sure that you have council permission before lighting a campfire. And if you do, keep an eye on the flames and follow all safety precautions to ensure the fire doesn’t get out of control.

Once night falls, the fun shouldn’t stop. Forget about children’s bedtimes and enjoy some great camping traditions. You could sing songs around the campfire, tell ghost stories, play truth or dare, or create shadow puppets with your flashlight!

As the sun rises you might have a few cricks in your neck from a night spent on the grass. But this momentary discomfort is worth it for the memories you’ve made without leaving your backyard!

August 2, 2012