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Don’t overpay for airline tickets, cruise vacations, hotels, rental cars, and other travel related expenses. It’s possible, if you have a little knowledge and ingenuity, to find discounted airfares, great cruise deals, low price travel packages, and cheap hotels online through consolidators, travel auctions, and airline websites, where you’ll find weekly airfare specials or efares.

• Learn how to travel on a budget
• get tips for saving money on last minute travel, and
• Utilize free online locations guides: Mexico Travel, Australia Travel, Argentina Travel, Greece Travel, Hawaii Travel, South Africa, and Alaska Travel. (new country travel guides added all the time)

Are you ready for a long-term adventure abroad? FrugalMonkey.com is the place find out about working abroad and working vacations. College students, recent graduates, retirees, and people bored with their current jobs are perfect candidates to work abroad.

• Teach English abroad in Japan, South Korea, the Czech Republic, and in other exciting locations around the world. Make money and travel at the same time! Teaching ESL and EFL is rewarding work.
• Work on a cruise ship as a summer job or a full-time career. Cruise jobs are a great way to meet people, develop superior people skills, and earn good wages and benefits.
• Start a career in the hospitality industry and pursue resort jobs. Beach resort jobs and jobs at lodges, spas, ski resorts, and luxury hotels are plentiful with employees in high demand. Large hotel chains offer the opportunity to transfer between properties (think: Hawaii, to Florida, to Mexico, and beyond).
• Get in touch with your philanthropic side, build your resume, and travel at the same time. That’s what you’ll be doing as a volunteer abroad. Whether it’s with the Peace Corps or a volunteer placement agency, the opportunities are everywhere.

Make the most of what FrugalMonkey.com has to offer. Look through our extensive travel guide sections to learn about specific countries. Our content was written by people who live in or have extensive knowledge of each country.

Then learn how to save money and get travel deals using the many insightful tips provided. Don’t buy those airline tickets or book a cruise until you have done your homework. Save on travel! Pocket the savings for use on your trips.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Forget those over-priced Michelin-star meals cooked up by celebrity chefs. Some of the most delicious items you’ll indulge in overseas will barely make a dent in your budget. These are the fatty, sugary treats guaranteed to expand your waistline and harden your arteries. They’ll test the theory that everything is fine in moderation. These are the world’s guilty pleasures, and they’re accessible to even the most frugal of travelers!

There’s a reason why the English are famous for their breakfasts. They start the day with a slap-up dish so satisfying you’ll probably still feel full at lunch. The plump sausages, thickly cut bacon, fried eggs, black pudding, and even fried bread probably won’t do your heart any favors, but it’ll taste so good going down.

We’ve all had roestis, but these shredded potato cakes are best in their native Switzerland. The Swiss play with their iconic dish, and in many cases you’ll find cheeky extras like bacon, Bolognese sauce, and oozy cheese thrown in.

In Australia pies aren’t pizzas or sweet treats. They’re flaky pastries crammed with beef mince and gravy. In recent years pies have gone posh, with seafood, venison, and curry varieties hitting bakeries. But you can’t beat the original Australian food, preferably topped with a generous amount of tomato sauce. Don’t even think of calling it ketchup when you’re Down Under!

Almost anything you buy in the United States could be considered a guilty pleasure. The country’s portions are ridiculously generous, and its chefs are game to deep fry just about anything. Make sure you sample all the dishes they’re famous for, including beefy burgers, hot dogs packed with relish, and crispy French Fries.

Italy is also all about indulgence. The country’s creamy pastas, generously topped pizzas, and lavish meat dishes will all pack on pounds. While the diet’s forgotten make sure you save room for the sweet stuff. The buttery brioche bread and gelati can’t be beat.

Argentina’s alfajores are designed to tempt your sweet tooth. They’re like a cookie sandwich filled with dulche de leche, a Latin American kind of caramel. As if that wasn’t indulgent enough, often they’re rolled in shaved coconut for a final indulgent flourish. They’re delicious, but so rich that it’s challenging to eat more than one at a time!

Gulab jamun proves the countries of the Indian subcontinent aren’t just about spicy curries. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal all serve up these doughy balls which are slowly fried, then coated in spiced sugar syrup. They’re often eaten at festivals and weddings, but being abroad is good enough reason to celebrate, don’t you think?

A New Zealand pavlova

The Aussies will insist the pavlova’s theirs, but New Zealanders know their country is the true birthplace of this moreish meringue dessert. The dish has a deliciously crisp crust and a soft center. It’s incredibly naughty, but the extravagent fruit topping should help assuage your guilt.

What have we missed? What are your favorite guilty food pleasures?

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

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

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

Street Food in Vietnam

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

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

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

With all of us feeling the fallout of the financial crisis, backpacking isn’t just for college kids anymore. Don’t let the youth hostel tag scare you off; these budget accommodation options are perfect for anyone looking for a cheap place to lay their head.

However adults shouldn’t run headlong into booking their first hostel holiday. There are a few points to consider when backpacking as a grown-up.

While costs are always a consideration, older backpackers shouldn’t pick their hostel on price alone. The quality of the rooms is important, as is the location. Proximity to night clubs and bars is probably less important than it was in your youth, but you’ll probably want to be near public transport for easy sightseeing. Also do your research to ensure you’re not staying in a seedy part of town.

Choosing a private room over a dorm is an important splurge as middle age settles in. You can probably do without the funky smells, rowdy roommates, and all night parties! Not all private rooms are created equally though. Some have ensuites, but many do not. You’ll probably pay an extra $10 a night for your own bathroom, which is enough for a coffee and a pastry each day. What would you rather spend your money on?

A backpacking holiday calls for traveling light, but there are a few extra items older hostel hoppers may wish to bring. That smell that lingers around young backpackers generally comes from skipped showers. Hostels rarely provide shampoos and soaps, so unless you want to join the great unwashed you’ll need to bring your own. A pair of earplugs takes up little space in a suitcase, and ensures those all night binge drinking sessions don’t interrupt your sleep.

Staying in a hostel is a great way to save money and meet other frugal travelers.

While you’re there, make sure you take advantage of the hostel kitchen. These are often quiet as young people survive on snacks and cheap take outs. You can create a gourmet feast on a budget with some fresh produce from a local farmer’s market or delicatessen.

And finally, remember that hostel life is all about community. While you might not make lifelong friends, it’s important to smile and strike up conversation. You might even learn about a local gem you haven’t discovered yet!

Sydney is home to many of the world’s best restaurants overseen by leading chefs like Tetsuya Wakuda, Peter Gilmore, and Neil Perry. However dining at their establishments can quickly empty your wallet. But frugal travelers need not miss out on great food and water views while visiting the harbor city. Just bring your own and enjoy some of Sydney’s best picnic spots!

Soak up Sydney’s sun, surf, and sand with a picnic by the beach. The city has several great coastal parks that are perfect for families. Balmoral Beach in Mosman may be one of Sydney’s most famous, but it’s a reputation that’s well deserved. The Norfolk Island pine trees provide plenty of shade, and there’s a playground to keep the kids entertained. You can bring your own grub or grab some cheap fish and chips from one of the nearby takeaway stores.

If you enjoy peace and quiet you may prefer a less popular Australian beach like Chinaman’s Beach on nearby McLean Crescent. This coastal spot is a bit of a local secret, but the residents won’t mind you claiming a piece of parkland. There’s plenty of space for enjoying a game of frisbee or Aussie cricket. And of course the water’s not too far away either. The well-protected beach has small and gentle waves just perfect for tiny tots.

For a different kind of water view choose a spot near Sydney’s famous harbor. The Royal Botanic Gardens is a popular picnic spot for tourists and locals alike. The outlook is incredible, and the shady lawns, rose gardens, and fountains create an incomparable atmosphere. Admission to the gardens is free, and exploring them is a great way to work off your lunch.

The Royal Botanic Gardens can get crowded when the weather is fine though. If you’d prefer to stray from the tourist path, take a trip to Wendy’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay. The whimsically named spot was created by Wendy Whiteley in memory of her husband, the late Sydney based artist Brett Whiteley. The large fig trees offer plenty of shade and a home for the resident parrots, kookaburras, and other birdlife.

Sydney is built around its waterways, but some of the city’s best picnic spots aren’t by the water at all. Centennial Park acts as an oasis in Sydney’s bustling inner east. With 189 hectares of space there’s plenty of room to spread out near the duck ponds and flower beds.

Picnic in Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens

Things are a bit quieter at Lake Parramatta Reserve in North Parramatta. It’s a shade smaller at 73 hectares, but there’s still plenty of space for a family picnic. There are native birds and wildflowers for nature lovers, and rock shelters decorated with the hand-stencils of Sydney’s first indigenous inhabitants.

So who wants to sit inside a stuffy restaurant? A picnic in a park by the beach or the harbour is a much better way to soak up Sydney and save money!

[Image Source: Freddy Rhoads/Flickr]

Many frugal travelers reject international hot spots like London, Paris, and Sydney in favor of more budget friendly alternatives like Thailand and Mexico. But it’d be a shame to let life pass you by without ever visiting your dream location. The good news is, you don’t have to. So long as you can save the airfare, our handy tips can ensure you save money once you arrive.

Firstly consider the time you’ll travel carefully. Vacationing in the peak season may offer the best weather conditions, but if you don’t mind a chill you could save some serious cash.

It’s a bit boring, but creating a budget is the secret to avoiding a vacation blowout. Consider a reasonable amount to spend each day, and then stick to it. Write down your expenses each day to ensure you’re staying on track. You could even find you’ve got some extra spending money at the end of your trip!

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll need somewhere to lay your head. It can be tempting to stay in the thick of the action, but the most expensive accommodation is generally in the heart of any city. Research the local area before you leave and consider staying on the outskirts to save some extra cash.

You might be on vacation, but you’ll save money if you spend your time living like a local rather than a tourist. Cook some meals in your hotel room and spend time absorbing the culture rather than frequenting high priced tourist attractions. While you’re soaking up the atmosphere, why not strike up a conversation with a local resident? This is a great way to discover the best value restaurants, affordable accommodation options, and the local gems not listed in the tourist brochures.

Make sure you travel off the tourist path too when your tummy rumbles. You’ll satisfy your hunger for less by avoiding the city’s usual dining options. When traveling to a foreign country, steer clear of eateries with English menus. Some of Europe’s best value restaurants are in its back streets, and Asian street food is always cheap and delicious.

And finally, don’t reach for your wallet to keep yourself amused. Big cities always have an abundance of free entertainment, from national parklands and hiking trails to museums, art galleries, and historic sites. If you’re lucky you might also stumble across a free festival or concert. And remember, it’s always free to window shop. Perhaps thanks to our money-saving tips you can even indulge in a few souvenirs!

A long haul flight in economy isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. You know you’ll save serious dollars by choosing the budget air option, but it’s hard to avoid looking enviously at the movers and shakers settling in to the business and first class seats. However traveling cattle class need not be as painful if you follow our simple tips.

Make sure that you dress for comfort rather than fashion. Unless you’re an A-lister you won’t be greeted by paparazzi, so you don’t need to dress to impress. Choosing layered clothes is a smart option, as you can simply peel off clothes if the heat’s too high, or add a sweatshirt if you’re feeling a chill. And ladies, make sure you stash your stilettos in your luggage. A comfortable pair of sneakers or ballet flats will serve you much better.

Don’t go overboard on the extras. While travelers are technically allowed to take some carry-on luggage and a personal item on board, you’ll feel less cramped if you forgo one or both. The less cargo you carry, the more room you’ll have around you.

No matter how cramped your space, deep-vein thrombosis is a very real concern for travelers, especially on international flights. It’s important to keep moving to avoid the condition. Simple exercises like rotating your ankles and raising your knees can be very valuable. You should also try to walk around the cabin every half hour to stretch your legs. Staying hydrated is also a great way to stave off deep-vein thrombosis. Take a bottle of water with you, and limit caffeinated and alcohol drinks. As an added bonus, keeping your fluid up will help you stay energized!

Distractions are also key to minimizing flight discomfort. A friend to talk to or a good book to read (on an eReader to minimize bulk of course) will help the hours fly by. If you’re lucky you’ll also have free in-flight entertainment like movies, television programs, and games at your disposal. And if there’s nothing else around to distract you, why not drift off to dreamland? It can be tough to take a really restful sleep in economy class, but indulging in forty winks is a great way to pass the time. It should also help stave off the jet lag once you land!

And don’t forget about the snacks. A rumbling stomach can make any flight seem much longer, and more uncomfortable. Depending on your carrier food items may cost a small fortune, so it’s smart to carry some with you. Snacks with a low glycemic index like nuts, popcorn, and fresh fruits and vegetables will satisfy you for longer.

No one wants to spend more money than they have to, but opting for a seat with extra legroom can be a great compromise between regular economy and business class. For around $40 extra you’ll have enough space to stretch out. This can be a godsend if you’re tall or embarking on a lengthy trip.

By following our advice you should arrive at your destination feeling a bit fresher and pain free. And you’ll do it with some extra spending money!

All frugal travelers know that the best things in life are free. Tourists watching their budget take pleasure in the simple things and take time to smell the roses and appreciate the beauty of the world around them. With that in mind, we thought we’d clue prospective jetsetters in on the best sunsets around the planet. After all, it costs nothing to pause and admire these natural light shows!

If you can afford the airfare, you won’t regret taking in the sunset at Uluru. This mammoth rock in Australia’s Red Center is impressive by day, but spectacular when the sun goes down. Between 6 and 8 pm, depending on the time of year, you’ll see colors racing across the massive monolith. Special viewing platforms built into the surrounding sand dunes ensure visitors get the best look.

You’ll see plenty of wildlife with your sunset at Kenya’s Masai Mara. The local leopards, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos become more active as night falls, so sunset safaris are very popular. As Kenya is close to the equator the sun sets at around 6:30 pm each night, no matter what the season.

Snuggling up to someone special as you both watch the sun set is always romantic, so why not do it in one of the most romantic cities in the world? You’re bound to feel your heart racing as you stand on Accademia Bridge in Venice and watch the vivid colors illuminate the sky and the Grand Canal below. Just take heed of the time, because sunsets vary wildly depending on the season. During winter the sun sets at around 4:30 pm, but in summer it’s as late as 9:30 pm. You wouldn’t want to miss it!

But you needn’t travel a world away to enjoy a special sunset. At Mallory Square in Florida’s Key West you get an amazing view, and a party. Grab a cocktail and enjoy the sight of the fiery globe dipping into the Gulf of Mexico. The square comes alive every evening between 5:30 and 8:20 pm, but arriving an hour early will help you get a prime viewing position.

Uluru at sunset

And don’t underestimate the sunsets at Maui’s Mount Haleakala. The sunrises get all the publicity, but at sunset the tourists have dispersed, leaving you to enjoy the view in peace. The clouds move from blues and greens through to fiery oranges and reds. No wonder the locals think this spot is just as pretty in the evenings!

Finally, don’t forget about the sunset in your own backyard. If you can’t afford a getaway right now, taking the time to enjoy the view outside your own window is a great way to recharge and refresh.

In this modern world it seems there’s an app for just about everything. In the past we’ve looked at 10 great apps for general travel, but there are so many nifty programs that we had to revisit the topic. This time around we’re turning our focus to the best free apps for road trips.

Despite rising fuel costs, the road trip remains the friend of most frugal travellers. The journey typically costs less than air travel, and it’s easy to get around once you reach your destination. While you’ll want to take your partner and perhaps the kids along, a Smart Phone armed with these apps is another essential traveling companion.

GoogleMaps
This app is such a travel essential that I’m surprised it didn’t make our first top 10 list. However perhaps it was better saved, as it’s perfect for road trips. It’ll pinpoint your location, even if you don’t know quite where you are, and then tell you how to reach your destination. You’ll probably make most use of the driving directions, but don’t overlook the public transport and walking instructions. These functions are perfect for sightseeing once you reach your destination.

BestParking
BestParking is a must for frugal travelers who enjoy urban vacations, as it displays the most affordable and most convenient parking lots and garages. Anyone who’s been slugged for inner-city parking will be thankful for this handy guide. It’s just a shame that its database is so small. With only 40 American cities and three Canadian ones represented, it becomes useless if you want to travel off the beaten track.

GasBuddy
GasBuddy’s another nifty app to help you save. As its name suggests, the program displays the gas prices in the area you’re visiting, so you can decide where to fill up or whether it’s worth waiting for the next town. If you report the prices in your area you can also earn points towards GasBuddy’s regular prize giveaways.

Pandora Radio
It’s not a road trip without a killer playlist, and there’s an app to take care of that too. Many desktop users have enjoyed Pandora Radio’s service for years, and now with the advent of its mobile app you can take the site on the road. Amongst its features are the ability to create a QuickMix of your top tunes and stream the sounds of your favorite artists.

Goby
Goby takes care of your entertainment needs with a list of free activities and events in your chosen destination. By entering in your personal interests you can make sure Goby finds entertainment that meets your needs. However unfortunately Goby only offers information in American destinations, which is disappointing for anyone traveling abroad.

Jiwire Wi-Fi Finder
Hotels and hostels can charge a pretty penny for internet access, but you don’t need to swallow these fees with Jiwire Wi-Fi Finder. This clever app seeks out public Wi-Fi hotspots, including many free internet hubs. If you don’t mind loitering in cafes or libraries to check your e-mail, this is the app for you!

Instagram
Instagram is becoming one of the hottest apps online, and it’s perfect for travelers. Leave your bulky camera behind and use this app to capture your vacation memories. Snap away, choose a fun filter to transform the look of your images, then post them to the Instagram website to create a vacation photo diary. You can also share your pictures with friends on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr to update them on your adventures.

Where Do Kids Eat Free Today?
As its name suggests, this clever app helps families cut the cost of vacation meals. Its convenient search engine shows restaurants and eateries in your location serving cheap or even free meals to minors. Again you’re limited to American destinations, but as most families holiday close to home it should meet the needs of most frugal clans.

The Weather Channel
This premiere weather app lets you know whether to pack umbrellas or heavy coats for your road trips, and what to wear each day. It pinpoints your location and provides long-term forecasts so you always know what’s ahead.

AAA Mobile Apps
These apps aren’t technically free, as you’ll need AAA membership to download them. However the roadside assistance provided, plus the apps’ features, are enough to encourage most road trip regulars to pay the annual $52 fee. Once you do you can enjoy a range of apps including AAA Insurance, AAA Roadside, AAA Triptik Mobile, and our favorite, AAA Discounts. This money-saving program offers discounts at more than 110, 000 restaurants, tourist attractions, and hotels across North America. Making this range of apps one entry was also a sneaky way to get all of AAA’s clever services in our top 10!

There really is a glut of useful travel apps so there are likely to be many we couldn’t squeeze into our top 10. What’s your favorite app when you’re on the road?