Forget someday: how to save to travel now

Hi Frugalistas! When are you planning to travel?  Is it one day?  Someday?  Or is it something that you believe you cannot achieve?  Do you wish you could travel more often or for longer?  I believe most people who dream of travelling certainly can. It’s a question of prioritisation, self discipline and being completely honest with […]

Hidden city ticketing: the best travel hack airlines don’t want you to know about?

Hi Frugalistas!  Have you ever realised that it’s sometimes cheaper to book an airfare with a connecting flight and get off at the connection, rather than book a direct flight to that same connecting destination?  I’d come across this myself recently, and wondered how common it was, and whether there was merit in trying it as a […]

5 great travel hacks to save money on phone calls in Europe

Hi Frugalistas!  For most of us, travelling in Europe comes at a hefty cost.  Regardless of your budget, there are some easy things you can do to save money.  Save money on the things that “don’t” matter, and you therefore have more money for a better hotel, a better restaurant, a splurge experience, or save […]

Reader poll: what frugalfirstclass travellers want and why I asked

Hi Frugalistas! Thanks so much to everyone who participated in the recent frugalfirstclasstravel reader survey.  So many of you took the time to tell me what you liked at frugalfirstclasstravel, and what you wanted to see more of.  As the Chief Frugalista I know what I like, but what did you like?  European destinations? Is […]

How to redeem frequent flyer flights when you don’t have enough points

  Hi Frugalistas!  Not quite enough frequent flyer miles to book that dream trip?  Not sure what to do next?  That was the question put to me recently by a work colleague.  Her and her husband wanted to use their Qantas frequent flyer points (part of the One World Alliance) to book flights to Europe. […]

Walking the Cinque Terre

Hi Frugalistas!  I’ve written at some length about the Cinque Terre.  It’s one of my favourite parts of Italy.  Based on your feedback and the enduring popularity of my posts, it seems you do too.  The Cinque Terre is world renowned for its hiking.  Despite a number of the trails still being closed since storms […]

The 7 deadly sins that stop you being a frugal first class traveller and how to avoid them!

Hi Frugalistas!  Do you want to be a frugal, but first class traveller?  Do you always have good intentions to make the most of your travel dollar, but never seem to get there?  Do you always blow the budget?  Well, help is at hand!  I absolutely believe everyone can have the trip of a life […]

Your first trip to Europe: what to expect in a 3 star hotel

Hi Frugalistas!  You’ve decided to take your first trip to Europe – how exciting!  Now you need to make decisions.  What airline to book, what to do, and most importantly where to stay!  It’s very tempting to stick with the familiar and stay at a chain hotel.  You know what to expect, what the room […]

How to be a frugal first class traveller

Hi Frugalistas!  What does frugal but first class mean to you?  Is frugal but first class a contradiction?  Of course not, or I wouldn’t have a blog!  I absolutely believe that everyone can travel, and can have a first class experience, regardless of their budget.  Here’s how: Frugal first class travellers plan and research Investing […]

frugalfirstclasstravel guides: a short guide to Istanbul

Hi Frugalistas!  I didn’t write my guide to Istanbul after my first visit in October.  Istanbul was too big, and just too much to write about after a single visit.  Vibrant, energetic and with always something to see and do, Istanbul is now a firm favorite with me.  From your comments, I know it is one of yours too.  […]