The end of an era for frugalfirstclasstravel

Hi Frugalistas!  Well, it’s the end of an era.  After three years and 200+ posts, I’m moving frugalfirstclasstravel onto a brand new platform.  This will be the last post on my old WordPress platform with my old theme (if all goes to plan).  It’s served me well, and I’m going to miss it, but it’s […]

What to eat and drink in Athens

Hi Frugalistas!  This week I’m returning to Athens and looking at what to eat and drink.  Yes, there is souvlaki, yes, there is fetta cheese, baklava and ouzo.  But there’s so much more to Greek food and drink.  So join me on a culinary journey around the restaurants, tavernas and street side stalls of Athens […]

Emirates versus Etihad: which business class is better?

Hi Frugalistas!  On my trip to Athens last October I was fortunate to fly in two of the world’s most highly regarded Business Classes:  Emirates and Etihad.  Flying Etihad Pearl Business Class from Sydney to Athens, then Emirates Business Class Athens to Sydney gave me the perfect opportunity to compare these two airlines’ business class […]

Why I didn’t book an Acropolis view room in Athens

Hi Frugalistas!  When I went to Athens last year I chose a hotel with fabulous views of the Acropolis.  It was also reasonably priced.  Even though an Acropolis view room was available, and was within budget, I elected not to book an Acropolis view room.  What, I hear you say?  No, I didn’t book a […]

Why I hate resort vacations

Dear Resort Vacation, we need to talk.  I’ve loved you since my first stay in Bali in 1989.  Mr Frugalfirstclass and I have had many wonderful experiences with you – including our wedding in Mauritius.  I even took MissG on her first mother-daughter trip on a resort vacation.  And we loved it.  But you are making […]

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 […]

Virgin Australia B737 International Business Class: the frugalfirstclasstravel review

Hi Frugalistas!  Many readers will know I’m a regular traveller on Virgin Australia.  I’m a big fan, and have reviewed both the International and Coast to Coast Business Class previously.  In January I was joined by MissG and Mr Frugalfirstclass on a family trip to Phuket.  Options to fly from Sydney directly to Phuket are limited […]

Cats of Athens, oh, and a dog too!

Hi Frugalistas!  I’ve been having a lot of fun on Instagram over the past few weeks sharing photos of some very, very cute little kitties from my trip to Athens.  Athens is home to many, many cats (and quite a few dogs as well).  Around Monastiraki and Anofiotika they are a real attraction.  Please enjoy […]

#JeSuisCharlie: When 3 Cities You Love Face Terror

Hi Frugalistas.  This is a different post for me.  As I start to write I’m not actually sure where I’m even heading with it.  Most readers would be familiar with events over the past few weeks, with Sydney, Istanbul and Paris being rocked by separate terrorist attacks.  Adding to that, I was in Athens 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 […]