by Brandi Savitt – January 25, 2012

The Cost of Traveling Abroad

Last week, in the dead of a long dark winter, I was fortunate enough to travel up to to the Arctic Circle in Norway to attend a film festival.  And while I didn’t get to see the Northern Lights, I did try whale sashimi (…is that legal?) and took a picture with a life size taxidermy Polar Bear…

Work brings me to Europe several times a year.  And while any chance I get to write off sipping wine on the Rivera is a dream come true,  my bank and credit card companies just love to find any sneaky excuse they can to charge me extra fees.  So, if you’re planning a trip to a foreign land, here’s what you need to budget for so you have NO surprises when you go to pay your credit bill when you get home!

What is a Foreign Transaction Fee?

According to Credit Card Hub, the credit card foreign transaction (or international) fee is the combination of a fee that Master Card, Visa, etc charges to handle the transaction between the overseas merchant and your credit card issuer (eg. Chase, Citi, Bank of America), and the fee that your credit card issuer charges on top of that.  Depending on the type of card, and its issuer, this fee is typically 2-3% of every purchase made!

Not So Hidden Fees

If you’ve used your credit card recently while traveling, or even if you’ve purchased something online from a foreign company, you may have noticed this separate, hefty surprise fee on your statement.  I thought this was just a new type of fee that credit cards could now pass onto their customers, but I was wrong.  It’s always been there.  But now the credit card companies are forced to point it out.

American Express explained to me that they’ve always charged a fee for foreign purchases, but they used to roll it into the total purchase number on the statement – essentially hiding their 2.7% foreign transaction fee from the naked eye!  Luckily for us, now we can see for ourselves just how much extra we’re getting charged for the privilege of traveling and spending money abroad!

Call Your Credit Card Company Before You Travel

Before you travel to another country, call each of your credit card companies and see which of your cards has the lowest foreign transaction fee.  Then add that fee into your travel budget. 

If you have an American Express Platinum Card, or another premium card, your international fee may be automatically waived.  But don’t rush out and apply for a premium card just to avoid the fees.  Unless you travel abroad extensively, these premium cards may not be the worth the high annual fee.

…And just as a general note,  while you have someone on the phone, you should always alert your card company that you will be leaving the country.  This will help avoid them from freezing your card in fear that it was stolen.

By Brandi Savitt – September 8, 2011

Budget to Save Face

Several years ago I was producing a movie in New York.  At some point during post production, my lovely Italian co-producer flew in for a meeting and wanted to take a few of our key people out to dinner.  I chose a gem of a spot in the East Village where I knew the manager, and knew we’d be treated impressively well – and we were.  My co-producer was so enchanted by the food and the service that he wanted to leave an ‘outstanding’ tip.  So, when the bill came, he threw down his card, added in the tip, and proudly handed the waitress the signed slip.  Knowing that the European tradition is to tip way less than us Americans, I excused myself to use the ladies room so I could sneak a peak at his final tally.  My suspicion was correct and my dear friend only left 10% (which he truly thought was the highest honor).  I didn’t want to embarrass him in front of our co-workers, so I quickly made up the difference, and we all happily went on our way.

The reality is, gratuity customs vary all over the world.  So, if you’re planning a trip abroad for business or pleasure and want to be in the know, we have some Fab & Fru tipping tips that may help you save some cash, and more importantly, save some face while traveling in foreign territory!

Australia

Tipping is not a mandatory custom in Australia.  However, a tip for good service is often given as a thank you.

Restaurants- 10% for good service at a restaurant, and always leave loose change for the bar staff at the pub.

Hotels - Tipping is uncommon.

Taxis – Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, but it is customary to `round-up’ the fare to the nearest dollar or two – especially if you have a lot of luggage and the driver has been helpful. –It is not unheard of that some cabbies actually round down the fare if they have a really a good chat with you!

Tour Guides - Tips are not expected, but a small tip is appreciated.

Canada

Tipping in Canada is similar to our customs in the United States….

Restaurants -  Gratuities are seldom included in restaurants prices, but you may find it has been included on the check if you have a large party.  It is customary to tip approximately 15% on the total bill before tax, and 20% for exceptional service.

Hotels - $2-5 per night for housekeeping, $1-2 per bag for the bell hop, $2-3 for the valet, and $5 per request for the concierge

Taxis - A minimum of 10% for the total fare

By Stephanie Berenbaum – July 29, 2011

Is Medical Tourism Worth the Risk?

My friend Dan recently got back from El Salvador, but his trip wasn’t exactly a vacation…. Dan, like many Americans, traveled abroad to have dental work done! The reason, of course: COST.  As many of you well know, dental insurance – if you even have it – covers very little, and if you need any significant procedure at all, well, you need the money to pay for it.

After many years of suffering from Bruxism (grinding your teeth & clenching your jaw while sleeping), Dan’s teeth were a disaster and his health was at risk.  In fact, every single tooth was in need of some kind of repair!

The Price of New Pearly Whites

As I well know, major dental work is wildly expensive.  So, I wasn’t entirely shocked when Dan told me that the estimate he’d received from an LA dentist was a whopping … $75,000!  -That is not a typo...  After receiving the news,  Dan researched other potential options in LA.  He looked into having grad students do the work at dental schools, or the possibility of having temporary work done at a lower price.  The bottom line:  the savings just didn’t add up. The discounts weren’t substantial enough to really make a difference in the long run…

From Beverly Hills to El Salvador

After researching his predicament online, Dan found a news article about a dentist in El Salvador – a specialist in just the type of work that Dan needed to have done.  However, what really caught his attention was the praise and positive comments from all of the American patients who specifically traveled to El Salvador to have him transform their teeth!  Dan was intrigued.  Was this his ticket to a healthier, more attractive smile for less?

Medical Tourism

As Dan delved more into what is known as Medical Tourism, he realized how popular it was becoming.  From plastic surgery to dental work to vital organ replacement, there is a thriving trade in medical tourism.

The Risk & the Reward

The more Dan read about the El Salvadorian dentist, the more serious he became about going abroad to get his teeth fixed.   The dentist had worked in the U.S. and was Board Certified.  And the ultimate clincher.. the savings! After sending the doctor molds of his mouth,  Dan was quoted $10,000 for ALL the work he needed done - a savings of $65,000!

Of course there were other expenses to take into consideration -  travel expenses (airfare and hotel) and the extra time off he’d need to take off from his freelance job.  But even all in, Dan estimated it would cost him a grand total $20k – STILL a $55,000 savings.  He decided to go for it!

By Megan Segura – July 27, 2011

Fun & Affordable U.S. Destinations

You don’t need to go the tropics to have a memorable vacation. Even on a tight budget, there are plenty of Fab & Fru travel opportunities in your own backyard. We found some spectacular U.S. cities to visit this year, and guess what? Getting there won’t cost you an arm and a leg.  Whether you want to hit the trails or go out on the town, check out these unexpected hot spots that offer thrifty travelers tons to do while giving you a BIG bang for their buck!

For the Outdoor Adventurer

If you have an adventurous spirit, we have a few places that fit the bill!

Lynchburg, Virginia is packed with thrilling outdoor activities. If you’re visiting during the summer, take an unguided tube, canoe, kayak, or batteau trip down the James River to cool off. See the views of Lynchburg by taking a hike through the Blackwater Creek Trail System or ride a bike through 9 miles of natural trails. The best part? Lynchburg offers the only year-round outdoor snow-sports slope in the nation! This particular destination is even more affordable during the fall when package deals and discount admissions become available at local lodging.

If Life Magazine names it one of the “100 Places To See In Your Lifetime,” then you know it has to be good, which is why we recommend McCurtain County’s Beavers Ben in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. Beaver’s Bend State Park contains mountain lakes surrounded by national forests, log cabins and camping grounds nestled in the towering pines and clear running rivers. Not only is this state park affordable – it’s FREE! Hike the miles and miles of trails through the Kiamichi Mountains or go parasailing in the Broken Bow lake. Kyaking and fishing are also available. And don’t worry if you can’t take time off until after summer, because Southern Living Magazine named this area one of the top three places in the South to see fall colors.

Discover a Cosmopolitan Gem

If good food and relaxation is more in line with your vacation style, then San Diego might just be calling your name. Begin planning now to save big on the San Diego Wine & Food Festival, which takes place Nov. 16-20. Named one of the “Top 100 Events” by BizBash Magazine, this get-together features 170 fine wineries, craft breweries & spirits purveyors, as well as 70 of San Diego’s top fine dining restaurants and 30 gourmet food companies. This seemingly fancy town actually has some amazingly affordable finds! –Don’t forget to pack some loose-fitting clothes for the trip back!

Memphis, Tennessee is known for its music and the notorious Graceland, but there is so much to do in this city – and most of it’s FREE! Visit the Beale Street Walk of Fame or take one of the historic walking tours through sites like the famous Peabody hotel. At night, there’s Beale Street Historic District, which is full of restaurants and clubs. There is also tons of unique shopping and delicious restaurants to choose from. Find great rates on hotels by looking outside the city – the drive into Memphis is quick and easy.

by Brandi Savitt – June 22, 2011

European Woes Equal Serious Travel Deals

With crazy expensive airfares and an exchange rate that makes every American’s bank account cringe, the past several years have meant that taking a European vacation has become a distant dream for most of us cost conscious travelers.  And while traveling to Western Europe is never your cheapest vacation option, we have some Fab & Fru tips on how to find some truly unbelievable deals.  It turns out you CAN turn your once unattainable dream into an affordable trip of a life time!

Countries in Crisis Want You to Visit

As Greece works hard to meet the necessary requirements to receive additional bail out money from the European Union this summer, the struggling economies of Spain, Portugal, Greece and Ireland are further adding to the European Debt Crisis as a whole.  And while, this is not great news for the world economy, it does mean that you can find SIGNIFICANT savings when traveling to these countries in economic crisis.  They want you to come.  In fact, they NEED you to come – so now is the time to explore your options!

Whether you want to lie on the white sands of Santorini, feast on the finest tapas in Barcelona, sip Port in Lisbon, or road trip through the Irish countryside, now is the time to find the spectacular deals you’ve been waiting for!

Book Your Trip to Europe After Labor Day

Although you may be able to find a last minute surprise summer deal, the experts at Travelocity say that traveling anywhere in European becomes MUCH more affordable after Labor Day.  And you will get the absolute best deals on airfares in January and February! This also includes using miles to book your tickets . –The key to using miles is book your flights way in advance to ensure availability.  I booked my February trip to Berlin last November, and it only cost me 50,000 miles round trip!

Fly During the Week

Try to arrange to fly during the week.  Airfare is much much cheaper if you leave for your trip on a weekday rather than flying out Friday night – just in time for the weekend!

Create Your Own Package Deal

If you are serious about saving, create your own package deal or find a package that has already been negotiated by a travel agent.  By booking your flights, hotels and ground transportation at the same time using a travel site or travel agent, you WILL save hundreds if not thousands of dollars.  Again, these countries are dying for your business.  They will do whatever they can to lure you there so you will spend money and help fuel their economy!

Check out this incredible $1,300 all inclusive deal to Ireland!

Tools & Deals to Plan Your Trip

Exchange Rate Calculator: Check up-to-the-minute Dollar to Euro exchange rates at xe.com

Sceptre Self Guided Tours: Sceptretours.com has some incredible independent trips already packaged together.  Check out this all inclusive deal for 7 Nights in Ireland for $1,300!

Gate1 Travel Guided Tours: Gate1travel.com has fantastic travel packages, with the option for guided tours – plus you can pick and chose your own vacation features.

Kayak.com: Kayak has the most options to help you find the cheapest flights and put together your own package.  We were able to find a 2 week package to Athens for $1350!

Take Off!

The bottom line? Don’t let the current conversion rate of $1.4369 to 1 Euro get you down! With a little prep work, you may actually be able to fulfill your fantasy of eating Mediterranean food – IN the Mediterranean – sooner than you think!

by Stephanie Berenbaum – April 8, 2011

Make Extra Cash, Shop & Save

Remember the Tupperware parties our moms used to go to?  Well, a new generation of private, in-home shopping parties has snared my interest.  Granted, I am a little bit old-school to begin with, but these soirees actually do appeal to the modern woman!

In the past few months I have been invited to several parties for clothing and jewelry lines – fun wine and cheese events all in the privacy of a friend’s home.  Honestly, I just went to get out of the house and hang out with my friends – but then it dawned on me, there was actually a Fab & Fru aspect to all this shopping!

Home-Based Careers

Last night, I attended a Stella and Dot jewelry fest at a friend’s house, and I came home very intrigued (not to mention be-jeweled) about this new generation of in-home shopping careers. According to their website, Stella & Dot is the modern home-based career that your mother never had.  They claim to have put the power of e-commerce, social networking and personal service behind an irresistible jewelry line.  It’s the next big opportunity for our era. Think- making money by just getting together with girlfriends…  Sounds pretty good right? So. what is actually involved?

The Consultant

The representative who actually works for one of these in-home shopping companies is generally called the ‘consultant’ or ‘stylist’.  The incentive is that as a rep for these firms, you make a percentage of the profits of the product sold at a given party.  It’s empowering because obviously the more parties you do the more potential there is to make money!

The Hostess

So, where do all these parties take place? That’s where the role of hostess comes in!  The hostess actually has the event in her home, and the company rep joins her, bringing product for your guests to try, along with her styling skills.  So what’s in it for the hostess?  Depending on the amount of money spent, the hostess gets varying amounts of FREE product in addition, usually, to more items at a hefty discount!

Start Up Costs

What are the start up costs involved?  This varies greatly by company, but for Stella and Dot they feature a $199 start up fee on their site which includes business supplies and training, $350 of free jewelry and 50% off samples.  As the Stella consultant told me last night, she get to choose which pieces to purchase as sample pieces, so you can really tailor what you display to your crowd.

Deal…Or No Deal?

It goes without saying (though of course we’ll say it anyway) that none of this is a good deal if you are buying things you don’t really want or need. And in this case, since we’re talking jewelry, believe me we’re using the term ‘need’ loosely… But – if you are looking for a fun way to make extra income or add to your personal stash, consulting or hosting an in-home shopping party, could be just what the fashion doctor ordered!

Shopping for a Real Deal

As the close of Cyber Monday fast approaches, many of us are still in the midst of the shopping frenzy that started last Friday.  With every news channel reporting that shoppers spent $45 billion this past Black Friday alone, it is more than clear that the power of a well publicized deal gets Americans to spend some serious cash!

This is seemingly great news for the economy, but what has actually changed for shoppers over this past year?  The employment rate isn’t up, nor is the housing market – so why is spending this holiday season on the rise?  Do Americans actually have more money to spend, or are they just overspending and racking up debt?

Early Bird Bargains

Case in point: as you may have heard, I ventured to my local GAP store at 6am on Black Friday with my friend Susan.  They were offering 50% off from 6-10 am, and I jumped at the chance to be there bright (or actually, dark) and early when the doors opened.  At 50% off EVERYTHING in the store, I figured it was worth it!  As it turns out, I got more than just some great bargains at the GAP…  The woman standing next to me at the check out counter offered me a valuable reminder about why sales – even when intended to save money – can lead to us spend more instead!

I Should Have Known Something Was Up…

The woman next to me was piling up her purchases on the counter – and I mean piling.  She had so much stuff I figured she was buying for her whole family and every gift she needed now – and for the foreseeable future.  It’s not really relevant but I also want to mention that at 6am this woman was in full make-up, hair done and in a cute outfit – I should have known something was a bit off, right?  But anyway – after the cashier rung up all – and I do mean ALL – of her purchases the, she announced, “your total is $300 – it would have been $600, but with the sale you just saved $300!”  I expected the customer to be overjoyed at the news that she had just ‘saved’ $300.  However, her reaction was anything but…

Too Much Of  A Good Thing

“What?!  I just spent $300? I wasn’t expecting it to be that much! Are you sure that is correct?’  At this point I am feeling annoyed – and so are the other customers mounting up in the check out line behind her.  She could see well enough to put perfect eyeliner on at this early hour but couldn’t figure out what 50 % off was going to be? Seriously, this wasn’t exactly a brain teaser.  But then I realized what was going on.  She had gotten so caught up in the excitement of ‘saving’ 50 percent off her purchases that she ended up spending way more than she ever expected to in the first place!  Not a deal at all….

The Moral of the Story

Now you know that here at Fab & Fru we’re all about scoring a sensational deal!  And although I don’t want to be major buzz kill, we do feel the need for this gentle reminder…  If you can’t afford to buy something in the first place, just because it’s on sale DOES NOT mean it’s a deal! If you can’t pay your credit card bill at the end of December, then you’re going to be spending way more in interest payments in the long run than the actual money you just saved on all those so-called bargains!

So, this holiday season don’t just shop for deals to pay less on purchases you never planned to make in the first place! Stick to your budget and shop to SAVE. There is no better gift that you could give yourself than the gift of financial security.  Shop smart and buy great gifts, but ALWAYS keep your goal of financial freedom in sight!

Shop Smart & Save Through Cyber Monday!

In honor of the busiest shopping weekend of the year, we’ve scoured the web to bring you the most Fab & Fru deals we could find!  Make your gift list and check it twice, match it with deal below, and the savings will be extra nice!  Click here for more online shopping tips and ways to save through Cyber Monday!

1. Blue Print Cleanse!- Feeling a little over stuffed from Thanksgiving?  A Blue Print cleanse would make for fabulous alternative gift this holiday season.  Give yourself or a loved one the gift of clean living, and get your system back on track for the New Year!  Just fill out their survey & get 25% off a Blue Print Cleanse!

2. Ski Vacations From Orbitz!

Book your ski vacations NOW at Orbitz, and get up to 40% off!

3. Save On Coats & Jackets at Urban Outfitters!

Get up to 40% off on select styles of women’s & men’s outerwear. Shop online Urban Outfitters now while supplies last!

4. Save Even More at The Gap!

Save an additional 20% this weekend on selected items at The Gap!  Use Promo Code: GAPTHANKS!

5. Save It For The Babies & Kids at Diapers.com!

Through Cyber Monday Only – Get 30% off Trend Lab Nursery Furniture!  Plus get 40% off ALL TOYS!

6. Save On Kids Clothes At City Threads.com!

Enter Prom code: CTKS1ZX for 30% off at check out! Code expires next Tuesday, 11/30, at midnight, and includes ALL sale items too!

7.  Save By Reading Up at Barnes & Noble!

Save up to 50% on books & more through Monday! Plus FREE Shipping!

8. Handpick Personalized Gifts & Save At Red Envelope!

Save up to 20% on unique gifts for all at Red Envelope all weekend long!

9. Online Cyber Monday Deals at Sears!

Save Big with Sear’s 28-Hour Cyber Monday! EXTRA 5-15% off + FREE Shipping on $49+ w/Promo Code:  CYBER 8pm! Save on appliances & electronics too!

10.  Get Up To The Minute Deals All Weekend Long At Overstock.com!

Join Overstock.com’s Facebook Event this weekend for their latest deals through Cyber Monday!

Go ahead… Shop Smart and Save this Fab & Fru weekend- we dare you!

by Brandi Savitt – September 2, 2010

How to Save from City to Sea

When I told people I was going to Norway, everyone joked about meatballs, H&M and Ikea, and two minutes into their rant they’d stop and say “oh wait- that’s Sweden”!

Sad but true, most of us have no real understanding of the borders and history that differentiate the Scandinavian people who are tied together by their Viking blood and northern lights.  But let it be known, one of the most important things they share in common is the great pride they have in their individual Danish, Swedish, Finnish, or Norwegian nationalities.  And after having the pleasure of spending ten thrilling days in one of most beautiful places on earth, I must say– if you’re looking for adventure, stunning land & seascapes filled with fjords, glaciers, quaint countrysides, and bustling cites nestled up to the North Sea– look no further – Norway is a nature lovers paradise that is one of a kind!

Fab & Fru Norway?

It is no secret that Scandinavia, in general, is a pricey place to visit, and Norway may be at the top of the list when it comes to the exchange rate between the Norwegian krone and the US dollar.  This once poor country, with a small population of 4.6 million people, struck it rich when they discovered oil in the 1970′s.

The Norwegian standard of living is considered one of the highest in the world!  This is not to say the Norwegians are flashy people who flaunt their wealth, in fact, it’s quite the opposite.  Norwegians believe in living humbly, and culturally, they have a tremendous connection to nature (even in the cities), valuing the natural wonder and beauty of their nation as a major factor in their quality of life.  And it is because of this belief that the Norwegian government has made it easy for natives and foreigners alike to explore this vast country for much less than it would seem- considering the exchange rate! You just need to know where to look…

Weather & When to Travel

Because Norway’s northern most tip reaches, literally, the North Pole, the country is known as the land of the midnight sun and polar nights.  Norway defines its seasons more by the hours of day light rather than temperature.  Days are longest mid May through July and shortest mid November through January.

As with most European countries, traveling to Norway in July & August is the most popular vacation time.  However, as the days start to get longer in mid May through the peak at the summer solstice on June 21st, this is actually a gorgeous & perfect time to visit Norway- plus it’s still considered the shoulder season and airfares have yet to peak! Likewise, if you’re looking to experience the North Pole at Christmas or a winter sky vacation, you will also enjoy great prices during Norway’s dark days.

What to Do, What to See!

Don’t let it’s small population fool you, Norway is a big place.  I spent ten days in constant travel mode and saw endless sites, yet we never even made it close to the Arctic Circle!

Unless you’re going to visit with one activity in mind like base jumping over Lysefjord or going on a polar bear safari, Visit Norway is a great place to start researching all the country has to offer.  The site lists everything from accommodations, budget travel tips, car rental companies, train and ferry information, suggested scenic driving routes, tours, biking, fishing, sites and more.  The Norwegians are extremely organized and friendly, as are their online resources!

Talk to a Travel Agent!

If you don’t like the idea of researching everything on your own and piecing together you’re own adventure, call a travel agent who specializes in Norwegian or Scandinavian travel.  We never think of using a travel agent anymore, but one who specializes in this region can actually help you find package deals and save you a ton of money!

by Stephanie Berenbaum – August 25, 2010

Favorite Activities…for Free!

As summer is winding down, my household expenses seem to be in high gear.  A new HVAC system, one dog emergency knee surgery, and an emergency electrical rewiring (just for starters) has set us back a mind numbing $20,000 worth of unexpected expenses.  And with a few weeks left before school starts for my two preschoolers, I found myself searching for maximum fun – on a minimum budget!

Glancing back over some of my kids’ favorite activities from this summer, I realized that a lot of the activities I paid for could be easily replicated at home – for free, or almost free! So here are some ideas of how to recycle activities – without replicating the costs!

An Eye For Science

My kids love going to the science museum – and playing with those pricey ‘intro to science’ type kits. It occurred to me that the last one of these kits I bought cost about $25 – and was basically rendered useless after one time playing with it! When it came down to it, I realized I had spent $25 to purchase some plastic cups, utensils, and what basically amounted to baking soda and vinegar.  It is so easy to do the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano experiments at home – and you probably have the ingredients right in your own pantry!

Speaking of science, anyone remember the ‘Pepper Push’ experiment from their youth? Just pour some water in a bowl, sprinkle some pepper in and stick a bar of soap in the bowl (does anyone still use bars of soap?- A drop of  liquid soap would work too) and watch it repel the pepper away!  This is a great activity to do while you are cooking, and to help show your little ones the relationship between science and cooking.

Playhouse Money?

My friend Amanda spent $50 on a cardboard children’s playhouse. – It was great because it was recyclable, but not so great of a price – particularly when it only lasted a couple months before it got destroyed! Our Fab & Fru alternative – save big shipping boxes and create your own eco-friendly play structure – complete with tunnels, various rooms and anything else you can think of!  Then you won’t feel so bad about tossing it into the recycling bin when it cost you nothing!

Cultivate Your Young Artist

I was at LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) the other day with my kids in the Boone Children’s Gallery.  They had a cool brush painting activity to help the kids learn more about the beautiful Asian art on display. We realized we could easily research and recreate art from other cultures at home too. I know it sounds simple, but honestly it never really occurred to me to do so before!  After being inspired by the beautiful brush paintings at LACMA, we plan on continuing the inspiration at home with art from many different cultures and traditions!

Recreate Your Favorite Museum Exhibit!

My kids just love the fabulous Noah’s Ark exhibit at LA’s Skirball museum.  It features super-creative sculptures of different animals, made out of the most unlikely materials! When we got home we realized we could recreate this amazing exhibit (ok, maybe it helps that I have a son named Noah).  We started saving up materials to sculpt with – anything from paper towels holders, to old shoe boxes, to old, worn out clothes that we cut into decorative pieces.  We also cleaned out our junk drawer and found a great use for all those lonely buttons and string! With a little glue and a lot of fun, we were able to make our own animals – from stuff we normally would have thrown out in the trash!