If you’re saving for a long-term goal like a home deposit, it can feel like you have to miss out on things such as travel to keep your savings on track.
That’s not necessarily the case, it is possible to have a fantastic holiday without breaking the bank or ruining your savings plans.
Let’s face it, cost of living pressures are being felt everywhere in our day-to-day budgets but even more so when it comes to things like flights and accommodation. While airfares have fallen from the historic highs experienced in early 2023. They are still pretty pricy, and with booming demand for accommodation, comes equally high prices.
If you want to get away for a holiday but don’t want to break the budget, here are some ideas to help you keep costs down when you travel.
Plan ahead for the best deals
Flights are often more expensive around school holidays and different destinations are pricy for both flights and accommodation during their peak travel times. For example, fares to Bali skyrocket during winter when Australians want to escape to a tropical paradise. Although, if you head to Bali during the wet season from October to March you may be able to access great deals if you don’t mind a bit of rain.
Keeping accommodation costs down
To keep costs down you might want to consider housesitting – either informally through friends or family, or through online services that enable hosts and guests to make arrangements. Aussie House Sitters claim to be “the largest, most trusted house-sitting website in Australia.”
Volunteering in Australia or abroad also provides access to free accommodation and the joy of knowing you are helping a worthwhile cause. Free Volunteering is one of several sites that offer opportunities ranging from teaching English overseas to helping out at a hobby farm or hostel in exchange for free boarding.
You might also consider a working holiday, with jobs ranging from picking fruit in Cairns or serving tables in Bondi to earn money while enjoying a bit of a change of scenery. Check out, Working Holiday Jobs.
Hit the road for a budget holiday
Getting away in a campervan has never been more popular. Though, when customers only want a one-way rental, it provides opportunities for bargain hunters as rental firms will offer discounts for vans to be relocated from city to city. If it works with your itinerary it can be an affordable way to get from “A” to “B”.
Finally, it’s easy to get carried away when you are on holiday and break the budget. It’s a good idea to not only plan your break and develop a budget you are comfortable with but also check in from time to time during the trip. Whether you need to tighten the belt a little or can afford to lash out at that great restaurant you just spotted.
