With overseas travel restrictions still in place, there is no time like now to see vacation destinations that Australia has to offer.
Going on vacation is supposed to be a relaxing and exhilarating experience, but it can also be an expensive endeavor.
However, there are ways to save on every step of the trip, from buying tickets to booking a resort to taking your pennies into account on the road.
Australia is full of incredible vacation destinations and many of them can be enjoyed in just a few days.
Flight Center spokesman Haydn Long says it’s not too late for Aussies to vacation at Easter without breaking the bank.
You can still get great deals on the Gold Coast or stay where the “locals” vacation, in New South Wales and Victoria destinations and along the Great Ocean Road.
“Plan ahead and consider securing your road trip accommodation as early as possible,” Long says.
Crusader Caravans’ manager and vacation expert Serge Valentino says more and more people are taking to the streets to drive camping, caravanning and motorhomes.
It gives the freedom to travel where you want, when you want, and you can hit the road with little planning and preparation. These options are affordable and great ways to relax too.
“Investing in a caravan or recreational vehicle and routinely disconnecting the power grid could be a real money saver for years to come,” says Valentino.
Canstar’s Consumer Pulse report shows that 15 percent of Australians say the main cost they are currently saving on is a vacation, 9 percent for an international vacation and 6 percent for domestic travel.
While drawing up a vacation budget is always a challenge, experts may say that doing this can help keep your vacation expenses on track.
“Having a separate bank account and having a regular withdrawal is a great way to save up for a vacation,” says financial advisor James Gerrard.
“If you are planning a trip abroad in the near future, estimate the total cost and transfer money to the vacation account every week. For example, if the goal is $ 10,000 in 12 months, you will save $ 192 per week on the holiday bank account.
“If you can do without takeaway coffee, that could be another $ 200 a month to add to your vacation savings.”
The Lonely Planet website has general cost information on the landing pages. Travelex has a travel budget calculator.
“Digital tools like Pocketbook and Moneysoft are fed straight from your bank and automatically suggest spending categories so you can see how you’re spending your hard-earned money,” said Peter Foley, director and financial advisor, Thirdview.
Another way to manage the vacation budget is to pay for everything before you leave home.
If you don’t mind having strangers temporarily staying in your home, renting out your home on vacation is an easy way to make good money.
Support the Australians with incredible Aussie vacations to suit all interests and budgets and book a vacation here this year.
