Money saving travel tips

Need to take a well deserved break but don’t want to break the bank? We’ve created a list of handy hints to help you stretch your dollar further and make the most of your holiday. Try these money savvy travel tips to help plan your next holiday and you’ll be on your way in no time!

Choose a destination close to home

Many Australians are opting for driving holidays, heading to destinations closer to home to save on travel costs. Caravan and camping holidays are making a comeback and are a great way to enjoy Australia’s beautiful landscape.

RACV resorts at Cobram and Inverloch offer 4.5 star caravan parks at great rates for members.

Share the cost

Holiday with friends and share accommodation - splitting the cost of a holiday house that sleeps 12 will work out cheaper than the cost of holiday accommodation for four. A holiday house also has a kitchen so you can also save by cooking your own meals instead of always eating out. Plus, holiday home rentals are often “pet friendly” so you can bring your pet along and save on kennel costs.

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Save money on food

Avoid the added expense of fast food and higher supermarket prices in holiday regions by bringing your own food. Pack lunches, snacks and refillable water bottles for car trips - pick foods that travel well like fruit, nuts, cheese and crackers, pre-made vegemite or peanut butter sandwiches, take a picnic blanket, some plastic plates and cutlery and stop for a roadside picnic! Choose accommodation with a kitchen and cook your own meals instead of always eating out.

Keep the kids entertained along the way for free

Borrow DVDs and CDs from the library and print out our backseat spotto car game for hours of entertainment. Don’t forget the classics like ‘I spy’ and counting games.

Save petrol and drive more efficiently

You can reduce fuel costs (up to 30%) by driving efficiently. Driving smoothly and simple vehicle maintenance can help you boost your car’s fuel efficiency noticeable and reduce green house emissions.

Find out more about driving efficiently and read our 10 tips to reduce fuel costs.

Save money at home while you’re away

Have your newspaper delivery stopped while you’re away, turn off air conditioning and heating units, unplug appliances, and have a neighbour or friend care for your pet instead of paying for a kennel or cattery.

Opt for an all-inclusive cruise

Cruises are fast gaining popularity and a reputation as a great value holiday option thanks to their all-inclusive pricing. With accommodation, on-board facilities, activities, entertainment and meals included in your cruise fare you can get a great fixed cost holiday for your money.

Check out some great cruise offers

Look out for deals online – book early or late

You can find some amazing deals and discounts offered online and the best time to book is 11 months before your intended travel date. This is when flights have just been released and there are lots of cheap seats available. On the other hand you can also make great last minute savings if you’re lucky enough to snap up unsold seats and hotel rooms discounted in the last few days before departure.

Travel in the off-season

There are great deals to take advantage of in the shoulder-season, the weeks-to-months-long window of time between high and low-peak travel seasons when popular destinations afford decent weather as well as lower rates. You can find cheaper flights, accommodation, car hire, and lower rates at tourist attractions. So think about heading off when other tourists are still at home and you could make great savings and avoid the crowds.

Book accommodation ahead

You can get a much better rate making a reservation online or calling ahead than walking in and asking for a room. Also consider opting for a bed and breakfast instead of a big hotel chain, these smaller scale operations are often more flexible about discounting to fill vacancies.

Search for accommodation

Plan your road trip route

Plan and time your road trip route to avoid travelling through major cities at peak times so you don’t waste petrol stuck in traffic.

Use our trip planner to map your route and accommodation.

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