You’ve done the hard yards and saved enough for a well-deserved holiday, nice one! While you definitely want to make the most of your trip (make that three scoops of gelato, not two, right?!), you also don’t want to run out of steam just a few days in – travel isn’t a given these days, after all! That’s why we’ve put together 15 tips to help your holiday fund stretch that little bit further, so you can splurge on what’s really important to you and your family.
1. Opt for local
Fancy the look of those oysters shucked straight from the ocean, or that cheese straight from the farmgate door? Local produce is delicious and it comes with a serious bonus – it’s often cheaper! Think about how you can support the community you’re visiting by sampling some of their best and we reckon your wallet will probably thank you, too.
2. Get savvy on social
If you know where you’re headed, start following a few local places on Insta that you might want to check out. A museum may just have free entry on Wednesdays or a bar might hold their happy hour on a Thursday. In which case, you’ll be ready to make a reservation on whatever day works!
3. Bring a water bottle
Don’t get stuck with paying for drinks when tap water might do. Bringing your own reusable water bottle could save you from buying bottled water on a day out and it’s better for the environment, too.
4. Think outside the box
Your sense of adventure could save you money. Taking the road less travelled and stepping one street over from the main tourist hub often means cheaper meals and hotels.
5. Have a long lunch
Eating out at lunch tends to take a smaller chunk out of your change than dinner. Switch up your routine and make the midday snacking your main meal of the day for cheaper choices (hello, weekday lunch specials and deep, well-deserved afternoon naps!).
6. Remember: asking is free!
If you don’t ask, you don’t get. You never know what extras you might be able to get if you simply ask the question! Some hotels are happy to give you a late checkout if you ask when you turn up.
7. Make friends with a local
Have a chat with a local to get some insider knowledge on what to see, where to eat and what to do. Not only will this help you experience your destination like someone who lives there, it’ll help you avoid costly tourist traps, too.
8. Look to nature
Having a pool at your holiday home is a pretty sweet addition but you know where else you can cool down? The beach… and it’s free! Nature has plenty of great alternatives to things you might have spent money on. Apart from some gear you can bring along, outdoor activities like hiking, swimming and snorkelling cost nil. Super handy!
9. Make a splurge rule
Little extras sure are great on holidays! But do you really need to splash on that expensive bottle of wine or extra dessert every night? Give yourself a ‘splurge rule’ – whether it’s a dollar amount a day or a number of times in a day when you live your best holiday life guilt-free. Putting some boundaries in place will make it easier to manage sensible versus serious-credit-card-regret-style holiday splurging.
10. Take the basics
If you have the space, consider taking the holiday basics with you to save on any rushed splurges when you get to your destination. Corner stores in isolated places or city-based supermarkets often charge more for everyday items so if you’ve got a bit of suitcase space, you might want to consider packing your favourite snacks or tea bags.
11. Make sure to explore
Although a guided tour is a great way to learn something new, self-guided choices at attractions like museums and galleries can help ignite your curiosity and help you save that little bit extra.
12. Keep track of things
It helps to know where your finances are at throughout the holiday. Find a method that works for you – giving yourself a daily budget that you can check in the evening or only putting as much as you can afford to spend into a holiday account before you leave is an easy and no-fuss way to make sure you’re staying on track.
13. Follow the free WiFi
Some hotels charge for their WiFi services so make sure you check what the rules are at your accommodation so you don’t pay unnecessarily. You can always grab a coffee at a local cafe and look up a few things while you’re sipping. (Plus, having time when you’re not scrolling your phone while on holidays might not be a bad thing 😉)
14. Bring snacks
Apart from this being a great general rule for life, costs can really skyrocket at airports or places that are known stopover spots. If you can, pack your own food and snacks for transiting time and you’ll be less tempted to splash out when you’re hungry and bored.
15. Consider a group holiday
Got some awesome friends that would make even better travel partners? Bring them along! The cost of accommodation can be a lot more manageable when it’s split between more people – not only that but you can usually secure more space with that extra budget 😉
Heads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.
