With the kids on a break from school, and the outside temperatures finally reaching those summer highs, January is an attractive time for families to vacation together: either for a day, a night, or maybe something longer term! But, between mortgage payments, car insurance fees, and the day-to-day costs involved with running a household, packing up and hitting the road may not always feel like the financially mindful thing to do.
That’s why, the experts at SRG Finance have come up with 8 ways to reduce holiday costs for your family. With these tips you can save money while still enjoying the perfect summer holiday together!
- Pack Lightly – Airlines are starting to charge for everything now, and if you have 2 bags or more, expect to be charged for it. Remember not to travel with oversized items when possible, and limit packing to one bag per person so that you can carry on your luggage. Bonus: If you’re traveling with just a carry on item, you can skip the lines of people waiting for checked baggage when you land!
- Bring Snacks – Although it can be tempting to treat yourself while on vacation, dining on roadside drive through options quickly becomes expensive. Instead, try to plan ahead and pack snacks for the journey when possible. This will not only save you money, but will also naturally encourage healthier options by all. Even packing a water bottle rather than buying water can save you cash!
- Take A Road Trip – All vacations don’t have to involve flying or traveling a great distance. Sometimes it’s fun to jump in your car and travel closer to home, or perhaps interstate. Make sure you plan lots of stops along the way, to check out local landmarks and all the natural beauty Australia has to offer! Make the journey part of your holiday. The kids will love it!!
- Avoid Taxis and Welcome Public Transit – Tourists are often quick to hop in cabs, as it’s the easiest and most direct way to get from point A to point B. But, during a week-long vacation taxi costs and quickly add up. Instead, familiarize yourself with local public transit options before you leave. Most major cities will also have a cost effective transit link between the airport and the city centre, which will help you save big bucks. This way you also get to see so much more of the city and experience it like the locals!
- Go Camping – Although the great outdoors might not be for everyone, camping is by far the most cost effective way to escape the city for a weekend. Sleeping bag and tent not up your ally? Consider cost effective transit and accommodation options offered by camper van relocation services, often available for as little as $1 a day. Check out transfercar.com.au to get started.
- Consider Traveling Off Season – Although it’s tempting to pack up and go now that the hot weather is here, be mindful of travel options, and consider planning your family vacation during off peak times. Hotels and airlines often run good deals during the winter months, to encourage travellers, which means you will be well-poised to reap the benefits!
- Take Advantage of Reward Points – Have you been collecting reward points from your credit card or customer loyalty program? It might be worthwhile to check your balance and use your points towards your next family vacation, before they expire. Depending on how many points you have saved, this could mean saving money on rental car costs, redeeming movie tickets, or (if you’re lucky!) covering the cost of your flights in their entirety.
- Consider House Sitting – More and more, people in Australia are turning to house sitting as an affordable way to secure accommodation. Itching to get away, but not keen to cover the cost of a hotel? Why not consider house sitting, or swapping houses through a service like aussiehousesitters.com.au and save money where it counts! Bonus: A house swap means someone trusted is taking care of your house, potentially saving you money on pet boarding services and garden maintenance.
