School holidays often mean breaking the household budget, but families can have enjoyable holidays without spending excessively. Executive director of Financial Counselling Australia Fiona Guthrie recommended that every family to set up a target spending amount for travel periods such as the school holidays, according to news.com.au.
Guthrie said that fun, educational activities for the entire family can be cheap if holidaymakers do the research first. Small savings can be realised by hiring hybrid cars, and take advantage of free entertainment in museums, parks, and playgrounds.
For road and camping trips, use fuel-saving vouchers and memberships to save more on transport costs. As accommodation can be expensive, stay at caravan parks or camping sites, or do a house-swap to save more.
Travelling during off-peak periods is another way to avoid paying hefty peak prices for everything from accommodation to air tickets. Travelling during ‘shoulder’ periods, which are immediately before and after school-holiday times, can also help with cutting expenses.
Holidaymakers who are flying to their destinations should book online and fly midweek late at night or early in the morning for the cheapest prices. Many hotels and motels also offer last-minute specials on their rooms.
