Aussie holidays will keep getting more expensive - how can you save money?
Passengers are set to be slugged an extra fee of $10 on cruises and flights, announced as part of the federal budget.
And while it might not sound like much, it's just the latest move which is sadly making holidaying more and more expensive for Aussies.
The Passenger Movement Charge - which is built into the price customers pay will be increased from $70 to $80 from January 1 2027, according to the 2026 budget papers.
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Experts are flagging that hidden costs putting the prices up for Aussies who just want to get away. Getty
The fee, which comes amid an already tough cost-of-living crisis, will see airlines and cruise companies be made to pay an extra $10 for every passenger leaving the country via air or sea.
Of course, it's likely to be passed on to travellers.
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Australian Travel Industry Association CEO Dean Long says while it's "disappointing" about the charge hike, he hopes it will see the government put the money they make towards things like modernising the country's borders.
He also tells nine.com.au that globetrotting Aussies see travel as a must, even when money is tight.
"Cost pressures are real, but travel holds its place even when household budgets are stretched," he says.
Plan ahead, because nobody wants to pay for luggage at the airport. Getty
It's just the latest blow making holidaying more expensive, as experts flag hidden costs are putting the prices up for Aussies who just want to get away.
Adam Ewart, travel expert and CEO of global luggage delivery service Send My Bag flagged hidden costs are becoming the new norm for travellers.
All those things like paying to pick your seat and for checked luggage, even on airlines which are not budget options, are becoming the norm.
And it's purely for profit.
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Holidays are only set to cost more for Aussies, experts say. Getty
"Airlines have been steadily unbundling fares under the guise of offering travellers more choice, all while pushing the price of extras like baggage and seat selection well beyond what they were ever valued at when included in the fare," Adam tells nine.com.au.
"Airlines have found they can raise billions of dollars from these 'extras' without significantly increasing the advertised ticket price."
What can you do to save money
There are things you can try and do to combat spiralling costs.
Booking early is usually the best, as well as planning ahead.
Nobody wants to be whacked with an extra fee at the airport because your bags are too heavy.
Adam reckons checking prices on your phone, laptop and any other devices can make a difference.
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Travelling with just a phone and no bags could be the answer to saving money. Getty
"Some airlines have openly acknowledged they dynamically fluctuate the prices of add-ons based on a variety of factors, meaning if your browsing habits suggest you're willing to spend more, you may actually be shown higher prices," he says.
And while it may be too much for some to consider, the rise of 'naked flying,' which is travelling with just your phone and wallet could be worth thinking about.
He said the trend "suggests people aren't giving up on travel altogether, they're simply becoming much more selective about what extras they're willing to pay for."
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