Six things that will save you money on your next international holiday
Whether you're hitting the road for an Easter family camping trip or heading through the international departure gates – family holidays can add up quickly.
"It's so easy to get caught up in the excitement of a holiday and slip into YOLO mode, and the stats prove it," says Molly Benjamin, founder of the Ladies Finance Club.
Around 30 per cent of Aussies go over budget on domestic trips, and when it comes to international holidays, it's even more common – with one in three travellers spending more than they planned.
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Woman packing suitcase on bed for a new journey packing list for travel planning preparing vacation Book Now Traveling Transportation. Getty
"All up, Aussies overspend by more than $900 million each year on holidays," she tells 9Travel.
But with a little pre-planning and some expert tips hacks, this doesn't have to be the case.
Molly shares her top money-saving tips for domestic and international travel so you can save money on your next holiday.
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Domestic Holidays
Avoid dining out for every meal
"Constant café breakfasts, lunches out, and dinners at restaurants can seriously blow the budget," Benjamin says.
Instead, she suggests booking accommodation with kitchen facilities to help cut costs, even just a handful of at-home meals can make a difference.
Avoid last-minute bookings
Sometimes it's unavoidable but, when possible, book your flights and accommodation in advance.
"Booking late, especially during school holidays or peak seasons, often means paying premium rates for what's left," she says.
Look out for any sales or special offers from airlines or travel groups to nab even bigger savings.
Look out for any sales or special offers from airlines or travel groups to nab even bigger savings. Getty
Fuel costs
For road trippers or anyone camping or caravaning, fuel costs can be a major expense on domestic holidays.
"Road trips feel affordable until you factor in rising petrol prices, especially in remote areas," says Molly.
To avoid this, fill up where the petrol is cheaper, factor fuel into your holiday budget, and if it's adding up too much, try finding a destination a little closer to home.
Impulse Shopping
Who hasn't been guilty of a good local market shopping spree, because when in Rome right?! Unfortunately, Benjamin says this is one of the biggest spending traps on domestic holidays.
"Local markets, boutique stores, and "holiday-only" purchases that you wouldn't normally make at home can add up," she says.
So, if you don't have willpower, skip the markets, but if you do, opt for window shopping instead, or allocate a spending budget that you can't go over.
Don't be tempted by every single sale and souvenir. Getty
Skipping domestic travel insurance
It might seem unnecessary to secure travel insurance for a domestic holiday, but Benjamin warns that it can be a big money trap if something goes wrong.
"Spending can go through the roof if you get robbed, if flights are cancelled, or if accommodation becomes non-refundable due to unexpected events," she says.
International holidays
Travel with carry on
"Budget airlines love to slug you with extra baggage charges. Travelling with just carry-on can easily save you $50-$200 per flight, especially if you're hopping between cities," says Benjamin.
Buy compact, multi-purpose clothing "think layers," she says, and do a quick laundry wash mid-trip.
Use grocery apps
Ordering breakfast, snacks, and basics through local grocery apps like Grab, or Uber Eats groceries can be way cheaper than hotel food or eating out three times a day.
The other option is to visit a local supermarket and stock up. "You could easily save $20-$50 per day, especially with a family," says Molly.
Plus, they are always a super interesting way to immerse yourself in local culture.
Use local ride-share apps
"Taxis from airports often charge inflated rates or dodgy "tourist" prices," says Benjamin, so it's best to avoid them.
Instead, she suggests checking if local ride-share apps like Grab, Uber, or Didi operate there.
"Pre-booking can save you 30-50 per cent on your transfer."
Often ride share is cheaper than local taxis. Luis Enrique Ascui
Ditch the tour guide
Lots of big cities offer free walking tours that help you see major attractions without pricey tour guides.
This is also perfect for getting your bearings, and you could save $50-$100 on paid tours.
"I've personally done this across 15 different cities and love them," she says.
If you're in a country where tipping is expected, Benjamin says to tip "what you can," usually a minimum of $15.
Use cash-back sites
Booking accommodation through cash-back sites like Cash Rewards can also be a great way to get discounts on booking sites like Expedia, Booking.com and Virgin Australia- where you can save money on tours and flights.
Check local deal sites
When booking tours, dinners, spas, and attractions, look at local deal sites.
"Just like we have Groupon, lots of countries have their own versions like La Fourchette in France or Klook in Asia," Benjamin says.
You can also look for weekly specials, where the sites offer heavily discounted rates on tours, attractions, and experiences and help you save up to a whopping 60 per cent.
