How to save when booking your next holiday
With the Queen's Birthday long weekend on June 13 and school holidays at the beginning of July, now is the time to start thinking about booking your next family trip.
While the borders are open and restrictions largely a thing of the past, cost-of-living pressures are limiting options when it comes to making travel plans.
Here we take you through the best travel websites and apps for saving money, and share general tips for cutting costs.
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Cost-of-living pressures are limiting options when it comes to making travel plans. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Travel websites and apps
Trivago
Trivago has a website and an app and compares travel deals across several websites. It is a one-stop shop, and makes cost comparison super simple.
You'll find flights and accommodation prices as well as special offers around Australia and internationally.
Stayz
Stayz lists rooms, residences and hotels for short-term stays and the benefit of booking this directly on the site is that you will accumulate loyalty benefits and be offered special deals.
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These are the best websites and apps for booking flights and accommodation. Today Extra
Hopper
On Hopper you'll find deals on hotels, flights and car hire and it is focused on mobile use so you'll find it easy to use on your smart phone and other similar devices.
Last Minute
Here you'll find all of the best last-minute deals on flights, hotels and car hire, but you'll need to have some wiggle room in your schedule to take advantage of these.
State travel vouchers
New South Wales
In NSW you can still claim a $50 Stay NSW Voucher for accommodation to be used during your next trip.
Victoria
Victorians can apply for $200 cash back for trips that cost $400 and over.
There are vouchers in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland you can still claim. Today Extra
Queensland
Those further north are able to apply for a $200 voucher but it is only for use in the Whitsundays.
Frequent flyer programs
Frequent flyer programs began as a way to exclusively save on flights however it quickly expanded and now points can be redeemed for other travel costs including: dinner discounts, movie tickets, free car hire, grocery vouchers and hotel deals.
Frequent flyer programs have expanded beyond just flight disounts. Today Extra
Travel saving tips
There are plenty of ways to save when it comes to travel that just take a little careful planning.
Pre-plan meals
If you take some time to think about meals, you'll be able to stock up and prepare such things and snacks and some meals and save money for other meals for special occasions and locations.
Ask constantly
Don't forget to utilise the lost art of haggling, which is popular in some overseas locations but can be used in others as well. If you don't ask for a discount, there's zero chance you'll get one, so ask away!
There are plenty of other ways to save on travel. Today Extra
Frequently take smaller trips
Taking smaller, more frequent trips can allow for travel that is more affordable so you aren't left with any debt or too little savings after your next holiday.
Negotiate travel priorities
Sit down with your travel companions whether they be family or friends and talk about what it is about the location you are headed to that appeals. That way you can plan out what you want to do, saving your cash for the ones that appeal the most.
Don't overschedule
It's nice to spend some time exploring new locations so try not to overschedule your trip. This will also save you money because very activity comes at a cost and you don't want to be so busy during your holiday that you are too tired to enjoy everything.
