Keeping Costs Down While Travelling Within Australia

If you are thinking about travelling to Australia, or if you have just arrived, you may be making a plan for your big journey. If you live in Australia and you are planning on seeing more of the place, then a plan of action will also be needed. Travelling in Australia isn’t always cheap, so it certainly pays to make a plan, make a budget and do some research.

How will you fund your travels?

There are numerous options for funding a holiday or a longer trip. You could choose to save up the money beforehand so it is all paid for and you don’t need to worry about credit. If you don’t have the willpower to save, then a personal loan could be a good option. Alternatively, you could choose a low interest credit card.

Choosing a credit card with a 0% purchase rate deal can be a good way of paying for your holiday, while still giving you a while to pay it off without worrying about interest. If you go down this route, be sure to read the terms and conditions, and find out about the card’s reversion rates.

 
A better option for most people is to save up for the trip ahead of time. Depending on how much time you have to save up, you could stuff money under your mattress – or, a much safer idea, open up a savings account. A small amount of each paycheck devoted to savings can add up before you know it. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous than a savings account, you could your hand at investments through a service such as E*trade share trading.

Regardless of how you choose to find your travels, it’s important to have a plan and to not over extend yourself.

Will you work while travelling?

If you are travelling for long periods, then you may choose to work along the way. If you are an overseas visitor, make sure you have a valid work visa before applying for a job. If you don’t, it can mean getting kicked out of the country, and being prevented from coming back.

Casual jobs are usually easy to find. Follow the harvest trail if you are interested in fruit picking. If you plan on bar work, you may need a certification, depending on which State you are in.

Save Money on Accommodation

It’s doubtful you could find a cheaper way of travelling Australia than camping. Tents are cheap (but don’t skimp too much, or you may find yourself with no shelter in a storm!), and staying at camp and caravan sites can be as little as $15 per night per site. There is also free camping in many areas, but check the guidelines if you are in a National Park.

Alternatively, you could always couchsurf! It costs you nothing, and it is an awesome way of meeting new people. Failing that, look around on comparison sites for cheap deals on hostels, motels and hotels.

Getting Around

If you are flying from city to city, or if you are on a relatively short trip, then hiring a car can be a cheap way to travel. It gives you the freedom to go where you want, when you want, and you can load up the car with as much stuff as you need. Shop around for the best deal by using online review sites and comparison sites. If there are a few of you travelling, you can save money on the rental and on petrol costs.

Flying can be cheap, if you know what you’re looking for, you are willing to be flexible, and you book in advance. Flights on Saturday afternoons, Sunday mornings, and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be cheaper. Keep an eye out for sales on Jetstar, Virgin and Tiger.

If you are planning on travelling around for a few months or more, think about buying a car for your trip. Plenty of backpackers choose this option, so check out hostel notice boards to find out what is available. Just make sure you don’t buy a lemon, and give yourself enough time to sell the car before you go home.

Group Buying!

Group buying sites have become phenomenally popular in Australia, and it’s possible to plan a huge amount of your trip just by visiting different sites. You can get deals on accommodation, on tours, on dining out, on entertainment and much more.

You could take a dive course, a skydive, or a fishing charter, you could eat out at a fancy restaurant, or you could take the kids to the zoo. There is so much out there, and it can save you as much as 80% off the retail price. However, with many of these deals, you will need to book in advance, so it pays to be prepared.