Going on holiday shouldn’t ruin your credit score! With the right financial planning, you can take a truly memorable road trip no matter how meagre your budget may be. If you’re eager for adventure this spring, read on to discover our top money saving tips for hittin’ the road.
Prioritise Your Luxuries
Do you want to splash out on a massage and live on salami sandwiches, or would you rather eat a gourmet meal and sleep in a tent? Discuss your preferences with your travel buddies and decide where you’d like to allocate the money.
Make a Budget
Planning out your intended expenses will make all the difference. Not only will it allow you to spot where you have wiggle room, but it will also help you rest easy the entire trip, as you’ll know how much money will be in your bank account when you return.
Research Free or Discounted Activities
There’s a lot to see and do free of charge! Take a look at sites like TripAdvisor for reviews, insider tips, and discounts. Many tourist attractions pair up for 2-for-1 entry deals, and there are often free festivals and fairs to attend this time of year. If you’re into bushwalking, you can always purchase a national parks pass for the state you’re in, which will allow you to visit as many as you’d like within a set time frame. Love the beach? Free! No matter your interests, with a little research, you’ll be able to find entertainment at a low cost.
Book Ahead (or camp!)
It pays to plan your accommodation ahead of time. Sure, you can stop at any motel along the way, but there are often amazing deals available online for those who make a booking. Sites like Wotif and Last Minute have mystery hotel options, where you’re given a surprise room for a much lower price point, and hostels often grant discounts to those who book ahead. Airbnb is another great choice – you can often find a lovely, unique place to stay for less than a stock-standard motel room. And if you really want to get in that road trip spirit, you can always couch surf or camp! Borrow a friend’s tent, and pay less than $20 a night to set up camp in a picturesque part of the country.
Drive Smarter
Before you begin your journey, estimate the cost of petrol for the duration of your holiday. Then, try to beat your budget! To cut back on costs, you should:
- Keep your speed steady and reasonable, as a quick pace will drain your tank at a faster rate.
- Make sure your tires are pumped full of air.
- Use the A/C as little as possible
- Be mindful of how much weight is in the car and the way it’s distributed (another incentive to pack wisely!).
Bring Snacks
If you have snacks on hand, you won’t be tempted by overpriced service station goodies! Buy value packs of your favourite snack items before the trip, and munch on them between meals. Stopping at grocery stores for food is another easy way to save, as well as looking for local restaurants and cafes with happy hours or meal deals.
Use Cash
Use cash whenever possible, you should use cash instead of your card –especially when it comes to paying for smaller items, like food and souvenirs. If you have trouble sticking to a budget, taking out a daily allowance of cash is a great way to keep track of what you’re spending, and physically seeing the money will help you think twice about buying yet another keepsake shot glass.
Stick to these money saving tips and you won’t drive yourself into debt on your next road trip.