Most of us have only four weeks of holiday a year — and value every minute of them! Sadly, mortgage repayments and ever-increasing costs of living demote indulgent overseas trips to the bottom of our priority list.
Many Australians have never explored this big, beautiful country we live in. Although it is large and can be expensive to get around, there are ways to travel in Australia without breaking the bank. Beth Anderson ponders how to get the best value for money on your next vacation.
Travel smart
When planning a trip, establish your budget; this will determine how far (and by what means) you can afford to travel. If your budget can be extended to include flights, there are several ways to cut back the cost. First, be flexible with your dates. When booking flights, a day or two on either side of your preferred departure may make a significant cost difference. Take the kids out of school a day early to avoid the school holiday peak prices — travel is educational after all! And rather than waiting until the last minute, book as early as possible to secure the best deal.
If you are travelling within Australia, book your flight with cabin luggage allowance only; this will help reduce your flight cost. Better yet, there’s no lengthy waiting period at the luggage carousel on arrival. If you need to check some luggage, book an allowance for only one member of your party.
Check out the following websites for cheap flights:
www.studentflights.com.au
www.virginblue.com.au
www.jetstar.com.au
www.cheapflights.com.au
www.escapetravel.com.au
www.economytravel.com
www.statravel.com
www.pacificblue.com.au
Virgin Blue has, at times, a weekly lunchtime sale. Different destinations are on offer every day at greatly discounted prices. You’ll have to be quick, though, to catch these specials. Log on between midday and 1pm to find out more. At all other times you can find the general specials on offer. Most airlines also offer package deals that include flights and accommodation. Booking online can also be cheap, so check out www.zuji.com.au and www.flightcentre.com.au
Paying your way
While on holiday one of your greatest expenses is food. Eating out every night will chew through your holiday funds quickly; instead, look for accommodation that is self-contained or at least has a kitchenette so you can prepare your own meals. Localise the experience by shopping at markets or produce stalls — another way of immersing yourself in your new surrounds.
Alternatively, there’s hardly a town or suburb in Australia without a local RSL club or fish ’n’ chip shop. You’ll always find cheap and cheerful meals in these truly local venues.
When booking accommodation, search the internet for special deals. These days more and more agencies are selling hotel rooms and apartments online in the same way airlines now sell tickets. Some helpful sites to try are:
www.lastminute.com.au
www.wotif.com.au
www.readyrooms.com.au
www.quickbeds.com.au
www.budgetstay.com.au
www.lowcastbeds.com
www.otel.com
www.cancellations.com.au
When it comes to bargaining, if you don’t ask, you don’t receive! Don’t be afraid to ask your travel agent or preferred hotel for the best price they can offer. Alternately, ask if there’s anything extra they can throw in, such as an upgrade, airport transfer or breakfasts.
Cheap trips from Melbourne
For the holidaymaker whose budget cannot be stretched to include airfares, there are many local destinations that offer a fantastic getaway. Here in Australia we are blessed with an abundance of beautiful scenery, unique wildlife and world-class wineries. Plus, thanks to our pleasant climate, there’s always a special activity unfolding in a particular corner of the country, from horse racing and craft markets to music festivals and sporting events. You can book your next local trip according to your destination of choice or merely follow the festival calendar to ensure an action-packed vacation.
Renowned for their beautiful beaches and vineyards, the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas are just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Choose one or the other or take in both destinations by jumping aboard the Queenscliff to Sorrento ferry.
To the east of the city, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges offer a fantastic getaway for wine and nature lovers. Travel on the Puffing Billy steam train, hike through bush trails or merely take in the stunning views from Mt Dandenong down to Port Phillip Bay.
An indulgent holiday option, Daylesford is the perfect escape for those in need of some spa pampering and country food. Check out local spas for special offers — particularly during low season — or just rug up next to a roaring fire with a book or some DVDs.
Visiting towns on the outskirts of Melbourne, your only major costs will be petrol and accommodation. Sightseeing costs can be regulated according to your activities of choice. Wine tastings are generally free, as are leisurely strolls through the townships or countryside. Many country towns boast fantastic antique stores and galleries — just remember to look but don’t touch!
Check out sites such as www.thatsmelbourne.com.au, www.visitvictoria.com and www.onlymelbourne.com.au to find out what’s happening where and when. Follow regional markets for some fresh country produce at www.craftmarkets.com.au; check out a country race meet at www.countryracing.com.au. Or keep abreast of festivals, events, carnivals and more at www.visitmelbourne.com.
Cheap trips from Sydney
There are many regions outside of Sydney that offer a cheap and cheerful escape from city life. Narrow your choices by determining the style of vacation you’re after; a relaxing beach jaunt, a wine lover’s delight or an exploration of the great outdoors.
Less than two hours drive from Sydney, the Hunter Valley offers the perfect locale for a cheap escape. Walk, ride or drive your way through the sweeping vine-lined hills or while away the hours at cellar doors and historic towns.
Also within two hours of Sydney, The Blue Mountains offers the perfect combination of breathtaking nature and sumptuous restaurants. Take in the majestic landscape of waterfalls and awe-inspiring sandstone escarpments or dabble in one of many outdoor activities, from abseiling and horse riding to fishing and cycling.
Further north, pleasant weather all year round in Byron Bay makes it the perfect retreat for a cheap holiday. Walks on the beach, trips to the markets and national parks are all cheap activities that make for a fantastic getaway. For some free activities, check out the Byron Bay Lighthouse — the most easterly point in all of Australia — and visit the Minyon Waterfalls, set amidst stunning rainforest. Byron also has budget airlines servicing the nearby Ballina and Coolangatta airports.
Check out sites such as www.visitnsw.com and www.whatsonsydney.com for the latest events listings and special holiday deals. Also visit www.sydneymusicweb.com/music_festivals.htm and www.sydneyfestivals.com.au for festival updates; www.racingnsw.com.au for racing meets and www.regionaleventslive.com.au for the lowdown on upcoming markets, exhibitions, events and more throughout country New South Wales.
What questions or tips do you have on finding the best bang for your holiday buck? Let us know at bsgm@universalmagazines.com.au.
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