Kiddipedia

Kiddipedia

Are you planning a family holiday this Christmas or future summers and want to stretch your finances as far as possible? As a Travel and Cash Flow Coach, I help families make the most of their travel budgets, and I’ve put together my top 10 tips to help you enjoy a dream getaway over summer without financial stress.

  1. Plan Your Finances Early:

The key to affording a great holiday is starting your saving early. Estimate the total cost of your trip, including flights, accommodation, food, and activities, and work backwards to set a savings goal. For example, if your holiday is expected to cost $10,000 and you want to travel in a 12 months time, start saving now. When broken down this equates to the following:

  • $192 per week
  • $384 per fortnight
  • $833 per month

By saving gradually, you can avoid dipping into your credit card and feeling overwhelmed or stressed by costs. Plus, if you start early, you’ll have funds ready for when flights become available, often 9 months in advance, giving you access to the best prices.

  1. Shop Around for the Best Deals:

Don’t just grab the first deal you see—there are always many offers out there. Use flight and accommodation comparison sites like Webjet, Skyscanner, and Booking.com to explore a wide range of prices. Additionally, keep an eye on travel deal sites like TripADeal and Luxury Escapes, which sometimes offer deep discounts on packaged vacations.

  1. Book Flights as Early as Possible:

Flight prices fluctuate, and one of the best ways to save is by booking as soon as they become available—often 9 in advance. Booking early is especially important for peak travel times like Christmas and summer. Locking in your flights early means you’ll pay less and secure your preferred travel dates before prices skyrocket.

  1. Maximize Frequent Flyer Points:

If you’ve been collecting frequent flyer points, use them to reduce the cost of your holiday. Booking flights with points 9 months out is ideal, especially at peak times. However, you can still find great last-minute deals by using tools like Seats.Aero, which tracks points-based flight availability.

  1. Stay Local & Embrace Road Trips:

Flights are often the most expensive part of a holiday, so why not skip them altogether and explore what’s close to home? Road trips are an affordable way to travel, and Australia is packed with hidden gems. For instance, South Australia offers incredible scenery, from wine regions to coastal towns. Check out South Australia Road Tripsfor route ideas and local tips. By staying close to home, you can reduce costs while still enjoying a fulfilling vacation.

  1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates:

Travel during peak days—like the first weekend of school holidays—can come with hefty price tags. Being flexible with your travel dates could save you hundreds of dollars. Consider leaving on a Tuesday or Wednesday, when flights are typically cheaper, and staying during the week instead of weekends for lower accommodation rates. This small shift can have a big impact on your overall costs.

  1. Avoid Popular Tourist Spots:

nstead of booking a trip to crowded beach destinations, consider heading inland or visiting less-popular spots. Popular places like the Gold Coast or Sydney beaches can see prices soar during the holiday season. Try opting for quieter, scenic locations like the Barossa Valley or Grampians National Park. Planning a big Christmas holiday why not head over for a winter getaway in Europe, where off season rates compared to a European summer could save you significantly.

  1. Stay with Family or Friends:

One of the biggest travel expenses is accommodation. If you can, consider staying with family or friends. Not only does this save money, but it also provides an opportunity to reconnect and create lasting memories with loved ones. Plus, you’ll have more cash to spend on experiences rather than accommodation.

  1. Use Public Transport:

Where possible, rely on local public transport to cut costs. While it can seem daunting with children, public transport is often much cheaper than taxis or rideshares, especially over longer distances. In many cities, trains and buses are efficient and offer a more authentic travel experience.

  1. Cook Your Own Meals:

Food expenses can quickly add up, especially when eating out daily. By choosing accommodation with kitchen facilities or opting for a motorhome, you can prepare your own meals. Cooking not only saves money but also gives you more control over your meals, which can be particularly useful when traveling with young children.

Planning ahead and using these cost-saving tips will help you enjoy a family holiday without breaking the bank. By starting early, shopping smart, and exploring local destinations, you can create priceless Christmas and summer holiday memories with your family without breaking the bank.

Lauren Lee is a Travel and Cash Flow Coach dedicated to helping families strategically plan their dream holidays without going into debt. With a passion for making travel accessible, Lauren offers expert advice on how families can prioritise travel financially, travel hacking, and maximizing experiences. She has travelled to 43 countries and also runs South Australia Road Trips, a resource for affordable road trip itineraries and tips, with a Facebook Community of over 26,000 members. Follow Lauren on Instagram @itslaurenjlee for more travel tips and inspiration.