As Australia continues to battle huge bushfires across multiple regions, many areas remain unaffected and most tourism businesses are operating as usual, according to Tourism Australia. Australia remains one of the best places to enjoy a holiday, especially if you are interested in staying for a few months. Thanks to its super-cool cities, extraordinary wildlife, and endless coastline, Australia has all the elements you need to have a superb holiday. However, taking an extended holiday in Australia can be an expensive affair, particularly during the summer months when most tourists are flocking in. Luckily, you can find various ways to cut costs in order to extend your trip and create some unforgettable memories.
Choose your accommodation carefully
Australia is one of the most expensive places to live in, so you can expect accommodation to be one of your biggest expenses. But, it doesn’t have to be. One way to reduce the cost of accommodation is by choosing a cheaper location to stay in. This means avoiding the major cities and instead, staying in smaller cities and rural areas.
If you can’t stay away from the major cities, you can consider staying in a hostel instead of an expensive hotel room. Contrary to common belief, hostels are not just for 21-year old backpackers; many hostels offer private rooms with some even having private bathrooms. If you are traveling as a group, you can save some money by getting a vacation rental. This way, you can cook your own meals throughout your trip which is a lot cheaper than eating out every day.
Make smart shopping decisions
You’ll need to do some shopping if you plan to stay in Australia for an extended period. To save on shopping expenses, you can start by avoiding the supermarkets; they tend to be expensive. Instead, you can get down to the nearest farmer’s market and get a wide selection of products at a much cheaper price than you’ll get in the supermarkets. You can also shop online with David Jones & Qantas where you can earn points and qualify for great discounts. If you don’t mind, consider buying second-hand products from charity shops like Vinnies, Red Cross, and Salvation Army or online platforms like Gumtree where you can find amazing deals.
Save on travel costs
You can save thousands of dollars by finding more economical ways to get to and around Australia. You can start by getting on the cheapest possible flight to the country. To do this, compare flight prices of different airlines to find the cheapest one and book as early as possible when the rates are still low. Once you get to Australia, one way to save on travel costs is by taking the bus as opposed to the more expensive domestic flights to various tourist hotspots across the country. If you are traveling as a group, you can hire a vehicle and split the cost among yourselves.
Get travel insurance
Anything could happen while you are on holiday in Australia, forcing you to seek medical attention. Medical care can be expensive in Australia, so it’s crucial that you get travel insurance before you set off. With travel insurance, any medical costs you incur in Australia will be fully covered, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. On top of that, it can help put your mind at ease, allowing you to make the most out of your trip.
Life can be amazing down under, but if you’re not careful, the costs can have you running back to your country before you get a chance to fully enjoy the wonders of Australia. But, with careful planning and budgeting, you can find ways to save costs on every aspect of your trip so that you extend your holiday and enjoy the good life for a little bit longer.
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