Keep your summer holiday costs to a minimum
Christmas can leave wallets almost empty before a summer holiday that hasn’t been paid for in full. Now, experts reveal how to save cash but still have a good time.
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Getaways over the Christmas period often leave us with wounded wallets once we enter the new year.
After we’ve ticked gifts, food and alcohol off the shopping list it’s then onto dealing with the costs of a planned festive getaway.
Regardless of whether it’s a trip locally, interstate or internationally the costs quickly rack up.
While I love a mini Christmas getaway, it usually involves getting in the car and driving a few hours or heading interstate.
Nothing too lavish but enough to feel like a decent break.
No matter which type of holiday you choose this summer there’s some simple ways to keep costs down while still enjoying yourself.
1. PAY UPFRONT
If you haven’t already, a good plan of attack is to pay for the flights (if you are getting on a plane) and accommodation before you get there.
This obviously means avoiding using a credit card.
I always plan holidays this way – I have the money stashed away so when I roll up to the hotel I don’t have to dig into my savings to pay for these expensive costs.
Hotels will often give you a discount if you pay upfront, but be careful because if you happen to cancel at the last minute you might not get your money back.
2. BREAKFAST INCLUDED
The cost of going out for breakfast quickly adds up.
If you’re going to eat smashed avocado each morning be prepared to take a hit of at least $20 a pop.
Avocados are selling for two for $5 in the supermarket at the time of writing this.
I try and stay at places where breakfast is either included or I can make my own.
Frying an egg, smashing some avocado and cooking a few slices of toast never killed anyone.
It’s an easy way to save a small fortune.
3. DO A SUPERMARKET SHOP
If you are staying in an apartment or even somewhere there’s a mini fridge, there’s usually somewhere you can keep a stash of chilled foods or store some snacks.
Little meals add up on holidays, so having some food on hand is again another simple way to reduce your expenditure.
4. PLAN AHEAD
If you are going somewhere that involves booking a show, movie tickets or local event, see if you can prepay to save.
Scroogey Tuesdays at the cinemas are one of the oldest tricks in the book to cut costs.
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5. PAY WITH CASH
Set a spending limit for the holiday, withdraw a chunk of cash at the beginning and watch the notes fly out of your wallet.
It might make you think before you spend on unnecessary crap that quickly adds up.
But most importantly, happy holidays!
Originally published as Keep your summer holiday costs to a minimum