Top tips for travelling on a budget in 2025
With more than three-quarters of us heading on a trip in 2025 and cost of living at the forefront of everyone’s minds, here are the top tips to get bang for your buck when planning a holiday.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
More than three-quarters of Aussies plan to take up to three holidays this year, with almost half using savvy financial hacks to afford their getaways, new data shows.
The annual American Express Global Travel Trends Report revealed, despite cost of living pressures, Australians were determined to take a trip, with a third planning to increase the number of adventures they took either domestically or internationally compared to last year.
But with budget top of mind for more than two-thirds of travellers, many were turning to financial hacks to keep expenses in check.
The biggest hack was redeeming rewards points earned on everyday expenses for flights, hotels and upgrades, with 44 per cent of Aussies cashing in on this method; while Gen Z and Millennials were maximising their benefits further by linking their credit card to streaming services like Netflix or dining partners such as Uber Eats.
“When used responsibly, credit cards can be a great way to earn points for travel, especially cards that offer flexibility to transfer points across airlines,” Vice President and General Manager of American Express Travel and Lifestyle Services Corrine Ng said.
“Sixty per cent believe combining credit card points with loyalty programs gives the best value for international travel and 48 per cent report they’re likely to stack travel benefits from multiple loyalty programs to potentially get the best experience across flights and accommodation.”
Travellers were also turning to AI to manage their budgets while on trips, using the apps to find activity recommendations that fit their finances.
Also set to prove popular in 2025 with bargain-conscious holiday makers were cruises, with many choosing to travel the high seas to avoid worrying about exchange rates.
“Cruising is one of the most cost-effective ways to travel, particularly when it comes to navigating exchange rates that can be less favourable in some of our top travel destinations,” said Cruiseabout general manager Brad Kennedy.
“When booking a cruise, many inclusions such as food, drinks, activities, entertainment, Wi-Fi, and onshore credits are paid upfront in Australian Dollars. This significantly reduces the additional expenses you’d typically need to plan for when travelling on land, making your holiday more affordable.”
For those off overseas needing to exchange currencies, Travel Money Group general manager Scott McCullough said it was best to plan ahead.
“My advice is to do this before you leave for the airport,” he said.
“It’s well known that airport exchange rates can be more expensive, and if you wait until you’re at your destination you not only risk higher rates, but also international transaction fees and worst-case fraudulent activity, so it pays to be organised.”
Originally published as Top tips for travelling on a budget in 2025
‘Build it, and the stars will come’: Albo’s Brisbane Arena vow
Anthony Albanese is holding firm on the federal government’s plan to build a new inner-city entertainment centre for Brisbane saying the city will not be overlooked by global megastars.
Watch: K’gari tracks smashed by Alfred, access ramp destroyed
Construction crews have been stunned by the level of damage to K’gari by Tropical Cyclone Alfred with locals cut off from council and emergency services.