8 ways to keep your holidays cheap and budget-friendly
The contents provided on this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Consider your personal circumstances and objectives before making any financial decisions.
Picture this - you’ve finalised your accommodation and have gotten the best deal, your flights or train tickets have been booked, and your job tasks for the next few weeks have been delegated. You’re ready to head off on your holiday!
But while you’ve booked a cost-friendly holiday, it could also help you in the long-run to find cheaper alternatives to manage your spending and stay on budget while on holiday.
Spending more than you anticipated could lead to financial stress and anxiety during and after your trip. To help prevent some of that stress, you could try tricks like looking for petrol deals, eating at local markets or even accessing extra cash with a Beforepay Pay Advance to help you cover any unexpected costs. See what else you can try to help your holiday budget go further!
1. Turn off data roaming for a cheap holiday
Roaming charges can quickly add up when travelling abroad. Make sure to turn off data roaming on your phone to avoid unexpected charges.
Additionally, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan from your provider before travelling. You could also simply take advantage of hotel amenities such as their Wi-Fi when staying indoors to help you save money.
2. Look out for petrol deals to save on your holiday
Keep an eye out for petrol deals to help you cut costs on your road trips. You'd be surprised at the savings you can score through loyalty programs, supermarkets, or handy fuel discount apps like FuelMap or GasBuddy. For help with finding cheap petrol near you while on holiday, check out our list of 7 apps that we found to help you find cheap petrol.
Oh, and don't forget to check if your credit card offers cashback or rewards for petrol purchases!
3. Pack your own lunches to keep your holiday meals cheap
Want to keep your food budget in check? Packing your own lunches is the way to go! Not only does it save money, but it also lets you enjoy delicious homemade meals wherever you go.
Swing by local markets or supermarkets to grab fresh ingredients, then head out for a picnic in your favourite scenic spot.
Need some recipe inspiration? Check out Taste and Epicurious for some ideas.
4. Check out free events to save money on holiday
Many museums and galleries offer free entry on specific days or evenings. Check their websites or contact them directly to find out about free admission days and plan your visit accordingly. To discover more deals on entertainment, consider utilising websites like Groupon, Scoopon and Eventbrite. These platforms regularly offer discounts that can help you save costs.
Additionally, you might want to explore using Beforepay to cash out a Pay Advance to fund these activities. Knowing that you are already saving money, you can then allocate that extra savings towards dining out or other leisure activities.
5. Eat like a local to save money during your holiday
There may be food cuisines unique to the places you visit. You might be concerned that eating out too much would strain your finances, but you don't have to miss out on these experiences. Instead, visit local markets, street food booths, and neighbourhood restaurants to experience authentic cuisine at affordable prices.
6. Avoid surcharge fees to keep your holiday cheap
Be mindful of surcharge fees when using your cards to pay for your expenses, especially during public holidays. Consider paying with cash to avoid surcharge fees, or finding restaurants that don't apply surcharges.
7. Save money by pausing gym and membership accounts
If you're going away for an extended period, consider pausing or temporarily suspending gym memberships or other subscription services to save money while you're not using them. This could help you save extra money by freezing your membership temporarily, which you could then use for activities during your holidays or even public transportation and travel costs.
8. Use special maps to find cheap holiday travel routes
Maps like Citymapper can help you navigate public transportation options and find the cheapest routes to your destination. It provides real-time transit information, including bus and train schedules, fares, and alternative transportation options like bike-sharing or walking routes.
You could also read our article on Cheap holidays in Australia for other budget-friendly getaway ideas!
Everyone deserves a break now and then. To ensure you make the most of your time away without worrying about finances, put these tips and tricks into action. And remember, if you ever find yourself in need of extra cash quickly and on your terms, keep apps like Beforepay in mind as a reliable safety net. With these resources at your disposal, you can focus on making unforgettable memories during your holiday.
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