It’s the old conundrum. How to travel on a budget while also experiencing the best the world has to offer?
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For the long term traveler to the seasonal holidayer, here are tips to inflate your budget for travelling around Australia.
Creating a budget for travelling around Australia doesn’t need to be difficult. Even if you begin with some of the tips below in mind, you will save precious travel funds to make the most of your trip.
Shuttle Buses vs Uber and Taxis
Although it goes against the carefree traveler image and you may like to experience life as a wild and free spirited traveler, transfers are an added cost. Researching cheaper transport ahead of time will not only assist to keep you safe, but you’ll also save precious travel money.
Most popular beach destinations in Australia offer pre booked shuttle bus services from airports and between towns. It’s definitely worth comparing these with Uber and taxi prices or car hire.
Sites such as Airport Shuttles Australia provide shuttle listings available in all Australian states.
*Currently Ubers are mainly in larger cities or nearby towns.
Metro Cards
Metro cards for public transport vary from city to city, but I do know the MYKI card for tram, train and bus travel in Melbourne is a very confusing, especially to those out of town.
Where to buy a MYKI, how to top up and when to touch on & off are the key details to know ahead of time, to avoid extra costs and wasted hours. Check this link for detailed and up to date info: https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki
BUY: Newsagents and similar stores.
TOP UP: Major Train Stations and online.
TOUCH ON & OFF: At the beginning and end of your journey, exept for trams which you do not need to touch off.
Prepare Meals
It goes without saying that drinking fancy drinks eating at restaurants at every meal will drain those dollars. Researching prices or budgeting an allocation per day will assist in saving those hard earned funds.
It’s very easy to spend a heap on food and drinks. Even balancing some home made lunches vs eating out, will make you feel much healthier and richer.
Download Free Maps
Maps like MAPS.ME are downloadable while on wifi, and once you have downloaded your location within the app, you are able to access offline.
This means when you’re wandering in confused circles attempting to locate your hotel, instead of hailing a cab, follow the arrow on your map all the way home to your accommodation..
Lonely Planet
Lonely planet have lots of current tips for travelling Australia and easiest, cheap ways to travel , which will save time and money. Checkout a couple of guides here:
Ask Questions
Ask the travel agent at the hostel desk/ scuba diving company if there are any current deals in place, or specific Australia tour packages.
The best travel agents in Australia will be keen to assist you on the best, cheap travel deals.
Communicating with people around you will clear up any misguided information and assist in spending less. This also goes for directions, time check and other info.
You’ll also feel more connected to the place and you and Barry the scuba instructor may become life long friends in the process.
Free Download: Best Affordable Accommodation in Australia
Work For Your Stay
This is another area where a positive attitude and communication will work wonders.
Plenty of hostels and accom offer ‘work for your room’ options. Alternatively café or bar work could top up your funds. I once stayed a whole summer in Byron Bay, which was only possible by short term waitress work in a local cafe.
Ask around for recommendations and reputations beforehand, to avoid toxic environments. Spending your days with a plate throwing chef isn’t worth your precious travel days.
One Fine Wallet have lots of helpful budget tips on cheap ways to travel, to save those precious pennies ahead of your trip.
The common theme with all these tips is researching to find the best deals and info on travel accessories and experiences.
You’ll be less likely to get caught out after a late arrival at the only restaurant open, which also happens to be the THE most pricey, OR having to fork out hard saved cash for transport without pre-booking.
Budget Travel Planner
Anything that assists with getting organized is a positive in my book. Here are some resources to begin your budget planning.
Best Backpack for Travel
These ZOMAKE 30L Lightweight Packable Backpacks are affordable and are the perfect hiking daypack:
Travel Budget Calculator
Some of the best travel budget calculator and planning resources.
Conclusion
If you’re the type of traveler who likes to wing it and choose as you go, you could prepare a daily budget for certain destinations ahead of time- sometimes it’s difficult to know what a place has to offer until you’re experiencing it!
The key is balance and research, while still going with the flow to have the best time possible exploring new destinations!
Related post:
21 BEST TRAVEL TIPS AND TRICKS
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[…] Once you have begun your adventure there are heaps of ways to save as you travel. Read here for some ideas to get in the right mindset ahead of your trip: Best Budget Travel Tips for Australia […]