Travel
How to plan an affordable beach holiday on any budget
You desperately need a break and the beach is beckoning but your budget says no way – or does it?
By Carolyn Tate
Did you know that Australia is home to an incredible 11,761 beaches, stretching across more than 50,000 kilometres of coastline? When we’re planning a holiday, it can be easy to take our back yard for granted, but Australia really is a beach lover's paradise.
The best part? Spending time on our magnificent shores doesn’t have to cost much at all. Whether you're working with a shoestring budget or just looking to make your dollars go further, planning an affordable beach holiday is easier than you might think.
Smart transport strategies
Most of us living in Australia are never too far from a beach. Instead of spending big on flights to far-flung destinations, consider exploring the coastal gems in your own backyard.
While fuel costs might be one of your biggest expenses, there are clever ways to keep these in check. Apps like Fuel Map Australia and Petrol Spy Australia can help you locate the best fuel prices in your area as you travel, making sure you're not paying more than you need to for your journey. Also remember that being stuck in traffic wastes money as well as time, so plan to leave super early or travel up the night before for the best chance of a smooth drive all the way.
Check this out: 10 great Australian driving destinations
If you do need to fly to reach the coast, here are a few ways you can reliably save money on domestic flights:
- Book during a ‘frenzy’ or ‘happy hour’
Low-cost airlines like Jetstar and Virgin Australia, have regular sales events. Jetstar's Friday Fare Frenzy and Virgin's Happy Hour offer significant discounts on flights during specific times each week. Subscribing to airline newsletters ensures you don’t miss these deals, including Qantas Red Tail Sales which pop up from time to time.
- Be flexible with dates and times
Timing is key to getting cheaper fares – experts suggest booking domestic flights about 28 days in advance to secure the best prices. Play around with the date and time you fly – it can make a huge difference to the cost of your flights.
Try to avoid late bookings as they often come with a premium. That said, if you’re prepared to take the risk on a super last-minute booking, you might also pick up a bargain.
- Compare and monitor prices
Use sites like Skyscanner and Webjet to compare prices across the airlines. You can also set up a notification and they’ll let you know if fare prices drop.
Budget-friendly accommodation options
When it comes to keeping a lid on accommodation costs, holiday parks are hard to beat. For as little as $10-50 per night, you can secure a camping spot, with prices varying based on season, location, and whether you need a powered site or not. It's a brilliant way to connect with nature while keeping your wallet happy.
If you’re looking for an even cheaper camping option, sites like Free Camping Australia and Camplify have rounded up all of the spots where it’s free or very low cost to spend a night or two. Many of their suggested places are right on the edge of the beach or river.
If camping isn't quite your style, sites like Booking.com, Airbnb and Stayz offer excellent alternatives to traditional hotels. You'll find options to suit every budget, from basic rooms to entire houses. An added bonus is that most of these kinds of bookings come with a fully-equipped kitchen, so you can save stacks of money cooking your own meals instead of eating out.
The key to scoring the best deals is planning ahead. Start your search well in advance, especially if your trip will be during peak seasons, to snag the most competitive rates and widest choice of properties.
For the ultimate budget-friendly option, consider house or pet sitting. Platforms like Aussie House Sitters or Mad Paws connect holiday-makers with homeowners who need someone to look after their property and pets while they're away.
While you'll need to pay an annual membership fee and be responsible for caring for someone's animals (and maybe their garden or pot plants), this arrangement can provide completely free accommodation in prime beach locations. Plus, you'll often have access to a full kitchen and other home comforts that make your beach holiday even more affordable.
Managing food and drink expenses
One of the smartest ways to keep your holiday spending in check is to take control of your food costs. If you're staying somewhere with access to a supermarket, make it your first stop. Preparing your own lunches, like sandwiches and fruit, can save you a bundle compared to buying meals at beachside cafes.
For those times when you want to eat out, local fish and chip shops offer a classic Aussie beach meal that won't break the bank. And while the ice creams from beachside vendors look tempting in the summer heat, grabbing a box from the supermarket and keeping them in your freezer can save you some dollars. These savings might be small, but if you follow them daily, it can add up to a fair bit over your holiday.
Extra money-saving tips and tricks
To stretch your budget even further, you might like to consider:
● Travelling midweek or during off-peak seasons (especially out of school holidays times) when airfares and accommodation rates are usually lower, and beaches less crowded
● Packing essential items like sunscreen, beach umbrellas and water bottles from home to avoid paying premium prices at beach kiosks
● Checking out local community Facebook pages or visitor centres for tips about free events and activities happening during your stay
● Teaming up with friends or family to share accommodation costs
● Downloading free local apps that'll help you find happy hours, meal deals and discount vouchers in the area you're visiting.
And don’t forget that most of the best beach activities are completely free. Swimming, beachcombing, playing catch on the sand and watching the sunset don't cost a thing but they’re always magic. Pack a good book and a sun-safe shelter for hours of entertainment without spending a single extra dollar.
Feature image: iStock/imamember
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