WHERE TO START
Perhaps consider renting a family share house:
Sharing the cost of the property, and shopping and cooking that can be prepared and served in-house will cut the bills. Ask around and get recommendations from mates or people you know on social media. Sometimes a holiday rental is cheaper than an AirBnB - share the space, share the cost!
Check on hotel booking sites, there are seasonal packages and cheap deals – but get in early.
Holiday Parks, what a great idea. You can go the camping route – IF – you already have the tent, the bedding, that table, chairs and all the paraphernalia that comes packed in the trailer or on top of the car! Camping can be a ‘lot' if you don't have the right equipment, experience and patience.
The choice of holiday parks in Australia is phenomenal and there's variety and clever price points that are better than a welcome mat.
• Cabins with the right number of bedrooms for your mob suit a family that stays together. All mod cons are contained within four walls.
• Research your park of choice and check out the cabins. Many are situated off the ground and have steps up to the front door. Maybe you'll need a ramp.
In these parks you've got all the kids covered to keep them interested; swimming pools, playgrounds, activities, Wi-Fi on tap and the safety and security of the vast area being fenced.
• In school holidays there are many ‘holiday camps' for children, often with a particular focus – adventure, nature, sport, bush skills, art and more.
• If you choose to go the van or caravan route – yet again, book early, check the vehicles for amenities and where you can park the vehicle along your travels. And make sure you can all play nicely in a confined space!
Cruising within the waters of the southern hemisphere is getting cheaper. These cheap deals for shared cabins are plentiful if – you BOOK early.
• Check the fine print for hidden costs – drinks etc. Be particular about choosing your cabin when booking. Best bets for wheelchair passengers is to have a cabin close to the lifts – there is always a crazy long queue at the lifts.
• And a cabin close to the same level as the main food outlets is a good choice for families.
• Shared cabins and bathrooms, buffet food all day long, specialty food stations (think pizzas, burgers and ice cream) are all included in the price. There are activities galore – rock climbing, gaming, water sports and group activities to keep the kids busy when you are sailing on an intergenerational cruise..
• A great tip is to find a Cruise Agent, who you can sit down with and nut out where you want to be on the ship and get the best advice from an expert adviser.
Despite rising costs we won't stop travelling in Australia. Rural destinations in your home state beckon travellers and there's much to see and do plus the accommodation can be interesting, quirky and in fun locations for the kids. There are history museums, pleasure parks, river activities and maybe a pony to ride!
And even though rural destinations are popular the gap is closing as the cities are luring us back with the bright lights and holiday concerts, exhibitions and events.
Your children's needs may be specific to their ability but they are kids and there is so much on offer for each and every one of them.
And remember, do your homework and BOOK early.