Revenge spending
According to McCrindle research, 63 per cent of us recovering from COVID-19 induced cabin fever are desperate to spend our savings on experiences we can enjoy with our loved ones.
It’s known as ‘revenge spending’ and it’s our way of blowing a big raspberry to the pandemic that kept us cooped up for so long.
I’ve spent more than a few hours scrolling through Airbnb listings myself, looking for properties with a swimming pool and water views, dreaming of an escape where our whole family can indulge in a little fun and frivolity.
But it comes at a cost, and while many households were able to squirrel away extra savings during lockdowns, for others these last couple of years have been more about trying to stay afloat.
So, how do we indulge our need to feel the wind in our hair without a budget blowout?
BE FLEXIBLE
School holidays bring price hikes and minimum stays which can add hundreds to your travel bill, so avoid term breaks if you can. Also consider travelling outside of peak season.
When my son Xander was little, I’d take him on a trip to Queensland every second year during winter and save hundreds.
Special events such as concerts, festivals and sporting matches also bump up the price of accommodation, so travel outside these dates.
SHOP AROUND
Spend time researching deals. I found accommodation for two nights on lastminute.com.au at a seaside resort for $440.
The same room for the same weekend booked directly through the resort costs $658.
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BE PREPARED TO SHARE The fewer bedrooms you have, the lower the cost, so consider having the kids share or making use of pull-out sofas.
You’ll also save by choosing a place with communal kitchens or bathrooms.
If you’re travelling with friends or family, split the cost of hiring a house rather than staying in a hotel.
AII IN ONE
I love holiday parks. Pitching a tent is the cheapest option, but cabins are still reasonable and have the added benefit of a kitchen so you can skip expensive takeaways.
Holiday parks have come a long way from having just a rusty old slippery slide. Many now have swimming pools, water parks, jumping pillows, go-karts, mini golf and movie screenings.
It’s a self-contained holiday and there’s no need to spend another cent on entertainment.