Curb the cost of holidays

SOPHIE ELSWORTH

but enough to feel like a decent break. No matter which type of holiday you choose this summer there are some simple ways to keep costs down while still enjoying yourself.

1PAY UPFRONT

If you haven’t already, a good plan of attack is to pay for the flights (if you are getting on a plane) and accommodation before you get there.

This obviously means avoiding using a credit card.

I always plan holidays this way. I have the money stashed away so when I roll up to the hotel I don’t have to dig into my savings to pay for these expensive bills.

Hotels will often give you a discount if you pay upfront, but be careful because if you happen to cancel at the last minute you might not get your money back.

2BREAKFAST INCLUDED

The cost of going out for breakfast quickly adds up.

If you’re going to eat smashed avocado each morning, be prepared to take a hit of at least $20 a pop.

Avocados are selling for two for $5 in the supermarket at the time of writing this.

I try and stay at places where breakfast is either included or I can make my own. Frying an egg, smashing some avocado and cooking a few slices of toast is an easy way to

save a small fortune.

moneysaverHQ.com.au SHOP

AT THE SUPERMARKET

If you are staying in an apartment or even somewhere with a mini fridge, there’s usually a place you can keep a stash of chilled foods or store some snacks.

Little meals add up on holidays, so having some food on hand is again another simple way to reduce your expenditure.

45PLAN AHEAD

If you are going somewhere that involves booking a show, movie tickets or a local event, see if you can prepay to save. Scroogey Tuesdays at the cinemas are one of the oldest tricks in the book to cut costs.

PAY WITH CASH

We all hate the word budget, but keeping a check on your holiday expenses can easily be done if you pay with cash.

Set a spending limit for the holiday, withdraw a chunk of cash at the beginning and watch the notes fly out of your wallet. It might make you think before you spend.

But, most importantly: happy holidays!

@sophieelsworth