How to save on travel
FORGOTTEN HOW TO GET THE BEST DEALS ON EVERYTHING? TRY THESE TIPS
More than two years of sitting at home has left many Australians a little rusty when it comes to overseas holiday spending. Exchange rates, travel insurance, flights and accommodation now feel foreign to many people, but there are big savings to be made for travellers who plan and spend wisely.
Daniel Wasilewsky, founder of travel app FreeGuides, says the rising cost of living has made people more budget conscious but many have forgotten where to find travel savings.
Online platforms, websites and apps that travellers previously used may have changed over the past two years, Wasilewsky says. “So getting back up to speed with where to look for the best money-saving deals will be key in nabbing a bargain and cutting holiday costs,” he says.
BOOK EARLY
Wasilewsky recommends booking big-ticket tourist attractions in advance. “Often you’ll save money by pre-purchasing tickets online and it will most likely allow you to skip the queue – a win-win,” he says.
“Walk whenever possible. It will save you money on rideshares, rentals and public transport and you’ll likely find hidden local gems you would’ve otherwise missed.”
Aim to spend on experiences rather than accommodation.
PROTECT YOURSELF
Travel insurance left a sour taste in many mouths in 2020 when many people discovered their policies did not pay out on the pandemic.
However, several travel insurers now offer limited Covid cover, but it varies, says consumer group Choice.
“Cancellation policies will usually cover extra expenses for quarantine costs if you get Covid-19 overseas,” it says. “But there are several exclusions and limits to look out for in your travel insurance policy’s Covid cover.”
Travel specialist Ivona Siniarska from 1000 Mile Travel says insurance delivers peace of mind and covers other areas including loss or theft and flight delays.
CASH ACCESS
Foreign currency conversions are confusing, with the highest fees and weakest exchange rates usually found at airport kiosks or big banks. Check for better deals online and at local currency exchanges.
“If your bank has high international transaction fees, speak to them about foreign currency card offers which permit you to preload funds in various currencies,” Siniarska says. “If you are changing funds, avoid using your hotel or local bank – often destinations will have currency converters that are much more competitive.”
Siniarska also recommends prebooking transport, accommodation and major tourist attractions, being wary of data costs because “not everywhere has free Wi-Fi”. “If you are anywhere more than 72 hours it’s always worth picking up a local SIM – usually for anywhere between $5$30 you can get two gigabytes of data, if not more,” she says.
Pete and Taygan Bassi will soon head overseas on their Covid-delayed honeymoon. “Loyalty programs are a clever way to get perks and save,” Pete Bassi says. “We are members of nearly every airline. It pays off. For example, if you are with Virgin Australia, and they code share with United, chances are that whoever owns the plane will have the cheaper flight, but you’ll get your points from your loyalty program regardless.”