Normally, spending any kind of money is the literal worst. Handing over that crisp cash while you feel like a part of your soul is being stripped from you? Well, it’s rough. But it’s even rougher when you’re in the middle of a red hot vacay and you’re standing in the middle of the shops, down to your last scraps.
Mates, you could’ve avoided this dire situation if you’d just planned accordingly. We’ve compiled a bunch of solid insight into just how you can achieve a cracker of a holiday without busting open your wallet at every turn, so sit yourselves down ‘coz you’re about to learn a thing or two.
Get yourself organised ASAP
If you’re the type of person who suddenly transforms into Scrooge at the first sign of a hefty bill while you’re on hols, you’re gonna wanna make sure allllll that stress is out of your stressy lil’ brain before you set foot outside your door. This means getting all the big ticket shiz organised way in advance – we’re talking cash, where you’re staying, timings and itineraries. Here’s a few suggestions:
- Exchange your currencies before you go so you can avoid dropping big wads of cash at the airport (they’ll charge the pants off you).
- Grab a Currency Pass card before you leave while the exchange rate is locked on a great rate* instead of risking a dodgy rate mid-holiday – plus a money card means you don’t have to walk around with enough cash to be a drug dealer and can still save on the fees.
Sort out how you’re getting around
One of the biggest annoying expenses that you’re gonna have to cop is the cost of getting around. You have stacks to see and it can quickly add up to the point where you’re gonna have to forgo that second helping of noodles just so you can afford the Uber back to your accommodation.
- When you’re planning your hols, make sure you have a solid idea of how active you wanna be – some locations are more intensive than others
- Free walking tours! Most cities have them, you meet awesome people along the way and you just give a tip at the end.
- Sleep in a hostel one night, but travel on a bus/train overnight the next to save money.
- Use public transport whenever you can, ‘coz the BO on a public bus sucks less than forking over $100 for a short cab trip through the city.
Every lil’ bit helps
Whether you’re on the other side of the world or you’re interstate, you can manage to save some $$$ by spending wisely. It’s the simple stuff – the more you eat at the free hotel brekky, the less you gotta spend on lunch. Know when to tip (and how much to tip) so you don’t end up bestowing your hard earned buckaroos into the waiting hands of surprised staff members.
- If you’re the type to post your fire snaps on Instagram or you wanna get a bit of work done on your vacay (excuse me, you need to relax mate), don’t forget that you can duck into the closest Maccas or Starbucks to use their WiFi and avoid paying ridic phone charges.
- There’s no harm in asking for freebies, go to McDonald’s for free wifi, take one of those shammy towels if you’re staying in hostels coz they take up less room, ask if your hotel/hostel does luggage storage or a day fee so you don’t have to actually leave the place at checkout and lug your shit around, make friends so you can make communal meals and if you’re a member of YHA or any of the hostel industry bodies always ask if they do a discount on touristy stuff (they normally do if you flash your card – they just don’t advertise it).
- Take everything out of the hotel mini fridge and stock it with cheaper groceries to keep you going – much cheaper than eating at restaurants or buying ready-made food!
Finish on a good note
Bottom line is that you wanna end your trip with your dignity, body and wallet intact – so the more cash you have left over at the end, the better. Don’t go manically spending all the excess you’ve got on souvenirs at the airport for all the people you totally forgot to buy for. Just trade back excess cash at Travel Money Oz and put that towards your next big holiday (‘coz let’s be real, you’re probably planning it already).
Seriously pals. Tuck that spare change into the secret pocket of your hideous fanny pack and use these tricks to spend your dosh wisely.
*Visit travelmoneyoz.com for full details on cash and card. Travel Money Oz Currency Pass issuer Heritage Bank Ltd (ABN 32 087 652 024, AFSL 240 984) consider the PDS.
