Your Ultimate Guide to School Holiday Savings Tips and Tricks

As the mid-year school holidays approach, many families are feeling the pressure of rising costs. At Fair Go Finance, we understand that planning a fun and memorable school holiday experience shouldn’t strain your budget.

Whether you’re looking for budgeting tips, budget-friendly destinations, or ways to cut down on holiday expenses, we’ve got you covered. In this ultimate guide to school holiday savings, we’ll help you make the most of your time off without breaking the bank.

Fair Go’s Budgeting Tips for the School Holidays in 2024.

Smart budgeting can make all the difference when planning your school holidays. Here are some practical tips to help you save money and still enjoy a fantastic break with your family.

How do I find Budget-Friendly Holiday Destinations?

Finding budget-friendly holiday destinations is easier than you might think. With a little research and planning, you can discover amazing places that offer great value without compromising on fun.

Staycations

Staycations are a fantastic way to enjoy a holiday without the hefty travel costs and stress of packing bags. By exploring your local area, you can discover hidden gems and attractions you might have overlooked. Think like a tourist – if you were visiting your city for the first time, what would you do and see?

You could visit local museums, parks, and beaches, or try out new restaurants and cafes. Or why not have each member of the family come up with a new place to discover?

By exploring your local tourism website in your own state, you can create a list of fun ideas.

NSW, QLD, NT, WA, SA, VIC and TAS.

But what happens when you just want to have a day at home?

Here are 5 fun out-of-the-box ideas for your family staycation.

1. Backyard Camping Adventure: Set up a tent in your backyard, complete with sleeping bags, outdoor dining, and stargazing under the night sky.

2. Culinary Tour at Home: Explore different cuisines by having themed dinners each night. From Italian pasta nights to Mexican fiestas or sushi-making sessions.

3. DIY Spa Day: Create a relaxing spa experience at home with homemade facemasks, manicures, and massages for everyone in the family.

4. Family Talent Show: Host a talent show night where each family member can showcase their talents, from singing and dancing to comedy or magic tricks.

5. Arts and Crafts Festival: Dedicate a day to arts and crafts activities, from painting and pottery to DIY projects like decorating t-shirts or building a birdhouse.

Sometimes, the best adventures are right in your own backyard.

Camping

Camping offers a unique and enriching experience for families seeking an affordable and adventurous holiday. It allows you to immerse yourself in nature, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and reconnect with loved ones.

Setting up camp, cooking meals over a campfire, and stargazing under clear skies are all opportunities to bond and create memories.

Enjoy nature walks, beach trips, and exploring national parks, which are often free or inexpensive.

Camping destinations offer endless opportunities for activities such as:

• Swimming

• Fishing

• Wildlife spotting

• Cooking damper over a campfire

• Scavenger hunts

• Bike riding

Discover a campsite near you, and if you’re after more ideas on what to do while enjoying the great outdoors, you can find some suggestions here.

Day Trips

Day trips to nearby towns and attractions are a terrific alternative to more expensive holidays. If you live near the water, consider heading to the countryside for a change of scenery, and vice versa. Day trips are budget-friendly and allow you to explore new places without the need for accommodation.

Visit local landmarks, historical sites, or family-friendly attractions such as zoos or fun parks.

Pack a picnic, enjoy a scenic drive, and make the most of your surroundings.

Day trips provide a refreshing break and can be a great way to create lasting family memories without straining your budget.

Domestic Travel

Exploring destinations within Australia offers a range of benefits, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a memorable holiday without the expense of international travel.

Domestic trips are often more affordable, whether you’re planning a road trip or a short flight.

From the pristine beaches of Queensland to the rugged beauty of the Outback, Australia boasts diverse landscapes and cultural experiences waiting to be discovered.

Australia is renowned for its ‘Big Things’, iconic oversized attractions that capture the spirit of Australian adventure and fun. From the Big Banana to the Big Orange, these larger-than-life icons are a must-see destination.

How many can you see on your domestic adventure?

Find the full list here.

3 Tips to Reduce School Holiday Expenses

Looking to make the most of your school holidays without breaking the bank, especially with school holiday program costs? Our tips to reduce school holiday expenses will help you stretch your budget further without the financial stress.

#1 - Check for Discounts.

There’s no need to pay full price to treat the kids during school holidays. Utilise apps, such as the entertainment app, to find cinemas and leisure centres that are offering discounted rates. Memberships such as RACV and NRMA also offer a variety of discounts and rewards programs.

Taking advantage of these discounts not only helps save you money but also allows you to explore a variety of activities and experiences you may not have thought of before.

Look for family passes, online promotions, and loyalty programs that offer additional savings. It’s a savvy way to enjoy quality time together while staying within your budget.

#2 - Look Up Free Events.

Discovering free events during the school holidays is an easy way to entertain the kids without spending a cent.

Many communities, councils, and local attractions organise free activities such as outdoor concerts, arts and craft workshops, and entertainment. You can search for:

• Local library or main library in the city

• Museums

• Botanical Gardens

• Local clubs and sporting clubs

• Council websites

• Eventbrite

#3 - Create At-Home Activities

Engaging in at-home activities during the school holidays is not only convenient, but it’s also a great way to bond with the kids. These types of activities are fun for kids of all ages, from toddlers to tweens and teenagers.

Aside from family time, at-home activities are the perfect time to invite a friend over and create together.

Some activities could include:

• Baking cookies

• Craft days (sewing, jewellery making, DIY art projects, making playdough)

• Movie marathons

• Board game tournaments

• Lego challenges

• Obstacle courses

From cooking sessions to indoor craft sessions, at-home activities provide endless opportunities for fun and learning.

How Can I Save Money on School Holidays When Travelling?

Exploring ways to save money on school holidays while travelling involves smart planning and strategic decisions. Let’s look at ways you can stretch your travel budget and plan better without sacrificing the quality of your family holiday.

Choose Flexible Travel Dates

Being flexible with travel dates can significantly impact your budget by allowing you to find the most affordable options. Consider booking flights mid-week, as Tuesdays are often noted as the cheapest day to fly. This flexibility extends beyond flights to accommodation and activities, where off-peak times may offer better rates and fewer crowds.

Use your Travel Rewards

Make the most of travel rewards accumulated through credit cards or loyalty programs to offset expenses during the school holidays. Redeem points for discounted flights, hotel stays, or even car rentals, allowing you to stretch your travel budget further.

Book Early

Booking flights, accommodations, and activities well in advance offers several advantages, especially during school holidays. Securing reservations early often results in better prices and a wider selection of options. This approach not only helps you stay within budget but also ensures availability at popular destinations and attractions. Early booking allows you to plan your itinerary with peace of mind, minimising last-minute stress and potential price hikes.

Plan your Meals

Planning your meals while travelling is a clever way to save on food costs. Opt for accommodations with kitchen facilities, allowing you to prepare your own meals, from snacks and breakfast to packed lunches for outings. This flexibility not only reduces expenses but also ensures you have nutritious options available. Packing snacks and water bottles for day trips helps minimise spending on convenience foods.

Pack Wisely

When preparing for school holiday travel, efficient packing is key to avoiding extra baggage fees and ensuring a smooth journey for the whole family.

Consider these tips for packing smartly:

• Create a list of items for each person and one for communal items

• Use packing cubes to group similar items together or organise outfits

• Pack versatile items that can be layered, mixed and matched

• Use travel-sized toiletries

• Pack a first-aid kit

Have a backpack for each child and include toys, books, and snacks to keep them entertained during travel and day trips.

Struggling with Holiday Costs? Consider our Holiday Loans

We understand that planning a holiday can be stressful, especially when you’re concerned about your budget.

A personal loan for holiday expenses from Fair Go Finance is here to help, offering a flexible solution to cover your travel costs without the financial worry. Our personalised pricing ensures you get a loan tailored to your needs, while our flexible terms make the process smooth and hassle-free.

Plus, you’ll even have the chance to boost your credit score along the way.

Just ask Damien, who said, ‘Very good communication and fast loan outcome. And very friendly, I would not hesitate to get a loan through them again. Thank you for the loan that allows me and my family to go on a family vacation after a tough 2023.’

Let us help you make your dream trip a reality without the financial strain. Find out more about how we can support your travel plans here.

Disclaimer

^{The content provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical, financial, or professional advice. The tips and advice shared are based on general knowledge and are not tailored to the specific circumstances of any individual reader. Always seek professional advice with any questions you may have regarding your health, mental wellbeing, or financial situation.}