Advice

|20 Dec 2019|6 mins

12 Holiday Money Saving Hacks from the Experts

Travel for less with expert tips from Wotif.com

So you want extra money for your travel plans without having to scrimp on everyday expenses for the next 6 months? We’re glad you’re here. The recent festive season has us feeling extra generous and still so full of Chrissy lunch that we’re compelled to divulge a few money saving hacks we picked up along the way, thanks to Wotif.com travel expert, Chris Milligan. He tells us there’s 12 key areas to save on from planning to booking and actually holidaying. It’s as inspiring as picking the brains of those locals dining next to you who end up buying you a drink and becoming your best friends. Now, that’s a tip in itself!

Before You Go...

1. Good Timing
The experts tell us there is NO in-between when looking for a bargain. Book quite far in advance, when hoteliers are looking to secure bookings or alternatively, book last minute in off-peak periods when they are eager to fill rooms. So… mid February getaway, anyone?

2. Log Me In
You’re often a sign-in away from accessing exclusive savings. Yep, Wotif’s Mates Rates are visible whenever you're signed in on the app, desktop or over email. Bottom line – "it pays to be a subscriber!" says Chris. Check out today’s deals on flights and accommodation here for just about any destination you have your sights set on.

3. Extend The Invite
Why not make it a family reunion or meet up with friends you met in Bali? Booking a larger apartment or resort with more bedrooms, as opposed to multiple separate hotel rooms is a win-win – more fun, for less!

4. Plan Your Activities
Save dosh (and time on-the-ground deciding) when you pre-book activities. If everyone has committed upfront, there’ll be less umming and ahhing about the itinerary du-jour. Do you a) take a cooking class, b) parasail, or c) enjoy a local street art tour? Take it away, friend.

Get outdoors in these looks

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5. Map It Out
Star locations like cafes, attractions and places to get a massage (you’ll need one) on your mobile map ahead of time to figure out your rough budget per day. This way, you have an idea of walking or driving distance between destinations and things you can tick off all in one go and whether you can afford to splurge when you’re there. P.S. Google Maps has an offline version so you can save on mobile data if maps are saved before takeoff.

6. Luxe For Less
From Dubai to NYC, Phuket and Bali – you can live luxe for a fraction of the price with Wotif’s discounts at high end accommodation partners, says Wotif.com travel expert, Chris Milligan. Plus, all their hotels and packages are covered by their price promise, meaning if you find a cheaper price online up to 24 hours before check in, they’ll refund the difference. Cha-Ching!

During Your Stay...

7. Worth The Weight
Gearing up for a long haul flight? It could save you a dime to know your baggage allowance, especially if you have internal flights with airline carriers that aren’t your go-to back home. We recommend loading up your carry-on with shoes, jackets and heavier items instead of wearing your extra layers. Thank yourself for the legwork later.

Our favourite Carry-Ons

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8. Inbuilt Amenities
Lucky for us, Wotif has handy search filters like ‘pool’, ‘free parking’ ‘washer dryer’ and ‘Wi-Fi’ so you can wash, swim and upload happy snaps with no extra cost. Plus, use the ‘kitchen’ included filter so you can prep your famous French toast wherever you are, just the way you like it. Or, select ‘breakfast included’ for a boujee, no-washing-thanks escape.

9. Live Like A Local
Staying in lesser-known towns of your favourite destinations can amount to huge savings. Accommodation is likely to be cheaper in locations such as Na Trang, Vietnam (instead of Ho Chi Minh City), Lennox Head, NSW (instead of Byron Bay) and Lovina, Bali (instead of Kuta). Plus, local wisdom from eats to hidden attractions is priceless. If you’ve ever been asked as a local for directions or hotspots, you’ll know it's a huge compliment. No need to be shy.

10. Make a Concession
Getting around when you’ve arrived could be cheaper than you expect. Take Chris' advice – always ask transport officers or local guides if there’s a concession, student, family or seniors discount for trains, boats or buses.

11. Do Not Disturb
Having a cheeky drink on your penultimate day? It can’t hurt to ask for a late checkout the next day to avoid late fees when packing your bags and getting ready for your next leg or trip home.

12. Dollar Dollar Bills
After you’ve shopped hard for your currency (not at the airport or hotel, of course), you’ll want to spend it wisely. Watch out for scams and barter if it’s appropriate. Pro Tip: compare AUD to currency of your destination to figure out how much common items like beer, bottled water, breakfast and average gratuities are. For instance, $25 AUD equates to around $400,000 VND – affording you a three course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Vietnam.