Have you ever felt like impulsively packing up and going on a holiday around Australia?
We have an immense and beautiful country with a range of diverse landscapes available to us, yet we more frequently choose to head to countries such as Bali and SE Asia where it’s cheaper.
Don’t let the cost deter you however, as you can still enjoy a holiday down under, without breaking the bank. You just have to make sure you plan everything out in advance to make the most of your budget and avoid any potential complications or added expenses.
We run through the top five things to consider to show you how to plan a holiday in Australia.
1. Choosing the right destination
Considering Australia is the sixth biggest country in the world, you’re truly overwhelmed with choice when it comes to deciding where to visit.
Should you lounge on the golden sands of the Sunshine Coast? Camp out under the stars in the Northern Territory? Or roam the breakaway state island of Tasmania? Or do you just feel like shouting “Someone plan my holiday for me!”
It’s important to think carefully about where you want to go and if this location will make the best use of your time. If you only have a long weekend, consider going somewhere nearby that you can reach by car. Also think about the time of year and if you’ll have to contend with peak tourist periods.
The Sunshine and Gold Coasts in Summer for example, won’t be quite so relaxing when you’re also contending with thousands of other tourists (or Schoolies!).
2. Booking the right flights
Planning in advance also means you stand to save more on flights. Keep an eye on sites such as Scoopon and Last Minute Flights to score discounted travel deals. Other websites, such as Skyscanner, aggregate all available flights so you can compare prices in the one convenient location and choose the most affordable option.
This may mean getting up at a painfully early time, but if it means you have more time and money to spend on holiday, it may just be worth the lack of sleep. If you’re thinking “can’t I just have someone else plan my holiday for me?” Consider going to a travel agent to rely on their industry knowledge and expertise.
3. Booking the right accommodation
For those wondering how to plan a holiday strategically, your accommodation choice plays a big part in your holiday. It determines how close you are to transport, attractions, food and dining, and effectively serves as your home base while away.
Conduct your research on sites such as Trivago, Expedia, and Hotels Combined, to strike the right balance between quality and affordability. There are also plenty of stunning locations available on Airbnb which are often cheaper, despite offering that homey vibe that hotels just can’t match.
4. Using the right transport
If you’re not planning the quintessential Aussie road trip, make sure you research the public transport options available at your location. Otherwise, have a couple of ride-share apps, such as Uber, Didi, and Ola downloaded on your phone to compare the rates of each and find the cheapest option.
5. Spending time at the right attractions
If you only have limited time away, it’s important to plan your holiday out to the letter, including all the attractions you want to visit, restaurants you want to dine at, and experiences you want to book. This ensures you can secure your spot before popular destinations fill up. Make a wish list and plan out your time to ensure all of your must-visit sights get ticked off.
If you’re struggling with how to plan your holiday to make the most of your time and budget, the above list is a great place to start.
