A trip around Australia is a dream come true for many people. From the rugged outback to the stunning beaches, Australia has so much to offer. However, planning and budgeting for a trip around Australia can be daunting, especially if you’re on a tight budget. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips and tricks for budgeting for a trip around Australia.
- Plan your route
The first step in budgeting for a trip around Australia is to plan your route. This will give you an idea of how much you’ll be spending on fuel, accommodation, and food. Use a mapping tool to plan your route and estimate the distance you’ll be covering. There are many online map apps to make this task easier and will assist you to keep excited about all the things to do and places to see.
Bear in mind some areas of Australia are remote, so you’ll need to factor in the cost of fuel and food in these areas.
- Choose your accommodation wisely
Accommodation can be a significant expense when traveling around Australia. However, there are ways to save money on accommodation. Consider camping, caravan parks, or even staying in a hostel or shared accommodation.Free camping is an excellent option if you have your own equipment and want to go off grid for a wee while.
Caravan parks may offer affordable options for those traveling in a caravan or motorhome, and many have excellent facilities. Hostels and shared accommodation are great for solo travelers or those on a tight budget.
- Budget for food and drink
Food and drink can be another significant expense when traveling around Australia. However, there are ways to save money on food and drink. Consider cooking your meals instead of eating out, especially if you’re staying in a caravan park or camping. Take advantage of the local markets and buy fresh fruit and veges. It’s also a good idea to stock up on non-perishable items such as pasta, rice, and canned food. Storing groceries will depend on your cupboard space which can be at a premium if you are travelling in a motorhome, caravan or campervan.
Also a grocery saving tip is to purchase your groceries at a supermarket in a larger town before you travel to smaller towns or remote areas if possible. This will save you a heap on groceries. Also ensure that you do not purchase fruit or veges when you know you will be crossing a State or Territory border as these will be chucked out. Or if you do, then ensure you do a cook up and freeze the cooking prior to crossing any borders.
- Be mindful of fuel costs
Diesel or petrol costs can be a significant expense when traveling around Australia. However, there are ways to save money on fuel. Plan your route carefully to avoid backtracking and minimise any potential taking detours. Use fuel price apps to find the cheapest fuel in your area. Consider joining a fuel discount program, such as a supermarket rewards program that offers fuel discounts.
- Take advantage of free activities
Australia has plenty of free activities, so take advantage of them. Many of Australia’s best natural attractions are free, such as beaches, waterfalls, and national parks. Look for free events in the area you’re visiting, such as markets, festivals, and concerts. You can also find free walking tours in many cities.
Tours and Experiences
Don’t forget to include in your budget the appropriate cost of entry or tour fees for the various experiences and tours you would like to undertaken on your exciting lap around Aussie land. This way you have an overall approximate idea on all your spending. Yes, there may pop up tours or experiences you hadn’t thought of however, if you add approximately 10% extra to this aspect of your budget you won’t have to miss out on these unexpected opportunities.
- Keep a travel diary
Keeping a travel diary is an excellent way to keep track of your spending. Write down or use your fingers and keyboard to note everything you spend each day, including accommodation, food, fuel, and any activities you do. This will give you an idea of where your money is going and where you can cut back.
- Use a budgeting app
There are many budgeting apps available that can help you keep track of your spending. Some popular options include Pocketbook, MoneyBrilliant, and Expensify. These apps allow you to track your expenses, set a budget, and get alerts when you’re approaching your spending limit. Alternatively, you can maintain an Excel spreadsheet of your budget and expenditure which you can regularly refer to in order to ascertain how your designated budget is travelling with you.
- Be prepared for emergencies
When traveling around Australia, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies. Make sure you have a first aid kit, plenty of water, and a spare tire. It’s also a good idea to have some extra cash or a credit card in case of an emergency. Another budget item you might want to include is a contingency budget. This way you will peace of mind knowing you have an emergency fund if required and you’re not scrambling for money down the track. If not, you can always put this budget to good use either after your Aussie lap or towards another holiday in the future.
- Be flexible
Finally, be flexible when traveling around Australia. Things don’t always go as planned, and sometimes you need to make adjustments to your itinerary. If you’re flexible, you can take advantage of unexpected opportunities or find ways to save money.
In conclusion, budgeting for a trip around Australia can be a daunting task, but with careful planning you can make your Aussie lap dreams come true.