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Tip Store: Travel: Accommodation
A Quick Portable Baby Bath
If you are in holiday accommodation and your baby hates the shower. Take a small portable blow up paddling pool to fit in shower and voila one happy baby toddler.
Tricia Twitchett
Tricia Twitchett
The Holiday that Pays You
My husband and I have been very fortunate and in offering our services as house sitters on farming properties we have actually been paid. Not only have we had the opportunity to visit some unique places, but we have been given free accommodation to look after peoples animals and gardens, and often offered money to do it as well. The idea was just to help people out that needed a break and it was never intended to be a paid position. But if you are looking for a holiday with a difference, and don't mind looking after peoples pets and watering their gardens, it is a great way to have a free holiday and see the country or even the world.
Contributed by Julie Ferguson, 19th January 2018
Contributed by Julie Ferguson, 19th January 2018
House Sit to Save Money on Rent + Travel
Approximate $ Savings: $10K per year
We have 'house sat' to save money on accommodation. Basically we look after other people's homes (and usually pets) while they're away. In return for walking the dog, feeding the cat etc. we get to stay for free. Last year we managed nine months in France (and a couple of weeks in Edinburgh). It was a fantastic way to save money and we got to live in a country we had always dreamed of living in as well. Here's where we find our long-term house sits: http://www.trustedhousesitters.com/h/long-term-house-sitting/#?sortby=add
Contributed by James Cave, 22nd November 2013
Website: http://www.trustedhousesitters.com/h/long-term-house-sitting/#?sortby=add
We have 'house sat' to save money on accommodation. Basically we look after other people's homes (and usually pets) while they're away. In return for walking the dog, feeding the cat etc. we get to stay for free. Last year we managed nine months in France (and a couple of weeks in Edinburgh). It was a fantastic way to save money and we got to live in a country we had always dreamed of living in as well. Here's where we find our long-term house sits: http://www.trustedhousesitters.com/h/long-term-house-sitting/#?sortby=add
Contributed by James Cave, 22nd November 2013
Website: http://www.trustedhousesitters.com/h/long-term-house-sitting/#?sortby=add
House Swapping
Holidays can be quite affordable for families willing to house swap. Aussiehouseswap.com.au has many like minded people looking for an affordable holiday. Some even are willing to swap cars. Contributed by Marvella Stan-Bishop, 20th May 2013
Cheap Family Holidays!
One of the biggest costs in going for a holiday is accommodation. This can be very expensive particularly if you have more than 2 children. As a family of six we have found houseswapping to be an extremely affordable way to have great family holidays. There are websites you can join which link you up with people in areas you want to visit. We are members of aussiehouseswap.com.au which is $65 for one year which enables you to organise as many swaps as you like. Then all you have to pay for your holiday is travel to get there. Not only do you get your holiday for free you also get someone to house-sit your home while you are away. When families swap houses the children get to play with a bunch of new toys too!
- Contributed by Ashleigh Holmes, 8th January 2013
Website: www.aussiehouseswap.com.au
- Contributed by Ashleigh Holmes, 8th January 2013
Website: www.aussiehouseswap.com.au
A Motoring Holiday for $5 a Day
Approximate $ Savings: $636+
We just finished our very thrifty holiday in Brisbane (shame it rained the whole time, luckily we weren't flooded!). I thought I'd share our thrifty trip home. My family of twp adults and two young children hired a 4-berth Mercedes motor home with shower and toilet for our trip home from Britz. Usually the hire charge is $164 per day with a minimum of 5 days hire. If you go to the website www.standbyrelocations.com they have a list of all the vehicle hire companies that require a vehicle to be returned after being hired one way. We managed to get a rental relocation from Brisbane to Melbourne for only $5 per day for 4 days. There was a $25 booking fee, a $1,000 bond (also the excess in the included insurance) which is refunded when you return the vehicle. They even reimbursed $210 of the $300 spent on diesel. We could cook in the motor home on the gas stove and were fully self contained so could stop anywhere along the road. There is a range of vehicles from cars to 4wd to motor homes of all sizes, to and from destinations all over Australia, New Zealand and Canada available at certain times. Linen is included in the motor homes and we even had a TV and DVD player. There are bolts for children's car seats and car seats available for hire if needed. If you can be flexible with your dates it is a great saving and a bit of fun. There is a limited time to return the vehicle but usually enough to take an easy but direct journey, though evidently you can hire the vehicle at full rates if you want a bit longer. Be sure to be quick in applying for the deals as they come up as the good ones get snapped up quickly. It is best to phone on their 1300 number to get in first as you will beat the people typing in the email (a tip from the guy that booked us in). Here's to cheap travel! Contributed by Susan Durrant, 27th January 2011
We just finished our very thrifty holiday in Brisbane (shame it rained the whole time, luckily we weren't flooded!). I thought I'd share our thrifty trip home. My family of twp adults and two young children hired a 4-berth Mercedes motor home with shower and toilet for our trip home from Britz. Usually the hire charge is $164 per day with a minimum of 5 days hire. If you go to the website www.standbyrelocations.com they have a list of all the vehicle hire companies that require a vehicle to be returned after being hired one way. We managed to get a rental relocation from Brisbane to Melbourne for only $5 per day for 4 days. There was a $25 booking fee, a $1,000 bond (also the excess in the included insurance) which is refunded when you return the vehicle. They even reimbursed $210 of the $300 spent on diesel. We could cook in the motor home on the gas stove and were fully self contained so could stop anywhere along the road. There is a range of vehicles from cars to 4wd to motor homes of all sizes, to and from destinations all over Australia, New Zealand and Canada available at certain times. Linen is included in the motor homes and we even had a TV and DVD player. There are bolts for children's car seats and car seats available for hire if needed. If you can be flexible with your dates it is a great saving and a bit of fun. There is a limited time to return the vehicle but usually enough to take an easy but direct journey, though evidently you can hire the vehicle at full rates if you want a bit longer. Be sure to be quick in applying for the deals as they come up as the good ones get snapped up quickly. It is best to phone on their 1300 number to get in first as you will beat the people typing in the email (a tip from the guy that booked us in). Here's to cheap travel! Contributed by Susan Durrant, 27th January 2011
We are Cheapskaters so We Can Go on Holidays
Approximate $ Savings: $1,500 +
We've just been down to the Gold Coast for a week and had a fantastic time and are heading back the first week of December school holidays for another week (saving $1,500 at the resort by staying at that time, a week later is high season). We bought four $69 unlimited theme park passes and used them this holiday and will use them next as well. We went and checked out the resort and it has five pools and a free movie theatre playing movies three or four times a day. There is mini golf but there is a charge for the family of $17, but it is set throughout the resort and would take quite a long time to do, so it seems good value for money. My only problem with these resorts is the price of food. We cook ourselves but it's the vending machines the kids see that annoy me so I thought why not make our own in our room! We are going to buy fairy floss, poppas and treats between now and Christmas and make up a board with charges i.e. ten cents per item etc and give the kids their pocket money in coins and when they feel like something they can buy it.
Contributed by Liz Herriott, 3rd July 2010
We've just been down to the Gold Coast for a week and had a fantastic time and are heading back the first week of December school holidays for another week (saving $1,500 at the resort by staying at that time, a week later is high season). We bought four $69 unlimited theme park passes and used them this holiday and will use them next as well. We went and checked out the resort and it has five pools and a free movie theatre playing movies three or four times a day. There is mini golf but there is a charge for the family of $17, but it is set throughout the resort and would take quite a long time to do, so it seems good value for money. My only problem with these resorts is the price of food. We cook ourselves but it's the vending machines the kids see that annoy me so I thought why not make our own in our room! We are going to buy fairy floss, poppas and treats between now and Christmas and make up a board with charges i.e. ten cents per item etc and give the kids their pocket money in coins and when they feel like something they can buy it.
Contributed by Liz Herriott, 3rd July 2010
Deal Direct for Accommodation
When booking hotels, remember to look at the actual website of the hotel you are interested in as it may be cheaper than booking through travel websites like wotif, last minute etc;. The website Trip Advisor will also rate the hotel and give other travellers experiences which is useful to know. Contributed by Lynn, Weston, 8th May 2009
Get the Best Rate for Motel Accommodation
For accommodation:- check out the rate of your desired motel on Wotif or Last Minute, then ring the motel directly and ask their best price. If it is not as good as the website, point out you will book with the website (for which the motel has to pay commission) - this will guarantee you the best rate for that motel.
Contributed by Julia Robertson, 4th June 2010
Contributed by Julia Robertson, 4th June 2010
A Whitsundays Holiday the Cheapskates Way
Approximate $ Savings: $220 per person
We had family coming up from interstate and they said they'd like to go to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef for a few days while they were up here. I had six months to look around for deals for five of us. Deal number 1: Airfares normally $99, I paid $55.00 per person for them, a saving of $44.00 per person or $240 for the five of us. Deal number 2: Accommodation. Was $356.00 per night for five of us as we needed bigger than normal accommodation, I paid $356 for 2 nights and $10.00 for the third night, a saving of $346.00. Deal number 3: Two for one to the reef, saving $400.00. Deal number 4: Car Hire. The cheapest was $588 (including insurance) for a Toyota Tarago, I paid $489, a saving of $99.00. All up a total saving of $1075 or $215 per person for our trip. A good time was had by all the Cheapskates way. One hint though: keep a copy of your quotes and check your credit card statement as I was charged the $588 for the hire car. I disputed it and because I had a copy of the quote they reimbursed me the difference.
Contributed by Diane Legros, 27th June 2010
We had family coming up from interstate and they said they'd like to go to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef for a few days while they were up here. I had six months to look around for deals for five of us. Deal number 1: Airfares normally $99, I paid $55.00 per person for them, a saving of $44.00 per person or $240 for the five of us. Deal number 2: Accommodation. Was $356.00 per night for five of us as we needed bigger than normal accommodation, I paid $356 for 2 nights and $10.00 for the third night, a saving of $346.00. Deal number 3: Two for one to the reef, saving $400.00. Deal number 4: Car Hire. The cheapest was $588 (including insurance) for a Toyota Tarago, I paid $489, a saving of $99.00. All up a total saving of $1075 or $215 per person for our trip. A good time was had by all the Cheapskates way. One hint though: keep a copy of your quotes and check your credit card statement as I was charged the $588 for the hire car. I disputed it and because I had a copy of the quote they reimbursed me the difference.
Contributed by Diane Legros, 27th June 2010
Holiday Around the World with Free Accommodation
Approximate $ Savings: $7000
I organised 4 home exchanges in Europe and Ireland this year on our holiday and saved 7 weeks accommodation which would have cost about $7000. I used a website called www.homeforexchange.com and sent out lots of emails to potential exchangers. To join the website for 18 months cost me $72 I started about a year before we left so that I could get to know my fellow exchangers. I found 2 exchanges in Ireland one in Spain and one in the south of France. One exchange was for one week in Ballybunion on the coast of Ireland overlooking the sea and a castle another was for 2 weeks in Cork overlooking the sea in a colourful little Irish village called Allihies. The Spanish exchange was out in the country and while we stayed in their holiday house eating Paella our exchangers parents enjoyed a two week holiday at out house to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The French exchange was in a really pretty area full of small villages and stone buildings and I felt as if I was living in a French Impressionist painting. We enjoyed shopping at the local markets and tasting all that yummy French food. It took quite a bit of organising and I packed up a lot of the house to make room in drawers and wardrobes for our guests. It was a great excuse for a good clean out of the cupboards. My mother was the meet and greet and key person and on hand to help if needed. My Exchangers were all really lovely people and left our house clean and tidy as if they had never been there, and we took care of their houses like they were our own too. The great thing was that we met all our exchangers and made some new friends as well and we would love to have any of them come and visit and stay if they come back to Australia. For the French home exchange we also swapped cars {I cleared it with my insurance company} and that also saved about $1000 in car rental costs. All in all we have had a wonderful time in Europe and in a couple of years we plan to do it again, perhaps Greece and Amsterdam would be nice.....in fact many people who do home exchange never pay for accommodation again because it becomes a lifestyle. It also opens up the world because you only have to save for the airfare and food money. We saved a fortune on eating out because we cooked a lot of our meals as well. We also had a friend come to stay and enjoy our holiday with us for a couple of weeks. Below is a photo of our friend Wendy and I relaxing at the Spanish hacienda which was out among olive and Almond groves.
Contributed by Vicki, Rye, 10th December 2009
I organised 4 home exchanges in Europe and Ireland this year on our holiday and saved 7 weeks accommodation which would have cost about $7000. I used a website called www.homeforexchange.com and sent out lots of emails to potential exchangers. To join the website for 18 months cost me $72 I started about a year before we left so that I could get to know my fellow exchangers. I found 2 exchanges in Ireland one in Spain and one in the south of France. One exchange was for one week in Ballybunion on the coast of Ireland overlooking the sea and a castle another was for 2 weeks in Cork overlooking the sea in a colourful little Irish village called Allihies. The Spanish exchange was out in the country and while we stayed in their holiday house eating Paella our exchangers parents enjoyed a two week holiday at out house to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. The French exchange was in a really pretty area full of small villages and stone buildings and I felt as if I was living in a French Impressionist painting. We enjoyed shopping at the local markets and tasting all that yummy French food. It took quite a bit of organising and I packed up a lot of the house to make room in drawers and wardrobes for our guests. It was a great excuse for a good clean out of the cupboards. My mother was the meet and greet and key person and on hand to help if needed. My Exchangers were all really lovely people and left our house clean and tidy as if they had never been there, and we took care of their houses like they were our own too. The great thing was that we met all our exchangers and made some new friends as well and we would love to have any of them come and visit and stay if they come back to Australia. For the French home exchange we also swapped cars {I cleared it with my insurance company} and that also saved about $1000 in car rental costs. All in all we have had a wonderful time in Europe and in a couple of years we plan to do it again, perhaps Greece and Amsterdam would be nice.....in fact many people who do home exchange never pay for accommodation again because it becomes a lifestyle. It also opens up the world because you only have to save for the airfare and food money. We saved a fortune on eating out because we cooked a lot of our meals as well. We also had a friend come to stay and enjoy our holiday with us for a couple of weeks. Below is a photo of our friend Wendy and I relaxing at the Spanish hacienda which was out among olive and Almond groves.
Contributed by Vicki, Rye, 10th December 2009
House Swap for a Holiday in Style
Approximate $ Savings: $5600
We recently did a home exchange with a lady in San Francisco to save money on accommodation. At $200 per night for a family of 4 for a month that was a huge saving for us. She came and stayed at our 4 bedroom house with a pool and we stayed at her apartment right at Pier 39 in San Francisco. She even minded our dog while she stayed at our house. We were able to use each others things like hair dryer, computer etc and I would recommend it over a hotel any day. Not to mention the $5600 we saved on accommodation for the month. We also made sure a friend of ours met her at the airport and we were greeted over in San Francisco by her daughter.
- Contributed by Tania, Walkerston, 4th August 2008
We recently did a home exchange with a lady in San Francisco to save money on accommodation. At $200 per night for a family of 4 for a month that was a huge saving for us. She came and stayed at our 4 bedroom house with a pool and we stayed at her apartment right at Pier 39 in San Francisco. She even minded our dog while she stayed at our house. We were able to use each others things like hair dryer, computer etc and I would recommend it over a hotel any day. Not to mention the $5600 we saved on accommodation for the month. We also made sure a friend of ours met her at the airport and we were greeted over in San Francisco by her daughter.
- Contributed by Tania, Walkerston, 4th August 2008
Saving the Change Pays for $1700 Holiday
To help pay for our annual family holiday to Merimbula each year I always put aside what is leftover from fortnightly housekeeping. I also keep cheques that have been paid to us during the year (tax returns, bonuses etc) and add to the cash. We also keep our paid doctors bills and claim them at Medicare at the end of each year (the savings vary year to year depending on how healthy the family is). This year I have been trying extra hard with saving the housekeeping and I have already saved $1700 in cash. Our holiday is well and truly paid for with cheques and Medicare claiming as well so we will not have to use the credit card at all on the holiday. This can also be done by putting aside every gold coin that ends up in your wallet. You won't miss it and it adds up quickly.
Contributed by Maggie, Glen Iris, 29th September 2008
Contributed by Maggie, Glen Iris, 29th September 2008
Check What Other Guests Have to Say About Your Hotel Accommodation First
Approximate $ Savings: $100's
Before going to wotif.com or lastminute.com to book accommodation, go to www.tripadvisor.com You can find reviews of hotels etc that you are looking at staying at before you actually book, helping you to choose the one that best suits your needs. It gives reviews by people who have stayed in the accommodation, and comments. We changed from the hotel we were looking at ($210/night, breakfast included) which had average reviews to another one for $300 for two nights, no breakfast, that had all rave reviews. Our room was lovely, and we bought our breakfast each morning at a little cafe down the street and saved $70 (our breakfast cost us $10 each on both mornings, but they were lovely).
Contributed by Anne, Wantirna South, 12th September 2008
Before going to wotif.com or lastminute.com to book accommodation, go to www.tripadvisor.com You can find reviews of hotels etc that you are looking at staying at before you actually book, helping you to choose the one that best suits your needs. It gives reviews by people who have stayed in the accommodation, and comments. We changed from the hotel we were looking at ($210/night, breakfast included) which had average reviews to another one for $300 for two nights, no breakfast, that had all rave reviews. Our room was lovely, and we bought our breakfast each morning at a little cafe down the street and saved $70 (our breakfast cost us $10 each on both mornings, but they were lovely).
Contributed by Anne, Wantirna South, 12th September 2008
Ask for the Best Price on Hotel Rooms
Approximate $ Savings : $70.00
A friend of mine bargained at a hotel for a better price and ended up with free parking so I tried it with our stay in an Albury hotel. We booked two rooms and asked if that was the best price for two rooms on the same floor. As we had wanted a King spa room plus one ordinary room for our children, the hotel discounted all up $70.00 just because we had asked. I always ask is that the best price you can do on anything I buy, but never thought to do it at hotels. Just goes to show.
Contributed by Chris, Preston, 12th August 2008
A friend of mine bargained at a hotel for a better price and ended up with free parking so I tried it with our stay in an Albury hotel. We booked two rooms and asked if that was the best price for two rooms on the same floor. As we had wanted a King spa room plus one ordinary room for our children, the hotel discounted all up $70.00 just because we had asked. I always ask is that the best price you can do on anything I buy, but never thought to do it at hotels. Just goes to show.
Contributed by Chris, Preston, 12th August 2008
Caravan Parks One Stop Holiday Fun for the Family
The best place I found when the children are young are caravan parks. You can set up your tent (which you can buy cheap at garage sales) and use all of the facilities which usually include swimming pools, games rooms, playgrounds and often activities for kids on site. A great cheap relaxing holiday for the whole family.
Contributed by Marie, Langwarrin, 12th August 2008
Contributed by Marie, Langwarrin, 12th August 2008
Go Straight to Real Estate Agents for Budget Holiday Accommodation
Pick a location that you would like to visit, ring the local real estate agents and get a list of the holiday homes to rent. The more modest homes are often very cheap on a weekly basis, have plenty of room (to allow for those undisturbed afternoon sleeps) and lots have fences around them for safety and security. Definitely worth a good look.
Contributed by Alison, Victor Harbour, 12th August 2008
Contributed by Alison, Victor Harbour, 12th August 2008
Auto Club Accommodation Gets Thumbs Up
If you are an NRMA member, they have started running caravan parks around Australia. Rates are reduced for members, have cabin if required and look great on the website! All have great playgrounds and full details on surrounding attractions are available.
Contributed by Juliet, Cherrybrook, 13th August 2008
Contributed by Juliet, Cherrybrook, 13th August 2008
Buying A Budget Timeshare Holiday
Approximate $ Savings: about $700.00
My husband and I hadn't had holidays in ages. We love a resort in Mandurah, WA, which is time share. Someone suggested looking in the local paper as sometimes people accumulate time share they don't use and sell some to cover the maintenance costs. We don't much care when our holiday takes place and are prepared to have our daughter skip one week of school to have it. I advertised on an online site that has cheap classifieds to see if anyone had time they weren't going to use and was sold a week in a two bedroom, two bathroom unit for $650.00 dollars. We took the holiday in February and the weather was hot and beautiful. We had every luxury you can think of including a spa bath in our ensuite, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. The actual resort had pools (indoors and out), bbq areas and spas. It also had tennis and a kid's games room, adult lounge and mini golf, to name a few. If I had booked through the office the week would have cost us almost $1,400. We also found out during our stay that a week during summer but not during school holidays costs $4,000.00 which entitles you to a week a year for 99 years. You also have to pay $500 a year maintenance fees. Although we can't afford that option, it is not expensive, when you think that you can use it, rent it out, pass it on to your kids, or sell it again and make a profit. We were very happy with a holiday we could not normally been able to afford.
Contributed by March 2008
My husband and I hadn't had holidays in ages. We love a resort in Mandurah, WA, which is time share. Someone suggested looking in the local paper as sometimes people accumulate time share they don't use and sell some to cover the maintenance costs. We don't much care when our holiday takes place and are prepared to have our daughter skip one week of school to have it. I advertised on an online site that has cheap classifieds to see if anyone had time they weren't going to use and was sold a week in a two bedroom, two bathroom unit for $650.00 dollars. We took the holiday in February and the weather was hot and beautiful. We had every luxury you can think of including a spa bath in our ensuite, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. The actual resort had pools (indoors and out), bbq areas and spas. It also had tennis and a kid's games room, adult lounge and mini golf, to name a few. If I had booked through the office the week would have cost us almost $1,400. We also found out during our stay that a week during summer but not during school holidays costs $4,000.00 which entitles you to a week a year for 99 years. You also have to pay $500 a year maintenance fees. Although we can't afford that option, it is not expensive, when you think that you can use it, rent it out, pass it on to your kids, or sell it again and make a profit. We were very happy with a holiday we could not normally been able to afford.
Contributed by March 2008
Websites for Holiday Accommodation
These are a couple of site I've found for accommodation, hope they help: www.totaltravel.com.au www.travelmate.com.au www.whypayfullprice.com.au Hope these help someone with booking accommodation.
Contributed by Melinda, 19th March 2007
www.totaltravel.com.au
www.travelmate.com.au
www.whypayfullprice.com.au
Contributed by Melinda, 19th March 2007
www.totaltravel.com.au
www.travelmate.com.au
www.whypayfullprice.com.au
When You Need to Escape
For places to stay over school holidays I use www.needtoescape.com - I need to book my holidays early with the kids so at least you can book it. If you ring up they let you pay a deposit if you can't afford it all.
Contributed by Eleigh, 4th March 2007
Contributed by Eleigh, 4th March 2007
Cheaper Holidays
Approximate $ Savings: $2000
We recently purchased timeshare weeks from a RESALE website. This is much cheaper than buying from a presentation and now we are going to holiday in Queensland for 2 weeks this year for under $1200 (the yearly maintenance fee for both weeks) for a 2BR apartment for our family of 5. Yes, we did outlay $6000 to purchase the 2 weeks but with our saving of around $2000 a year in accommodation we will soon pay this off and still have our cheap accommodation to use or rent it out and pay for the maintenance. Either way we win.
Contributed by Beverley, Leopold, 10th July 2007
We recently purchased timeshare weeks from a RESALE website. This is much cheaper than buying from a presentation and now we are going to holiday in Queensland for 2 weeks this year for under $1200 (the yearly maintenance fee for both weeks) for a 2BR apartment for our family of 5. Yes, we did outlay $6000 to purchase the 2 weeks but with our saving of around $2000 a year in accommodation we will soon pay this off and still have our cheap accommodation to use or rent it out and pay for the maintenance. Either way we win.
Contributed by Beverley, Leopold, 10th July 2007
Timeshare Resales Give Great Family Holidays
We have been holidaying in great comfort very economically for several years after buying 2 timeshare weeks as resales NOT from a developer. By using an exchange company (our favourite is http://www.daelive.com/ ie Dial an Exchange) we have had great hols in places such as Bright where we took the kids skiing, and near Rosebud in Victoria. Tennis courts, mini golf, swimming pools and units and all mod cons make for excellent economical family holidays. You can find several sites in Australia that specialise in selling timeshare that for one reason or another people no longer want. The "bonus weeks" you can get from exchange companies are added weeks to your entitlement and can be VERY cheap e.g. $250 or so a week for a 2 bedroom unit and this can even be overseas! Yes, you pay an annual maintenance fee - approx $500 a year depending on your timeshare but we have found we have saved heaps on quality holidays. You, your family and friends can use any number of bonus weeks, which are plentiful outside of school hols. Do your homework on fixed or floating time but if you want regular quality holidays then we are very happy with how it works for us. PS We are in no way connected to the timeshare business. We know it's had some bad press from some of its selling practises particularly in the 1980s but we believe we have really made it work for us.
Contributed by Helen, St. Peters, December 27th 2006
Contributed by Helen, St. Peters, December 27th 2006
Accommodation Deals
A great site offering cheap or free deals on accommodation entertainment or food is www.thatsmelbourne.com.au or ph:1300768698
Contributed by Linda, Mt. Waverley, April 5th 2005
Contributed by Linda, Mt. Waverley, April 5th 2005
Frugal Holidays
We have saved a massive $12,530 on holiday accommodation over the past five years. We paid $5,000 for a second-hand caravan, including the annexe. It costs us $200 a year to register and insure the van as well. We have a tent and a caravan, and so we have camped for over nine years. We bought the caravan five years ago and have saved a bundle, even when you take into consideration the purchase of the caravan. Here's a little maths to demonstrate: We've worked out that we have been away for roughly 170 nights in five years. If we had have stayed in motels or chalets to accommodate us (five altogether), it would cost $130 per night average ($22,100 over five years). On the other hand, a powered caravan site to accommodate five costs around $21 per night average ($3,570 over five years). We have enjoyed wonderful holidays with our family and friends. Not only have we saved a huge amount of money on our holidays, but we have enjoyed some beautiful memories. If we were limited to motels and chalets we would not have been able to go away anywhere near as often. We would have missed out on so much enjoyment, and many precious memories. Contributed by Kaye, Dianella, April 19th 2005
Cheap Accommodation Available If You Ask For It
Our family have saved up for an interstate holiday, we shopped and waited and got cheap airfares, and then have been shopping on all the cheap web sites to get cheap accommodation, we found deals etc, but the best way in the end was to approach the hotels etc directly and we got a great bargain for a resort apartment for less $50 a night for 3 of us.
Contributed by Trudi, Exeter, March 10th 2005
Contributed by Trudi, Exeter, March 10th 2005
Dial an Exchange
For accommodation look at www.dialanexchange.com.au they sell vacant time-share weeks from $165 per week (that's per week: 7 days @ less than $24/day) for 4 people. This is one of many, do a search on the Internet and you can find more.
Contributed by Jason, Redfern, February 9th 2005
Contributed by Jason, Redfern, February 9th 2005
Kids’ Holidays
Try this website australianshortholidays.com.au
Contributed by Dorothy, Kambah, June 22nd 2006
Contributed by Dorothy, Kambah, June 22nd 2006
Cheap Overseas Accommodation
For Cheap Overseas Accommodation try www.hostelworld.com. I went travelling around Europe for 3 months and I booked all my accommodation through this web site. They offer accommodation for budget hotels, guesthouses, campsites etc. The places I stayed at where central, cheap and clean. You should even consider staying at a hostel, sometimes you can book a whole room for your family. Contributed by Sonya, July 25th 2006
Holidays on a Budget
Am lucky enough to be going on a round the world holiday and have been amazed at how much we have saved on hotels and tours just by using the net. Octopus Travel and Zugi Travel have meant a reduction in cost of up to 50% and most of the hotels can be found in travel magazines/brochures charging twice what I have paid.
Contributed by Sheri, February 23rd 2003
Contributed by Sheri, February 23rd 2003
Budget Accommodation 2
The best place to look for cheap accomodation is www.wotif.com.au The only drawback is you can't book very far ahead, but there are always hotels with rooms they need to fill.
Contributed by Jo
Contributed by Jo
Budget Accommodation 1
If you need accomodation, try lastminute.com Prices are reasonable and they put the star rating next to them so you know what you're getting.
Contributed by Jane, Blackburn
Contributed by Jane, Blackburn
Schoolies Accommodation
This hint is for any parents whose Year 12 children are contemplating Schoolies on the Gold Coast. There is a big misconception that you have to book through the schoolies.com site for your children to get the benefits of schoolies. This site charges exorbitant prices like $500 plus per head and if there are 5 sharing a room you may have to sleep on a roll out bed. Outrageous that a room should cost $2500 - $3000 dollars a week just because it is Schoolies week. Apparently it is run by the Breakfree Hotel group and they appear to have the monopoly on schoolies. After logging on to the Qld Gov site and ringing the hotline I have found that we can book our son's accommodation on line through numerous hotels under the Gold Coast Accommodation site and save half the coast of the hotel. There are many to choose from and a $2500 room suddenly becomes $1100.Divide that by the number of kids and it is hundreds of dollars cheaper. You then register for schoolies through the Qld government site and your child still receives all the benefits. They are updating the Government site soon for registrations. What a rort I couldn't believe it when I looked at the prices. Sure pays to shop around.
Contributed by Brenda, Bensville, September 16th 2006
Contributed by Brenda, Bensville, September 16th 2006
Holiday Accommodation
I use the search engines on the Internet to search for accommodation owned and rented by the owner. This always cheaper than that rented out by the managers of the resorts. Last year we stayed in a lovely Quest resort for around half price the resort would have charged me for the same accommodation. Also try www.realestate.com.au as they too have top accommodation much cheaper. Contributed by Beverley, Leopold, August 16th 2006
Accor Hotels
The Advantage Plus Card on the Accor Hotels website - see www.accorhotels.com.au it is a great saver. For a one off payment of around $200, you get severely discounted nights at premium hotels and great discounts on dining experiences at these places. My hubby took me out for my birthday at the local Novotel and instead of costing $120 for a seafood buffet, the dinner only cost $60! Contributed by Linda, Wollongong, November 12th, 2004
Youth Hostels Not Just for the Young
If you are regular travellers consider joining YHA Australia. Yes, you'll be staying in youth hostels but most of them are fantastic, have great facilities and are very cheap. They have family memberships and you can book family or multi guest rooms in most hostels. YHA membership also has bonuses such as discounts to local tourist attractions, insurance, tours etc so even if you aren't leaving your own city, being a member gives you many benefits. We joined as a family before we toured through Europe and we had the best time, stayed within our budget and best of all made some fantastic new friends who have since visited us here in Melbourne. I thoroughly recommend YHA for accommodation anywhere for a family travelling on a budget.
Contributed by James, Donvale, 12th September 2008
Contributed by James, Donvale, 12th September 2008