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Holiday on a Shoestring - December 2019
My husband and I wanted to take our five children aged 11 down to 18 months to the theme parks on the Gold Coast for a holiday. Coming from Melbourne we knew it would be expensive. We went during the off season (we took the kids out of school for two weeks) and stayed mostly in places where children stayed free (I used the Internet to research motels and resorts). We also packed an esky filled with drinks, milk and juices and sandwich fixings which we kept in the car with our picnic set. We replenished from supermarkets as we travelled and always added fresh ice each morning. We would stop at roadside parks and have lunch and let the children have a run around. Breakfast was cereal and toast in our motel rooms (brought from home). We did eat out once a day for dinner (it was my holiday too!).
As we arrived in new towns we stopped at the tourist information area to pick up information and any flyers, leaflets, brochures etc. that gave us discounts to attractions and restaurants and cafes.
The motel prices were very reasonable – due to off-peak rates and booking a family room. With food, fuel, and accommodation, we spent less then $160 a day for seven people. The children also saved their money to spend on souvenirs; this way they were not begging us to pay for stuff.
I know some people have told us it would have been cheaper to camp. But by going our way, we didn't have to purchase camping equipment or pull a trailer that would have used more petrol. And we still would have had to pay for campground fees. I also really enjoyed having a clean room, with baths for the kids, and I didn't have to cook or pick up anything for two weeks.
Contributed by Fran
As we arrived in new towns we stopped at the tourist information area to pick up information and any flyers, leaflets, brochures etc. that gave us discounts to attractions and restaurants and cafes.
The motel prices were very reasonable – due to off-peak rates and booking a family room. With food, fuel, and accommodation, we spent less then $160 a day for seven people. The children also saved their money to spend on souvenirs; this way they were not begging us to pay for stuff.
I know some people have told us it would have been cheaper to camp. But by going our way, we didn't have to purchase camping equipment or pull a trailer that would have used more petrol. And we still would have had to pay for campground fees. I also really enjoyed having a clean room, with baths for the kids, and I didn't have to cook or pick up anything for two weeks.
Contributed by Fran