THE CHEAPSKATES CLUB
  • Home
  • Join the Club!
  • About Us
    • Cath's Story
    • Ask Cath
    • Glossary of Cheapskating Terms
  • Forum
    • Current Forum Discussions
    • How to Use the Member Forum
  • Inspiration
    • Getting Started
    • Articles
    • Housekeeping Routines
    • Budget Renovations
    • Saving Stories
    • Learning Centre
  • Recipes
    • Recipe File Index
    • Meal Plans
    • Add a Recipe
    • $300 a Month Food Challenge >
      • $300 a Month Food Challenge
      • The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters 2022
    • Newsletters 2021
    • Newsletters 2020
    • Newsletters 2019
    • Newsletters 2018
    • Newsletters 2017
  • Saving Money
    • Latest Tips 2022
    • Cheapskates Tip Store
    • Tip Sheets
    • Top Tip Competition
  • Contact
    • Changing Details
    • Help Files
Sentry Page Protection
Please Wait...

​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
Back
Next

About

Getting Started

Tools & Guides

Follow Us

Cath's Story
You Really Can Live on One Income
Join the Club!
Site Information
Contact
Begin here
Newsletter Archive
Journal Archive
$300 a Month Food Challenge
Forum
Cheapskates Tip Store
Cheapskates Recipe File
Tip Sheets
Facebook
YouTube

Copyright ©2001 - 2022 THE CHEAPSKATES CLUB, All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Join the Club!
  • About Us
    • Cath's Story
    • Ask Cath
    • Glossary of Cheapskating Terms
  • Forum
    • Current Forum Discussions
    • How to Use the Member Forum
  • Inspiration
    • Getting Started
    • Articles
    • Housekeeping Routines
    • Budget Renovations
    • Saving Stories
    • Learning Centre
  • Recipes
    • Recipe File Index
    • Meal Plans
    • Add a Recipe
    • $300 a Month Food Challenge >
      • $300 a Month Food Challenge
      • The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters 2022
    • Newsletters 2021
    • Newsletters 2020
    • Newsletters 2019
    • Newsletters 2018
    • Newsletters 2017
  • Saving Money
    • Latest Tips 2022
    • Cheapskates Tip Store
    • Tip Sheets
    • Top Tip Competition
  • Contact
    • Changing Details
    • Help Files