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How to Budget for a Great Aussie Summer of Entertainment
Summer is a wonderful time of year. We have Christmas and New Year to look celebrate, the kids are out of school, the weather is fantastic, and there's a grand feeling of fun that comes with the great Australian summer. With so many choices for relaxing and recreation, however, you may find it challenging to fit everything you want to do within your budget. Thankfully, if you plan ahead, you can enjoy all the advantages of summer without breaking your bank!
Take in a Movie
This was a real school holiday treat when our children were small, even in their teens they looked forward to a trip to the movies. We'd go on a Friday, usually the first session. I'd pack our drinks and snacks and off we'd go. Of course, before the holidays, I'd be checking for suitable movies and then suitable ticket prices.
Many of the most exciting film releases of the year occur in summertime, but at any of the major cinemas a movie for two adults and two children could set you back $78 (or more if you visit the snack bar!). Many summers, you can see a new movie every week for the entire season. Do a search for the discount cinemas in your area (there will be some), where you'll be able to buy a movie ticket for as little as $6, depending on the movie and the session. For even more savings at the cinema, cut back at the snack bar. Your waistline will thank you, and so will your purse. Your trip to the movies will be just as satisfying if you take a water bottle (or other drink) and a snack from home.
You can save even more with a movie rental subscription. That way, you can sit back and relax in the comfort of your own home and still enjoy an inexpensive evening of entertainment. This is how we'll be enjoying movies for the next year, as the kids gave Wayne a Netflix subscription for Father's Day (don't you just love a gift the whole family can enjoy).
I normally wouldn't suggest such a thing, but starting at $9.99 a month, a subscription movie service, such as Stan or Netflix, can provide a whole summer of movie entertainment for less than the price of a single movie ticket. You pay by the month and can cancel at any time. Best of all they both offer the first month free, effectively giving you two months for the price of one - who doesn't like a 50% discount? If the idea of trekking to the cinema during the summer doesn't appeal, it may be a budget friendly solution.
Take Advantage of Group Rates
Many theme parks and attractions offer a family package or discounts for groups of a certain size. Sometimes, you have to ask for the group rate. But if you're planning an outing with friends, you can stretch the money you save on a group rate and enjoy more of the activities that the summer has to offer.
Airlines and hotels frequently offer family or group rates for travel during the summer. If you're planning to travel this summer, shop around for the best bargains and save yourself some cash.
Check your memberships for discount deals. Auto clubs (RACV, NRMA, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT, AANT) often have discounts available for members. The Entertainment Book, sold as a fundraiser, has discount coupons targeted at attractions in your locality (if you don't have one, ask around - you're bound to know someone who has the current edition, perhaps they'd be share the coupon with you if they're not going to use it).
Union membership often comes with bonuses such as discounts to movies and other attractions so don't forget to check those too.
Think Local
In the summer months, lots of Australians take advantage of the holidays to travel far away in search of adventure. In many cases, you can experience a similar adventure without venturing too far from your home. Save money on hotels, plane tickets, and car hire by exploring all that your local area has to offer this summer.
If you're not sure about what fun things are available in your area, try searching the Internet for your city's name and "tourism." You might be surprised to find that the adventure you seek is right in your own backyard!
Browse for Deals
Shopping around for the best deal is important when traveling this summer, but it can also save you money close to home. Stiff competition in your neighborhood could cause restaurants, cafes and attractions to offer great specials to steer you away from the competition.
Bowling alleys, golf courses, zoos, community pools and many other fun summer activities often have summer deals for customers. If you invest a little time to search for these deals, your friends and family can often enjoy an outing together for much less than you would expect.
Summer offers so many fun recreational choices. Sometimes, however, the best option is to say no. Your body needs rest, and so does your mind. Choose the activities that best fit your interests, and say no to the others. You'll experience more energy and peace within yourself and save money at the same time.
Summer can be an expensive time of year, but it doesn't have to break your budget. By making wise choices with your money and slowing down a little, you can enjoy summer recreation and save money at the same time.
Take in a Movie
This was a real school holiday treat when our children were small, even in their teens they looked forward to a trip to the movies. We'd go on a Friday, usually the first session. I'd pack our drinks and snacks and off we'd go. Of course, before the holidays, I'd be checking for suitable movies and then suitable ticket prices.
Many of the most exciting film releases of the year occur in summertime, but at any of the major cinemas a movie for two adults and two children could set you back $78 (or more if you visit the snack bar!). Many summers, you can see a new movie every week for the entire season. Do a search for the discount cinemas in your area (there will be some), where you'll be able to buy a movie ticket for as little as $6, depending on the movie and the session. For even more savings at the cinema, cut back at the snack bar. Your waistline will thank you, and so will your purse. Your trip to the movies will be just as satisfying if you take a water bottle (or other drink) and a snack from home.
You can save even more with a movie rental subscription. That way, you can sit back and relax in the comfort of your own home and still enjoy an inexpensive evening of entertainment. This is how we'll be enjoying movies for the next year, as the kids gave Wayne a Netflix subscription for Father's Day (don't you just love a gift the whole family can enjoy).
I normally wouldn't suggest such a thing, but starting at $9.99 a month, a subscription movie service, such as Stan or Netflix, can provide a whole summer of movie entertainment for less than the price of a single movie ticket. You pay by the month and can cancel at any time. Best of all they both offer the first month free, effectively giving you two months for the price of one - who doesn't like a 50% discount? If the idea of trekking to the cinema during the summer doesn't appeal, it may be a budget friendly solution.
Take Advantage of Group Rates
Many theme parks and attractions offer a family package or discounts for groups of a certain size. Sometimes, you have to ask for the group rate. But if you're planning an outing with friends, you can stretch the money you save on a group rate and enjoy more of the activities that the summer has to offer.
Airlines and hotels frequently offer family or group rates for travel during the summer. If you're planning to travel this summer, shop around for the best bargains and save yourself some cash.
Check your memberships for discount deals. Auto clubs (RACV, NRMA, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT, AANT) often have discounts available for members. The Entertainment Book, sold as a fundraiser, has discount coupons targeted at attractions in your locality (if you don't have one, ask around - you're bound to know someone who has the current edition, perhaps they'd be share the coupon with you if they're not going to use it).
Union membership often comes with bonuses such as discounts to movies and other attractions so don't forget to check those too.
Think Local
In the summer months, lots of Australians take advantage of the holidays to travel far away in search of adventure. In many cases, you can experience a similar adventure without venturing too far from your home. Save money on hotels, plane tickets, and car hire by exploring all that your local area has to offer this summer.
If you're not sure about what fun things are available in your area, try searching the Internet for your city's name and "tourism." You might be surprised to find that the adventure you seek is right in your own backyard!
Browse for Deals
Shopping around for the best deal is important when traveling this summer, but it can also save you money close to home. Stiff competition in your neighborhood could cause restaurants, cafes and attractions to offer great specials to steer you away from the competition.
Bowling alleys, golf courses, zoos, community pools and many other fun summer activities often have summer deals for customers. If you invest a little time to search for these deals, your friends and family can often enjoy an outing together for much less than you would expect.
Summer offers so many fun recreational choices. Sometimes, however, the best option is to say no. Your body needs rest, and so does your mind. Choose the activities that best fit your interests, and say no to the others. You'll experience more energy and peace within yourself and save money at the same time.
Summer can be an expensive time of year, but it doesn't have to break your budget. By making wise choices with your money and slowing down a little, you can enjoy summer recreation and save money at the same time.