Even if the exchange rate has you on a smaller travel budget than you’re used to, being thrifty can have its benefits. In opting for more budget-friendly countries and activities, you open yourself up to new experiences and the potential to fit more into your next trip.
When planning an overseas holiday, the exchange rate can seem like a hurdle for many travellers. Don’t despair, though – fabulous holidays to exciting destinations are still possible without breaking the bank.
Remember, too, that some currencies don’t move together or are correlated, so while the Aussie dollar may have dipped against currencies such as the greenback and euro, it may have gained ground against counterparts in nations such as Brazil, Mexico and Russia. In the lead-up to a trip, keep an eye on this – as things can change quickly. It can also pay off to buy up foreign currencies in advance as part of a long-term strategy to take advantage of fluctuating exchange rates. Some people also opt for pre-loaded cash passports that provide exchange rate certainty and help with money management while overseas.
Travel closer to home
Elizabeth Wallace, who runs Itineraries Travel Consultants, says an easy way to slash the travel budget is to choose direct-flight destinations which are still fabulous. Check out the cherry blossoms or temples in Japan; go skiing in New Zealand; or go on safari in South Africa. Shorter flights are cheaper than those to Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.
For those who still want to go to Paris, London, Rome or other favoured cities, she gave the following tips to make your Australian dollar go further:
- consider budget airport hotels if you are on stopovers or overnight stays and use more expensive hotels when it counts (such as time in Paris)
- pre-order all-inclusive country passes (such as the Berlin Pass) to access top attractions, monuments, museums and public transport
- take advantage of fun activities such as free or self-guided walking tours in Europe.
Plan and book early
It pays to be smart during every step of the travel-planning process, according to Janice Lee Fang, TripAdvisor’s Director of Communications Asia Pacific. She says when you book your trip can make a massive difference. For example, travellers can often save significantly if they book a hotel in popular northern hemisphere destinations within four months of a summer months for the same period is best (you can save more than 20 per cent in many cases compared with peak pricing).2 So get your timing right and save.
Stay in apartments, holiday rentals and B&Bs
Bypassing expensive hotels can cut your costs and increase your fun. At a B&B or inn, for instance, you often get personalised service with home-made breakfasts included at affordable rates. Your hosts may also direct you to great value eateries and entertainment.
Apartments can also be a winner, too, especially for families. “Not only are they generally cheaper than a hotel room of similar quality, apartments in big cities give you the opportunity to save on meals and sundry charges such as laundry,” Fang says.2
Of course, online accommodation sites make it easier to find suitable accommodation, and holiday rentals have been
growing in popularity on the back of such sites. To avoid any pitfalls, however, TripAdvisor offers the following tips:
- make sure you read multiple reviews and don’t base your decision on just one or two comments
- check out photos to get a clear impression of what the holiday rental is like and find out if there is any payment protection for your holiday rental.2
Live like a local
Once you have arrived in a country, Wallace says it pays to live like a local. So consider taking public transport rather than expensive taxis or bus tours. Take your water bottle with you when you go out, rather than paying for bottled water or other drinks. And think about having your main meal in the middle of the day. “The set meals for lunch are usually much cheaper than restaurant meals at night,” Wallace says. She also advises visiting markets to experience the colour and cuisine of a city, and to eat as the locals do.1
Try some unique experiences
Here are some suggestions to spark your excitement. Sleep among the treetops by booking through an online accommodation site. Head to a milonga in Argentina – a local tango house – where, instead of paying to see an expensive professional show, you can expect to pay a fraction of the price to watch regular dancers strut their stuff. Or have a beverage in Bratislava, the Slovakian capital, where beer is usually a bargain. There are some amazing travel experiences out there that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Don’t let the exchange rate get you down. If it makes you think about alternative ways to have a great holiday, all the better. Be adventurous and come home with some riveting new travel tales to tell.
1 These comments are drawn from an exclusive interview with Elizabeth Wallace.
2 These comments are drawn from an exclusive interview withJanice Lee Fang.