Heading On Holiday? Here’s How To Save Cash For Extra Adventures

You’re winning at life. You’ve booked that longed-for getaway somewhere toasty—and you’re now just counting down the days until you can throw on your sweat pants and nestle into that aeroplane seat for a few hours of mindless movie-watching before the holibobs start.

Except, (doom cloud alert), you’ve noticed the bank balance is looking a little strained as the big day gets nearer. We hear you loud and clear and you’re not alone.

The good news is that there are some simple decisions you can make to ensure you’ve got enough cash left for those mandatory cocktails by the pool—and it all starts with shopping a little bit smarter,  especially if you’re flying out of Melbourne Airport.

Save Money With Melbourne Parking

First up, you need to park smart. It’s not the sexiest concept, but if you’re flying out of Melbs, planning your Melbourne Airport parking in advance can save you serious cash.

This is where a bit of planning goes a long way. We recommend booking online as it saves you money, and gives you options. You get flexible entry and exit times, access to premium spots, and optional cover like the Overstay Guarantee, just in case your flight back runs late.

Where you park is important too. The Value Car Park is the place you want to be if you’re watching those dollars. It’s the budget-friendly parking option, with a free shuttle to the terminals running every 15 minutes, 24/7. Result.

If you’re feeling a little more flush, it’s worth noting there are other parking options that are ideal if you want to be close. (The Terminal Car Parks are a short walk from Terminals One, Two and Three and, if you’ve got early flights, kids in tow or a packed itinerary, Premium Self-Park is worth a squiz).

Image credit: Melbourne Airport | Instagram

Bag Frequent Flyer Points Before You Fly

We all know there are some well-known retail and supermarket loyalty programs that offer savvy customers ways to earn frequent flyer points just for doing their everyday shop (we’re looking at you Flybuys and Woolworths Everyday Rewards). But there are other ways you can shop smart and earn points towards your next trip.

It’s worth knowing that Qantas Frequent Flyer recently did a deal which means you can now bag one Qantas Point for every $1 you spend at Online (Laneway Duty Free) (which has stores at Melbourne’s Terminal Two). 

You can shop online before you fly (in fact, until July 31 you can actually earn double Qantas Points on every eligible purchase when you shop at Laneway Duty Free online). Or you can get that points balance up by shopping in-store at Melbourne International Airport, Brisbane International Airport, Brisbane Domestic (the Optique Store) and Sydney CBD.

We’re taking this to mean you can treat yourself to that perfume you’ve been eyeing up before you board and tell the credit card that it’ll see the benefit next holiday time.

Pack Carry-On Only

Hear us out on this one. There are a myriad of benefits to packing light—and it goes way beyond just meaning that you bagged your plane ticket for a better price.

Limiting your luggage not only makes everything easier at the airport terminal, but it encourages you to live in the moment once you touch down on the other side and do all those impromptu holiday things you love without feeling weighed down. 

Wanna arrive in paradise and join locals on the bus on the way to town? You can do it by leaving the mega-case at home. How about hopping on a one-night sailing adventure where you and your teeny, tiny backpack can just embrace the sailor vibes carefree? Why not?

Who wants loads of luggage when you’re going somewhere hot and sunny anyway? All you need is t-shirts, shorts, a pair of thongs and that all-important holiday spirit. Bliss.

Shop Local When Abroad 

Is there anything better than that first look around your chosen holiday spot? You know that moment where you get out of the car and breathe in that holiday air? Everything smells different, looks different, and the local shops are different too.

We reckon there’s nothing better than spending a few hours meandering around the local stores and seeing what they have to offer. Overseas supermarkets are the best—with all those intriguing packets (hello Japan) and colourful fruits and veggies. 

It’s a top way to embrace the culture and cut your holiday spending too (especially if you’ve been savvy and booked self-catering accommodation). Right, where’s that poolside bar?