Travelling doesn’t have to blow the family budget. Whether you’re planning a regional getaway, an interstate holiday or an overseas trip, there are plenty of ways to reduce the cost of airfares, accommodation, transport and attractions without missing out on great experiences.
With a bit of planning and flexibility, these practical tips can help you save money on travel and enjoy your holiday with less financial stress.
Looking to cut costs across your whole household? Our guide on how to save money as a family in Australia covers groceries, power bills, transport, kids’ costs and everyday expenses.
Find cheaper flights and transport
Flights and transport often make up a big part of travel costs, but there are ways to pay less.
Sign up for emails from your favourite airlines so you’re alerted to upcoming sales. If you travel regularly, join frequent flyer programs and use points for future flights. You can also earn points through supermarket rewards programs or credit cards, but keep an eye on annual fees.
If possible, avoid peak travel times such as Christmas, Easter and school holidays, when airfares and accommodation prices can double. For shorter trips, pack carry-on luggage only to avoid checked baggage fees and make public transport easier.
When booking flights, check payment options. Using BPAY instead of a credit card can help you avoid credit card surcharges.
Choose cheaper accommodation options
Where you stay can have a huge impact on your overall travel budget.
If you’re travelling with kids, look for accommodation where children stay and eat free. Some hotel chains offer free accommodation and breakfast for children under certain ages, which can add up to significant savings.
Apartment-style accommodation such as serviced apartments like Oaks Hotels can be great value for families. With a kitchen and laundry facilities, you can cook some meals and reduce the cost of eating out.
Regarding saving money, Oaks is running a deal this month across its portfolio of properties that will save even more. Think solo read-cations by the pool, overdue golf trips with the crew, or a spontaneous long weekend to recharge. Whatever your travel style, Oaks has the space to match it.
Whether you’re craving the tropical tranquility at Oaks Port Douglas Resort, a wine-country escape at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, or a chic city break at Oaks Melbourne on Collins Suites, the February sale offers a legitimate reason to stop scrolling through travel feeds and start packing your bags!
The offer: Save 30% when you book 2 nights at Oaks Hotels properties between 2 – 23 February 2026, including Oaks Casuarina Santai Resort, Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort, and Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort. On sale until 23 February, 2026.
Another option is sharing. During peak periods, consider renting a house with friends or family to split the cost. House swaps with relatives or friends in other regions can also be a budget-friendly option.
Alternatives like holiday parks, camping, hostels and cabins in national parks can be far more affordable than hotels. University accommodation may also be available during summer breaks. Check out the University Stays website or University Rooms website.
Enjoy your holiday camping at a holiday park or a national park. If you don’t have camping equipment, see if you can borrow some from friends to try out the camping experience first before you splurge on pricey camping gear. Here’s a list of 50+ camping spots and holiday parks within a 3-hour drive of Newcastle.
Travel at the right time
Timing can make a big difference to how much you spend.
If your children aren’t school-aged, travelling during the school term usually means cheaper airfares and accommodation. Before booking, check whether major sporting, cultural or music events are happening at your destination, as these can drive prices up and reduce availability.
Check the Visit NSW website, Queensland Tourism website, Visit Victoria website and other state tourism websites to find out about major events.
Save on food while travelling
Food costs can add up quickly when you’re away from home.
Pack snacks when flying, especially if you’re travelling on a low-cost carrier. Once you arrive, visit a supermarket to stock up on snacks and simple meals instead of buying food on the go.
Choose accommodation with kitchen facilities so you can prepare breakfast or dinner some nights. When eating out, avoid tourist hotspots and look for cafes and restaurants where locals eat. Local markets and food trucks can also offer good value.
Use loyalty programs, deals and concessions
Loyalty programs and discounts can significantly reduce travel costs.
Sign up for hotel loyalty programs to access discounted rates, free Wi-Fi, room upgrades and late checkouts. Points earned can often be redeemed for future stays.
If you’re visiting attractions, check whether you can book tickets in advance for a lower price. Bundled attraction passes or annual passes may be cheaper if you plan to visit multiple times.
For example, most attractions like Sydney SEA LIFE Aquarium or Sydney’s Taronga Zoo enable you to get a discount if you book ahead rather than purchasing at the door.
If you plan to visit more than once a year, calculate whether an annual pass works out cheaper than two or three visits. You can also purchase bundled attraction passes which give you access to a number of attractions like the Merlin Annual Pass.
Also, if you’re a member of a state motoring association like NRMA, RACV or the RACQ offer discounts on attractions across Australia like Luna Park, Sovereign Hill, Gold Coast theme parks and Australia Zoo.
Always ask about concession discounts for seniors, pensioners or students, as these aren’t always advertised. Memberships with museums and galleries may also provide discounted tickets or reciprocal access to other attractions around Australia.
For example, The Australian Museum membership program provides an annual membership for individuals, families or duos, offering free and/or discounted tickets to special exhibitions.
However, it also provides reciprocal benefits to National Museum of Australia, Queensland Museum and SparkLab, Museums Victoria, South Australian Museum and Questacon – The National Science & Technology Centre.
Get around more cheaply
Once you arrive, transport costs can quickly add up.
Use public transport where possible instead of taxis or rental cars. Many cities offer weekly or tourist passes that are cheaper than buying individual tickets. Before you travel, check whether your destination has a public transport option from the airport to avoid expensive surcharges.
For shorter trips, walking or cycling can save money and help you explore at a slower pace.
Look for free and low-cost activities
Some of the best holiday experiences don’t cost much at all. Search online for free and low-cost activities at your destination, or check local tourism websites and community guides. Many attractions offer discounted or free entry on certain days.
Tourism authorities and local bloggers often share hidden gems that tourists overlook. We have our own Newy with Kids free fun guide for Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter.
Save on airport parking
Airport parking can be surprisingly expensive if you don’t plan ahead.
Pre-booking airport parking online often leads to big savings compared to drive-up rates. Booking early usually gives you access to the cheapest options, especially for longer trips.
At Newcastle Airport, if you book early you might unlock a Mystery Car Park offer—5 days from just $59. Find out where you’ll park after you book! Save money parking at Sydney Airport by pre-booking online. You can save up to 70% on parking when you pre-book online. The earlier you book, the more you can save. If you’re travelling domestically, the Blu Emu car park at Sydney Airport offers the best value on domestic airport parking.
Consider a staycation
If a full holiday isn’t within reach, a staycation can still provide a break.
Stay at home, skip accommodation costs and spend money on local attractions, cafes or short day trips instead. It’s a more affordable way to recharge without the expense of travel.
Saving money on travel doesn’t mean missing out on memorable experiences. With a few smart choices, it’s possible to enjoy holidays and getaways while keeping your budget under control.