Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Better Life

5 ways to book a holiday on a budget

It's easier than you think. - by Laura Barry
  • 24 Jan 2019
5 ways to book a holiday on a budget

Saving for a holiday is one of the top three goals for the average Australian. Whether you’re planning a huge international adventure abroad, or simply a long weekend getaway, once you book flights, a hotel and factor in the cost of public transport, the cost quickly starts to add up.

But what if we told you there is a way to ensure you book the cheapest flights and squeeze in an extra destination at no extra cost? We spoke to Emily Cairns, a travel expert at Skyscanner Australia and she has some excellent advice on how you can book a holiday on a budget and get more bang for your buck.

1. Keep your options open

If you have a few airports near to you then you could be forgiven for thinking that flights in and out of all of them would be similar prices, however, Emily says that isn’t always the case. “Different airports have different overheads and you can save a packet by comparing flight prices. This works for your arrival airport too. For instance, when I checked I found that travellers heading to Tokyo can save up to $124 by flying into Haneda airport instead of Narita airport,” says Emily.

“However, if you’re not sure where the airports are and how to get to and from them, do some research before booking. Sometimes the cheaper airport can cost you more in transport costs, eliminating any savings you might have made on the fare.”

woman booking flights online
Getty

2. Mix it up

It used to be that booking your return flight with the same carrier would work out cheaper in the long run, but that isn’t so today.

“Doing a comparison of all the flight options on different websites can take hours,” says Emily. “On Skyscanner, every search scours all the airlines at once and brings you the best deal, whether it’s flying out and back with the same airline or mixing it up.”

3. Don’t play the waiting game

Emily says if you know when and where you want to travel but aren’t in any rush to book it’s worthwhile setting up price alerts. “Then you’ll be notified when the flight prices increase or decrease,” says Emily. “Waiting until the last minute isn’t a good idea either. Skyscanner data indicates that travelers often pay a premium by booking their flight at the last minute.”

girl standing in from of Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest
Getty

4. Be flexible

The best way to save money on a holiday is by being flexible with your travel and destination.

“If you are planning for a last-minute getaway and you don’t want to pay over the odds, be flexible with your destination and airline choice by searching for the cheapest destinations during a period of a few weeks, and keep your eyes peeled for flight sales. Alternatively, travelers can make use of the ‘Explore Everywhere’ feature on the Skyscanner App which will show you a list of destinations sorted from cheapest flights to most expensive.

5. Consider a layover

Adding just one layover can result in huge savings for Aussie travelers, so it’s wise to consider travelling a little out of your way if you’re looking to save money.

“On top of cost savings, a layover is also a great way to explore more than one destination without much additional cost. Given that many airports now provide free city tours for travelers with long connecting flights, this is a great chance to sightsee another destination for free, or by simply extending your layover to an overnight stay (or longer!).”

open top bus tour
Getty

Other budget-savvy tips

  • Check to see if the city you are visiting offers a tourist card. Sometimes these can give you entry to multiple sights and attractions, as well as discounted ticket prices.
  • Avoid spending money on taxis or airport transfers and check to see if the city you are visiting has a multi-day pass for public transport, then all your transports costs are covered (and capped!) for one low price regardless how much you travel.
  • Utilise platforms such as Tripadvisor for hunting down the best hotel prices. This service can show you the properties with the best reviews at the best prices.
  • If you’ve only got 24 hours try one of the many hop-on hop-off open-top bus tours that are in almost every big city in the world. That way you’ll get to see all the main attractions, and you can use the bus to get around because you can jump on and off the service as many times as you like in a 24 hour period.

You might also like:

5 travel tips that can save you money

10 of the best family holiday destinations overseas

How to avoid getting sick on a long-haul flight

  • Travel
  • Better Life
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

10 of the best family holiday destinations overseas

10 of the best family holiday destinations overseas

How to Choose the Best Travel Camera

How to Choose the Best Travel Camera

5 of the best adventure family holidays

5 of the best adventure family holidays

How to avoid getting sick on a plane, study

How to avoid getting sick on a plane, study

{headline}

{headline}

The best tiny house accommodation around Australia

The best tiny house accommodation around Australia

10 of Australia's most unique Airbnbs

10 of Australia's most unique Airbnbs

12 hidden foodie gems you didn’t know existed in Dunedin

12 hidden foodie gems you didn’t know existed in Dunedin

{headline}

{headline}

The New Zealand secret destination you didn’t know you should visit

The New Zealand secret destination you didn’t know you should visit

This is Australia's best holiday home for 2020

This is Australia's best holiday home for 2020

Bali Bliss!

Bali Bliss!

The best kid-friendly tourist attractions in Australia

The best kid-friendly tourist attractions in Australia

Qantas launches massive 12 Days of Christmas sale

Qantas launches massive 12 Days of Christmas sale

Lonely Planet names top 10 best value holiday destinations for 2020

Lonely Planet names top 10 best value holiday destinations for 2020

A taste of Austria

A taste of Austria

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription