Trying to budget and save money for a holiday doesn’t have to be hard. There are plenty of easy ways to save a few dollars here and there—and it can really add up quickly —giving you the cash you need for a holiday away. Save up extra cash by learning our 15 hacks to save money for your next holiday—you won’t even need a holiday loan!
Overview:
- Stock up on bulk groceries
- Grocery shop online
- Buy generic brands
- Brew coffee at home
- Scale back on lunches out
- Buy a reusable water bottle
- Cancel your TV subscriptions
- Stream your movies
- Look at your community calendar
- Skip the mani/pedi
- Go second hand shopping
- Look for a cheaper fitness alternative
- Book alternative lodging
- Open a savings account
- Get a credit card with travel rewards
Top tips to save money for a holiday
1. Stock up on bulk groceries
What regular food items do you buy over and over again? Maybe it’s rice, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, or cans of tuna.
Whatever non-perishable foods you consume frequently, buy those in bulk for a lower price. You can even purchase household goods like toilet paper, laundry detergent, and paper towels. These savings can add up over time and help you save money to go on holiday quickly.
2. Grocery shop online
While you would think online shopping causes you to spend more, shopping online for groceries can actually help you stick to a budget. Instead of throwing food into the trolley without thinking of the price, you pick only the ingredients you need for the week ahead.
This also stops you from buying food you don’t need because there are no tempting impulse buys like that extra chocolate bar next to the checkout. There are many checks before your purchase with an online shop and you can clearly see how much everything is.Over budget? Just delete what you don’t need from your shopping cart.
Check out Woolworths online shop and save on your groceries without moving from your couch.
3. Buy generic brands
From food to medicine to toilet paper, generic brands exist as an alternative to almost every brand name product. Often these items (whether they are generic or brand name) are produced by the same manufacturer in the same way.
Save your money for a weekend away by not paying for a label. Try shopping at ALDI. The generic brands are great quality and a lot cheaper than the name brand. You can save up to 40% of your grocery costs by switching to generic brands, making it a particularly good way to save money for a holiday.
4. Brew your coffee at home
Sipping that $6 coffee from a specialty shop sure tastes good. But it also drains your wallet. A $6 coffee 5 times a week adds up to $1560 a year – wouldn’t you rather save that money for a holiday?
Make your coffee at home and spruce it up with fancy creamers and flavoured syrups. If you want to take your coffee to the next level, arm your kitchen with a milk frother.
5. Scale back on lunches out
Heading out to a restaurant with co-workers a few times a week adds up super fast. You can save around $20 per lunch you pack instead of buy.
You can still sit with your coworkers at lunch with a beverage. Though it may seem odd at first, you’ll be the one with enough cash for that next beach vacation.
6. Buy a reusable water bottle
Though a bottle of Fiji water may only cost $4.50, that $4.50 can be saved for your next trip to Fiji itself! Purchase a metal water bottle that you can reuse. If you make a habit of bringing around your water bottle and consuming lots of water, you’ll also be less likely to buy another drink, like a soda or lemonade— saving you money in the long run.
7. Cancel your tv subscriptions
There are so many streaming subscriptions nowadays, Disney Plus, Prime Video, Netflix, Stan, and so much more. And there is always a new subscription service or streaming platform popping up! Instead of having multiple subscriptions, see which ones you actually use and cancel the other subscriptions.
Alternatively, pick which shows you want to watch on a streaming service. Once you have completed that show, cancel the service and sign up to a different service to watch shows on there.
8. Stream your movies (instead of going to the theatre)
Movie tickets are so expensive these days. Paired with a drink and popcorn, it can end up being the same price as a dinner for two!. Save money for a holiday by streaming a movie at home with all the snacks you want! You can even invite your friends over and make a night of it.
The best part? You don’t even have to get dressed up to go out and make it to the cinemas at a certain time.
9. Look at your community calendar
Most cities have a community calendar full of events like concerts, festivals, and fairs. Rather than spending money on expensive entertainment, head to these local events. Chances are, you’ll happen upon a unique and memorable experience, all by looking outside of your comfort zone.
No matter what city you live in, there are plenty of free things to do in Sydney to Brisbane to Perth!
10. Skip the mani/pedi
While perfect nails every couple weeks may seem like a necessity, they really are just a treat. Salons and studios may charge $30-100, if not more, for their services.
Before you buy your own mani/pedi supplies, try the 30 day rule for saving money. When you want to make an unnecessary purchase, wait 30 days before buying. If you still feel like you can’t give up the salon experience, purchase your own portable pedicure spa or manicure table and supplies. You’ll still get your money back and more in just a matter of a few months.
11. Go second hand shopping
Don’t feel like you need to buy everything brand new. Buying clothes and household goods second hand can help save money for a holiday. It’s also good for the environment! Fast fashion and plastic goods often end up in landfills.
Whether you’re looking to expand your wardrobe or update your living room furniture, check out second-hand shops. They often sell unique and quality items at a fraction of the cost. No one will know you didn’t buy your coffee table brand new in store!
12. Look for a cheaper fitness alternative
Cut your monthly expenses by forgoing your fancy gym membership.
Do at-home workouts, go for runs, or utilise community fitness programs, like yoga in the park or open lap times at a high school swimming pool. It may be a sacrifice to not have the luxury of a fitness studio or gym, but it will add a significant chunk to your bank account.
13. Book alternative lodging
Staying in a hotel on holiday can be pretty pricey. Slash your lodging costs by booking a place on a site like Airbnb or Stayz.
If you’re travelling with friends, you can save a bundle by splitting a room, house, or cabin. And chances are, the place you rent will look a lot cooler than a standard hotel room.
While you’re booking accommodation, make sure to plan the rest of your holiday expenses so that you can properly manage money when travelling. After all, you don’t want all those savings to go to waste!
14. Open a savings account for a holiday
There’s something about having a separate place for you to save money fast and help keep it in the bank. Open an account just for your travel savings, and ensure it’s with a bank that offers a good interest rate. Many banks offer saving accounts with 1-3% interest every month if you don’t make a withdrawal.
That’s literally free money!
15. Get a credit card with travel rewards
There are so many credit cards out there that offer cash back or travel rewards. Look for a card with plenty of perks, but low annual fees. You can accrue miles and rewards on everyday expenses and redeem them for free or reduced travel. It’s a great way to save money for a holiday and earn points towards flights at the same time!
Some credit cards even offer large sign-up bonuses, which is basically free money for your next trip.
While travel rewards can be a great perk, it’s important to manage your credit card carefully. Only spend what you can comfortably repay, and keep an eye on interest rates and annual fees so your savings don’t turn into extra costs.
Need a bit more cash to help save for your next holiday?
A holiday loan could help get you that last little way to meet your holiday budget goals or give you some extra cash to make the most of your vacation. Apply now with our easy and quick online application.
