World-famous sites, attractions and areas of natural beauty; it's no surprise that Australia is one of the most popular destinations in the world.
Whether you are dreaming of snorkelling with colourful fish in the Great Barrier Reef, seeing the Sydney Opera House with your own eyes or would like to come face-to-face with a koala, Australia is a bucket list destination that simply has to be ticked off.
However, while it is incredibly popular, it is also one of the most expensive places in the world to travel to. But, don't let that discourage you. If money is the only thing standing in the way of you and your dream to visit Australia, then don't let it. Put your mind to it and you'll find that there are easy ways to save up what you need.
Follow these money-saving tips, you'll be travelling to the 'Land Down Under' in no time.
1. Open a savings account
If you're serious about saving money, the first thing you need to do is open a savings account. By separating your money from your main account, you won't see it as 'disposable money' sitting there waiting to be spent. As soon as you've been paid each month, move the minimum amount you want to save into the savings account. Remember that this isn't a rainy-day fund, you have an end target in mind, so dipping into it and leaving an IOU will soon leave the pot empty. If you are tempted to spend it, why not look at one of the accounts which allow you to lock it for so many months before a withdrawal can be made?
2. Set a target
You want to know what you're working hard for, so set yourself a target amount you want to save. You may want to start by creating a rough plan and itinerary because how much you need will depend on what you are doing and how much you are travelling around. Once you know this, you'll know how much you need to save. Make sure you add a little bit extra to this, you don't want to be scraping by or missing an incredible opportunity which may only be a once in a lifetime experience. While everyone would love to save thousands a month, if after tax and bills you're left with a few hundred pounds it just won't be feasible. But, don't be disheartened if, after a month of cutbacks, you've only been able to save a small amount; every little helps and you'll soon get to the finish line.
3. Cutting back
It's not the saving of the money, which is a challenge, it's not spending it. The toughest stage of saving money is the cutbacks. You work hard for your money, so why shouldn't you splash out on artisanal coffee or trips to see the latest films at the cinema? Just remember the end goal: an adventure to a place you've dreamt of visiting. All the things you want to buy now will still be here when you get back from your ultimate travelling experience. Look at bank statements and see where most of your money is going. Do you need all of those streaming services? If you get your food shopping delivered, is there a delivery charge? Could you walk or cycle instead of taking the car or public transport? The key to making cutbacks is understanding the difference between want and need.
4. Every little helps
There are some great schemes out there which can help you save a little extra money on the side. The trusty piggy bank has become practically extinct thanks to the introduction of plastic and contactless payment methods. Some banks have now introduced 'save the pennies' and 'save the change' schemes. When you pay for something on a card, the bank will automatically round up the pennies to the nearest pound and move the sum to your savings account. Take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves, as they say. While 'save the change' is just a way to move your money from one account to another without really having to think about it, one way to get some extra pennies is to use cashback schemes.
5. Use discounts and get money back
While you can cut back, you can't avoid spending money completely. Whether you have a year or months to save, you'll have some outgoings. But, there are ways to make them cheaper. Firstly, always look for discounts and coupons. This is easier than ever to find - you can check sites such as VoucherCodes to ensure you don't pay more than you have to. Similarly, if you are buying something online which is a 'need' - check to see if you can earn cashback on it before making the purchase. Buy online through apps such as TopCashback and you'll get some money back. This will quickly add up and once confirmed, can be withdrawn and added to your savings.
6. Booking the holiday
Once you've saved enough to start booking your trip to Australia, you still want to try and save as much money as possible. Click here for flight booking websites to get the best deal for both international and internal flights. Comparison sites are the most cost-effective way to ensure you're saving money and see how journey length can influence the price. Now you are in the planning stages, see if there are ways to save on that itinerary you made before to make the holiday cheaper without having to miss out on anything. Plan in free activities and look at discounts and vouchers you can use while you are there.
Everyone would love to save a bit of money and whether it's for travelling, a car, a house or for the future, with dedication and perseverance your goal can be achieved. It's actually much easier than you might think - a few small changes can make a big difference.
