Ten ways to save and budget for your overseas holiday

Travelling cheaply needn’t mean you miss out. Find out the best ways to save big on your overseas holiday plans, and make the most of every dollar.

Most of us love to travel, but not all of us can afford to travel as often as we’d like. A trip to Europe or the US might seem like it’s out of reach, but there are ways to rein in your travelling expenses and get to the places you love, more often.

Travelling on a budget doesn't have to mean that you miss out. If you plan ahead, work out a budget (and stick to it), you can have a better, longer – and cheaper – holiday.

Here are ten tips on how you can save money on your travels – and have a cheaper, better, longer holiday.

One of the few downsides to living in Australia is that you're miles from anywhere. Getting much beyond Bali will cost you, but there are ways to reduce flight costs.

Travelling at the height of the European summer, for example, not only costs more, it’ll mean half your holiday is spent in a queue.

Remember, the cost of a flight can vary a lot, depending on when and how you purchase it.

Check out flight comparison websites to get a good deal. If you do book through one of these sites, be sure to read the small print. Their change/cancellation policies might not be as flexible as you need and could cost you more than you save.

Halve your accommodation costs and you might be able to travel for twice as long.

Go into this with the right attitude—be generous and ready to share—and you could end up with a free roof over your head, a tour guide, and a lifelong friend all wrapped up in one.

You’ll be surprised to know how many people from Tuscany are eager for a holiday in Tasmania.

If you’re a bit more adventurous or love the outdoors, try backpacking, (no longer just for the young) or camping.

Paris. New York. London.

Of course, the great world cities will always be magnetic places, but there’s a whole world out there. How about Marseille? Portland? Manchester? Belo Horizonte? Naples?

It’s quieter, cheaper, and often more ‘authentic’. So long as you don’t tell too many people.

Your greatest cost after accommodation will be food. Take the opportunity to sample the local cuisine – and cook when you can.

If you have a smartphone, get a good, cheap mobile data plan. Check out the public transport, perhaps download the transport apps for the cities you’re travelling to. Oh, and a free wi-fi finder app also might be worth getting.

Important information

The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, NAB recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. NAB recommends that you seek independent legal, financial, and taxation advice before acting on any information in this article.