Everyone has different ways of letting off steam. Whether you’re a student, labourer, business owner, surgeon, or work from home, we all need a break. For some, this might mean a tour around the world with late nights, early morning bus trips and non-stop partying.

Don’t get me wrong, I love travelling. But for me, the idea of unwinding in summer involves going to the beach and splashing in the waves, occasionally coming back to shore to curl up in the sand with a good book to refuel. On those forty something degree days though, there is nothing I love more than closing the house up, turning up the A/C and putting on a good movie.

However, with Christmas at the forefront of the holiday season, the financial side of things can be daunting. Truth be told, it is an expensive time of year. And sadly, our financial status often dictates what sort of holiday we have, if any. But did you know you can enjoy the holiday season without sending yourself broke?

 

1. Do your research. Check out sites like booking.com and look for the best deals. You’d be surprised how much money you could save simply by being in the right place at the right time. Choose a venue that caters for what you like to do best, e.g. lying around the pool, or clubbing in the CBD of a cool city. Remember, what people around you classify as a holiday isn’t always what you do. Also, ensure your lodgings include kitchen facilities.
2. Plan ahead. Try to book your getaway in advance so that you can put your holidays in at work and get yourself organised.
3. Put a little extra money away each week. For some, this could mean opening an extra bank account which direct debits money every week. For others, it could mean stowing away some loose change into the piggy bank at the top of the wardrobe each week.
4. When you go on your holiday, plan your meals and alcohol consumption. Nothing drains the bank account faster than eating out every night. On your first day at your destination, find a supermarket and buy all snack foods and easy meals to cook. Try to treat eating out as a special occasion. When buying snack food and alcohol, look for specials and watch out for brand names. For example, there is a cheaper version of Midori at Dan Murphy’s which I always buy when I’m there.
5. When you get to your lodgings, NEVER take anything from the minibar. These are overpriced and placed purely to prey on those who can’t resist the impulse.
6. Know your surroundings. Research your accommodation and transport to the attractions, for example beaches, restaurants and shopping. If you are in a metropolitan area, it might be worth looking at the cost of public transport, as parking may be minimal, and if you’re lucky enough to find parking, it will probably be expensive.
7. Plan out which attractions you’re going to visit, how often, and on what day, so that you don’t end up overwhelmed by the options, or come home disappointed.
8. Ensure you get the down time you set out to get. There is no point taking a trip, and coming home feeling just as stressed and no more refreshed than when you left.

Some of us aren’t lucky enough to get a holiday during the summer holiday season. This is one of those times where the holiday diary is booked out months in advance. But, just because you’re not taking any time off, doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the summer with these tips!

 

1. Plan a day trip when you have a day off. Set your alarm for 6am, pack a picnic, your swimmers, towel, sunscreen and hit the road.
2. Take advantage of two days off in a row. Again, hit up the hot booking sites, and look for the best value accommodation at your favourite destination. You don’t need a fancy five star resort, just a place to sleep. Leave early Saturday morning, spend the night, and be back on Sunday evening, all refreshed and ready for work Monday morning.

No matter where you are, remember to never lose your head, and always be safe. Happy holidaying!