Hi all, just want to ask if anyone is travelling end of the year (likely during their firm shut down or just general Christmas get-aways)?
Would love to know where my fellow Aussies are going as well and how you managed to score 'decent' fares?
Appreciate that everything gets jacked up by 2x prices but would still be good to learn if there are nice cost mitigation strategies bar the obvious of not travelling in this period.
Thanks!
Churn cards. Spend points on rewards seats
Churn cards.
Not good for your credit score.
There’s not many if any rewards seats during peak travel times.
True but it is one possible way if OP plans early enough.
Yeah, I guess it’s worth checking.
Or last minute tbh (so long as you're willing to take the risk and are flexible on destinations)
After Xmas I used to spend a week in Canberra, no school holiday tax and everyone has gone to the beach
yer but its canberra
Under-rated and overlooked, ranked number 3 in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel Destinations for 2018
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how did you minimise the damage to your wallet?
I put it in a zip lock bag.
I'm going to spend a couple of weeks at Some Human's house. Stayed there last year, too. It was nice. And cheap.
Get a bigger wallet.
We used to go camping next to a river or visit family over xmas. A couple of times we rented a beach house - there can be more affordable options if you plan well ahead.
Nothing beats a lazy week within walking distance of the sand in an old fibro holiday house with no technology etc. for unwinding, doubly so with smaller kids.
Unfortunately the days of renting a beach house affordably during peak time are pretty much over. Even campgrounds are crowded and there’s less free camping available. But yes, definitely a pleasant way to spend the break.
Agreed on the cost explosion in recent years.
For camping we found away from the coast is still possible, and can be nice by a lake or river, but seaside parks are poisonously expensive.
For accommodation, the online options have all jumped greatly in price, but it is possible to find some slightly cheaper options if you go old school.
I stay at home, drink, and watch all the Star Wars movies.
Flights departing Xmas eve are cheap.
For airfare i use Aia vitality discount for 50% off.
Generally travel over Xmas as teacher, so no choice.
Try to avoid Australia. Asian destinations are good. If you are in situ prior to Xmas-NYE period and book early, you can minimise price jacks. For some countries, Xmas is a non issue, so it can pay to jump to those for that week etc.
Penang is great over Xmas, no price jack, variety of things open and Xmas services available if that's your thing.
Japan is beautiful at Xmas. Not too cold. Can avoid price hikes by being thoughtful about location (we stayed in Azabujuban and it was wonderful).
Some countries are just expensive regardless of Xmas or not. Then there's loop holes. Seoul - pricey. Busan - dirt cheap (but freezing). However, Id do Busan and Jeju any day over Seoul.
Singapore will jack prices for NYE period regardless.
Look for free airline side fares. Adelaide to KL for example usually gets a free trip to Penang. Won't show in standard searches. Need to look direct.