Lets Talk Budget
A few handy tips on how we stick to our budget
Carnarvon, WA
1. Track your money
You work so hard for your money so don’t just let it go willy nilly , keep a weekly update of what your spending your money on. A helpful app to record everything you buy is XpenseTracker. Having everything jotted down is a great reference point if you go over budget to see exactly what your spending your money on and where you can cut down. It’ll also help to keep focus on your budget goals, I find having a visual example of my money gives me direction with our spending habits.
2. Cut back on the Booze
This doesn’t mean dry July every month… thank goodness. Alcohol costs cut deep into your budget, consider buying less or going for the cheaper options, learn to love cask wine! It also helps to surround yourself with like minded people who are also on travel budget and not a 2 week holiday wanting to spend big at the most expensive restaurant in town.
The Grampions, VIC
3. Get amongst the free camps
Not only are there hundreds and hundreds of free camps around Aus, the vibes of free camps are second to none. It’s such an amazing feeling seeing so many travellers from all walks of life and all types of vehicles come together. A must have is the app Wikicamps, this will be your ultimate guide to the many free camps and also free hot showers scattered around Aus. You’ll save a fortune by opting for a free camp stay instead of a caravan park.
Gull Rock, SA
4. Avoid the expensive tours
I know those tour pamphlets make the $175 day tour look worth it but I assure you this is one way to blow a budget. If you do some digging you may find that there’ll be other cheaper or possibly free ways to experience the best Australia has to offer. We have found out by experience that majority of the time the tours are definitely not worth it. Some examples of tour alternatives - Instead of a snorkel at the sadly diminishing Great Barrier Reef check out the Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth, I swam with 5 turtles off the beach all day and it was FREE. This fringing reef is thriving with wildlife and coral cities right off the shore.
Beauchamp Falls, VIC