In times when money is tight and it seems too expensive to have a holiday, here’s a few tips to make it possible.

The biggest expense when we are travelling is usually fuel so to combat that, think about going away not far from where you live. You will often see a place differently when you stay as a tourist, even if it’s only under an hour from home. Look for your closest beach, river, bush camp or national park nearby, where you can stay affordably.

If you stay in a suburban caravan park, once you set up the van, leave the car behind and walk to gain another perspective of a place you think you know. You tend to notice the houses, businesses, parks and gardens more when you go for a stroll, and it’s free to look and enjoy the surroundings.

Caravan park fees can be a bit steep sometimes, so look for off peak times and cheaper sites within a park to save some dollars. Remember that while you’re not home, you’re saving on electricity and other utility costs while they’re not being used.

Look for off grid caravan and camping options which are a lot cheaper and sometimes even free to stay. Some only allow stays of up to a few days so make sure you know before you go, and places like National Park campsites and some local council run camping sites require you to book online before you arrive now, and have allocated sites too.

If you are staying off grid, make sure your 12 volt system is working well in the caravan and that you have alternative ways of charging electrical equipment if it’s needed. For instance USB to 12V charging capability or cigarette lighter charging cables. If you’re camping, battery torches or lamps and gas or butane cooking equipment will be needed.

Meals can be pre-prepared before leaving home or have a plan for some easy one pan meals that need minimal equipment to prepare, so that everyone can relax and enjoy the holiday. (Try searching on my website for recipes)

There are plenty of ways to keep everyone amused without having to spend money on a budget getaway, whether it’s a bush or beach holiday, you can go for walks and take in the surroundings. Make sure to just stop a while and take in the little things like what you can see, hear and smell.

Take some good reading material, a camera (or phone camera), and other hobbies that appeal to you, perhaps a sketchbook, fishing gear, knitting or whatever else lets you unwind.

If the weather takes a turn for the worse and you need cheap or free ideas for things to do, go for a scenic drive close to where you’re staying, check out a local op shop, art space, botanic garden, or visit a tourist information centre nearby for ideas on free things to see and do in the area. Better still, do some homework before you go about what there is to do in the area, if the weather doesn’t look good for outdoor activities.

Take an easy board or card game that everyone can play for a bit of fun, op shops can be a good source of these without breaking the bank.

If you want to treat yourself and eat out, look for cheaper options like RSL Clubs, Surf Lifesaving Clubs, and Bowls Clubs and check to see if any local hotels have special food evenings, hello Schnitzel night!

Enjoy a cheap and cheerful holiday, even if it’s just for a few days.

Glenys