How to save money when you’re ‘revenge travelling’
Recent ABS figures show international trips have exceeded pre-pandemic levels as Australians make up for lost time, in a phenomenon called ‘revenge travel’.
RMIT experts share their top tips to keep costs down while planning your holiday.
Dr Angel Zhong is associate professor in finance, specialising in global financial markets, behaviour and trends.
“The data shows us Australians are ‘revenge travelling’ despite recent economic pressures. But there are still ways to keep holiday costs low, including being conscious of your spending, being flexible with your travel dates, and using comparison websites to find the best deals.
“Opt for travel destinations that offer good value for money, such as places with favourable exchange rates or a lower cost of living. Recent data shows Indonesia is a top travel destination for Australians.
“Plan a daily spending limit for your trip to keep track of expenses and stick to this budget to avoid overspending. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on the entire trip, including flights, accommodation, meals and activities.”
Justin Brownjohn is operations manager at the RMIT Aviation Academy and a former network controller for major airlines.
“Travel hacking is not a new phenomenon, but it’s becoming more prominent in today’s inflationary environment. Historically, travellers have reduced costs by using frequent flyer points, point-stacking, seeking points bonuses and redeeming them smartly.
“You can also save by booking in advance. Absolutely never book 12 months ahead – this is when airlines automatically release their schedules, which is when the most expensive fares are made available and you’ll be at risk of fare dropping.
“Usually the best time to book flights is between six to eight weeks ahead for domestic travel and three to four months ahead for international travel. The best days to book a flight include on Tuesdays, Saturdays and public holidays.”
Dr Daniel Rayne is a lecturer in marketing, with a focus on consumer behaviour and technology adoption.
“We all know about the dreaded dynamic pricing, where travel websites track your searches and then change prices when you go back to the site. Booking early can help you avoid this – as can sneakily clearing your cookies.
“Accommodation also throws up its own pitfalls with many aggregator sites displaying paid promotions by hotel companies. To get more authentic options, consider consumer forums or social media like TikTok, Reddit or Tripadvisor that offer user insight.
“Finally, avoid tourist traps. This means researching activity options before you leave, but making sure you explore local operators to avoid expensive packages and to get the ‘real’ experience.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Latest News
TravelManagers explore luxury trends at Signature Travel Network Global Conference
Representatives from TravelManagers Australia have concluded four days of collaboration, learning and networking with luxury travel brands at Signature Travel Network’s 2024 Annual Conference, which took place in Las Vegas. The annual event, which brings together members of Signature’s luxury travel advisor network, partners, travel media and experts, centred this year on “Leveraging the Signature […]
Refurbed Adelaide Qantas Club opens doors to upgraded features
Qantas opened the doors to its upgraded Adelaide Qantas Club today, just in time for the busy holiday period to provide customers travelling through the city of churches with an improved experience. The contemporary space has been designed to celebrate the beauty of the South Australian landscape and features customised furniture by local designers Agostino […]
Booking.com reports 900% increase in travel scams
Eek. Starting to have alarm bells ring off in our heads over that $250 round-trip we just booked to 'Barli'.
PONANT opens Kimberley 2026 season with early-bird savings
PONANT has officially launched its 2026 Kimberley season, with travellers able to choose from 16 departures aboard luxury small expedition vessels Le Soléal or Le Jacques Cartier, with up to 30 per cent savings for early-bird bookings. Guests will experience spectacular waterfalls, ancient First Nation rock art and cultures, breathtaking whale-watching, and thrilling mangrove Zodiac […]
Flight Centre shares rally following AGM
If you really want to know how the travel sector is doing, the stock market is a good barometer.
Tour Guides Australia ramps up training for new additions to jobs shortage List
If you are offered a guided tour, it's usually a bonus knowing the guide knows what they are talking about.
Qantas Engineering looks to invest in local labor while reversing offshore maintenance
As long as our plane is fixed and maintained BEFORE we fly, is our greatest concern.
REVIEW: A day at Disneyland Resort in California – our magical adventure
When it comes to theme parks, Disneyland takes top spot, even if we did campaign heavily for Sydney's Luna Park.
Envoyage hosts 50 advisors in the Maldives for Icons 2024
We think that this is a really important event and that Travel Weekly journos need to be on the ground to cover it.
Ovation of the Seas hosts Jamie Oliver at inaugural Australian Food Hero Awards
Can this man do no wrong? Except those 30-minute meals which usually take us an hour-plus.
Tauck announces slew of new itineraries at a private lunch in Sydney
A family business that has been around for 100 years is a hard thing to come by in travel these days!
Sustainable Aviation Fuel and carbon footprint reduction key focus at Association of Asia Pacific Airlines conference
This much aviation speak may put many to sleep, but for us, it has us reaching for the popcorn.
WATCH: Travel Weekly gets a behind-the-scenes look at The Room Residence ahead of tomorrow’s opening
Avid user of the Room-Res platform? Next time you're in Sydney you'd be mad if you don't stop in and say Gday.
Luxury Travel Collection breaks new ground with Affiliate Membership
Accessing the best of the best in luxury travel seems to be quite an attractive proposition.
Beverly Hills hosts Rodeo Drive holiday lighting celebration
We hope the bright lights will detract from the high price tags of shiny goods along this famous shopping drive.
Luxury Escapes announces new Signature Series foodie tour across Malaysia
The elastic-waisted pants will be packed for this particular trip. Or buy a pair there.
ETC Cluster: Great Journeys New Zealand & TruTravels
Agents are invited to join Evolution Travel Collective for their next cluster update with the latest news from Great Journeys New Zealand & TruTravels. Michelle Daniels introduces the new Great Journeys New Zealand Scenic Plus product as well as a range of new tours & packages available on the beautiful railways of New Zealand. With […]
Hockey Australia extends partnership with SportsLink Travel
We think that it is really great that SportsLink Travel is choosing to 'stick' with Hockey Australia.
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority encourages travellers to make advanced plans for a safer and enjoyable summer
You also need to be aware of rubber-neckers paying attention to the views, not the road ahead.
Hotel and hospitality venues reminded to help keep schoolies safe
Dodgy IDs aside, where there is a will there is usually a way with teens.
Spectacular Philippines Christmas festival returns to Darling Harbour
Beware giving the littlies a whole serving of halo halo, that purple haze will hit them eventually.
Celestyal “doubles down” with new fare structure, digital wallet and adding 47 cabins to Discovery
With strong Aussie bookings and our preference for back-to-back cruises, expect a big local push from Celestyal.
CLIA shares new 2023 Global Cruise Industry Economic Impact Study
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has shared the highlights from the association’s new 2023 Global Economic Impact Study at the annual CLIA Cruise Forward conference. The study revealed the highest-ever global economic impact from cruise tourism and reaffirmed that 2023 surpassed 2019 as the benchmark year for cruise industry performance. It also confirmed the cruise […]
Air Tahiti Nui announces new and exclusive flight deals
There are plenty of Easter getaway opportunities available with this round of offers.
London Transport Commissioner takes an insider look at Sydney Metro
London’s Commissioner of Transport, Andy Lord, has toured the new Sydney Metro yesterday, hosted by the Tourism & Transport Forum. “We’re beyond delighted to welcome Commissioner Andy Lord to the fabulous city of Sydney,” TTF CEO Margy Osmond said. “As a long-standing representative of transport, and now the most senior transport official in London, Andy […]
Fireworks as Brisbane celebrates official opening ceremony for Bluey’s World
Fans of the blue cartoon dog appreciated the fireworks display, but real dogs had to be locked away.
Remarkable wins at prestigious 2024 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards
Flying high at the Brolgas in Alice. Some shelf space will now be required for this well-deserved glassware.
Albatross guarantees all spring, summer and autumn 2025 departures
That's a healthy move saying you are 100 per cent certain you'll get the bookings you need. Get ready to fly.
Fremantle hosts the ultimate weekend party with BeerFest Australia
Ok, so its combining beer and yoga! Purists may have something to say about that, but embrace it, we say.
Australian tourism industry comes together for Tourism Australia-led industry initiative
Did you also look through that video and go: 'I know that face, and that one', 'Oh there's so and so'. We did!
Helloworld, VIVA Holidays and Tourism WA team up for bumper Dream Sale campaign
Keeping the momentum going after having just hosted the World Travel & Tourism Conference. So hot right now.
Three days at The Farm, San Benito: Rediscovering wellness and transformation Filipino Style
If you're planning on letting yourself go over the upcoming silly season, this might be a good idea to begin 2025.
You have just 3 days left to buy your earlybird tickets for the 2024 Women in Travel Awards
Apart from who is coming - are you? - one of the more important conversations around here is what to wear.
Liquid & Larder opens at The EVE Hotel Sydney
So many new bars and new dishes to try and so little time. This summer calls for a Sydney staycation
‘I’ve loved it!’ Club Med’s first Home Based Agent conference a winner across the park
A great week in Bali with Club Med. All we can say is we are looking forward to the next one!
Scoot announces new destinations with services commencing from December 2024
We've been talking destination duplication for an age now, and here is a cheap way to try a new tropical paradise.