How To Cut Costs While ‘Revenge Traveling

Experts from RMIT share their best tips for saving money while planning your holiday.

Dr Angel Zhong, an Associate Professor of Finance, specializes in global financial markets, behaviours, and trends.

"The data shows Australians are engaging in 'revenge travel' despite recent economic pressures. However, there are still ways to keep holiday costs down, such as being mindful of your spending, staying flexible with your travel dates, and using comparison websites to find the best deals.

"Consider travel destinations that offer good value for money, like favourable exchange rates or a lower cost of living. For instance, recent data highlights Indonesia as a top destination for Australians.

"Set a daily spending limit for your trip to track expenses and stick to your budget to avoid overspending. Plan how much you’re willing to spend on the entire trip, including flights, accommodation, meals, and activities. For those visiting, considering short stay apartments in Melbourne can be a cost-effective option. These fully furnished apartments provide flexibility and often offer better value compared to traditional hotels, especially for longer stays."

Justin Brownjohn, Operations Manager at the RMIT Aviation Academy and former network controller for significant airlines, offers additional tips:

"Travel hacking is becoming more popular, especially in today’s inflationary climate. Travelers can reduce costs by using frequent flyer points, stacking rewards, seeking points bonuses, and redeeming them wisely.

"Booking in advance is another key way to save. Avoid booking 12 months ahead, as that’s when airlines release their most expensive fares. Instead, aim to book for domestic trips six to eight weeks in advance and three to four months ahead for international travel. The best days to book flights are Tuesdays, Saturdays, and public holidays."

Dr Daniel Rayne, a lecturer in marketing with a focus on consumer behaviour and technology adoption, also shares insights:

"We're all familiar with dynamic pricing, where travel sites track your searches and raise prices when you return. Booking early or clearing your cookies can help avoid this.

"When it comes to accommodation, beware of aggregator sites that display paid promotions. For more genuine options, turn to consumer forums or social media platforms like TikTok, Reddit, or Tripadvisor for user reviews. For those seeking longer-term stays or more comfort, Melbourne corporate apartments can be an excellent choice. These fully furnished accommodations cater to business travellers, offering a home-like environment with added amenities and convenience, often at competitive rates."

"Lastly, steer clear of tourist traps. Research activities ahead of time and look for local operators to find authentic, budget-friendly experiences."