Travel Hacks: How to Save on Your Motorhome Holiday

We know it can be difficult for families to budget for the motorhome holiday of a lifetime. Here are our top travel hacks to make sure that your money is stretched to its maximum capacity on your family holiday this year.

Check airfares regularly

Like motorhome prices, airfares fluctuate.  If you have flexibility, use price comparison sites and wait until you find the best combination of airfares and motorhome rates before you book.

Pick your travel dates wisely

The motorhome hire price structure works on seasonality, meaning it is more expensive to travel over peak holiday periods. Travel in off-peak times to avoid paying more on the rental rate, caravan park accommodation and general attractions. Travelling outside of high season means that the price is much lower, there is more availability and often you get to enjoy Australia’s prime attractions and experiences all to yourself.

Buy your own groceries

Going out for dinner every night can be an expensive pastime and not uncommon on a family holiday. The advantage of travelling in a camper means you have your very own on board kitchen and fridge, making it easy for you to prepare a meal in the comfort of your home on wheels. Keep food in the fridge for everyone to snack on throughout the day to avoid last minute trips to the store.

Participate in free activities

Instead of repetitively forking out a small fortune to go on an organised tour, try the activities that cost you absolutely nothing.  Enjoy a family walk, research the free attractions in your desired travel area or visit attractions on days where there is a family/group discount. Australia is home to so many great free activities that you won’t be missing out.

Avoid toll roads

Mainland Australia is famous for its toll roads. At times it is impossible to avoid these, however wherever you can plan your route along the slower, more scenic roads. This way the money will remain in your pocket and you’ll get to see more of the country.

Take advantage of free camping sites

Though travelling in a motorhome does mean that you have to stay at a caravan park every second night to charge the battery, alternate night free camping is a great way to save money. Plan your trip in advance to include both free and powered camp sites.

Stay centrally

Save on the cost of parking by staying at a centrally located camp-site. This way you can avoid taking the motorhome into the city centre and save on public transport costs.

Monitor fuel prices

Fuel is one of the major costs when considering motorhome hire. Keep an ear out on the local radio station to get wind of the best rates in the area or monitor online website rates to bag a bargain on fuel.

Pack smart

Creating a detailed and organised packing check off list will make sure you don’t have to make any unnecessary trips to the shop on your holiday – after all, who wants to buy an item that you could have bought from home?

Avoid unnecessary fines

A few simple measures will ensure that you can save on those unnecessary parking/speeding/toll fines and the associated administration fees. Simply drive to the limit, seek out free parking and pay all tolls within the recommended timeframe to avoid paying extra on administration.

What are your favourite travel hacks?