Make the most of your money while away!
Want to take an amazing trip? We’ll show you how to save money whether you’re traveling here in Australia or heading overseas.
Ever wonder why Aussies are always booking a trip somewhere? It’s a bit of a national obsession. We live a fair way from everyone else, so getting on a plane isn’t just a weekend thing—it’s a proper adventure. That’s why we tend to go for longer trips and really get into the local vibe, not just rush through a bunch of famous spots. Part of it is that we get a decent amount of holiday time, and we like to use it. We’re a pretty easy going and curious bunch, so we’re not afraid to try new food or get a bit off the beaten track. Basically, travel is a huge part of being an Aussie. We just love getting out there and seeing the world.
Government Assistance
Before you make that booking, double check on the governments smartraveller.gov.au website and check ‘the basics’ page to make sure you have everything in place to make your travel plans go without a hitch. They cover subjects such as Traveling Safely Overseas, Choice Travel Insurance buying guide, Getting a foreign Visa, Taking Care of your Health and lots more. Whether you’re after a quick city break or a months-long adventure, a bit of planning goes a long way. Before you jet off, make sure to check the latest travel advisories and register your trip with government services – it can really help if you find yourself in a spot of bother abroad. It’s also wise to keep digital copies of your important documents, such as your passport and travel insurance details, just in case.
Holiday for less
Travel comparison sites such as Trivago, Booking.com, Expedia, Skyscanner and many more, are one of the best ways to get great deals. Also consider being flexible on your flight plans. Some companies offer discounts. According to Skyscanner, Flex is your friend. If your travel dates aren’t fixed, use flexible date filters to explore a wider range of savings.
This article from the Skyscanner website is very interesting
What day of the week is cheapest to book flights?
Earlier in the week tends to be better, but not always.
Our analysis has shown that flight prices often follow a weekly cycle. Typically, the lowest fares appear earlier in the week, while higher prices are more common toward the weekend. This is why the answer to “When do flight prices go down?” is sometimes… a Tuesday.
What is the cheapest month to fly?
It varies by route, but tools can help you find out.
The cheapest month varies depending on destination, seasonality, and demand. But with Skyscanner’s Cheapest Month search filter, you can quickly spot the best-value times to fly.
How do I know when flight prices drop?
You don’t have to check every day — we’ll tell you.
If you’ve got your eye on a destination, the easiest way to catch a price drop is to set up a Skyscanner Price Alert. Our tools monitor real-time flight prices and notify you as soon as they go up or down.
That way, you can book at the right time, without the guesswork.
Do flights get cheaper closer to departure?
Sometimes, but last-minute deals aren’t guaranteed
Price drops are more likely on less busy routes or off-peak travel dates. On popular routes, prices often rise as departure nears.
Keep an eye on our flights page for last-minute flight deals. If a destination you’ve been curious about comes up, or if you’re flexible about where to travel to, you can bag a bargain.
Extra ways to find cheap flights
- We don’t raise prices based on searches. No cookies or tracking tricks — just honest pricing.
- Not sure where to go? Select “Everywhere” as your destination to uncover the cheapest options from your departure airport.
- Watch for airline sales. Some airlines run seasonal deals with limited seat availability — book fast if you spot one.
- Flex is your friend. If your travel dates aren’t fixed, use flexible date filters to explore a wider range of savings.
- Check out the Skyscanner Savings Generator to find the best time to book for your route.
Flight delays and cancellations
According to the ACCC, “Travel services, such as flights and tours, come with basic consumer rights known as consumer guarantees. This includes the guarantee that services will be provided within a reasonable time after being delayed or cancelled. Consumers may be entitled to a replacement travel service or refund if a travel service is delayed or cancelled, depending on the circumstances”. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, it’s important to check the airline’s policies and contact their customer service as soon as possible. Many airlines offer travel vouchers, rebooking options, or direct refunds, depending on the situation. Make sure to keep all relevant documents and receipts, as these can help support your claim if you need to seek compensation or reimbursement later on.
Cheap Travel Insurance
Smartraveller advises the further out from your departure date that you buy travel insurance, the more you’re likely to pay for it, but you’ll be covered from the moment you buy your policy. For example, if you buy insurance 2 months before you fly, you effectively have cheap cover for any events that affect your travel plans in those 2 months.
Left it until the last minute, or even later? Only a few insurers let you buy insurance once you’re already overseas (look for the ‘Have you already left Australia?’ checkbox when viewing policy options).
While not all policies offer online discounts, plenty do. Make sure you understand the policy and what it covers. Sometimes (but not always) a reduced price may mean reduced cover.
Tip: Check asic.gov.au/afslicensing to find out whether the agent has an Australian financial services (AFS) licence or is an authorised representative of a licence holder. Take the usual precautions when giving your credit card and other details over the internet.
Member discounts. Does your health, car or home insurance provider also sell travel insurance? Some companies give 10–15% discounts to existing members.
Use your credit card. Some credit cards come with ‘free’ travel insurance when you use them to buy a ticket, pay for other travel expenses or otherwise activate it (we say ‘free’ because you’ll pay a premium in fees for the card itself). This type of insurance can sometimes be a money-saver, and the level of cover can be just as good or even better than standard insurance, but make sure it gives you the cover you need.
Seniors Travel Advice
Once again Smartraveller has a wealth of information for Seniors. Subjects such as Staying Healthy Overseas, Centrelink Payments, Dual Nationality, Reciprocal Health Car Agreements and much more.
Read the travel advice. Start with the latest travel advice for your destination. This advice provides information on the main risks you may face and precautions you can take while travelling. Our travel advice also includes practical information on the safety and security situation, local laws and health issues.
Centrelink payments. There are rules about how leaving Australia affects Centrelink payments or concession cards. You should check the Services Australia website to find out how any absence from Australia could affect your payment.
Research your destination. Find out about the political, cultural and economic environment of your destination so you’ll know what to expect. Consult the travel advice for your destination and either purchase a guidebook or search the internet for recent information. Talk with family or friends who are familiar with the countries you’ll be visiting. You could also consult the country briefs available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website to learn more about your destinations.
Keep in touch. Keep in touch with your family or friends. Many travellers use email or their Australian mobile phones to keep in touch. Contact your Australian mobile phone provider to arrange global roaming before you travel. If you want to minimise global roaming costs, check if pre-paid mobile phone services are available in your planned destinations and purchase a local SIM card. You should subscribe to travel advice for your destination. You’ll receive updates straight to your inbox. We strongly encourage you to subscribe so you’re well-informed for your trip overseas.
You can subscribe to receive travel advice and alerts to the destinations you are travelling to and through.
Subscribing gives you the latest updates to our travel advice and news.
You are strongly encouraged to subscribe so you’re well-informed for your trip overseas.
Using your Mobile Phone Abroad
Many monthly subscription plans let you use your phone abroad, though they can be expensive. Prepaid plans for 1-3 years are less flexible and often don’t support international use.
With digital SIMs, you can quickly download and activate your service, making it easier to get connected when you arrive at your destination. Websites such as Simify, Amazon AU, SIM corner, Saily, ETrevelSim and many more offer great plans for Data only or call and text.