Affordable travel

No-brainer ways to save on an Australian ski trip

If you’re walking up to the lift ticket window in the morning to buy a lift pass for the same day, something has gone seriously wrong with your planning.

• July 24, 2025
• Kate Allman

I tested three cheap(er) ways to fly to Europe; here’s my verdict

Too good to be true? It probably is. I tried the three cheapest ways to fly to Europe. Each comes with a cost, but there’s a clear winner.

• June 5, 2025
• Flip Byrnes

Less than $100 a night: 15 cool budget stays setting a new standard

Across Australia and the world, hostels are becoming more like hybrid hotels with private rooms, exciting design and quality bedding.

• February 2, 2025
• Riley Wilson

• Opinion

Forget sleeper trains – I took a sleeper bus in Asia for just $24

A lot has changed since I last took an overnight bus in South-East Asia just over a decade ago.

• May 6, 2025
• Julia D'Orazio

Famous budget traveller’s top eight tips for a cheaper holiday

Inflation has hit all parts of the travel world, including best-selling frugal traveller and author Nomadic Matt, but he still manages to keep costs down.

• February 13, 2025
• Andrea Sachs

Want to find the best local eats overseas? Use this simple trick

If you want to avoid those ubiquitous, overpriced, tourist menus overseas and eat where the locals do, all you need to do is use Google differently.

• November 22, 2024
• Natasha Bazika

Ten Asian budget airlines you need to know about

Want to save money travelling Asia? Jetstar Asia and AirAsia are well known, but here are 10 other low-cost carriers that should be on your radar.

• February 13, 2025
• Brian Johnston

• Opinion

What is the best timing to get a cheap flight? Here’s what the data says

Airfares are getting cheaper, but getting the best price will depend on various factors. Let’s take a look at the numbers.

• February 3, 2025
• Michael Gebicki

Who needs restaurants? The world’s 10 best places for cheap eats

Street food and local snacks are the only way to go if you’re after delicious, authentic dishes that won’t hit your hip pocket.

• July 3, 2023
• Ben Groundwater

Avoid the rip-offs: How to eat well in Europe on the cheap

Although exchange rates work against us, you can still save on meals in Europe without having to sacrifice enjoyable restaurant experiences.

• October 10, 2023
• Brian Johnston

Is a four-star hotel really better than a two-star? I put it to the test

When $50 can get you a clean, private room in a great location, is it worth splurging on a higher star rating? I found out in Vietnam.

• December 2, 2024
• Jimmy Thomson

How to do Queensland’s dreamiest islands without breaking the budget

Let Airlie Beach be the launchpad for your affordable island-hopping escape. Here’s where to eat, stay and play without spending a fortune.

• January 9, 2025
• Riley Wilson

Best beach stays in South-East Asia for less than $100 a night

Sandy feet, thatched roofs, water views – it’s the perfect trifecta for a tropical beach getaway.

• April 17, 2023
• Belinda Jackson

How to travel on a budget in wallet-busting Hawaii

Holiday in Hawaii? Don’t shell out too much; there’s more aloha, less moolah, with these money-saving Hawaii hacks.

• April 11, 2024
• Kristie Kellahan

13 essential tips for saving money on your next overseas holiday

Follow this advice, and you will be seeing the world and saving your pennies in no time.

• June 15, 2023
• Ben Groundwater

Nine essential tips for travelling Europe on a budget

Remember: Europe isn’t just France, Italy and Spain. But even in the most popular spots you can still keep your travel expenses down.

• April 5, 2023
• Ben Groundwater

How to do one of the world’s most expensive countries on the cheap

Switzerland is expensive but also beautiful, so don’t cut it from your travel list. A few smart strategies will reduce your costs.

• February 15, 2024
• Brian Johnston

Eight affordable destinations perfect for family holidays

If money’s too tight to mention, these budget-busting destinations make for the perfect family getaway both at home and overseas.

• April 25, 2023
• Sheriden Rhodes

The world’s best-value destinations

Travel budget shrinking? We've done the sums for you and selected 20 of the most affordable and good-value destinations right now.

• February 10, 2023
• Brian Johnston

How to travel in Japan on the cheap

Japan is notoriously expensive, but thanks to a weak yen, the price of travelling there has dropped by about a third.

• April 13, 2023
• Ben Groundwater

Eight Australian airport lounges you can access without flying business class

Relaxing in a lounge is one way to help alleviate the current stressful period of air travel.

• August 8, 2022
• Michael Gebicki

Do you still need to use cash when you travel overseas? Debit vs credit cards and more money tips

The supermarket, the petrol station, the cafe - it's all tap and go. No cash required. But can you get away with having no cash overseas?

• June 27, 2022
• Michael Gebicki

The seven things you may have forgotten about hostels

Here are seven of the heartwarming highs and nose-crinkling lows you may have forgotten.

• August 17, 2022
• Michael Fowler

Best free attractions: The 50 amazing sites that won't cost you a cent

Whatever type of traveller you are, it is hard to pass up a freebie.

• July 8, 2022
• Ute Junker

How to save money when paying for overseas holiday bookings

Paying in advance often gives you the best rate, but be careful how you transfer cash overseas – some services offer a far better rate than the bank.

• June 26, 2023
• Michael Gebicki

How to do the most expensive part of Europe on the cheap

Scandinavia is notoriously expensive, but savvy travellers can cut the cost of visiting Denmark, Sweden and Norway.

• May 28, 2024
• Brian Johnston

I stayed in a youth hostel with my kids and disturbed the backpackers

I used to stay in this very hostel back in my early 20s, but I’ve never stayed in one with my kids. I’m here to see if it’s a good idea.

• June 4, 2024
• Ben Groundwater

How to eat (almost) for free when in Italy

Aperitivo can be a fantastic deal – if you keep the drinks flowing, the free snacks do too.

• June 21, 2024
• Natasha Bazika