Category:

Holiday

How to Save More Than $3500 on Your Next Holiday

by Penina December 17, 2019

written by Penina

New Money Smart figures show that holidays account for $77 in the average Australian household’s weekly budget, adding up to a total of $4,004 a year. Prices for flights, car hire and accommodation peak in December and January, making the annual summer holiday and expensive exercise for families.

Here are some simple tips to save money on your summer holiday by using the sharing economy.

Save $455 on car hire by borrowing a car through peer-to-peer car sharing service Car Next Door. A 7-day, 300km round trip in a small car with reduced insurance excess at peak time would cost around $750 in a traditional hire car. The same trip in a local car from Car Next Door would cost just $295.
If you’re planning a motoring holiday, save on campervan hire with peer-to-peer service Camplify. Hiring a campervan that sleeps four people costs $260 a night from Jucy rentals, and around $90 a night through Camplify – a saving of $1,190 on a 7-day trip.
Accommodation is one of the biggest costs of any holiday. A hotel room by the beach in December could cost around $2,335 for 7 nights. Book a spare room in someone’s home from around $935 for 7 nights with Airbnb and save $1,400.
If your furry friend can’t come along on your holiday, you’ll need to find someone to look after them. A cattery or kennel at peak time can cost up to $350 a week. With MadPaws you can find a pet sitter near you to visit your pet each day from around $140 a week. You’ll save $210 and your four-legged friend gets to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.
No trip to the beach is complete without a day in the surf. Hiring a board from a surf rental company costs between $40-60 a day, or just $25 a day through peer-to-peer equipment rental platform, Quipmo – that’s a saving of $35.
Save money and boot space by hiring baby gear from other parents through Kindershare. Hiring a portacot and pram from a traditional baby gear rental company would cost $80-100 a week. You’ll save around $60 a week using Kindershare.
While you’re away rent out your unused driveway or parking spot to someone who needs it – and make around $250 a month withParkhound.
Download the free GetReminded app to remind you when you need to update your passport, book all or parts of your holiday as well as reminders about travel insurance, holiday pet care and more.

December 17, 2019 0 comment

Holiday

OMG! How to have the best African holiday ever!

by Penina September 27, 2017

written by Penina

As the year draws to an end, we’re all getting pretty tired. I like to dream a little. I’ve decided to write today about the kind of amazing adventures you can get dreaming about, too.
I’ve circumvented this planet several times. I did most of my travels in Japan, which was the experience of a lifetime. As a mum now, who is elbow deep in domestic duties and work most days, I do love to dream. I often find myself staring out a window, remembering the freedom of my travel days. You can read my article “Are you a super housewife” to get a feel of how I take myself on holiday in my head. Well, life is short and I’m making a new bucket list of amazing adventures I’d like to go on. Africa, India, and South America have always been on my list. So today, I’m venturing to South Africa from my desk to see what’s on the travel table.

Consider Africa for Your Next Dream Holiday

OMG! Here’s the ultimate guide on how to have the best African holiday ever! You may have scoured the internet already researching amazing safaris in Botswana. Or your flavour might be the mesmerising beauty of the Kingdom of Jordan. In Jordan, for example, you can take in some wonderful experiences which include staying in hunting lodges and castles.
Africa is rich in culture, breathtaking natural landscapes, and unforgettable adventures. Sites like Bench Africa offer comprehensive experiences in different African destinations. You can easily find the right African destination for you, as their website lets you browse by experience and filter by country, trip length, or cost per day depending on your budget.

Yolanda / Pixabay

18 Amazing African Destinations to Get You Inspired

Bench Africa has a wide portfolio of offerings in Africa’s most beautiful destinations–all of which can be found on their website. These include:

Botswana – Desert and Delta Safari (7 days)
Jordan – Highlights of Jordan (6 days)
Kenya – Giraffe Manor (2 days)
Madagascar – 1000 Views of Madagascar Safari (12 days)
Mauritius – Stay at Le Mauritius Hotel (7 days)
Mozambique – Ibo Island Lodge (4 days)
Oman – Natural Exploration (10 days)
South Africa – Splendours of South Africa (24 days)
Tanzania – Serengeti Wilderness Safari (6 days)
United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi – Ramada Downtown (4 days)
Zimbabwe – Cape to Kruger Overland Safari (26 days)
Egypt – Ultimate Egypt tour (12 days)
Malawi – Bush & Beach Safari (10 days)
Morocco – Imperial Cities Tour (8 days)
Namibia – Diverse Namibia (10 days)
Rwanda – Gorilla Trekking – Virunga Lodge /Serena
Uganda – Classical Lodge Safari
Zambia – Royal Livingstone tour

So now that you have the perfect African destination in mind, let’s get packing!

Mariamichelle / Pixabay

32 Essentials to Put on Your African Safari Packing List

Power adapter – You’ll need a universal one and a special one when visiting South Africa.
Travel insurance is a must-have. Organise through your travel provider.
A passport holder (yes, the good ole’ fashioned hidden bum bag or cross-body purse) for holding cash, cards, and mobile phone – Make sure it has strong zippers and is sturdy.
Always take photos of your passport, identification cards, and others before leaving home.
Stainless steel water bottle
Hard-wearing sandals to wear in the hot weather
Comprehensive first aid travel kit
Hiking shoes – Make sure they are the ventilated kind for the hot weather.
Sarong – They can double as a sheet, towel, blanket, curtain, swimmer’s cover, and scarf
Rain jackets
Solid shampoo – So your liquid shampoo doesn’t get confiscated on the flight.
Electrolytes – So you can avoid dehydration in the hot climate.
Protein bars – Meat can be expensive in Africa.
Sunscreen – Go for a bulk pack when you get to Africa. Pack it in your suitcase so it doesn’t get confiscated.
Flash drive – To download images when there is no Wi-Fi.
Baby or wet wipes – Very handy any day of the week and in any location (even in my house!)
4-5 tank tops to keep cool in
2-3 lightweight shirts to cover arms and shoulders
A pair of comfortable shoes to wear daily
Several pairs of socks
Lightweight dresses and long skirts to avoid sunburn
Underwear including undies (a week’s worth), sports and regular bras
Lightweight pants such as harem, trekking, or yoga pants
Swimsuits
A large brimmed hat
A good, sturdy backpack
Wire mesh bag protector for belongings
Razors, floss, hair products, face wash, and general toiletries
Camping gears such as tent, headlamp, sleeping mat, and light sleeping bag
A collapsible fold-up shopping bag

cocoparisienne / Pixabay

Well, that’s all from me today.
Happy travelling – if you decide to put Africa on your bucket list!

September 27, 2017 0 comment

Holiday Latest

The Sydney Travel Checklist You Shouldn’t Leave Home Without

by Penina July 30, 2017

written by Penina

I do love the hustle-n-bustle of ole’ Sydney town. When I visit I let the little rat in me out. I sniff around for as many of the good pickings as I can.
As a Melbourne mum who lucked out with an impromptu trip recently, I was after a few humble delights.

A soft, warm, no-one-in-it bed primed for my sleep-in
A hotel where the TV, heater and phone works
Perfect just-hot-enough coffee within metres of me
Somewhere awesome to go for a run
The ultimate get-it-done fast shopping trip
A great vantage point to take in Sydney culture from
A beaut restaurant to catch up with old friends
As much rest as I could muster while cramming in all of the above

JanClaus / Pixabay

OK, so I’m a mum who doesn’t get out much – I admit (well, not until recently anyway!). I’m the type of person who can have the time of her life at a park or a pool. I’ll frolic anywhere that isn’t my house and have a whirl of a time doing so.
Even better, put me on a plane to Sydney (even if it’s work) without kids in tow, and I’m gone for all money. I’m the 46 year old, sucking on lollipops on the Skybus. I’m the girl at the gate on a barstool at the window. You’ll find me sipping on a wine and flipping through mags well before the boarding gate is open.
Firstly, here are a few essentials for a mum’s trip to Sydney. I’ve compiled this list from some of my travel mistakes and travel wins recently.
Make sure you’ve got these into your Sydney planning equation:

fam-goehring / Pixabay

Backpack – much more practical than the handbag I took
Sneakers – the kind that go with both dress pants and casual gear
A good book,– for those restful nights in a silent no-one-in-it bed
A hotel opposite a supermarket – very handy!
Messenger – put everyone in a group and put them on speed dial

Here are a few of the secrets I sniffed out last time I was in this divine cosmos of Sydney city. There are many hidden secrets here.
Think outside the square: Annual events, fairs, museums and even eco parks.
Here’s a tip:
When visiting Sydney don’t trap yourself entirely in the CBD. Sydney’s surrounds offer a huge wonderland of goodies.

antongorlin / Pixabay

These all require:

Walking stamina: Take a good pair of runners
Cruising prowess: You’re not steering the boat so you can rest up (Note: Do check available tickets for cruises ahead of time.)
Road trip happiness: Search for car rental around Sydney, and cram even more Sydney goodness in

Here are a few ways to enjoy Sydney on your next trip:
Take a walking tour
A ‘walking tour’ around Circular Quay is a great way to get up close and personal with Sydney. Check out the Harbour Bridge and Instagram yourself with this postcard background. Wander through The Rocks on the way to the Opera House. Drop by the Royal Botanic Gardens and end your tour in inspiring Darling Harbour.

pattyjansen / Pixabay

Take in the culture
Sydney boasts some amazing museums. Famous galleries include the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Sydney Museum. If you that’s not enough do this. Hit the Powerhouse Museum and Australian National Maritime Museum.
Other great attractions include:

Sydney’s IMAX Theatre
Sydney Aquarium
Wildlife Sydney Zoo
Madame Tussauds

Free-Photos / Pixabay

Hit the water
While in Sydney, make the most of your visit by going out on a boat or ferry. Enjoy an ambient dinner cruise or take a trip to Balmain or Manly. There are also party and dance cruises if that’s your thing.
Also consider the amazing outer suburbs of Sydney. These destinations are great to visit:

Watsons Bay if you love seafood
Shelly Beach for snorkelling
Cockatoo Island for history, the best cocktails and a good wood-fired pizza
Sydney Tower & the Blue Mountains for Pacific Ocean views
Sydney Skywalk for a glass floor and city views experience

Are you excited to visit Sydney? Hop on a plane and discover the thousands of activities this vibrant city has on offer. I can’t wait to go again. So much fun!

July 30, 2017 0 comment

Car Tips Hacks Holiday Latest Leisure & Recreation LIFESTYLE

Steal these rental car travel tips and save big

by Penina February 17, 2017

written by Penina

Family holidays never fail to get my loved ones jumping with excitement. We’re always up for an excuse to escape the hammers and nails at home – that pesky renovation!

We love to rest it up and relax in exotic locations. Not that we get to do it much – but gosh it’s nice to dream. Check this out: How to buy a dream island and you’ll get the picture of the kind of wishful thinking I’m talking about.

Pok_Rie / Pixabay

There are lucky families who get to go on holiday more than we do. I hope they’re not racking up a debt on the credit card like we did once, ’cause that’s well – silly.

If you’re in the nice spot in life where you get to leave home because you can afford it, read on. I’ve got some super fast and awesome tips for making your next adventure a success.

Planning your travels

Shortly, you’ll be answering a few nice questions like:

Where should you go?
How many days should you spend on your holiday?
Where should you all dine out on the first night?
Should you book a massage to go with that hotel room?

Of course, there’ll be a few curly questions too. These are the pesky one’s that will have you scratching your head.

Angelica_Online / Pixabay

Here’s one:

Should you hire a car or not?

If you’re on a tight budget, I bet you’re wondering how to save on a cost like this.

Luckily, you are hanging in the Savings Room!

I’ve got stacks of ways you can save on travel. You can check some of my travel tips here.

Otherwise, read on to discover some awesome tips for keeping costs down on your next holiday.

Steal these rental car tips & save big

Take Control

Arriving in a foreign land makes you totes dependent on the local infrastructure. Taxis and public transport are well, foreign too. Compared to what you know, you might find them unreliable. Or they may actually be crappy compared to your town. Avoid chasing transport instead of enjoying yourself. Car hire gives you control total control and freedom.

Think: Kids and a bunch of bags and you’ll be hiring a car quick smart. I can’t put a price on this once-a-year kind of sanity.

If your destination happens to be Western Australia, you can rent a car in Perth from Ace Rent A Car. These guys will have your vehicle waiting for you (and the family – if you chose to take them!) at the airport.

stux / Pixabay

Explore at your leisure

The best way to get into all the nooks and crannies of a travel destination is by renting a vehicle. Organised tours can be a pain. They’ll march you all over the place and you won’t get that well-deserved nanna nap you might like to take at your leisure.

And as you slow down on your holiday, those nanna naps get prevalent! You’ll want to plan for these moments of complete inertia.