BUDGET FOR A ROAD TRIP IN AUSTRALIA
Are you planning to go on a road trip to Australia and wondering what budget to allocate for this trip? Between the visa, the plane, the means of transport, and the activities on site: it can be difficult to project! That is why, through this article, we provide you with all our advice to anticipate and minimize your expenses. Of course, the costs mentioned are indicative, but they will allow you to best prepare your road trip budget in Australia.
What is the budget before going to Australia?
Work Holiday Permit or Tourism Visa
A visa is a key to entering the country. Obtaining it allows you to buy your plane tickets and subscribe to health and/or travel insurance. The Working Holiday (PVT) visa costs around €340 per person (AUD 510). It is valid up to 12 months after it is obtained and allows you to travel for 12 months in Australia. It is renewable twice under conditions. The Tourist Visa is preferred if your stay does not last more than 3 months, which is the validity period of the visa. It is available free of charge (visa subclass 601).Attention: Apply for your PVT visa only on the government website. For the tourist visa, it can be obtained online or via travel agencies.
Total visa : For a working holiday visa, the amount is $510. For a tourist visa, the application is free.Plane ticket
Between 14,000 km and 18,000 km separate Europe and Australia. For such a long flight, you must count at least 600€ for a one-way flight and 950€ for a return flight. But since the Covid-19 crisis and the war in Ukraine, prices have gone up quite a bit. At the end of 2022, count about 1400€ for an AR ticket with a stopover.
To benefit from advantageous prices, avoid waiting until the last minute and book your plane tickets in advance! Consider using online flight comparators. In addition, prices vary depending on the cities of departure and arrival. For example, Lyon-Brisbane can sometimes be cheaper than Paris-Sydney.
If you do not have a preference for the meaning of your road trip, you should also be interested in vehicle rental rates. From Sydney to Cairns, or from Cairns to Sydney, rates may vary.
Finally, if you have not set a return date, consider the option of an “open” return ticket with a travel agency, which will allow you to set the date during your stay.
Travel Insurance
The important but essential expense for long-term travelers: is the PVT Australia insurance, worth about 420€ per year. It covers your costs in case of accident, hospitalization, repatriation, or in case of civil liability.
If you leave for less than 90 days, short stay insurance is better suited. Count about 100€ or $160 for a month.
For those who go around the world, it is strongly recommended to subscribe to a formula adapted to this type of stay. Allow about 45€ per month for good insurance around the world. Cancellation insurance can also be helpful, especially if you’re going with your family. This type of contract guarantees the refund of cancellation fees for any sudden, unforeseeable, independent of your will and justified event.
Evaluate your road trip budget
The road trip budget in Australia depends on its duration and the number of kilometers traveled. If you travel year-round, you will alternate between days to drive between 500 km or even 800 km, and days not to move.
If you’re on vacation for a few weeks, you’ll probably travel more kilometers for a short period. Finally, the number of travelers and tourist activities (excursions on the Great Barrier Reef, scuba diving, parachute jumping, etc.) are not insignificant variables to take into account.
How to save on road trips?
Saving on Gas
For those of you who travel a lot of miles, gasoline will probably be your main expense. Although generally cheaper than in France, the price of gasoline in Australia can vary greatly from one city or region to another. Big cities like Sydney are the places where you’ll find the best gas prices. As soon as you get away from the big cities and get into the outback, the price of gas becomes more expensive. It can even double in the most isolated regions.
To save money, make it a habit to watch for gas stations before you even need them. So, if you spot a cheaper station than the others, fill it up even if you don’t need it yet. Having an empty can also make it possible to take advantage of it to make reserves at low prices.
Keep your cash receipts after shopping, too, because big brands like Woolworths and Coles often offer discounts on affiliated stations. You can then benefit from 4 cents/liter of discount (valid for 1 month in general), or between 2 and 4$ per full. It’s always a win!
Saving on food
Food is also one of the main expense items
on road trips. To spend as little as possible, shop at supermarkets such as Coles or Woolworth. And avoid small neighborhood grocery stores at all costs.
You can also favor retailer brands, often of good quality and cheaper than major brands.
Try to make as many reserves as possible when you go to big cities, prices are lower than in remote areas. Stay tuned for promos, quick sales, and other discounts. Keep your cash receipts to benefit from discounts on your next races (or on gas, alcohol, etc.)
Comments
Post a Comment