How Often Do You Travel Overseas for Holidays

InfraRed on 16/01/2024 - 17:17
Last edited 16/01/2024 - 18:01

Hey everyone, just curious on how often you travel overseas (excluding quarantine years of course) for vacationing purposes.

I think I've gotten the itch to travel more, I hadn't travelled for holidays in over a decade til last year when I went to Japan and it was a great experience. Im thinking of making a 1-2 week overseas trip a more regular thing. But I struggle with my natural tight arsery to not spend too much money, I mean I can factor it in financially (especially with deals here) but I'm still a cheapo at heart.

Also any tips if I do decide to commit to a travelling schedule? Im guessing I'll need one of those frequent flyer credit cards to minimise the cost.

Poll Options expired

  • 184
    Multiple times a year
  • 277
    Annually
  • 101
    Every 2 years
  • 77
    Every 3-5 years
  • 78
    Every 5+
  • 72
    I don't travel overseas
Travel

Comments

  • AustriaBargain on 16/01/2024 - 17:24
    -6

    20 years ago. Though it wasn't really a holiday, was living with extended family for a while. Kinda wish I didn't move back tbh. I'd have a good British accent by now.

  • murp0274 on 16/01/2024 - 17:25
    +1

    how much holiday time do you have annually?

    • InfraRed on 17/01/2024 - 09:41

      I get 20 ish days - 9 days shutdown leave so enough for a week and a bit annually and still accumulating a some leave.

      But I've accumulated a lot already since I rarely took leave and work through the Christmas break when it's been offered to me.

      • murp0274 on 17/01/2024 - 18:49
        +1

        hmmmmm, okay, how long would you want to spend overseas?

        I'd suggest that if you're doing Europe you'd need at least 20-30 days to explore a few of the countries. If you want to stick to 2-3 you could squeeze that in 2 or so weeks.

        If you're looking as Asia, pick a country and spend 10 or so days there :)

    • singlemalt72 on 19/01/2024 - 07:39

      I have 4 weeks rec leave and our flex time arrangements means I can book up 32 hours every 4 weeks by working longer days so I can get huge amounts of time off if I need to.

  • p1 ama on 16/01/2024 - 17:25
    +25

    But I struggle with my natural tight arsery to not spend too much money, I mean I can factor it in financially (especially with deals here) but I'm still a cheapo at heart.

    What's the point of saving money if you don't end up using it for things you enjoy?

    • placard on 17/01/2024 - 08:57
      +3

      Agreed. Life's not just about working. You'll get old with all this money and then too tired to do anything with it.

    • InfraRed on 17/01/2024 - 09:44
      +8

      I think part of me raising this poll was just to make me feel better in justifing a new few grand annual expense šŸ˜….

      If my fellow tight arses do it then maybe I can too.

      • try2bhelpful on 17/01/2024 - 09:52
        +1

        I think it is about balance and keeping to a budget. I would never borrow money to go on a holiday.

        However, if I do go on holiday I spend enough to be comfortable. If my parsimony is making me miserable I might as well be at home.

      • movieman on 17/01/2024 - 10:58
        +1

        OP. Have a look at your savings rate.

        Say your annual income is $100k (after tax).
        You spend say $60k on everything (excluding principal repayment of your mortgage, but include the interest).

        So your savings rate would be 40%.

        If you travel overseas once or twice a year, and spend say $10k on travel, now your spending $70k per year. So savings rate is lower (30% vs 40%), but you're still progressing.

        So just enjoy life.

      • p1 ama on 17/01/2024 - 20:38

        I think part of me raising this poll was just to make me feel better in justifing a new few grand annual expense šŸ˜….

        Sure, I mean you can't take your money to the afterlife with you.

        If it helps you feel better, set a spending target for each year, whereby in that, you've budgeted money for things that you actually enjoy doing. In other words, you budget in advance how much you want to save and how much you want to spend, rather than doing the whole "I'll save every dollar I can" thing.

        Then hold yourself accountable to actually sticking to that budget, and not going overboard, whilst also not shortchanging yourself and denying yourself the opportunity to live life.

  • capslock on 16/01/2024 - 17:30
    +3

    Secret polls are no fun.

    • InfraRed on 16/01/2024 - 17:35
      +2

      Whoops checked the wrong option, thanks for the heads up

    • ankti231 on 18/01/2024 - 11:01

      Secret polls, hurt some one.

      • So Was Red on 18/01/2024 - 21:24

        A little secret poll got out of hand

  • DeeeeCeeeee on 16/01/2024 - 17:37
    +4

    Go the Ozbargain way, churn credit cards for Frequent Flyer points, and fly business class :)

    • try2bhelpful on 16/01/2024 - 18:15
      +6

      the trouble is once you retire they won't give you credit cards even if you have a stack of money. However, we managed that trick with just getting flybuys, reward points and Qantas wine orders to top it up. If you can't quite get there and back on business then pick the long sectors for the business class and stick with economy for the shorter hops.

    • sli on 18/01/2024 - 22:54

      Iā€™m intrigued. Iā€™ve been churning and got points but wonder if getting gift cards is better value than trying to muck around with points for an overseas trip.

      Could you enlighten me on the best way to use the points for a trip?

      • singlemalt72 on 19/01/2024 - 07:42

        points are becoming worth less and less as time goes on and many airlines have instituted a premium economy level stopping you from jumping from economy to business class with points - still the best value is in flight redemptions rather than gift cards if you look at the monetary advantage ( comparing gift cards to the "value" of paying for the upgrades.

  • mapax on 16/01/2024 - 17:42
    +4

    Iā€™ve never been overseas

    • Muzeeb on 16/01/2024 - 17:58
      +6

      Not even to Phillip Island?

      • mapax on 16/01/2024 - 18:31
        +6

        Iā€™ve been there, but it was for work not a holidayā€¦

    • mskeggs on 16/01/2024 - 18:17
      +44

      Bad error, in my opinion. Real risk that you will miss out on a global world view, and the opportunities to improve Australia that come with it.
      One of the depressing things watching Brexit or US politics is seeing people with limited world views being manipulated to believe the UK is number one, and Johnny foreigner is a threat - instead of the reality the all developed countries have advantages and disadvantages, and we can learn and grow from adopting the best from other countries.

      • DashCam AKA Rolts on 16/01/2024 - 19:54
        +10

        Excellent take.
        George W Bush didn't have a passport until gaining office. Take that as you will.

        • mskeggs on 16/01/2024 - 21:27
          +13

          Do you legit believe Australia has nothing to learn from the rest of the world besides the UK and US?
          Back in the 1970s Australians turned their nose up at Thai food, Japanese cars, soccer and heavy metal.
          Even if these and the thousands of other things that have emerged since from all over the world arenā€™t your cup of tea, they definitely enrich our culture.

          • EightImmortals on 17/01/2024 - 07:58
            +5

            @mskeggs: Well lets be fair, it aint all roses and unicorns when it comes to current immigration policies. I could post voluminous numbers of links to problems being caused in the west by mass migrations from particular cultures right now. But yes, I do appreciate the diversity of food and (non harmful) ideas that have come through a diverse population.

            • mskeggs on 17/01/2024 - 08:09
              +4

              @EightImmortals: The post I was replying to suggested because people were only migrating to US/UK/AU the idea there is stuff to learn from visiting other cultures was questionable.

              We didnā€™t gain a love of Japanese cars from Japanese immigration, we got it from learning they had a great product.

        • R-Man on 17/01/2024 - 18:24
          -1

          found the brexit voter

      • infinite on 17/01/2024 - 22:03
        -2

        How come you haven't immigrated to any of those "better" countries then ?

        • mskeggs on 17/01/2024 - 22:19

          Not trying to critique your reading, but I was talking about visiting to learn from others.
          I have lived overseas and would consider doing so again, but I love Australia and probably wouldn't emigrate. I don't pretend we can't be better and learn from others, however.

    • nomoneynoproblems on 16/01/2024 - 21:25
      +7

      We costed a trip to WA for 5 days and decided weā€™d fly to a 5 star resort in Thailand for a week instead. Sorry itā€™s a no brainer.

      • bathuu on 16/01/2024 - 22:02
        -1

        Where and how much?

        • nomoneynoproblems on 16/01/2024 - 23:01
          +2

          Weā€™re in Melbourne and we wanted to go to Perth and rent a car to do a road trip to Coral Bay and Exmouth. Flights and car rental + fuel was already $2000. Accommodation, food and tours was already tipping 4.5-5k so we decided to go Thailand instead. Shame because that part of Australia looks stunning.

          • El cheepo on 16/01/2024 - 23:28
            +2

            @nomoneynoproblems: If you ever do get around to visiting, skip coral bay unless you manage to hire a 4x4 and can go further out of town, as the main beach is pretty much completely dead (coral bleached). It isnā€™t coming back to life anytime soon. Nice for a swim but not much marine life (unless you swim a good 500+ meters out)

            Exmouth is still amazing though.

    • Pcosmic on 16/01/2024 - 22:05
      +1

      Glad I'm downvoted. Because that was sarcasm

    • Emphasise on 17/01/2024 - 09:10
      +1

      Pretty sad when I hear of people that never venture out more than 200km radius of where they were born. We're in a time where travelling to another country is so accessible, obviously within your budget. I know it's very cliche that travelling overseas makes you "find yourself". But I find that it's more of opening your eyes and world view to other cultures, appreciating some of the luxuries we have at home, and how small we are in this world.

    • baldur on 17/01/2024 - 12:36
      -4

      International students are Australia's second biggest income source and yeah support local.

      Lolololololol.

      Patriotism and hyprocrisy at the same time?

      • infinite on 17/01/2024 - 22:14
        +1

        Foreign students are not even remotely our Government's biggest source of income. They account for a tiny minute fraction of one sector of revenue among thousands of other sources, in a market segment that in it's entirety accounts for 5% of incoming revenue. Considering the tens of billions the education sector costs taxpayers to maintain and support every year, it's arguable if the government does much more than break even having to support them with our current infrastructure - which then doesn't take into account having them try and scam their way into residency and permanent welfare leech status afterwards, instead of returning home like they should.

        Personal Income tax, company tax and customs duties account for over half the money the Government takes in each year. Taxation on Super funds comes in next and just these 4 sources account for more than 80% of our GDP.

        https://budget.gov.au/2020-21/content/bp1/index.htm

  • try2bhelpful on 16/01/2024 - 18:37
    +2

    If you can build up the points in a cost effective way it is worth it. The journey is a lot more comfortable in business class. As indicated above if you donā€™t have enough points for all business then do economy for the short legs and business for the long ones when you will want to sleep. You will still get hit with about the same cost as a return economy flight but it is much nicer.

    When we travel in Europe we take trains where it is feasible. City centre to city centre and much more comfortable and picturesque. The trains in Switzerland are amazing.

    We use Air BnB. More bang for buck.

    Weā€™ve found the best time to travel in Europe is September to October.

    Do lots of research to figure out where you are going and why.

    • thrillhouse on 17/01/2024 - 08:39
      +2

      Good advice. Trains in Europe are great; not always the absolute cheapest (at times can be on-par with flying for longer trips); but more comfortable, don't have to deal with security, airport, and it goes from city centre to city centre.

      I've had all good experiences with AirBnBs throughout Europe. Can range from cheap ($100 a night) to expensive, and you usually get what you pay for.

      Having been in Italy during peak Summer and France/Spain during early September; definitely go September. Crowds are generally less intense, and the weather less oppressive (it'll also be cheaper). Many places in Europe also take summer vacation, so there's nothing worse than travelling somewhere to realise a lot of it has closed!

      • nigel deborah on 18/01/2024 - 07:30
        +2

        Italy is lovely in the winter. Basically have all the attractions to yourself.

    • Lastchancetosee on 17/01/2024 - 09:26
      +1

      Great advice. Would add that Premier Economy is a reasonable compromise to get a bit more leg room and seat incline and a few perks if not enough points for Business Class. Sometimes you can bid on that for a lower cost.

      • Smol Cat on 18/01/2024 - 21:52

        Iā€™ve been looking to book Europe in Sept but there is literally nothing in rewards Business. Did I wait too long/too slow?

        Is rewards premium economy a thing? Iā€™ve got so many points but no way to use them.

        • try2bhelpful on 19/01/2024 - 09:55

          Which rewards program are you with? Qantas looks like a bust at the moment but if you are velocity there was a Melbourne to Paris on the 3rd of September one way for 156,400 points and $844 when I looked.

          We have points with both programs and booked September 11 across with Velocity points, Business class two seats, and back on November 2nd with Qantas points, Business and First Class Dubai to Sydney, and we will be economy for the short hops either end. You might get more luck playing with getting business for the long hops and trying economy for the short ones. Select a few hubs for various airlines and check that out.

          When we were looking Qantas in October there were quite a few business class tickets available but generally only one ticket per flight. This is why we chose Business/First because we could get the same flight. Looking around, now, there arenā€™t a lot of business tickets at any time during the year. You might be in a dead patch. If you are willing to risk getting stuck in economy at the end you could wait a tad longer.

          Best of luck.

  • altomic on 16/01/2024 - 18:44
    +3

    My tight arse travel tip is to not strictly plan when and where you are going.

    Just look for the cheap deals to random destination and then tap in dates that are rough suitable for you , and which are cheap.

    I would travel to pretty much anywhere in the world if the ticket was cheap, (except for limits as a parent)

    You're in melb so grab some of those cheap cebu air, scoot, or southern China Airlines flights.

    Like the current Scoot: Athens Return from Perth $741, Melbourne $833, Sydney $857 (Fly October & November) deal.

  • wackedupwacko on 16/01/2024 - 18:55
    -1

    Does half work trips count where i tack on a few day?

  • bolt_krank on 16/01/2024 - 19:28
    +7

    It was fun when I was single, but with a family it's a very expensive exercise.

  • Ocker on 16/01/2024 - 19:32
    +4

    Prior to retiring, my work entailed traveling overseas 15+ time a year and that really put me off overseas travel.
    I am slowly starting to get back into enjoying travel and now do a couple of trips for pleasure a year.
    If for no other reason it is normally cheaper than domestic travel/holidays.

    • R-Man on 17/01/2024 - 18:27
      -1

      What countries did you see while working? I am still susceptible to the allure of business travel

      • Ocker on 18/01/2024 - 19:00
        +1

        I only recently did a count and it was something like 60+. Covering all continents.
        All part of the job - from emergency aircraft landings, to terrorist bombs exploding outside my hotel, attempted muggings, etc., etc.

  • Sawtell on 16/01/2024 - 19:52
    +2

    There are lots of deals where you can get return tickets to somewhere like Vietnam or Bali for under $500 return. Once you are out of Australia its relatively cheap to move around.

  • Sweet3st on 16/01/2024 - 20:12
    +4

    Cheap travel is possible if you're organised and flexible. YOLO, see the world! It will change you as a person and broaden your perspective.

  • try2bhelpful on 16/01/2024 - 20:15
    +20

    Personally I had no real idea the smorgasbord of experiences that was out there until I travelled overseas. You can look at things in books or TV series but nothing matches seeing it in person. The art, the architecture, the food, the natural beauty.

    I was very fortunate to grow up in Geelong where my friends and neighbours were from a spectrum of European cultures. It meant I didnā€™t grow up as an insular WASP. However, nothing prepares you for St Peterā€™s and the Sistine Chapel in Rome. The Duomo in Florence. The sheer monumental beauty of Switzerland. The Louvre, San Chapelle and Musee Dā€™Orsay in Paris. Many more I could name.

    Overseas isnā€™t for everyone but donā€™t let your ideology be the reason you shut yourself in.

    My mother was an avid watcher of travel documentaries but circumstances conspired against her going; not enough money, raising five children, etc. In 2000 we took my mother on ā€œthe grand tourā€. Places in Italy, Switzerland, France and America. She was 64 and fit as a Mallee Bull. I set her up an album of photos I took on the tour and she loved looking through it and discussing the trip with others. This was the first, and as it transpired, only time she travelled overseas. We lost her to lung cancer 5 years later.

    • Emerald Owl on 17/01/2024 - 05:09

      You do know wasps are the most travelled group?

    • Lastchancetosee on 17/01/2024 - 09:28
      +3

      What a wonderful gift to your mother, and yourselves - no regrets and some beautiful memories.

      • try2bhelpful on 17/01/2024 - 10:09
        +2

        Oh absolutely. Iā€™m just so grateful we got the chance to do it.

        Not long before we left I was diagnosed with a Melanoma on my arm. My wonderful GP managed to pull some strings with his cancer specialist mates to get the 1cm excise done before we left. The specialist asked if I could come back in 6 weeks for the checkup and I said I couldnā€™t because I would be in Europe. Iā€™m sure he thought I was bonkers. We were wandering around Europe, my partner and I carrying backpacks, and I was regularly rebandaging my arm. However, if Iā€™d pulled the plug I might never have got her over there and I wouldā€™ve deeply regretted that.

        • Smol Cat on 18/01/2024 - 21:57
          +1

          Iā€™m glad your mum got to go on a wonderful trip. We are going Europe for a month in Sept but I am still unsure where we want to go. Definitely Switzerland as weā€™re big hikers. Maybe Spain, France and Germany too. Let me know of any must see places and Iā€™ll have a look into them. Iā€™m feeling like Iā€™m a bit uncultured with how lost I am every time I try to plan this trip. Just have no idea about Europe.

          • endolphin on 19/01/2024 - 13:29
            +1

            @Smol Cat: Smol Cat, if you are a keen hiker then I highly highly recommend north Italy (The Dolomites). Switzerland is amazing also, but I rate the Dolomites above it. I've seen quite a lot of Europe but it sits at the top for me.

            Look up Seceda, Santa Magdalena, Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braes, just to name a few.

          • try2bhelpful on 19/01/2024 - 15:25
            +1

            @Smol Cat: Weā€™ve never hiked but we do like to walk around places. In Switzerland have a look at Schilthorn with Interlaken. You go by train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen then walk to the Gondalas that take you to Schiltorn, go via the Trummelbach falls. The falls are, actually, inside the mountain on several levels. The Gondalas take you through several villages so you can probably hike down from several areas. I would also recommend Mt Pilatus. There are several trail around the top that give you various views. Zermatt is just stunning. You can get a two day pass that lets you on all of the ā€œridesā€. We spent two days trying to get a perfect shot of the Matterhorn and then nailed it on our balcony. The cloud behind the mountain tinged with the sunset made it look like a horse with a mane.

            In Italy the Cinque Terra is a nice walk between the villages with a ride back on the boat that lets you see them from the water. Also the Lake Como has some lovely walking trails.

            To me Florence is a must see. Just stunning. Pre Book for the Uffizi to ensure you get in.

            Paris we always go back to. Get a Carte De Musee so you donā€™t stand in line waiting for tickets. You will still need to queue up for the metal detectors. San Chapelle is terrific. There is a good walk from the Louvre down to the Arc De Triomphe. The view from the top of the Arc De Triomphe is hilarious. The traffic flow is batshit crazy. Do the Eiffel Tower at dusk to see the lights come up around Paris. We also do a walk from the Pantheon to the Moyen Age Museum and then onto Notre Dame. We used to climb up the bell tower but I understand they donā€™t do it since the fire. The top of Sacre Coeur gives a great view of the city of Paris.

            Get yourself places with a bit of a kitchen, particularly in Switzerland. Prices are insane over there but we generally had a three course meal most days from stuff we could get from the Supermarket. Pre made soups, pastas and a cake. In Paris and Italy you can feast. The Boulangers and Patisseries, supermarkets, markets etc are amazing. If you want to eat out look at Prix Fixe menus, particularly at lunch time.

            If you are going for a month pick at most three countries and work out what you really want to see. Do a lot of research to make sure you see what you want.

            Look into a rail pass that gives you a certain number of days over a one month period. Particularly in Switzerland it can be worth it. If you want to ask me any direct questions Iā€™m happy to help.

            We will be over there in September to early November later this year. If you are into Chateaux the Loire Valley is gorgeous.

            • Smol Cat on 22/01/2024 - 13:32

              @try2bhelpful: Thanks so much for the detailed response, I will definitely look into many of the things you've suggested it. And omg everyone says that about Switzerland and how ridiculously expensive the food is. Will have to plan for some cheapie meals there for sure!

  • kiriakoz on 16/01/2024 - 21:05

    Itā€™s been inconsistent due to Covid but I used that time to pay off most of my home loan so I now go and will continue to go annually.

    I went to India last year for the cricket World Cup (I actually wanted to go to India anyway so timed it with an event) and Iā€™m hoping to go to the European championships in Germany in 6 months.

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 17/01/2024 - 00:53
    +10

    Not enough, as the world is such a huge place filled with lots of cultures, cuisines, experiences and wonderful people :( But I am super stoked and fortunate to have visited 61 countries to date.

    • kiriakoz on 17/01/2024 - 08:56
      +2

      Iā€™ve only been to 54. Thanks for reminding me that I still have work to do.

  • gooner85 on 17/01/2024 - 08:23

    Go on and get out there, explore the world. It can be done by everyone with some planning, a bit of saving and help of points/ozbargain.

    We were able to go to the US with family (one kid) using Qantas points ($300 all up return to LA plus points).
    Once there find cheaper alternative hotels/booking.com for deals and always try and eat what's local to get a better experience and make your money go further. People saying it costs $10k plus for a trip when you can go for a fraction if you do 2/3 stars, use public transport and book when it's cheaper/off/shoulder season and a lot of research

  • thrillhouse on 17/01/2024 - 08:44
    +3

    Generally will travel internationally each year for work, and try to take an international holiday annually as well.
    I love travelling, and all of the benefits that come along with it (food, history, architecture, landscapes, cultures / people).

    Just a shame that Australia is so far from a lot of it (expensive and too-damn-long travel time).

    • try2bhelpful on 17/01/2024 - 08:51
      +3

      Twenty plus hours in the economy section of a plane to get to Europe is awful. I know it is first world problems but it is a tad off putting.

      • thrillhouse on 17/01/2024 - 08:53

        I will only fly exit-row for anything international (sans New Zealand, that's an easy one). It's not a great deal more money, but makes the journey much more bearable (if you can cope with being near the toilet, which isn't for everyone).

        • try2bhelpful on 17/01/2024 - 08:58

          The smell of being near the toilets makes me gag but I could see the extra leg room attraction.

          • Nebargains on 17/01/2024 - 09:16

            @try2bhelpful: When was that last time you were on an international flight near the toilets? Had a seat near the toilets on a flight to the US last year and you cannot smell a thing.

            • try2bhelpful on 17/01/2024 - 10:44

              @Nebargains: True it has been a while because I do tend to avoid this row. Thanks for the update.

              • thrillhouse on 18/01/2024 - 07:26
                +1

                @try2bhelpful: Itā€™s not the smell (I also canā€™t smell a thing), itā€™s the constant doors opening and closing, toilet flushing, and people congregating by your seat.

                With some solid ANC headphones and an eye mask itā€™s mitigated by a fair bit, at least for me. Still donā€™t love it, but I absolutely love putting my legs right out! (Plus not having to climb over anyone to get out of your seat).

                • try2bhelpful on 18/01/2024 - 08:46
                  +1

                  @thrillhouse: Also who doesnā€™t have the fantasy of being the person who saves the day in an emergency by opening the door and helping get everyone one out :)

      • Sweet3st on 17/01/2024 - 09:14
        +1

        I always do a stopover for a day or two to break the journey to Europe. This year it will be Singapore.

        • Sweet3st on 17/01/2024 - 10:53

          I've budgeted my upcoming Italy/Singapore trip at $200/day, not bad for the 24/7 travel experience! I start with a plan well in advance then just jump on good deals as I go and build the trip that way.

  • Nebargains on 17/01/2024 - 09:12
    +1

    I have voted 2 years as that is what I would like to do but realistically it may be 3-5 now that we have a child which does increase the costs somewhat.

    But I struggle with my natural tight arsery to not spend too much money, I mean I can factor it in financially (especially with deals here) but I'm still a cheapo at heart.

    I used to be like this, my wife would say we should go on a holiday and I would always say no, we can't afford it. Then she did the numbers and showed that we could and we could even do it on a pretty tight budget, so we did, spent nearly 5 weeks driving around Europe, was great. Since then (10 years ago), we've been overseas a further 4 times and made so many great memories, absolutely zero regrets.

    Obviously you don't want to break the bank and rack up debt to go on holiday but personally I think it is a fantastic experience if you can plan and budget for it.

  • eek on 17/01/2024 - 09:14
    +2

    Before having kids was multiple times a year, every year….now with 2 young kids, it's not as FUN anymore, so limited to 1-2 trips a year. Travel cost is almost double - more seats on the plane, larger hotel rooms and itinerary has to cater for them as well. We've never really seen much value in traveling Australia. Geographical distances are huge, and everywhere you go is the same IGA/Woollies/Coles, same food, same language, people, no real history or anything different to experience. Yes the scenery is a bit different, but is it really worth the travel time and cost? hmmm.

    • afoveht on 17/01/2024 - 22:06
      +1

      same IGA/Woollies/Coles,

      I love shopping overseas in their regulars / locals and trying new things. Very exciting. Lots of misses but the hits make it worth it.

    • lainey13 on 18/01/2024 - 23:44

      Same boat as you except I have only one small kid. But he is so freaking active we can only handle simple resort style holidays with him I think. So now my FB is flooded with resort package deals and cruises!

  • hothed on 17/01/2024 - 09:14
    +3

    I have 2 young kids , 2 and 1. I guess i wont be going overseas for a decade. Plus have to pay off ridiculous mortgage!

  • 2esc on 17/01/2024 - 09:26
    -1

    Once in my life. There is so much to see here and im not taking about the normal tourist destinations i would onlu go overseas if i won a competition.

    • samfisher5986 on 17/01/2024 - 09:55
      +2

      There is a lot to see here but you can only do it so much before it becomes all very similar. Going overseas keeps everything interesting.

  • ratman on 17/01/2024 - 10:33
    +2

    "I just went on a big holiday and really wished I'd worked and saved money instead" Said no-one ever.

    Travel is the only expenditure almost guaranteed to be worthwhile with zero regrets. Buying a new laptop or kitchen appliance is boring after you take delivery and the new toy feeling wears off.

    • skidexa on 17/01/2024 - 12:37
      +1

      Yep this is it. No one ever says on their deathbeds that they regretted spending money on a holiday instead of saving it lol

    • samfisher5986 on 17/01/2024 - 16:32

      I do agree but there are some really easy ways to burn an insane amount money traveling if you aren't doing it the ozbargain way.

  • JimB on 17/01/2024 - 10:46
    +4

    I use to travel frequently using QFF points, however ever since my Qantas account was recently suspended without notice after I breached their t&cs (multiple times) by booking someone else a reward ticket, they've they cancelled my flights so doesn't look like I will travel any time soon.

  • movieman on 17/01/2024 - 10:53
    +2

    Tips.

    Browse Ozbargain, and when a cheap flight deal comes up, just book it. The hardest part of trip planning is booking your flights.

    Once flights are booked, then you're committed, and it'll be easier to decide accomodation / transfers / locations, etc.

    Whether I've gone overseas for 2-3 weeks, or 14 months, I've always been glad to have been blessed to travel.

    Money saving tips:
    Book cheap flights.
    Get travel insurance (can be complimentary with some credit cards).
    When working out ways to get around, Rio2Rome can be helpful. Tripadvisor's forums are also great especially if the place is more obscure (ie Uzbekistan to Tajikistan).
    Eat local foods if you're willing (usually cheaper, fresh, and you can experience some amazing dishes you'd love to try cook at home: Sticky Rice in Laos, Tapioca pancakes in Brazil, rice cakes in Korea, etc).

  • browser on 17/01/2024 - 10:59
    +6

    Travel more when you are single, once you have a family the cost of travel multiplies very quickly, and you have to make choices between travel vs home improvements vs new family car vs saving for a larger home vs school fees vs investing the future vs a zillion other expenses.

    • JimB on 17/01/2024 - 11:13
      +2

      This.

      Also, unless you pull of your kids out of school for holidays, you will pay more for flights and accommodation.

      Furthermore, once you have 2 kids, you'll have to book a suite or 2 rooms.

      The days of cheap flights and accommodation is over for me. However will start again in a couple of years and we can leave the kids at home.

  • jay2datee on 17/01/2024 - 11:55

    Until COVID and becoming a Dad, I was traveling overseas every 2-3 years.

    First went in 2012, then 2015, 2017 and 2018. We had a big family trip planned for June 2020, but COVID decided that wouldn't go ahead.

    Much harder to save for an overseas trip now than ever before.

    • try2bhelpful on 17/01/2024 - 11:59

      Air fare costs seem to be trending down again. There was a huge spike in demand for holidays after the shutdowns so prices went up. It should get better over the next couple of years. Donā€™t get me started on the insanity of interest rate rises to try to curb inflation but that is what economists around the world reach for.

  • AircraftFreight on 17/01/2024 - 12:18

    For work? Every fortnight
    For leisure? Every few months, completed 4 leisure trips in 2023

  • jizmo on 17/01/2024 - 13:21

    If you're looking at cheap flights and manage to jag a magic date that's ultra cheap, don't think, just buy it and worry later.
    If you remember those dates and try to go back to the same page with the same price, it will have gone forever.

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