We all know the feeling. It is the first week of January, the Christmas decorations are coming down, and you have just checked your bank balance. Between the gifts, the parties, and the seafood, December was expensive.
But just because your wallet is on a diet doesn’t mean you have to spend the rest of summer locked inside. The weather is still perfect, and the days are still long. You just need to change how you travel.
Here is how to keep the road trip dream alive without breaking the bank this month.
Downsize Your Ride
We all love the space of an SUV, but do you really need it for a day trip to the coast? If you’re a couple or a small family, downsizing to a Compact or Economy vehicle is the easiest way to immediately slash your costs.
Smaller cars aren’t just cheaper to rent; they are significantly more affordable to fuel. A Toyota Corolla, a Suzuki Swift or Hyundai i30 can run on the smell of an oily rag compared to a large wagon, leaving you more cash for fish and chips at the beach.
The “Supermarket Stop” Strategy
The highest hidden cost of any road trip isn’t the fuel—it’s the convenience food. Paying $15 for a servo sandwich or $30 for a pub lunch adds up fast.
Make your first stop the local supermarket. Grab a cooler bag, a loaf of bread, some cold cuts, and a 6-pack of water. Picnic spots in Australia are world-class (and free), and eating al fresco is usually nicer than a crowded café anyway.
Dodge the Weekend Surcharge
If you are still on leave or have flexible days off, avoid driving on Saturday and Sunday. Accommodation and parking prices often spike on weekends. By shifting your day trip to a Tuesday or Wednesday, you will find quieter roads, easier parking, and often better deals on activities.
Ready to Hit the Road?
You don’t need a luxury budget to have a luxury experience. A sunny day, a good playlist, and the open road are all you need.
If you are looking to get away for less, check out our range of cheap car hire options. Our Economy fleet is designed to get you from A to B reliably, comfortably, and with enough money left over to actually enjoy the destination.
