Recession Friendly Holidays

Wherever you go, stay in a hostel—they’re usually around 70% cheaper than hotels. Yes, it’s a dorm environment, but that just means you get to meet more people! Many hostels offer free city tours and discounts on local activities, and if you shop around, you can usually score one with free breakfast.

 

With flights to Sydney as low as $129 each way, it’s hard to resist jumping on the next plane over. Luckily, there are plenty of low-cost things to do once you’re there. Stroll around the gorgeous harbour and take some silly pictures in front of the Opera House. Spend a day sunbathing, surfing, or people-watching at iconic Bondi Beach. If you’re an art or nature lover, good news—the major galleries have no admission charge, and neither do the Botanic Gardens.

Can afford a splurge? Check out the legendary shopping along Oxford Street or the Pitt Street Mall. Worn out from all that sightseeing and retail therapy? Pick a funky café to chill in and watch the world go by.

 

Only a slight step up from Sydney at around $188 each way, the Gold Coast is a perfect winter getaway. What better antidote to New Zealand’s gloomy weather than sunny beaches stretching on for miles? The area’s many theme parks, including Sea World, Dreamworld, and Wet‘n’Wild, can be pricey, but most hostels offer discounted passes.

Of course, working on your tan at the beach is totally free, and hiring a surfboard (or taking a surfing lesson) won’t break the bank. Just remember that you won’t be getting a lot of sleep while you’re here—the Gold Coast is party central!

 

Dreaming of long white beaches and crystal-clear water? Waking up to the sound of the ocean and breakfasting on tropical fruit? Rarotonga is the place for you. The lagoon surrounding the island provides fantastic snorkelling, and if you’re feeling adventurous, hiking trails take you through tropical jungle and gorgeous mountain scenery. If chilling with a pina colada in hand is more your style, consider a lagoon cruise, and of course there’s always those white-sand beaches.

One of our closest Pacific islands, flights to Rarotonga will set you back around $233 each way, while hostels start at $20 a night and hotels at $60.

 

So you’d like to venture a little further afield, maybe experience a culture that’s totally different from our own? Thailand has a wealth of things to discover, from otherworldly beaches to raucous urban centres bustling with life. Start in Bangkok, the city that doesn’t slow down. Wander through the markets for incredible bargains. Visit a Buddhist temple and marvel at its elaborate decoration before heading to a local restaurant for a taste of genuine Thai cuisine.

Once the noise and chaos get too much, escape south to one of the many islands; Ko Samui or Phuket are good choices for a little R&R. Flights to Bangkok will cost you around $1045 return, but once you get there, everything’s ridiculously cheap, budget hotel rooms start at $15 and restaurant meals at $3.

 

If an overseas holiday would stretch your skimpy budget too far, don’t despair! There are so many things to discover right here at home. Flights between main centres run as low as $30 each way, making it easy to book a quick getaway at the other end of the country. Kidnap your guy for a weekend break in gorgeous Wanaka or cute Russell. Explore one of our amazing national parks—Fiordland and Abel Tasman are two favourites. Chill in the natural spas at Hot Water Beach.

Grab some friends on a whim and road-trip; you’re guaranteed to find something beautiful. Check out the AA’s ‘101 Must-Dos for Kiwis’ for inspiration, or failing that, just hop in your car and drive.

 
Rebekah White