The Gold Coast’s Economical Holiday Options
September 9, 2009 by Damian Papworth
Filed under Destinations
You are probably aware by now that we are entering a period where cash is a going to be a little bit tighter for all of us. With record high oil prices, we are paying more and more for the petrol we need in our cars. With inflation on the rise, we spend more for the day to day necessities of life. With both interest rates and rental prices increasing, no matter if you own or rent your home, you will be paying more for it this year, than you were last year. Something has to give.
In this context, it is typical for most families to sacrifice their yearly vacation/holiday. With the going getting tough, a holiday can be seen as just one large expense. By forsaking such a trip, the rest of the year can be rendered a little more bearable and easy. INCORRECT! Missing out on the fun and relaxation of a good holiday will be likely to make you loathe the rest of your year: you’ll reach year’s end in tatters, barely having survived, no more. That’s not what we are here in this life to do. We need to live, not merely survive.
A year of hard work merits you a reward, something you can look forward to with joy and anticipation. Furthermore, it’s necessary to get away to recharge one’s batteries for the next spell of drudgery. A good holiday is in this sense another necessity of your life, not simply a luxury. Holidays are that much more important when the going gets rough, the need for some downtime and unloading bad energy is that much greater.
Despite all of this being true, there is absolutely no reason why you should end up spending a fortune on your vacation. In this article we try to point out some of the more economical vacation opportunities along the Gold Coast, opportunities liable to trim several hundreds of dollars from your holiday budget. All of that without forsaking any of the relaxation or fun such a vacation necessarily entails.
Getting there: to find cheap airfares to your destination there are a few different strategies. Here’s a look at some of them:
Reward Programs – Assuming you’re not yet a member of such programs, you should become one ASAP. Sign up for a frequent flier program and/or a credit card reward program. Go ahead and transfer the points on your credit card to your frequent flier account and cash in on the discount this affords you.
Discount Carriers – Don’t fly full service airlines. Stick to the discount carriers, and sign up to all their email newsletters. You’ll be amazed at the deals they have.
Flight Comparison Services – These kinds of services help customers narrow down a list of truly competitive pricing options for their flight, defined by a specific date range. Through such comparisons much of the fine-comb work is eliminated, meaning a simpler selection process and better results.
Staying there: Similar alternatives exist with accommodation. Remember too, the hotels know people cannot afford expensive holidays at the moment. They are discounting like crazy!
Reward programs – While not as well known, many hotels chains and booking services have reward programs. If you are a member of any of these, use your points now. If not, sign up to accumulate points for next time.
Accommodation comparison services – Search engines like these will find you the best option for the quality/price you need.
Consider other options – Hotels don’t have to be part of a vacation, as other alternatives exist. Hostels for backpackers are one option to consider for those searching for a “shared” experience. For those demanding more privacy, there are always B&Bs, holiday apartments and RV parks, all rich in cheap possibilities.
Enjoying the destination: the Gold Coast’s biggest pride has to be its many excellent surf beaches. Hence, entertainment during your vacation can be had absolutely without charge if you packed a swimsuit and towel. There is no end to the body surfing, swimming and tanning to be done.
For travelers looking for a bit of adventure, you can use the long-term surf rental services offered along the coast. The difference with the normal surf rental houses is that, given a long-term rental contract, you have access to much more reasonable and affordable rates, opening up the activity to a broader crowd.
Farther from the beach there are tons of entertainment opportunities for folks with some creativity and ability to plan ahead. For example, Australia’s east coast is always attracting free music and arts festivals (which bring big crowds with them inevitably), not to mention the cute little marketplaces and popular sporting events. For some nighttime fun, go to the Surf Life Saving Clubs for cheaper than average drinks and an opportunity to support a valid cause, all in a vibrant environment.
In light of all these opportunities, your Gold Coast vacation can be just as fun as always, and not cost you more than your budget!
Damian Papworth understands that for cheap all inclusive holidays, the Gold Coast is a sensational place. Start by buying some cheap Gold Coast accommodation, and see what your providers will throw in with the deal.