Tips for Budget-wary Travellers

The credit crunch has reached far and wide, and it's got people talking about budgeting and saving over the festive season. Even though most people are shortening their holidays, they're not putting them off altogether, meaning it's possible for even the most budget-wary students to travel home or on holiday without breaking the bank. You can save by making a budget, comparing flights, looking for deals and booking student-oriented accommodation.

Be sure to make a budget: Set aside some money for the festive season expenses, whether you choose to spend it on gifts or nice meals. Try to cut costs by eating in, getting a part-time job and avoiding unnecessary expenses such as a night on the town. Add the money you save to your travel fund.

Look for cheap flights: Browse flights in advance (airlines open bookings up to three month ahead) or if you're flexible and travelling off-season, wait until nearer the time. Search for flight promotions and compare costs across different airlines to get cheap Sydney flights as well as to LA, London and other major centres around the world.

Reserve cheaper accommodation: While flights are a part of the expense, accommodation makes up the rest. Look for youth hostels, backpackers and self-catering accommodation that are cheaper than hotels, but remember to read reviews and check locations. You don't want to be stranded outside a foreign city, paying your savings in transport costs every day.