Yes, you can still get cheap travel for the September school holidays: Here’s how
Tips and tricks to keep the dollars down – even for a last-minute trip.
The spring school holidays are knocking on our doors.
And with the Queen's memorial public holiday falling on Thursday 22 September, you might be thinking of taking the Friday off for a 4-day weekend away.
If you do, you won't be the only one.
New KAYAK data found that flight searches for 17 September – 10 October are up 23% this year, suggesting it's going to be a busy time to travel.
But just because it's busy doesn't mean it has to be expensive.
We've laid out of few tips to get you out and about without breaking the bank.
Fly out late on Thursday 22 September
As most Aussies will be trying to max their holiday time, jet-setting on Wednesday evening or first thing Thursday is a no-brainer.
However, with increased demand comes increased prices, plus queues at the airport that no parent wants to experience with a kid.
To save some dollars (and stress), fly out on Thursday evening.
To put that amount into perspective, right now KAYAK has an 8pm flight from Melbourne to the Gold Coast on 22 September for $198.
Fly on 23 September and that price jumps up $50 to $248.
Avoid a 23–30 September flight itinerary
KAYAK says these are the most searched travel dates this year.
One of the reasons is likely the bonus public holiday on 22 September.
Another is because almost all states and territories are on holiday this week.
Only South Australia and Tasmania have their spring break in the first 2 weeks of October.
If you'd prefer to travel around this week, consider flying on either side of these dates, such as on 22–29 September.
Otherwise, travelling on 6, 8 or 10 October will help keep your holiday budget at bay.
Travel south
Queensland hotspots the Gold Coast and Cairns are some of the most searched for domestic destinations this school break.
Other popular spots are Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.
Steer clear of these destinations and check out Hobart or Adelaide instead.
Adelaide-Melbourne, Melbourne-Hobart and Sydney-Hobart are some of the most affordable routes over the September holidays, with average return fares under $300 return.
Travelling around NSW? Use your Parents NSW and Stay NSW vouchers
Both the Parents NSW and Stay NSW vouchers are expiring on 9 October.
If you still have some left, now's as good a time as any to cash them in.
Parents NSW vouchers can be put towards experiences or accommodation. They're stackable as well, so if you have the full $250 still in your pocket, you can put it towards a hefty bill.
Stay NSW vouchers can only be used on accommodations.
Each individual will have received a $50 voucher and these can be pooled together to pay for a stay.
Unfortunately, you can't combine Parents NSW and Stay NSW vouchers.
- KAYAK: School Holiday Travel Insights 13 September 2022
Looking for a cheap break? Check out the best September travel deals here.
