Holiday Goddess editor Sue Ostler explores Sydney for less.
If you want to save money when you travel, the first thing is to get into the mindset and turn the issue into a challenge. I’ve called my budget the fudget – the Fun Budget. My point is simply this: I don’t want to miss out on the fun stuff, nor do I wish to go broke enjoying all that our wonderful cities have to offer.
The facts of frugal-dom are thus: Online shopping will save you money, Groupon offers will save you money, preparing your own meals and packing lunch will save you loads of money, as will voucher books, Early Bird deals, fresh food markets and savvy retail choices. Build these fudget tactics into your weekly time-table and you’ll be laughing, otherwise you may go broke.
The best thing about the fudget is, you don’t have to miss out.
As a laptop warrior who depends on Wi-Fi cafes/coffee shops, galleries and libraries, I don’t leave home without a packed lunch and a sprinkling of snacks. That said, I’m only human so I factor in some treats, I just try to be canny about it. A flat white – hold-the-choc-mocha-cherry-coconut-double-cream-frapp–latte thanks – and you can still find an excellent brew for under $3.00. That’s a $5.00 per day outlay rather than $15.00. You’re saving money already!
So far so fabulous. Go the fudget!
But, and here’s where it gets tricky – the weekends. Then it’s time to wheel out the well-heeled friends who like to see and be seen in the most fabulous places. Fair enough, but do I have to spend my entire freakin’ food fudget for the privilege?
So far as I can see, Sydney and Melbourne are overflowing with what are unquestionably the best food and drink options on the planet. And they are keen for your business, that’s why they offer great deals like Happy Hour and special promotions. Fancy a free manicure with your Martini? No problem!
Sue blogs at Women in Focus. Share your fudget secrets with her there.
Holiday Goddess Contributing Editor Shonagh Walker recommends complimentary hair miracles in Sydney at the new Zuush Bar at The Ivy. It’s a free five-minute express hair touch-up from the Brad Ngata team. Plus you’ll get the chance to win a $1370 Makeopver package including personal styling by designer, Fleur Wood, a hair makeover with hair-maestro Ngata himself, and professional makeup.
Sydney’s Best Free/Cheap Luxury
- Take the ferry to Manly from Circular Quay (it’s a mini-cruise!) and stroll along the beach. Buy half-a-dozen oysters and eat them on the waterfront.
- Enjoy gazing at that millionaire art collector’s favourite, Brett Whiteley, in The Art Gallery of NSW. Take in a free film, as recommended by Holiday Goddess editor Alana Hunt. Enjoy a drink on the cafe terrace and gaze at Sydney Harbour.
- Chinatown is Queen for dinner under AUD$10. Pick up takeaway from either of the food halls in the mall, then walk to Darling Harbour to dine al fresco, with views.
- Read the world’s glossiest magazines and a huge range of newspapers in Paddington Library. It’s like having a subscription to all of them – free. Later, enjoy a hot chocolate at Max Brennan, at the top of Oxford Street. Another great source for international magazines and newspapers? Editor Kris McIntyre loves Customs House at Circular Quay. Totally free. If you’re in Sydney on a working holiday or spending 2-3 months then don’t miss the brilliant clothes recycling scheme, Round She Goes. And make sure you’re on time for the May 5th Garage Sale Trail. More than 3000 households participated in the project last year, and you may set up your holiday home or find a new wardrobe just by registering. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore loves it and so do we. Fudget!
