Travelling with your family can be one of life's greatest joys, but it can also be a significant financial undertaking.

However, 2024 is shaping up to be a year where savvy Australian families can hit the road or take to the skies without breaking the bank.

With a little planning and some insider knowledge, you can save a fortune on your next family holiday.



Here are some unbelievably cheap travel secrets that will have you packing your bags in no time.

Book Early for Bargain Flights

According to travel experts, now is the time to book your 2024 holiday.


Flight Centre Chief Executive Graham Turner has indicated that while prices to destinations like Europe and North America won't return to pre-COVID levels due to inflation and the passage of time, there are still incredible deals to be found for those who plan ahead.

'We already are seeing some really good fares, London with China Southern for example is about $1400, now that's in June, which is peak season.'

The key is to keep an eye out for early bird specials and to be flexible with your travel dates.



Cruising on a Budget

For those who prefer the leisurely pace of a cruise, 2024 is set to be a banner year.

Quentin Long from Australian Traveller notes a 14 per cent increase in cruise ships coming to Australia.

The Icon of the Seas, the largest ship to date, will set sail with deals like Royal Caribbean offering 40 per cent off most of their cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Lines and Celebrity Cruises are also offering significant discounts, with the latter giving 75 per cent off for a second passenger.

Virgin Voyages is even offering cruises from $149 per night per person.

With such competitive pricing, a family cruise might be more affordable than you think!



Local Escapes for Less

If international travel isn't on your radar, there's plenty of value closer to home.

The Gold Coast remains a popular and affordable destination.

'Staying at the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, five nights, it's only $1099 for two people, that's a saving of 50 per cent,' Long shared.

Local travel deals are abundant, and with the right timing and package, you can enjoy a premium holiday experience at a fraction of the cost.



Caravanning and Camping Adventures

For the Dougherty family and many others, caravanning is the ultimate way to enjoy a cost-effective holiday.

The affordability of caravan sites compared to hotels, coupled with the charm of local vendors like the ice cream and prawn man, make for an unforgettable and budget-friendly experience.

'For 10 or 14 days, what you can pay for a caravan site would be three or four days in a hotel,' Troy Dougherty said.

'The ice cream man comes through twice a day, the prawn man comes through…perfect,' he added.

Rob 'The Duck' Smith, host of The Camping & Off Road Radio Show on 2GB, suggested using technology to your advantage.

'I think technology plays a huge part in camping and caravanning these days,' Smith shared.

'You can get all these apps like hip camp where you can just jump on and find yourself a cheap spot, you can get camp spots for $20 a night.'
Members, where is your ultimate holiday destination this 2024? Let us know in the comments below!