New Zealand on Less

4 Ways to Everyday Savings for Backpackers

© Francesca Regazzoni

Jul 14, 2009
Backpacker Van, Mark Seppings
Targeting the main areas of everyday expenses to create daily savings allows independent travellers to stretch their dollars.

There are 4 simple ways to cut daily expenses and easily save money on a trip in New Zealand without sacrificing the over all experience of travel. By keeping these tips in mind, accommodation, transportation, fuel and grocery expenses become areas where everyday savings can be made.

Budget Backpacker Hostels Membership

Registering under this network offers independent travellers preferential sleeper rates that earn $3.00 savings or more on fixed prices as well as free online bookings that save another $2.00. BBH card holders also get great discounts on independent operator coach lines and car rental fees. Furthermore, the card comes preloaded with $20.00 of low cost calling.

Go Jayride or Buy-Back on Transportation

Online notice boards are available for those interested in avoiding high car rental fees and petrol purchases by sharing a ride or carpooling. Travellers post their departure city and next destination with an asking price for the shared ride as well as side notes on their preferred travelling companion, such as non-smoking.

Another option for travellers requiring private transportation is the buy back, where a written agreement guarantees a 30-50% repurchase on the vehicle. The fixed price on the buy back can also serve as insurance on how much money will be made on the sale provided the vehicle is returned in the same condition, thus avoiding the negotiations with prospective buyers at car markets and fairs. Conditions on distance limitations vary from buy back outlet to outlet.

Use Grocery Coupons at Participating Petrol Stations

Most petrol stations have ongoing promotions with leading supermarkets where a minimum grocery purchase starting at $60.00 gains the shopper a $4.00 discount on a per litre basis on petrol tanking made within 30 days of purchase. A cap of 150 liters is imposed and the coupon cannot be used in conjunction with other ongoing fuel discounts and promotions.

Buy Produce at Road Stalls

Self-catering is more convenient than eating out, saving not just on restaurant prices but parking fees as well. While Farmers’ Markets are popular and diffused in all regions and their centres, New Zealand’s vast range of local produce derived from its strong vegetable and fruit growing industries can be purchased at road stalls anywhere, anytime. The best places to buy fresh fruit is often right outside orchards, marked by carton signs advertising the deal.

Savings made through these approaches to everyday expenses can round up to a significant amount for long term travellers in New Zealand who'd rather focus on travelling than cutting costs.


The copyright of the article New Zealand on Less in New Zealand Travel is owned by Francesca Regazzoni. Permission to republish New Zealand on Less in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Backpacker Van, Mark Seppings
Local Produce, Xandert
     


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