Travel hacking on a budget: How to best manage your travel money with the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard®

Planning a trip overseas? Worried about managing your money abroad? Don't sweat it, this guide will show you how to become a travel money whiz with the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard® by your side.  

Become a Flight Ninja: 

• Embrace flexibility: Be open to different travel dates and times. Weekdays and off-peak seasons often offer cheaper flights. Consider flying into less popular airports near your destination city, and lesser-known airlines.  
• Utilise flight deal websites and apps: Several websites and apps like Google Flights, Kayak, Skyscanner, and Hopper aggregate deals and track flight prices. Set price alerts for your desired destinations. 
• Consider Alternative Routes: Sometimes flying direct can cost more, so you might consider exploring connecting flights or open-jaw flights (flying into one city and out of another) which might be cheaper, but also allow you to see another city. 

Master the art of affordable stays: 

• Hostels and guesthouses: Hostels offer dorm-style rooms or shared accommodations at a fraction of the price of hotels. Guesthouses often provide a more local experience with a lower price tag. 
• House sitting and home exchange: Some companies connect travellers with homeowners willing to swap houses or have their homes looked after while they're away. This provides free or low-cost accommodation and a unique cultural experience.  
• Consider alternative locations: Research neighbourhoods outside the city centre or lesser known outside of tourist hotspots. You might find charming and affordable options where you may see more of the authentic side to the city. 

Embrace the budget-friendly mindset: 

• Free activities rule: Many destinations offer free walking tours, museums with free admission days, and hidden gems waiting to be explored. Utilise travel blogs and local resources to discover these options. 
• Become a foodie on a budget: Skip expensive restaurants and explore street food stalls or local markets for delicious and authentic meals. Consider cooking some meals in your accommodation to save even more. 
• Slow travel: Instead of rushing through multiple destinations, focus on exploring one place in depth. This allows you to appreciate the local culture and save on transportation costs. 

Bonus hacks: 

• Travel prepaid cards: Consider a travel card that offers $0 currency conversion fees like the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard (when you spend and load in the same currency). Manage your budget better with a travel card – as you can only spend what you load, and it is not connected to your everyday savings or credit card accounts. Locking in rates before your travels means you’ll know exactly how much you have to spend.¹ 
• Avoid dodgy exchange tellers who may offer unfriendly rates: Instead tap and swipe your Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard at millions location worldwide.²  
• Use public transport: Many cities have excellent public transport systems with passes offering unlimited travel for a set period. This is a much cheaper alternative to taxis or rental cars, especially in larger cities. 
• Discount passes: Make sure you check out the local tourist centre and ask if there are multi-passes to save on admission fees to top tourist attractions. 
• Use travel apps: Look up things to do or restaurant reviews and places to stay on the go (like TripAdvisor). Use the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard App to keep track of your spend or top up your card anywhere, anytime.  
• Work abroad: Volunteering or working holiday programs allow you to experience a new culture while earning money to support your travels. 

Remember: Travel hacking is about being resourceful and creative. With a little planning and these tips, you can embark on amazing adventures without sacrificing your budget. So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and get ready to explore the world on your own terms. 

The Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard® is your travel mate so you can manage your finances like a pro. Focus on creating amazing memories, not stressing about finances. Visit your local Post Office or auspost.com.au/travelcard to get your card.  

The Card is issued by EML Payment Solutions Limited ABN 30 131 436 532, AFSL 404131 (‘Issuer’). Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Australia Pty Ltd ABN 47 145 452 044 AFSL 386837 (‘Mastercard Prepaid’) is the distributor of the Card, supplies the processing services for the Card and is responsible for customer service in relation to the Card. Australian Postal Corporation ABN 28 864970 579 (‘Australia Post’) is an authorised distributor of the Card and is an Authorised Representative (AR No. 338646) of Australia Post Services Pty Ltd (ABN 67 002 599 340, AFSL 457551). You should consider the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard Product Disclosure Statement, Financial Services Guide and Target Market Determination available at https://auspost.com.au/personal/money-travel/prepaid-cards before deciding to acquire the product. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you.

Mastercard® and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Your actual card design may vary depending on where and when the card is purchased.

¹ No currency conversion fees when you load and spend in the same currency. 

² Lock in your exchange rates means the exchange rate is locked in for the initial load only. The exchange rates for subsequent reloads will be set at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction.

³ Excludes transactions at ATMs, over the counter at financial institutions and merchants who elect not to accept Mastercard Prepaid™ cards. Merchants or other providers may impose limits on use of the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard.