Holiday fun without bills | Bay of Plenty Lifestyle News | Health, Fashion, Food and Wine in Bay of Plenty

Here are some valuable tips on how to budget holiday spending to enjoy a debt-free, stress-free Kiwi summer season filled with holiday fun.

House swap

Cut out accommodation costs entirely by swapping houses with another family. Think a Kiwiana version of the movie The Holiday, where it's Whangamata and Raglan instead of Los Angeles and London. Whether you live in a beach holiday spot or in a city, there's bound to be a family that would appreciate the change of scenery.

There's always a slight risk involved but the odds are the other party will respect your home as they hope you respect theirs.

This is a great option for families with kids as extras such as trampolines, swing sets and toys are all there ready to go. Search online to find a willing swap partner, or call home owners listed on holiday-home websites to see if they're willing to swap.

Book a bach

If lending out your house isn't your style, how about simply renting someone else's bach for the holidays? It can work out far cheaper than booking a motel or hotel, particularly for a large group. The general rule of thumb is, the more people in your party, the better value it will be.

Apart from having the comforts of home, the big advantage when it comes to saving money is having access to a kitchen. Popular websites to check out include bookabach.co.nz, holidayhomes.co.nz or holidayhouses.co.nz

Discount websites

Luxury accommodation which may usually be out of your reach can become a reality if you snap up a deal on one of the many group buying sites.

Graboneescapes.co.nz and similar sites offer great deals on accommodation. An example is a recent deal for two nights and breakfast for two at Wai Hou Oma Lodge, Kai Iwi Lakes, for $199 - down from $410.

Coupon holiday

Still on the theme of group buying websites, there are plenty of discount attractions to be found on these sites.

For a month or two before you go, regularly check out these sites for the region you will visit.

Plan activities around free or low-cost attractions - playgrounds, beaches, lakes, local swimming pools, and have picnics. Building a kite and flying it on the beach with your kids can be a fun way to bond with them.

Food

Food is a big expense on any holiday. Many attractions have hefty prices at their cafes, the worst offenders being theme parks and museums, often for disappointing food like soggy sandwiches and greasy hot chips.

The solution? Pack your own. Take with you a cooler bag with soft sides - these are easier and lighter to carry around than chilly bins - with an ice pack in it. Pack sandwiches, muesli bars and fruit which will keep even the fussiest member of the family happy.

Another important tip is to pack your own drinks, especially in summer. If you're going to be out all day, freeze a few water bottles the night before - by the afternoon they will have melted but will be nice and cold.

Sleep under the stars

Camping is the quintessential Kiwi holiday, and short of bunking with friends or borrowing a family bach for free, tenting is your cheapest option. If you don't have a tent, email friends to see if anyone will lend you one.

If at a camping ground choose an unpowered site, which are cheaper, and use the campground kitchen facilities.

Get back to natureOne of New Zealand's best kept secrets is Department of Conservation camping sites. DoC manages more than 250 vehicle-accessible camping areas on conservation land.

Fees can be as low as $6 an adult per night - surely one of the best deals in the country. Most sites are basic, offering a real camping experience - you won't find swimming pools and trampolines here.

Some tent sites, such as at Dickey Flat in Tauranga, operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Campers are asked to pay campsite fees using the envelopes and locked box provided at the entrance. If near a lake, take fishing rods so you can catch a free dinner. Enjoy activities like bush walks and beach cricket, rather than spending money on excursions.

Stay close to home

Choosing a holiday destination less than two hours' drive away will save you money on petrol, and time. Check out hotel deals on websites such as wotif.co.nz, and choose a town near you.

Many people don't know the beauty of the places in their own backyard.

Make a budget

Sit down and decide how much you want to spend on this holiday, and divide it into the number of days you're going to be away. Here is your basic holiday budget. If you want to take in some expensive attractions such as a boat trip or theme park, make sure you factor in some cheap days such as beach trips so it evens out.

Making a budget will mean you can enjoy your holiday without stressing out about how much you are spending. . Using cash can help you keep an eye on how much you are spending. Give kids some holiday pocket money so they know how much they have to spend - and when it's gone, it's gone.