What you can do to get a Break as a Mum
You love your kids, but sometimes you want some time out or a holiday away on your own.
Or a ‘girls night out’ which can simply be hanging out with friends.
The budget doesn’t always stretch to accommodate this, so here are some ways you can make it happen.
I cover everything from getting money through to childcare and tips on booking cheaper holidays.
Do not feel guilty for taking some time out for yourself or doing something you want to do.
Partners don’t need to be together 24/7 and if you are single, it’s totally fine to go away as well.
If you want a holiday, here’s how you can make it happen without breaking the bank.
Disclosure – I use affiliate links in my posts only for services or products I personally use. Read my full disclosure here.
Find The Money
I know budgets are tight and everyone budgets differently.
If you are single-parent household you decide how you spend your money whereas partners/spouses need to discuss it.
If you have ‘sanity money’ in your budget, as in money you get to do what you want with, you could use this.
Alternatively, if you are a couple, you could look at how you can both get a weekend away (together or individually) and work it into the budget.
Without taking money from the budget per se, here are some ways to get the cash you need:
Online Surveys
Online surveys can be done from your phone while waiting to pick up the kids from school or while waiting at the doctors, kids sports or anywhere else.
Most have apps, otherwise, you can do them on your computer while watching TV at night. Find a list of the best Aussie ones here.
Free Offers
Scour the web for freebies and cash them in! Set up a separate account and put the cash or savings in there.
As for freebies, we have a full list here, plus birthday freebies here. To get you started, get your first HelloFresh box free here.
Sell Things
I have posted before about how I buy things to resell, what I sell, where I sell it and how I’ve made over $10,000 a month doing it. This can be a relatively quick way to get enough for a holiday if you know what to look for and what sells in your area.
Enter Competitions
Enter competitions for holidays and other prizes. I have found blog competitions to be the best option with fewer entries and great prizes. I don’t have any specific ones to recommend, however, location-specific and travel bloggers tend to have good ones.
Get Childcare Sorted
This is probably the hardest part. If you are partnered, discuss the option of each of you getting a weekend away on your own or with friends.
Alternatively, see if you can do a childcare swap with friends or family where they have your kids one weekend and you have theirs on another (or a few days, whatever works best).
If needed you can look at after-school care on days you are away if they fall midweek to make it easier for each other too.
Reduce The Cost
Work out the budget you are willing to spend on a weekend away or whatever holiday you want, then work out how to make it happen.
1. Use Incognito Mode or Clear Your History
Websites use cookies to track what you do online. If you are comparing prices or going back to sites, it is best to clear your browser so you get the best offers.
2. Use Reward Points
Cash in reward points whether through Qantas frequent flyer program, Virgin Velocity or points through programs such as FlyBuys, Everyday Rewards and similar to either save money on your trip or save money in other areas of the budget to redirect your cash for the trip.
3. Compare
Do your research. Personally, I have found good bargains on Airbnb for accommodation, Groupon for meals, attractions and complete trips plus I check sites such as Momondo and Skyscanner for flights.
4. Book Early
Flights get more expensive the closer they are to the date of travel. Once you have dates locked in, booked your flights or do a little research to find out the best time to book for your particular destination.
5. Go Last Minute
If you are flexible, cruises and hotels can have incredible last minute deals at significant discounts to regular prices. However, this reduces your options and if you need flights can increase the cost of your trip in other ways.
6. Travel in a Group
If it’s a weekend away with friends, look for group discounts or split the cost of everything to save more money. Everything from accommodation to transport can be discounted when split among a group.
Everyone deserves a break! Where would you like to go?
For more ways to make and save money follow us on social media:
TheThrifty Issue Facebook Page
The Thrifty Issue Facebook Group
