Tumbrella

Much of the joy of travel is about finding out secrets, our own discoveries, things not mentioned in the guidebook.

Whether it’s how to stay somewhere cheaper, or how to find an even better beach with no bugger on it, hundreds of priceless tips get passed on along the backpacker grapevine. We’ve been sent some great ones lately and thought we’d share.

Disappearing into an an Outback sunset

Truck Off
In Australia, buy a car. You get to see much more of the country and have the flexibility to go where you want, when you want. It’s also cheaper in the long run if you give people lifts in return for petrol money. You can also carry more stuff.
Ben Thombs, England

We’re no fuels
Whether you plan to buy or rent a car during your trip, you can save fuel (thus money) this way: drive smoothly, check the tire pressure frequently, do not drive too fast if you are not in a hurry, service your car regularly, share fuel costs with as many people as you can take in the car and finally, use the discount dockets from your supermarket.
Julien Warrant, Belgium

A Brissie bargain
In Brisbane, get the bus/train/ferry “all day” ticket for one and two zones. It’s a great money saver. For $5.40 you get around everywhere, with all transport, such as a trip to the Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha by bus and move on to a river- cruise with the same ticket!
Keren Mcsweeney, Israel

Pick your harvest work
If you’re looking for harvest work, do the research on-site. Drive out to the farms, talk to the farmers and see if they have locals working for them. If so, the pay and conditions are probably fair. Be aware of sub-contractors out to make money by supplying cheap labour (ie. backpackers).
Jemiel Malouf, Australia

Local knowledge
Always cross-reference what you’re told when you get somewhere new. Try to find a friendly local, who doesn’t stand to make a profit, to ask about things to do and places to go. Don’t just rely on what your hostel and the local tourist office says.
Simon Maghnagi, England

Flies undone
If you’re unlucky enough to get a load of flies in your car or campervan, try opening all the windows and driving around in circles. That should get rid of them. The only problem is you’ll just have to make sure you then keep the windows shut.
Des Hetherington, England

Great book
Before you book your car/ campervan, ring the office to see what’s available. If the cheap ones are gone, check out if their website has been updated. If not, book it, and you’ll be upgraded when they realise you’ve booked but they’re out of it. It has worked for us five times!
Stephen Ward, Ireland

Looking week
Try putting petrol in on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. The prices go considerably up towards and during the weekend (and on public holidays). It can save you up to 10 cents per litre. Do the maths!
Tjisse & Maaike, The Netherlands

Sachet up
Grab a handful of those little sachets of sugar and coffee, plus tea bags, whenever you see them in cafes. The coffee is normally just about drinkable, but they’re free and it means you don’t have fill your bags with heavy jars or, more likely, simply go without.
Pete Brooker, England

Do you agree or disagree with any of these? Got anything to add? Feel free to leave comments below