25 Planning a Holiday over the Festive Season? Here’s How to Avoid the Holiday Hangover

If there was ever a time to channel Madonna and belt out Holiday — it would be so nice! — it’s the festive season. Between the Christmas chaos, end-of-year burnout, and the annual migration to beaches, airports, and relatives’ spare rooms, the silly season can be a very expensive time to “celebrate.” In today’s episode, we’re talking all things festive travel — the real costs, the hidden costs, and the “I did not budget for this!” costs. Whether you're heading up the coast, flying interstate, or just trying to escape your own kitchen, we’re breaking down how to plan, budget, and enjoy your holiday without coming home to a financial hangover. We are taking a page straight out of Madonna’s book, because if Holiday taught us anything, it’s that taking a break should feel joyful, simple, and liberating — not stressful, guilt-ridden, or funded by a credit card you’ll resent until Easter. We’ll cover: • Why festive-season expenses creep faster than a heatwave • Clever ways to plan your travel budget (that actually stick) • How to avoid blowing the cost-of-living Christmas budget • Smart money moves for accommodation, transport, food and the sneaky extras • And how to start the new year feeling refreshed — not financially frazzled So grab an iced latte, put on your favourite summer playlist, and let’s make this year’s holiday feel less like a financial avalanche… and a little more Madonna-level fabulous.