Search

Hotel booking sites actually make it hard to get cheap deals, but there’s a way around it

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-martin-682709">Peter Martin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/crawford-school-of-public-policy-australian-national-university-3292">Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University</a> Booking a place to stay on holidays has become a reflex action. The first thing many of us do is open a site such as <a href="https://www.wotif.com/">Wotif</a>, <a href="https://au.hotels.com/?locale=en_AU">Hotels.com</a> or <a href="https://www.trivago.com.au/">trivago</a> (all of which are these days owned by the US firm <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-will-not-oppose-expedia%E2%80%99s-proposed-acquisition-of-wotif">Expedia</a>), or their only big competitor, <a href="https://www.booking.com/">Booking.com</a> from the Netherlands. Checking what rooms are available – anywhere – is wonderfully easy, as is booking, at what usually seems to be the lowest available price. But Australia’s Assistant Competition Minister Andrew Leigh is concerned there might be a reason the price seems to be the lowest available. It might be an <a href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/andrew-leigh-2022/media-releases/supporting-tourism-and-accommodation-providers-set-their">agreement not to compete</a>, or the fear of reprisals against hotel owners who offer better prices. <h2>Agreements to not compete</h2> Leigh has asked the treasury to investigate, and if that’s what it finds, it may be the booking sites have the perverse effect of keeping prices high, especially when the substantial fees they charge hotels are taken into account. For now, the treasury is seeking information. It has set a deadline of <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/consultation/c2022-338978">January 6</a> for hotel operators and booking sites to tell it: <ul> <li> the typical fees charged by online booking platforms </li> <li> the details of any agreements not to compete on price </li> <li> whether hotels that try to compete get ranked lower on booking sites. </li> </ul> What’s likely to come out of it is a ban on so-called price-parity clauses that prevent discounting, or a ban on “algorithmic punishment,” whereby hotels that do discount get pushed way down the rankings on the sites. But in the meantime, there are things we can do to get better prices, and they’ll help more broadly, as I’ll explain. <h2>Flight Centre precedent</h2> <figure class="align-right zoomable"></figure> Back in 2018, in a case that went all the way to the High Court, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) forced <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/flight-centre-ordered-to-pay-125-million-in-penalties">Flight Centre</a> to pay a penalty of A$12.5 million for attempting to induce airlines not to undercut it on ticket prices. That the ACCC eventually won the case might be an indication price-parity clauses are already illegal under Australian law. But it’s a difficult law to enforce. This is why the treasury is considering special legislation of the kind in force in France, Austria, Italy and Belgium. The ACCC has known for some time that Expedia and Booking.com have included clauses in their contracts preventing hotels offering the same room for any less than they do, even directly. Rather than take the big two to court, in 2016 the ACCC “reached agreement” with them to delete the clauses that prevented hotels offering better deals <a href="https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/expedia-and-bookingcom-agree-to-reinvigorate-price-competition-by-amending-contracts-with-australian-hotels">face-to-face</a>. <h2>The concession that conceded little</h2> From then on, hotels were able to offer better deals than the sites over the phone or in person, but not on their own websites. Given we are less and less likely to walk in off the street or even use the phone to book a hotel, it wasn’t much of a concession. Then, in 2019, with the Commission under renewed pressure from hotel owners for another investigation, Expedia (but not Booking.com) reportedly <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/competition/expedia-allow-hotels-undercut-prices-online/">waived</a> the rest of the clauses, giving hotel owners the apparent freedom to advertise cheaper prices wherever they liked including on their own sites without fear of retribution. Except several appear to fear retribution, and very few seem to have jumped at the opportunity. <h2>Algorithmic punishment</h2> An Expedia spokesman gave an indication of what might be in store when he was quoted as saying a hotel that undercut Expedia might “find itself ranked <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/competition/expedia-allow-hotels-undercut-prices-online/">below its competitors</a>, just as it would if it had worse reviews or fewer high-quality pictures of its property”. Being ranked at the bottom of a site is much the same as not being ranked at all, something Leigh refers to as “algorithmic punishment”. It’s not at all clear the present law prevents it, which is why Leigh is open to the idea of legislating against it. Although you and I may not often think about what hotels are paying to be booked through sites such as Wotif and Booking.com, and although what’s charged to the hotel isn’t publicised, it appeard to be a large chunk of the cost of providing the room. One figure quoted is <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/industries/tourism/online-travel-booking-fed-up-small-businesses-call-accc-action/">20%</a>. Leigh says hotel owners have told him the fees are in the “<a href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/andrew-leigh-2022/transcripts/interview-geraldine-doogue-abc-saturday-extra">double digits</a>”, something he says is quite a lot when you consider the sites don’t need to clean the toilets, change the sheets or help on the front desk. <h2>‘Chokepoint capitalism’</h2> What this seems to mean (the treasury will find out) is almost all bookings are more expensive than they need to be because firms that sit at the “<a href="https://theconversation.com/chokepoint-capitalism-why-well-all-lose-unless-we-stop-amazon-spotify-and-other-platforms-squeezing-cash-from-creators-194069">chokepoint</a>” between buyers and sellers are squeezing sellers. A hotel could always abandon the sites and offer much cheaper prices, but for a while – perhaps forever – it will be much harder to find. In their defence, the operators of the platforms might say they need to get the best offers from hotels in order to make it worthwhile for the operators to invest in their sites, an argument the treasury is inviting them to put. In the meantime, with some hotels reluctant to put their best rates on their websites, but with them perfectly able to offer better rates over the phone, there’s a fairly simple way we can all get a better deal – and help fix the broader problem by weight of numbers. If we look up the best deal wherever we want online, and then phone and ask for a better one (or a better room), we might well find we get it. We might be saving the owner a lot of money. Leigh reckons the more we do ring up, the more the sites might feel pressure to discount their own fees, helping bring prices down even before he starts to think about writing legislation.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/196460/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/peter-martin-682709">Peter Martin</a>, Visiting Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/crawford-school-of-public-policy-australian-national-university-3292">Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/hotel-booking-sites-actually-make-it-hard-to-get-cheap-deals-but-theres-a-way-around-it-196460">original article</a>. </div>

Travel Trouble

The travel destinations that have the best value for money

While many people dream of travelling, the ongoing cost of living crisis has made it harder than ever to see the world. However, while there are some destinations that are renowned for being expensive, the same can be said for corners of the world where your dollar will stretch further. According to travel app <a href="https://www.expedia.com.au/">Expedia</a>, more than 80 percent of Aussies that are travelling this year have prioritised destinations that offer good value for money. While Bali seems like an obvious choice for cheaper holiday destinations, there are some more surprising places around the world that will be kind to your wallet while you travel. Expedia has compiled a Holiday Value Guide, with all the spots where daily accommodation rates are under $300 per night, with some as low as $105. Check out the top ten destinations that will make your money go further below. 10. Greek Islands, Greece 9. Istanbul, Turkey 8. The Philippines 7. Auckland, New Zealand 6. Malaysia 5. South Korea 4. Vietnam 3. Thailand 2. Indonesia 1. Japan Image credits: Shutterstock

International Travel

Huge drop in international economy airfares revealed

Airfares to some of the most popular tourist destinations have dropped over the past year according to new data released by Flight Centre. The Australian agency revealed that average price of an international economy airfare sold in Australia has dropped by 12.8 per cent. The top three destinations with the most significant drop in prices include Indonesia at 21.01 per cent, New Zealand with 13.03 per cent and the US at 12.45 per cent. The UK has seen a decrease of 8.05 per cent and popular European destinations like France, Germany and Spain down 7.91 per cent, 6.9 per cent and 6.03 per cent, respectively. The cost of flights to Thailand has also gone down by 3.84 per cent. The figures are based on a comparison of the cost of flights between January and March last year and the same period this year. “In fantastic news for travellers the latest data shows the average cost of an international airfare is down almost 13 per cent when compared to this time last year,” Flight Centre global managing director Andrew Stark told news.com.au. “What that means in real figures is that an economy return airfare between Sydney and Bali would’ve cost on average $1010 this time last year, now it will now set you back under $800.” He attributed these changes to the increased competition and capacity. “It’s vital that there is active competition between the airlines and the more we see of it, the more likely we are to see cheaper airfares, more destination options and a better experience for consumers.” Qantas has also recently announced that they will be increasing the number of flights to Singapore and India, with flights from Sydney to Singapore set to increase from 14 to 17 return flights a week, and Sydney to Bengaluru from five a week to seven. Image: Shutterstock

Money & Banking

Think $5.50 is too much for a flat white? Actually it’s too cheap, and our world-famous cafes are paying the price

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emma-felton-143029">Emma Felton</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Even in a stubborn cost-of-living crisis, it seems there’s one luxury most Australians <a href="https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/news/what-australians-wont-give-up-cost-of-living-crisis-report/">won’t sacrifice</a> – their daily cup of coffee. Coffee sales have largely <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/866543/australia-domestic-consumption-of-coffee/">remained stable</a>, even as financial pressures have bitten over the past few years. So too have prices. Though many of us became upset when prices began to creep up last year, they’ve since largely settled in the range between $4.00 and $5.50 for a basic drink. But this could soon have to change. By international standards, Australian coffee prices are low. No one wants to pay more for essentials, least of all right now. But our independent cafes are struggling. By not valuing coffee properly, we risk losing the <a href="https://bizcup.com.au/australian-coffee-culture/">internationally renowned</a> coffee culture we’ve worked so hard to create, and the phenomenal quality of cup we enjoy. <h2>Coffee is relatively cheap in Australia</h2> Our recent survey of Australian capital cities found the average price of a small takeaway flat white at speciality venues is A$4.78. But in <a href="https://pabloandrustys.com.au/blogs/drinkbettercoffee/global-coffee-prices">some international capitals</a>, it’s almost double this, even after adjusting for local <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/updates/purchasing-power-parity-ppp/">purchasing power parity</a>. <iframe id="gaplH" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/gaplH/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> In London, a small flat white costs about A$6.96. Singapore, A$8.42. In Athens, as much as A$9.95. <h2>The cafe business is getting harder</h2> Over the past few decades, coffee prices haven’t kept pace with input costs. In the early 2000s, after wages, food costs, utilities and rent, many cafes <a href="https://www.coffeecommune.com.au/blog-why-are-cafes-so-expensive/">earned healthy profit margins</a> as high as 20%. The <a href="https://www.ibisworld.com/au/industry/cafes-coffee-shops/2015/">most recent data from IBISWorld</a> show that while Australian cafe net profits have recovered from a drop in 2020, at 7.6%, they remain much lower than the Australian <a href="https://www.money.com.au/research/australian-business-statistics">average business profit margin of 13.3%</a>. For an independent owner operating a cafe with the <a href="https://www.ibisworld.com/au/industry/cafes-coffee-shops/2015/">average turnover of A$300,000</a>, this would amount to a meagre A$22,800 annual net profit after all the bills are paid. <h2>What goes into a cup?</h2> Just looking at the cost of raw inputs – milk, beans, a cup and a lid – might make the margin seem lucrative. But they don’t paint the whole picture. <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/584949/original/file-20240328-24-rlngpk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/584949/original/file-20240328-24-rlngpk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584949/original/file-20240328-24-rlngpk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584949/original/file-20240328-24-rlngpk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=600&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584949/original/file-20240328-24-rlngpk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584949/original/file-20240328-24-rlngpk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/584949/original/file-20240328-24-rlngpk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=754&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="A takeaway coffee cup showing the price inputs, with wages and operation costs making up over 65% of the cost of a coffee" /><figcaption>Chart: The Conversation. <a class="source" href="https://pabloandrustys.com.au/blogs/drinkbettercoffee/whats-in-the-cost-of-coffee">Data: Pablo and Rusty's Coffee Roasters</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></figcaption></figure> Over the past few years, renting the building, keeping the lights on and paying staff have all become <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/ground-down-australia-coffee-shops-an-early-inflation-casualty-2023-07-10/">much bigger factors</a> in the equation for coffee shop owners, and many of these pressures aren’t easing. 1. Green coffee price Increasingly <a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/environment/brewing-crisis-how-climate-change-is-reshaping-coffee-production/3113886">subject to the effects</a> of climate change, the baseline commodity price of green (unroasted) coffee is <a href="https://perfectdailygrind.com/2024/02/demand-for-robusta-prices-record-high/">going up</a>. Arabica – the higher quality bean you’re most likely drinking at specialty cafes – is a more expensive raw product. Despite levelling off from post-pandemic highs, its price is still trending up. In 2018, it <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/675807/average-prices-arabica-and-robusta-coffee-worldwide/">sold</a> for US$2.93 per kilogram, which is projected to increase to US$4.38 dollars in 2025. Robusta coffee is cheaper, and is the type <a href="https://www.lavazza.com.au/en/coffee-secrets/difference-type-arabica-robusta-coffee">typically used to make instant coffee</a>. But serious drought in Vietnam has just pushed the price of robusta to an <a href="https://www.barchart.com/story/news/25094367/coffee-rallies-with-robusta-at-a-record-high-on-shrinking-coffee-output-in-vietnam">all-time high</a>, putting pressure on the cost of coffee more broadly. 2. Milk prices The price of fresh milk has risen by <a href="https://cdn-prod.dairyaustralia.com.au/-/media/project/dairy-australia-sites/national-home/resources/reports/situation-and-outlook/situation-and-outlook-report-march-2024.pdf?rev=b0222df4b01b40d0ae36cf8ac7b01bc0">more than 20%</a> over the past two years, and remains at a peak. This has put sustained cost pressure on the production of our <a href="https://gitnux.org/australian-coffee-consumption-statistics/#:%7E:text=Coffee%20is%20a%20beloved%20beverage,approximately%206%20billion%20cups%20annually.">most popular drink orders</a>: cappuccinos and flat whites. 3. Wages and utilities Over the past year, Australian wages have grown at their <a href="https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/media-releases/real-wages-growth-back">fastest rate</a> since 2009, which is welcome news for cafe staff, but tough on operators in a sector with low margins. Electricity prices remain elevated after significant inflation, but could <a href="https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/heres-how-much-your-energy-bills-might-go-down-by-and-when/k8g00jheg">begin to fall mid-year</a>. <h2>Specialty vs. commodity coffee: why price expectations create an industry divide</h2> One of the key factors keeping prices low in Australia is consumer expectation. For many people coffee is a fundamental part of everyday life, a marker of livability. Unlike wine or other alcohol, coffee is not considered a luxury or even a treat, where one might expect to pay a little more, or reduce consumption when times are economically tough. We anchor on familiar prices. <iframe id="oDbah" class="tc-infographic-datawrapper" style="border: none;" src="https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/oDbah/" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe> Because of this, it really hurts cafe owners to put their prices up. In touch with their customer base almost every day, they’re acutely aware of how much inflation can hurt. But in Australia, a huge proportion of coffee companies are also passionate about creating a world-class product by only using “<a href="https://medium.com/@samandsunrise/why-is-specialty-coffee-so-expensive-6cf298935e4b#:%7E:text=Specialty%20Shops%20Feature%20High%20Grade%20Coffees&text=Their%20coffees%20are%20hand%2Dpicked,even%20on%20the%20same%20tree.">specialty coffee</a>”. Ranked at least 80 on a quality scale, specialty beans cost significant more than commodity grade, but their production offers better working conditions for farmers and encourages more sustainable growing practices. Although not commensurate with the wine industry, there are similarities. Single origin, high quality beans are often sourced from one farm and demand higher prices than commodity grade coffee, where cheaper sourced beans are often combined in a blend. Running a specialty cafe can also mean roasting your own beans, which requires a big investment in expertise and equipment. It’s an obvious example of doing the right thing by your suppliers and customers. But specialty cafes face much higher operating costs, and when they’re next to a commodity-grade competitor, customers are typically unwillingly to pay the difference. <h2>Approach price rises with curiosity, not defensiveness</h2> When cafe owners put up their prices, we often rush to accuse them of selfishness or profiteering. But they’re often just trying to survive. Given the quality of our coffee and its global reputation, it shouldn’t surprise us if we’re soon asked to pay a little bit more for our daily brew. If we are, we should afford the people who create one of our most important “<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-cafes-bars-gyms-barbershops-and-other-third-places-create-our-social-fabric-135530">third spaces</a>” kindness and curiosity as to why. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/226015/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emma-felton-143029">Emma Felton</a>, Adjunct Senior Researcher, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/think-5-50-is-too-much-for-a-flat-white-actually-its-too-cheap-and-our-world-famous-cafes-are-paying-the-price-226015">original article</a>.

Money & Banking

The cheapest places to travel in 2024

With the cost of living continuing to rise, many people are looking for cost-friendly ways to travel the world in 2024. Some destinations are more economic than others, with these somewhat overlooked holiday hotspots showcasing the best of travelling without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a new adventure this year, these corners of the globe are the cheapest places to travel in 2024. The Philippines The underrated gem located only a few hours northeast of Australia is one of the cheapest destinations in Asia, it's a wonder why more tourists don’t visit. Not only is it home to over 7,500 picturesque islands, six UNESCO World Heritage Sites and an endless chain of pristine beaches, it's also very affordable with resort accommodation under $100 a night is not hard to find. On top of accommodation, day tours and activities (snorkelling, for example) will set you back around $30 to $40. Flights are also reasonable in cost, with return flights from Sydney to Manila coming in around $600 per person. Turkey Travellers can get to Istanbul from Melbourne and back for approximately $1,300 per person, to visit some of the world’s most historical sites. Turkey is a paradise for those travelling on a budget, with mouthwatering meals can be found regularly for as little as $5, and even less for street food. To make it even better, striking accommodation in the historic Galata region can be as low as $50 a night. Hungary Hungary is regularly dubbed one of Europe’s cheapest tourist destinations, with accommodation, dining and entertainment costs significantly lower than the neighbouring countries. Expect to part with $60 to $100 a night for a pretty-as-a-picture hotel in the city centre, around $10 to $15 for meals in restaurants, and anywhere between $7 to $30 for activities. There are also tourist passes available that make these costs even cheaper. Albania Located on the western part of the Balkan peninsula, this destination is often overlooked by tourists, making it an ideal budget-friendly destination. The stunning country is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites and turquoise beaches, all while keeping your budget in mind. Beachside accommodation can be found for as little as $70 a night, with prices comparable to Turkey for restaurant meals. Image credits: Getty Images

International Travel

Simple, cheap remedies you’ll wish you knew sooner

Pull nails out gently If you’re planning to pull a nail out of wood but worry that the hammerhead will hurt the grain, protect the wood before using the hammer. How? Slip a plastic spatula under the head of the hammer before you start the job. Replace the oil in baking Fat makes baked goods moist and tender. It’s also incredibly kilojoule-dense, and if you’re cutting kilojoules, it’s an easy place to start. But say you don’t like your cakes and muffins dry and tough? Then applesauce is the answer. Replace up to 2/3 of the oil called for in a cake or muffin recipe with applesauce, and you’ll add moisture and flavour while ditching the fat. Sweeten the house People who are allergic to air fresheners and sprays can still enjoy the benefits of a sweet-smelling house. Wet a cotton ball with vanilla and dab it very lightly on the outside of a regular light bulb (not a halogen bulb) in your lamps. When you turn on the lamp, the bulb heats up and a faint but alluring scent of vanilla drifts out. Soften beans Afraid those dry beans have been on the shelf too long? Help soften them by adding a pinch of baking soda to the soaking water. Add a fresh pinch to the cooking water, too, and you can significantly reduce the aftereffects of bean consumption. Neutralise mouth ulcers Place an antacid tablet directly on the ulcer, giving it time to dissolve, or simply chew one. The medicine will stop the acids and enzymes in your mouth from attacking the tissue in the sore, and more importantly, it will stop the pain. (Be sure to check the product’s label for correct dosage instructions.) Rip it off the right way Pulling an adhesive bandage off your child’s skin can be tough on both of you. Make it easier by rubbing the bandage with a cotton ball soaked in baby oil. Rub until you can easily pull the bandage off. This trick works well for adults with sensitive skin, too. Clean your carpet overnight Whether your carpet smells dank and musty because of a pet, a smoker, or a season of rain, take the odour out with baby powder. Using a flour sifter, spread the powder generously over the carpet. Let it sit overnight – a few hours will suffice, but overnight is better – and vacuum up the powder and the smells in the morning. Hold a nail Stop hitting your fingers every time you hammer a nail in place. Use the teeth of an ordinary comb to hold the nail while you hammer. Get rid of fishy odours Been chopping something pungent? The smell of garlic or fish can linger on your fingers long after the food is gone. Avoid that by scrubbing your wet hands with baking soda, just as if it were soap, then rinse in warm water. Your hands will smell sweet – and feel softer, too. Remove splinters Make a paste of Epsom salt and water and apply it to the area harbouring a splinter. The paste will pull the splinter to the surface of the skin in about 10 minutes. It will pull insect stingers out of your skin, too. Skip the shaving cream Use hair conditioner for a smooth, clean shave – on your legs, under your arms, and (for men) even on your face. The conditioner will pamper your skin as well as your hair! You can also use hair conditioner as a soothing agent for legs irritated by shaving. Preserve your bouquet Spray the undersides of your cut flowers – leaves and petals – with hair spray to prolong their life. Be sure to stand about 30 cm away when you spray them for best results. Numb your eyebrows Make plucking your eyebrows much less painful by putting an ice pack on them until they’re uncomfortably cold. At that point your skin will be numb enough to begin plucking. You won’t even feel the tug! Train a dog Most dogs hate the sound of dried beans rattling in a can. Use that to your advantage when training a dog by putting a handful of beans in the bottom of an empty aluminium soda can. Seal the top with a strip of tape. When your dog misbehaves, shake the can a couple of times. Refresh tired feet Take this tip from marathon runners, who know that a ten-minute soak in a sugarless mouthwash will take your tootsies from tired to terrific. Alcohol invigorates and mint will make them smell sweet again. Remove crayon from walls If you find crayon markings on your wall, don’t get mad – get shaving cream. Spray the shaving cream directly onto the offending artwork, and scrub it off with a toothbrush or scrub brush. Make a close-fitting hot pad Soothe aching muscles with a custom-made hot pad. Fill a long sock, such as a tube or athletic sock, with dried beans, and tie the top tightly closed with ribbon or string. Heat in a microwave on high for 30 seconds. Place it right on your painful spot. You can drape it around a stiff neck or wrap it around a sore wrist, and it will mould to you, providing faster relief. Keep cookies fresh Homemade chocolate chip cookies can go from tasting deliciously soft and cakey to feeling hard and crunchy in a matter of days. To keep your freshly baked cookies tasting freshly baked, put a couple of slices of bread into the tin or jar where you store the cookies, laying the bread right on top of the cookies. The bread will keep that just-out-of-the-oven flavour and texture intact for up to a week. Wax your windows Do your double-hung windows have a bumpy ride every time you open or close them? If your windows don’t slide up and down with ease, let a candle help them. Clean the insides of the window frame where the sashes travel, then rub the same area with a candle. The windows will have a much smoother journey. Make your garage floor sparkle If you find a puddle of oil on your concrete garage floor, pour paint thinner over it, and then cover the area with kitty litter. (Make sure that the garage is well ventilated by keeping the garage door open, and don’t let anyone smoke or strike matches anywhere near the affected area – and keep the cats away.) The kitty litter will absorb the oil. Just sweep up the mess and you’re done. Clean smudges off suede Suede jackets, shoes and handbags look great, but they’re prone to picking up dirty marks. Clean fresh smudges off quickly and easily before they set into stains by rubbing the suede gently with a piece of fresh white bread. Use a small, circular motion. You may need a second piece of bread to get the spot clean. Keep down items from clumping Throw one or two tennis balls into the dryer the next time you dry down-filled items like pillows, comforters and jackets. They’ll ditch the flat look they get from the washing machine and puff up again with pride. Repel mosquitos You may love the mild apple-like flavour of chamomile tea but mosquitoes absolutely hate it. Brew a very strong batch of chamomile tea and keep it in a spray bottle in the fridge. Before you relax in the back yard or run through the tall grass, spray exposed skin liberally. It’s fragrant, potent and totally safe for children. Fill a stripped screw-hole If the screw keeps turning and turning in a piece of wood, push a bit of foil loosely in the hole and try again. It will grab tight. Freshen a fridge If something soured in your fridge or the freezer failed, clean it out, then fill a wide, shallow bowl with fresh coffee grounds and leave it in the fridge or freezer overnight. The strong scent of coffee will permeate the space, eradicating any hint of what went wrong. Banish burned-on food Liquid fabric softener is your best friend when it comes time to scrub pots and pans soiled by your worst enemy, baked-on grime. Soak the offending vessel in water and a squirt of fabric softener. Let it sit for an hour. Wash and rinse it all away. Feed your plants Used coffee grounds are full of nitrogen, so it’s a shame to throw them away each day. Coffee is especially good for acid-loving plants, like camellias, evergreens, rhododendrons, azaleas and rose bushes, so be sure they don’t miss out on the occasional cup of coffee – grounds, that is. Oil squeaky hinges Spray a little oil-based furniture polish on a squeaky door hinge, then open and shut the door several times to work the lubricant into the hinge. The furniture polish is a lot cleaner than the oil you’d usually use for a noisy hinge, and it works just as well to silence the squeak. Untangle a shoelace Junior got a knot in his sneaker and pulled and pulled until it became an impenetrable mass. Sprinkle the knot generously with cornflour, and then work the knot again. The laces will start to slip and slide, and you’ll be able to get the kinks out. Breathe better with a paper bag Got a case of the hiccups? Stop them before you start to hurt. Breathe in and out of a paper bag for a few minutes. You’ll create a build-up of carbon dioxide in your lungs, which helps relax your diaphragm – whose involuntary tightening causes the hiccups in the first place. This trick works if you’re hyperventilating, too. Give the jar a hand No more banging a jar on the floor to loosen a tight lid. No more running it under hot water. And no more fancy tools designed to do the trick – that somehow don’t work. Just put on a pair of rubber gloves, and open the jar with ease. (Psst – sandpaper also works wonders!) Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/food-home-garden/home-tips/1-solutions-youll-wish-you-knew-sooner?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Home & Garden

The easy way Aussie airfares could be halved in the future

A federal taskforce has found that there is a way for Aussies to pay half the amount on airfares, and that is by simply introducing some competition. Early results from their research found that the "mere threat" of rivalry can be enough to lower airfares. Just last year the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) <a href="https://www.smartcompany.com.au/industries/tourism/accc-blames-qantas-and-virgin-australia-duopoly-for-high-flight-prices-and-poor-service/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found</a> that the duopoly between Qantas and Virgin Australia was a key contributor to the "high prices and underwhelming customer service." The early findings of the Competition Taskforce, which was set up last year, found that having flights serviced by three carriers instead of one can significantly reduce the cost. When serviced by a sole carrier, airfares average 39.6 cents per kilometre - this drops to 28.2 cents a kilometre with a second rival, and to 19.2 cents a kilometre with a third. Assistant Minister for Competition Andrew Leigh said that competition exerted "significant" downward pressure on airfares. He added that a lack of competition in the aviation industry was problematic for a country that relies heavily on flying to connect cities to reach other parts of the world. "For a resident of Darwin, it is often cheaper to fly from Darwin to Singapore than it is to fly from Darwin to Sydney, even although the international flight is longer than the domestic one," he said. Leigh added that more than a dozen airlines operated in Australia before World War Two, but from the 1950s to the 1980s, a duopoly prevailed which kept prices high. "Only with the deregulation of aviation in the late 1980s did flying become affordable for many middle-class families and small businesspeople," he said. "Australia's aviation history shows the value of competition." Just last year the aviation sector came under fire after the government's decided to block Qatar Airway's from running additional flights in Australia, with accusations that the move was made to protect Qantas from competition. The federal government has since issued a review of the sector - including its competitiveness - and a white paper is expected to be released mid-year. Image: Getty

Money & Banking

Three-bedroom home on the market for unbelievably cheap price

A three-bedroom home located on the border of Victoria and South Australia is up for sale for just $65,000. But there is a catch to future homeowners who want to experience the “quiet and cheap country living”, as they might need to be handy with a hammer. “If you’re a handyman and willing to put some elbow grease into it, then this one might be for you,” the listing read. The home itself is located on two plots of land measuring 2,100m2 in Serviceton, Victoria, and is only 16 minutes away from Bordertown, South Australia. “Being on two titles, you can utilise both or sell the vacant allotment as all the dwellings are on one,” the listing read. It also features a large lounge room with wood-fire heater, and a centrally located bathroom with a bath and vanity. There's plenty of room to cook in the massive kitchen, despite it needing a lot of work, it features a formal dining area that has a sliding servery window which connects to the lounge room. Outside, the future homeowner can find a large shed, rain water storage, and a gate that opens up to a park. “It went under contract ... an hour and a half (after it was listed),” Ray White agent Hayden Obst told 7News. The condition of its electrical, plumbing and appliances are unknown, but people are still expressing their interest. Despite this, many people from different parts of the country and a few investors are still calling the real estate agent, just in case the contract falls through. Images: 7News.com.au

Real Estate

"That's cheap": Tim Minchin attacked by former senator over emotional moment

In the wake of tragedy, renowned Australian musician and comedian Tim Minchin faced an unexpected wave of criticism from former government minister Amanda Vanstone. Minchin, who recently <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/tim-minchin-s-tragic-mid-show-announcement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared the heartbreaking news</a> of his mother's death during a concert in Sydney, was accused by Vanstone of "cheapening" the experience by making it public. The public response to Vanstone's comments was swift and overwhelmingly negative. During last Friday night's concert, Minchin bared his soul to the audience, disclosing that his beloved mother, Ros, had been battling terminal blood cancer for three years. The emotionally charged performance included anecdotes about his mother's life, interspersed with songs he had composed in her honour. The devastating climax came when Minchin revealed that his mother had passed away just a day before, at the age of 74. In a late-night tweet following the performance, former Senator Amanda Vanstone criticised Minchin for sharing such a personal and private moment with the public. "Losing a parent is hard," Vanstone wrote. "Whatever age and however expected. But to me it’s a private grief. Making it public seems to cheapen it, make it marketable." The comments struck a nerve with many, igniting a firestorm of backlash on social media. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Losing a parent is hard. Whatever age and however expected. But to me it’s a private grief. Making it public seems to cheapen it, make it marketable : Tim Minchin stuns audience with sad announcement <a href="https://t.co/tSK3LhhvlX">https://t.co/tSK3LhhvlX</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/newscomauHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@newscomauHQ</a> — Amanda Vanstone (@amandavanstone) <a href="https://twitter.com/amandavanstone/status/1724032047511916677?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2023</a></blockquote> Readers expressed their indignation at Vanstone's perceived lack of empathy, with many arguing that everyone processes grief differently and that Minchin's decision to share his pain was a personal choice. Some accused Vanstone of disrespecting Minchin's right to grieve in his own way, and others called for her to retract her statement. "Shut down your account you heartless crone - but then you've always been that. However, you've never been cheap - with our money," read one angry post. "It brings those who have lost their parent together to share their grief. As someone who lost their mum to cancer at a young age, this sharing is what gets me and many others through. You’re entitled to privacy. He’s entitled to share and not be labeled as opportunistic," read a second comment. "Imagine disrespecting someone’s right to grieve in a way of their choosing. That’s cheap," another said. Among the many voices condemning Vanstone's comments, an overwhelming outpouring of support for Tim Minchin also emerged. Fans commended the artist for his courage in continuing with the show despite the family tragedy. Many emphasised that sharing grief in a public space can be a source of solace and connection for those who have experienced similar losses. The consensus among Minchin's supporters was that his decision to proceed with the concert demonstrated strength and resilience. Minchin, undeterred by the controversy, has continued his nationwide tour, receiving rave reviews for his performances. On Instagram, he shared a glowing tribute from a concertgoer, underscoring the beauty of his show and its impact on the audience. The positive response to his performances served as a powerful rebuttal to those who criticised him for sharing his grief publicly. Images: Instagram / X

Caring

Easiest travel hack to save big on the cost of flights

Planning your upcoming holiday and haven't nailed down your flight bookings just yet? Well, hold off a bit because there's an optimal strategy to maximise your savings. A recent research study conducted by Expedia has unveiled a golden nugget of advice: Booking your flights on a Sunday can lead to substantial savings, potentially up to 20 percent off your airfare. This valuable insight is part of Expedia's 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report, which is packed with useful information to simplify your trip planning process. Let's dive deeper into this Sunday-saving strategy. When you compare booking your flights on a Sunday to the common practice of booking on a Friday, you'll likely discover substantial cost savings. Considering that average ticket prices have soared by approximately 20 percent compared to last year, any opportunity to trim your expenses becomes paramount. Now, you might be wondering how far in advance you should secure your flights for optimal savings. If you're embarking on a domestic adventure and have your travel plans locked in more than three months ahead, you're in a prime position to economise. The study's findings indicate that travellers who booked their domestic flights at least 14 weeks before departure managed to pocket an average savings of 20 percent compared to those who procrastinated until the 11th hour. On the other hand, if your journey is taking you across international borders, there's less need for anxiety. International fares typically exhibit a fair degree of stability during the six months leading up to your travel date. The sweet spot for booking your flights for an overseas escapade is ideally at least one month prior to departure. This early booking ensures both availability and the potential for cost-effective fares. Here's a summary of the Expedia report's findings: Book on a Sunday to save up to 20% on average Travellers who booked on Sundays instead of Fridays tended to save, on average, around 20% on domestic flights and international flights. The best day of the week to book has been Sunday, while the day to avoid has been Friday, for the past four years. Book at least three months before domestic flights to save 30% on average The sweet spot for snagging the best price on domestic flights falls between 70 – 100 days before departure (so about three months in advance of travel). Travellers who booked during that period saved 30% on average compared to those who waited until the last minute (0 – 30 days before travel). Book six months before international flights to save 25% on average Travellers who booked around six months in advance of international travel saved an average of 25% compared to those who waited until three months or less to book. The key to booking international airfares is to book as soon as possible, with prices traditionally cheapest 160 days or earlier before departure. So be sure to set an alarm or mark your calendar for a Sunday when booking your flights, and if you have long-term travel plans, secure your domestic flights at least 14 weeks ahead. For international journeys, booking a month before your departure date will help you make the most of your travel budget. Happy travels! Image: Getty

Travel Tips

TV presenter drops F-bomb in front of Anthony Albanese

The Cheap Seats co-host Melanie Bracewell found herself in an awkward predicament when she accidentally dropped the F-bomb during a live interview with Anthony Albanese. The prime minister joined the show as a special guest on Monday to discuss the Voice to Parliament and G20 Summit. Bracewell, who is from New Zealand, was caught-off guard when her microphone pack unexpectedly slipped off, creating a loud bang. “Sorry, sorry, f***," the host promptly apologised for the mishap. Albanese and the audience burst into laughter as Bracewell fumbled over herself, and co-host Tim McDonald covered his face. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” she said. “I didn’t mean to swear in front of you, that’s embarrassing.” McDonald then handed over his co-host's fake citizenship papers to the prime minister and quipped, “feel free to write ‘denied’ on that now”. An amused Albanese played along, and proceeded to flip the page and draw a straight line through the papers. “Good call,” McDonald said. “If we denied Australian citizenship (to people) who said that word, we’d really struggle,” the prime minister quipped. “We’d really have a skills crisis." Image: Ten News

Screwed over: how Apple and others are making it impossible to get a cheap and easy phone repair

If Apple and other tech companies have their way, it will only become harder to have our phones and other devices repaired by third-party businesses. Smartphones and many other tech devices are increasingly being designed in ways that make it challenging to repair or replace individual components. This might involve soldering the processor and flash memory to the motherboard, gluing components together unnecessarily, or using non-standard <a href="https://www.ifixit.com/News/14279/apples-diabolical-plan-to-screw-your-iphone">pentalobe screws</a> which make replacements problematic. Many submissions to an Australian “right to repair” <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/repair/submissions#initial">inquiry</a> have called on tech manufacturers to provide a fair and competitive market for repairs, and produce products that are easily repairable. The <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/repair/issues/repair-issues.pdf">right to repair</a> refers to consumers’ ability to have their products repaired at a competitive price. This includes being able to choose a repairer, rather than being forced by default to use the device manufacturer’s services. But it seems Apple doesn’t want its customers to fix their <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/evmeya/apple-iphone-right-to-repair-california">iPhones</a>or <a href="https://www.inputmag.com/culture/apples-repair-policies-are-utterly-shameful-and-shouldnt-be-allowed-e-waste-recycling-macbooks-t2">Macbooks</a> themselves. The company has <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/nz85y7/apple-is-lobbying-against-your-right-to-repair-iphones-new-york-state-records-confirm">lobbied against</a> the right to repair in the United States and has <a href="https://www.npr.org/2020/11/18/936268845/apple-agrees-to-pay-113-million-to-settle-batterygate-case-over-iphone-slowdowns">been accused of deliberately slowing down</a> iPhones with older batteries. <a href="https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2019/10/16/tech-giants-fight-digital-right-to-repair-bills">Opposition</a> against the right to repair from tech companies is to be expected. Cornering consumers into using their service centres increases their revenue and extends their market domination. In its defence, Apple has said <a href="https://time.com/4828099/farmers-and-apple-fight-over-the-toolbox/">third-party repairers</a> could use lower quality parts and also make devices vulnerable to hackers. It also defended its <a href="https://venturebeat.com/2019/08/14/apple-defends-iphone-unauthorized-battery-warning-as-a-safety-feature/">battery warning indication</a> as a “safety” feature, wherein it started to alert users if their phone’s replacement battery hadn’t come from a certified Apple repairer. In the US, Apple’s <a href="https://support.apple.com/irp-program">independent repair provider program</a> grants certain providers access to the parts and resources needed to fix its devices. Independent repair shops in <a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/07/apple-expands-iphone-repair-services-to-hundreds-of-new-locations-across-the-us/">32 countries</a> can now apply, but the scheme has yet to extend outside the US. <h2>Impact on users</h2> With the iPhone 12 — the latest iPhone offering — Apple has <a href="https://www.ifixit.com/News/45921/is-this-the-end-of-the-repairable-iphone">made it even harder</a> for third-party repairers to fix the device, thereby increasing users’ reliance on its own services. Apple has hiked its <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-au/iphone/repair/service/screen-replacement">repair charges</a> for iPhone 12 by more than 40%, compared with the iPhone 11. It is <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-au/iphone/repair/service/screen-replacement">charging</a> more than A$359 to fix an iPhone 12 screen outside of warranty and A$109 to replace the battery. Historically, third-party repairers have been a cheaper option. But using a third-party repairer for an iPhone 12 could render some phone features, such as the camera, <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/30/21542242/apple-iphone-12-third-party-repairs-ifixit-camera-module-replacement">almost inoperable</a>. According to reports, fixing the iPhone 12’s camera requires <a href="https://9to5mac.com/2020/10/30/iphone-12-camera-repair/">Apple’s proprietary</a> system configuration app, available only to the company’s own authorised technicians. It’s not just Apple, either. <a href="https://www.techradar.com/au/news/samsungs-galaxy-s20-ultra-is-unsurprisingly-difficult-to-repair">Samsung’s</a> flagship phones are also quite tricky for third-party repairers to fix. <h2>Impact on environment</h2> When certain parts for repairs aren’t available, manufacturers will produce new phones instead, consuming <a href="https://www.envirotech-online.com/news/environmental-laboratory/7/breaking-news/how-do-smartphones-affect-the-environment/48339">more energy and resources</a>. In fact, manufacturing one smartphone <a href="https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxy.cqu.edu.au/science/article/pii/S095965261733233X">consumes</a> as much energy as using it for ten years. As smartphones become harder to repair, electronic waste will grow. Apple and Samsung both cited environmental benefits when they announced they would no longer ship <a href="https://theconversation.com/apples-iphone-12-comes-without-a-charger-a-smart-waste-reduction-move-or-clever-cash-grab-148189">chargers</a> with their phones. Yet, they’ve turned a blind eye to the environmental damage that would arise from completely cornering the repair market. The average Australian home has <a href="https://thinktv.com.au/facts-and-stats/australian-homes-are-experiencing-a-screen-explosion/">6.7 devices</a>, including televisions, personal computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. With diminishing opportunities for repair, the environmental burden from disposing of these devices will increase. <h2>What is being done?</h2> Phone giants make it tough for third-party repairers to do their job in a variety of ways. This includes constantly changing designs, adding hurdles to the repair process, and restricting access to parts, diagnostic software and repair documentation. Meanwhile, consumers are left with broken phones and huge repair bills — and repairers are left with less business. The fight to remove barriers to repair is gaining momentum outside Australia, too, in countries including <a href="https://www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/monitor/when-will-canadians-have-right-repair">Canada</a>, the <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/right-to-repair-means-spare-parts-for-household-appliances-mr5gmkjxr">United Kingdom</a> and the <a href="https://www.repair.org/legislation">United States</a>. Legislative reforms have been introduced in the <a href="https://repair.eu/news/european-parliament-calls-for-ambitious-right-to-repair/">European Union</a> and <a href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/93wy8v/newly-passed-right-to-repair-law-will-fundamentally-change-tesla-repair">Massachusetts</a>. France has introduced a <a href="https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/indice-reparabilite">Repairability Index</a> requiring electrical and electronic equipment companies to inform consumers about their products’ repairability on a scale of one to ten. This takes into account the ease of repairability, availability and price of spare parts and availability of technical repair documents. <h2>The path moving forward</h2> Until the push for right to repair legislative reform gathers pace globally, consumers will have little choice but to pay up to big companies to access their authorised repair services. If they don’t, they may risk losing their warranty, ending up with a non-functional device and even <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e449c8c3ef68d752f3e70dc/t/5ea8a6d93b485d0feb9b5d6b/1588111098207/Report_RightToRepair_HanleyKellowayVaheesan-1.pdf">infringing</a> upon the manufacturers’ software copyrights. Ideally, phone companies (and others) would assist users with the repair process by providing replacement parts, repair documentation and diagnostic tools to third-party repairers. This would also help <a href="https://www.apple.com/au/newsroom/2020/07/apple-commits-to-be-100-percent-carbon-neutral-for-its-supply-chain-and-products-by-2030/">Apple</a> and <a href="https://www.samsung.com/us/aboutsamsung/sustainability/environment/">Samsung</a> reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their environmental goals. Although the way things are going, it’s unlikely tech companies will be able to escape their self-inflicted repair obligations. In the past, Apple CEO Jeff Williams has <a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/08/apple-offers-customers-even-more-options-for-safe-reliable-repairs/">said, "</a>we believe the safest and most reliable repair is one handled by a trained technician using genuine parts that have been properly engineered and rigorously tested." But with only so much workforce available even to Apple, sharing the load with smaller repairers will help. And for consumers’ benefit, the right to repair legislation must be taken seriously, with consistent repairability scores developed across the globe. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/screwed-over-how-apple-and-others-are-making-it-impossible-to-get-a-cheap-and-easy-phone-repair-156871" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Technology

Interior designer shares key things that make your home look “cheap”

Everyone has their own unique way of decorating their home, finding the perfect aesthetic to make your space your own. And while there are limitless ways to jazz up your home, there are a few major faux pas that can instantly turn your space from fab to drab. An expert interior designer has gone viral on TikTok for listing the three things to look out for when decorating your home in order to avoid your space looking “cheap” or “tacky”. Visible cords Her biggest no-no was having electrical cords for all your chargers and appliances on show. She said they can make any space look “cluttered”, and recommends hiding cords behind special covers of under furniture. “You can run your cords through the wall if possible and if not you can get a little case from Amazon. So much better,” she said. Mass-produced artworks Another thing the designer recommends avoiding is generic, mass-produced artwork that you find in home department shops. “When you're looking for artwork, look for something a little bit more original, something that not everyone will have,” she said. She also advised against cluttering a space with too much art, and recommended focusing on one main focal piece instead. Tacky decor The design expert also warned against tacky pillows, decor pieces and anything with an inspirational quote. She told all shoppers to steer clear of anything that boasts the words “Live, Laugh, Love”, and encouraged people to pick more classic and timeless decor options. While some appreciated the designers tips, others encouraged people to decorate their homes however they see fit. “What if I am cheap?” one woman asked. “Things that make my house look cheap: no money,” another quipped. “If it makes you happy then it's not cheap,” another said. “Just let people be happy with whatever they like and can afford,” one annoyed fan said. Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

3 great travel tips from those with experience

1. Search for deals Whether it be for flights or accommodation, thanks to the internet, there’s always a way to find cheaper travel than booking on the airline’s website. One tip to save money on flights (even though it is a bit of a pain) is to select flights with stopovers; although it’ll take a little longer, it will always be cheaper than a one-stop flight. As for accommodation, book motels or stay in hostels or simply search for deals on third-party websites. Be patient! 2. Get travel insurance Yes, it's annoying to have to pay for a “just in case” situation on top of flights, planned activities and accommodation, but it is the most sensible thing to do when travelling, especially internationally. A common saying is, “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”, and it reigns true. You could sustain an injury that hospitalises you in another country, so to get out of paying absurd fees, lock in travel insurance to keep yourself safe. 3. Never exchange money in your home country Exchange your money in the foreign country you’re travelling to. Most airports and banks have horrible exchange rates. You’re always better off getting money out at the ATM once you’ve arrived at the destination. If you don’t want to pay ATM fees, look into getting an international ATM card! Image credit: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

Cheap tricks for the cruise enthused

Anyone who's been on a cruise has some advice to share - from how to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/9-ways-to-stay-safe-on-a-cruise-ship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stay safe</a> on board, which <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/words-you-need-to-know-before-going-on-a-cruise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">terms</a> to listen out for, and how to <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/cruising/7-things-making-you-sick-on-your-cruise" target="_blank" rel="noopener">avoid coming down</a> with anything that might throw a spanner - or in this case, a paddle - in the holiday works. But if there’s one thing most people can agree on, it’s that they’d like to save a few cents wherever they can when planning to embark on their luxury cruise getaway. Whether it be accommodation, transport, entertainment, or food causing the concern, experts have advice prepped and ready for all prospective travellers. <ul> <li>Booking </li> </ul> Typically, people approach booking their holiday in one of two ways: planning as far as possible in advance, or leaving it to ‘the last minute’. As Cruise Guru’s Andrew Zhang claims, cruises can be sold out up to one year before the ship sets sail. And while many will offer customers “early-bird” promotions, those who prefer to wait a little while longer don’t have to fear missing out, with late-minute deals regularly available. The only downside being that options will be limited, with their speedy counterparts already having snagged the spots. Research is important, so if it’s possible, try to be flexible with your travel times, and shop around until you find the best deal for your needs. <ul> <li>Companions </li> </ul> Just like with renting - where more bedrooms typically means more ‘value’ for your money - it can be cheaper to travel with a larger party. Always check for potential discounts when travelling with more than two people, be that friends or family, as many cruise liners will offer money off for each guest above three staying in the same stateroom, or some sort of similarly enticing deal. <ul> <li>Cabins </li> </ul> Cruise ships are not immune to the ‘class’ system that plagues airline travel, boasting the same first, business, and economy agenda. Although prices and deals will vary depending on the company, generally a ship’s inside cabins come out cheapest, and considered an excellent option if your only need for the room is to get some shut eye, and to be gentle on the budget. However, for those with their eyes on a more lavish experience in a balcony room or an entire suite, My Cruise’s Michael Middleton has some words of advice. “Some cruise lines are now offering an upgrade bid system,” he says for those dreaming of an upgrade, but urges customers to remember that like most things, the best items on offer will be snatched up first. Other experts suggest looking out for loyalty programs, as they often come with benefits - from spa treatments to general freebies - and savings, even if they won’t necessarily provide an upgrade. <ul> <li>The Loop </li> </ul> On a similar note to loyalty rewards, the experts suggest signing up to a variety of cruising newsletters. This way, you’ll be alerted and first in line when a deal is announced, and a number of cruise companies even offer exclusive deals to eager subscribers. Images: Getty

Cruising

13 budget beauty tricks

There are plenty of beauty tips that are not worth listening to. Who actually throws out their mascara after three months? Do you really need to buy enough make-up brushes to rival an artist's palette? And will putting strawberries all over your teeth really give you a smile to rival Lucille Ball’s? It’s all a bit too hard. Use these simple, DIY tricks to save your time, money and effort. <ol> <li>To avoid lipstick on your teeth, after applying your lippie stick your finger in your mouth and pull it out. This way your finger will take the excess product, not your teeth. </li> <li>Concoct your own plumping lip venom (and save yourself $30) by adding a drop of cinnamon or peppermint oil to your lip colour.</li> <li>Vaseline costs you pocket change and has to be the most hard-working beauty products out there. Apply to lashes before bed to make them grow longer and thicker over time, use it to tame unruly eyebrows, apply to pulse points before spritzing your perfume to make the scent last longer, combine with sea salt to make a scrub and mix with lipstick to make a subtle cream blush.</li> <li>Don't have a curler? Give yourself groovy, long-lasting waves by flat-ironing your braids with your hair straightener. Avoid making the braids too tight lest you like the crimped look.</li> <li>Don't listen to Sally Hansen when she says you need to buy cuticle cream. Eye cream applied to your nail beds serves the same purpose.</li> <li>While towels cause static and friction, drying your hair with a cotton T-shirt eliminates the frizz factor completely.</li> <li>A light dusting of baby powder between coats of mascara creates fullness you have not dared to even dream of.</li> <li>There's nothing worse than blotches of dry shampoo that could be mistaken for dandruff. Always apply it the night before, not the morning of, to prevent product build-up.</li> <li>Want to give your lipstick long-wear power? After applying, hold a tissue over your lips and lightly dust with translucent powder to set the colour.</li> <li>Got a spot of foundation on your white shirt? A touch of shaving cream on a damp cloth should clear it right up.</li> <li>You can reduce hair static and fly-aways by slicking it with a dryer sheet.</li> <li>There's no tougher wait than the time it takes your conditioner to work or your manicure to dry. Cut that drying time in half by dunking your nails in a bowl of cold water for two minutes shortly after painting.</li> <li>Had a messy experience with leaky products in your suitcase? Hasn't everyone? Just unscrew the caps, place a layer of cling film over the top and screw them back to prevent any liquid from ruining your trip.</li> </ol> Written by Kathleen Lee Joe. First appeared on <a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Image credits: Getty Images

Beauty & Style

Bargain rental is “spacious” but missing key features

A studio apartment up for rent in Birmingham, England, for less than $750 a month isn’t unusual just for its cheap price - it’s missing some crucial amenities. <a href="https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/126124685#/?channel=RES_LET" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Listed on Rightmove</a> for £425 ($AU 728) a month, the studio’s shower is located in an unlikely spot, directly opposite the bed. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/cheap-uk-flat1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The prime location of the shower in relation to the bed could be a perk for some, but it's clear screen makes for a lack of privacy. Image: RightMove To make matters worse, the shower is encased in a clear cubicle, with no toilet in sight. The kitchen, located on the other side of the room, seems to consist of sink and cabinet underneath, a fridge, an oven, and another cabinet above a tile splashback. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/08/cheap-uk-flat2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The rental's kitchen boasts an oven, two cabinets, a fridge, a sink and a bench (plus an overflowing bin). Image: RightMove The apartment, described as “spacious” and “part-furnished”, also includes a single mattress crammed in one corner, with a lounge chair stationed right next to the oven. Though it is just a single room, the listing agent described it as a “great home for single working professionals”. It comes just months after a similar apartment in Australia sparked outrage, with many slamming the renovated rental as “real-life satire”. Like its British counterpart, the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/property/real-estate/greedy-and-despicable-rental-renovation-causes-outrage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">North Adelaide studio apartment</a> featured a bathroom with a clear casing - though it does come with a toilet and a shred of privacy in the form of selective frosted glass - but differed in its hefty price amid the city’s worsening rental crisis. Image: RightMove

Real Estate

The most affordable international destinations

Now that international borders are beginning to open, many are searching for an unforgettable overseas holiday that won’t break the bank. As global tourism hubs kick back into gear, there are plenty of great deals to be found to get people out and exploring. Here are just some of the cheapest international destinations that should make their way onto your travel bucket list sooner rather than later. Fiji With return airfares currently on offer from under $600, the sandy shores of Fiji have something for everyone. Whether you're into adrenaline sports or swanning around in luxurious resorts, you will no doubt find what you're looking for on this picturesque island. Fiji offers experiences such as snorkelling, quad bike adventures and skydiving, as well as day clubs, hot springs and the most relaxing beach experiences in the world. Singapore This city-state offers big ticket attractions the whole family can enjoy, world-class shopping and dining, and a rich cultural experience for everyone who visits. With a return airfare going for less than $500, this bustling city getaway is a must-see for any keen traveller. This great year-round destination boasts theme parks, child-friendly hotels and some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Bali Bali has long been a fan favourite destination for cost-savvy travellers, with prices continuing to be ridiculously low. The Indonesian paradise boasts a rich heritage and culture, with over 20,000 temples offering a once in a lifetime experience. The key to Bali is relaxation, with local cuisine being followed by an hour-long massage that costs less than a cup of coffee in Australia. Thailand From picturesque beaches, exciting nightlife and incredible food all for insanely low prices, Thailand is a must-visit location. The Thai Government has shared another reason to visit, by reopening Maya Cove (the cove made famous by The Beach) after a three-year closure. With over 1,400 gorgeous islands anchored in cerulean waters, there is a spot for everyone to relax like royalty, costing next to nothing. Image credits: Getty Images

International Travel

Saving hacks for your next getaway

If you consider yourself a savings sleuth, then you already know some of the best ways to get incredible deals and cheap prices when it comes to travel. You’ll have signed up to airline e-newsletters for the latest sale drops, joined every frequent flyer program under the sun and kept an eye open for last-minute savings on accommodation on social media. There’s more than one way to get good deals. Here are three little-known hacks to save hundreds, if not, thousands of dollars, on your next holiday. Buy your ticket from a wholesaler Snow fiends may have already heard of <a href="https://snoworld.com.au/">SnoWorld</a>, an old-school, family-owned travel wholesaler that offers budget-friendly package deals on ski holidays to the US and Canada. Their best kept secret is that they now deal directly with the consumer. “Some customers had trouble buying airfares alone from SnoWorld, thinking they had to buy some sort of snow holiday, so we set up the very basic Value Fares website,” says Craig Mathews, managing director of <a href="https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/sJV1CyojoDhB1P7kiMZy-a?domain=valuefares.com.au">Value Fares</a>. The company specialises in flights to the US, and travellers often use them in conjunction with frequent flyers points as a cheap way to get to Canada, Mexico and Central and South America. “We buy blocks of seats, 500 at a time, every February and March for December and January departures. Fares from Sydney to Vancouver non-stop departing early January are often $3000 to $4000 return. Many people don’t want to, or cannot spend those amounts,” says Craig. “But if you can get a cheap fare to LAX, which is usually around $1000, you can then use frequent flyers points to get to Vancouver, or buy cheap tickets to airports on the US side of the border and then rent a car.” Check out the <a href="http://www.valuefares.com.au/buy-now-1">‘Buy Now’</a> page on the website for current deals and for regular updates, sign up to their newsletter. How to get cheap upgrades “Being a ‘points pro’ means earning lots more frequent flyer points without spending too much more, if any more, money, then knowing exactly how to redeem those points effectively so you can travel in business or first class when you go on holiday,” says Matt Graham, co-founder of Frequent Flyer Solutions. The Aussie company offers 10 online courses under its Frequent Flyer Training umbrella that teach the three components of an airline or hotel loyalty program: earning points, redeeming points and earning elite status. It’s free to join as an ‘Economy Class’ member to access the first unit of each of the 10 courses, while a membership fee applies to access further content. “The courses teach how to calculate the value of a reward to determine whether it’s good value, some of the left-field ways to redeem points, how to find award availability and book an award ticket,” Mr Graham said. And if you’re just as confused about fare classes as us, this is a good chance to learn. “Understanding how fare classes work allows you to work out how many points and status credits your flight will earn, whether your ticket is upgradeable, how full your flight will be and can help to predict the likelihood of a points upgrade request being successful,” Mr Graham said. You’ll also learn hacks such as how to hire a car for $1 using a one-way relocation deal and how to get the best seats when flying Qantas. “The trick with Qantas is to select a seat exactly three days and eight hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time. This is when most of the blocked seats at the front of the cabin become available for selection,” Mr Graham said. Mr Graham said one of the best strategies they teach is buying heavily discounted frequent flyer points from overseas airlines such as American Airlines, Etihad, Air Canada or Avianca, which can then be redeemed for business and first class flights on different airlines including Qantas and Virgin Australia. “This can be a clever way to save thousands of dollars on premium cabin flights because by doing this in a smart way, you can attain the points you need for a flight for just a fraction of the regular airfare,” he said. Use your mobile device to get a steal on luxe stays Booking accommodation in Bali, Greece or Italy? Close your laptop and pick up your mobile device. <a href="https://booking.com/">Booking.com</a> offers huge savings on accommodation bookings that are made through their app on your mobile device. Just be sure to read the reviews to see if it’s worth the value and make sure you tweak the filters to include free cancellations. Have any additional travel tips? We’d be happy to hear them. <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">

Travel Tips

How to make your diet more sustainable, healthy and cheap

People choose certain foods or change their diets for a range of reasons: to improve their health, lose weight, save money or due to concerns about sustainability or the way food is produced. Consider the trend towards low-fat products in the 1980s and low-carb diets in the 1990s, and now, the rise in plant-based protein products and ready-to-eat meals. But before you abandon your traditional food choices, it’s important to consider the nutritional trade-offs. If you’re replacing one food with another, are you still getting the vitamins, minerals and other nutrition you need? In a <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/10/12/3156">recent paper</a>, I sought to raise awareness of nutritional differences between foods by producing a new index specific to Australia. It aims to help Australians make better informed dietary choices and get the nutrients recommended for good health. <h2>Nutrients: are we getting enough?</h2> The Australian Bureau of Statistics publishes tables showing the usual intake of selected nutrients across the population. The tables also show the proportion of Australians whose usual nutrient intake is below what’s known as the “estimated average requirement”. While Australian adults eat in diverse ways, they generally get enough of some nutrients regardless of their diets. For example, most people seem to obtain adequate niacin (Vitamin B3) and phosphorus. And the tables suggest 97% of Australians get enough vitamin C. However, inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6 and zinc is common. Around two-thirds of Australian adults consume less calcium than what’s recommended (which ranges from 840 to 1100 mg/day depending upon age). Worryingly, 90% of women aged over 50 don’t get enough calcium. Inadequate zinc intake is most prevalent among Australian men – more than half aged over 50 consume below recommended levels. So what about free sugars? These include added sugars and the sugar component of honey and fruit juices, but exclude natural sugars in intact fruit, vegetables and milk. It’s recommended Australians limit free sugars to less than 10% of dietary energy intake. However, almost 50% of Australian adults exceed this recommended limit. <h2>Paying attention to under-consumed nutrients</h2> Every food has a different nutrient composition. And as the <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines">Australian Dietary Guidelines</a> show, we should eat a variety of foods to stay healthy. We should pay particular attention to foods that are important sources of nutrients for which large numbers of Australians are not getting enough. If possible, Australians should seek to include more of these foods in their diet. At the same time, foods with free sugars should be eaten only in moderation. The new food index <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/10/12/3156">I produced</a> seeks to help Australians achieve this. It provides an overall nutrient composition score tailored to the Australian dietary context. The index includes eight vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Folate, A and C), eight minerals (calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, magnesium, iodine, selenium and molybdenum), along with protein and free sugars. These 18 elements are weighted in proportion to the extent of inadequate or excessive intake in Australia. A higher score is better than a lower score. So, the index scores foods highly if they are low in free sugars, and rich in the elements many Australians need more of – calcium, magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc and vitamin A. Foods containing few nutrients but added sugar score very low. For example, a chocolate chip cookie weighing 35 grams scored 0.004 and a sugar-sweetened cola-flavoured beverage scored below zero. <h2>Swapping foods may not achieve like-for-like</h2> The index can be used to compare foods that might be considered substitutes in pursuit of a diet that’s healthier, more affordable or better for the environment. In the case of dairy foods, 250ml of full cream milk scored 0.160, and reduced-fat milk almost as high at 0.157. The index shows the potential nutritional trade-offs when choosing dairy alternatives. A 250ml serving of calcium-fortified oat beverage scored 0.093. Without calcium fortification, the score fell to 0.034. Looking at meat, 100g of raw lean diced beef scored 0.142. An equivalent serving of plant-based burger made from pea protein, with many added vitamins and minerals, scored almost the same at 0.139. This shows plant-based alternatives are not necessarily less nutrient dense. The index also shows the different nutritional needs of women and men. For example, the scores for two large eggs were higher for women (0.143) than men (0.094). This reflects, in part, the greater prevalence of inadequate iron intake among younger women. This article originally appeared on The Conversation.

Food & Wine

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Hotel booking sites actually make it hard to get cheap deals, but there’s a way around it

The travel destinations that have the best value for money

Huge drop in international economy airfares revealed

Think $5.50 is too much for a flat white? Actually it’s too cheap, and our world-famous cafes are paying the price

The cheapest places to travel in 2024

Simple, cheap remedies you’ll wish you knew sooner

The easy way Aussie airfares could be halved in the future

Three-bedroom home on the market for unbelievably cheap price

"That's cheap": Tim Minchin attacked by former senator over emotional moment

Easiest travel hack to save big on the cost of flights

TV presenter drops F-bomb in front of Anthony Albanese

Screwed over: how Apple and others are making it impossible to get a cheap and easy phone repair

Interior designer shares key things that make your home look “cheap”

3 great travel tips from those with experience

Cheap tricks for the cruise enthused

13 budget beauty tricks

Bargain rental is “spacious” but missing key features

The most affordable international destinations

Saving hacks for your next getaway

How to make your diet more sustainable, healthy and cheap

Our Partners