The idea of saving money excites me a lot. Why pay full price when there is a cheaper option. It means I can use my hard-earned cash on other things…. like more travel.

There are some great discount cards and websites out there offering savings on flights, insurance, car hire and tours. But it helps to know of them. These are ones I have used before and can recommend.

• STA has great discount cards for full-time students, full-time teachers and youth under 31. I love that you are still considered youth at the age of 31. Being a teacher, I used this card on my world trip in 2012 and saved a fortune both before leaving and whilst away. The cards save you money on flights, entertainment, travel, accommodation, and shopping all around the world not just in Australia. The cards are valid for 12 months and are only $30. By using discounts, you save a lot more than $30. It is so worth it. Visit an STA store or buy your card online.

• For several years I have bought the Entertainment Book which also has great travel savings. A digital membership is between $60 and $70 and there is a tonne of savings for travellers, including discounts on travel insurance with CoverMore, World2Cover, World Assist Travel insurance and insureandgo.com.au. There are discount vouchers for flights with Air New Zealand, British Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Jetstar, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Virgin Australia. You can also score cheap car hire by using your card and 15% off Trafalgar Holidays. And everyone knows those Trafalgar Holidays are not cheap!

• I am part of the local volunteer fire brigade which means I have access to savings and member benefits offered by the RFSA. There are great savings and no join up fee. It’s a thank you for volunteering our time and energy. My favourite saving is 10% off Intrepid tours. Intrepid doesn’t often offer discounts on their website so this has been a great one to use to save some money when booking my tours.

• If you are over 65 and have your Seniors Card you can log on to the website which offers travel discounts and deals. That’s one for my parents.

• Groupon offers great savings on hotels, wellness retreats and travel packages. You can waste plenty of time searching the website so make sure you stay on task!

• Hotels.com offer a great incentive to book your hotel room with them... you are rewarded for every ten nights you book, you get one night free. Their prices compare to other sites such as booking.com and TripAdvisor so you are not paying anything extra. Score!

• If you have any insurance policies with NRMA then you are welcome to the benefits they offer members. Use your member discounts to save money on airport transfers with Jayride, car rentals, Virgin Australia, airport parking and Nol Lounges. Just download the my nrma app and start saving!

So why not try out some of the savings and reduce the cost of travelling. They will save you money when you travel, eat, tour, sleep and shop in Australia and all around the world. If there is a discount card or website you know of, please share below so we can all benefit.