Fuel Prices are up, here’s how I’m handling it while travelling Australia

Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know fuel prices have risen a LOT across Australia. And with  the conflict on the other side of world with no end in sight, us Australians are being impacted. And this is impacting our Australian travel plans. So as a traveller, how am I handling this? This is how I’m handling it.

In all honesty, I wouldn’t cancel a trip over it, but I am absolutely mindful of the situation and adjusting my travel. I know some people have cancelled their travel plans, while other’s haven’t. Here’s some things I am doing, and what you could consider to optimise your travel. So you can keep travelling Australia either for a day trip, weekend escape, iconic road trip or doing the big lap of Australia.

• Fill up earlier than usual. Rather than waiting till my tank is a quarter full or nearing empty I am topping my tank up when I hit half a tank. I don’t feel guilty topping up, particularly in remote areas, where fuel may have run out and where other’s might need it more.

• Slow down a little: Dropping speed slightly on long and short drives can make a real difference to fuel use. Just going 10km slower can help reduce fuel consumption.

• Stay longer in each place. Moving less saves more fuel. I have heard lots of other travellers are doing this too. Staying put in the one place for longer also allows you to immerse yourself in the local area. So use a central base, and do day trips rather than moving every day and changing accommodation spots every night.

• Bundle errands into one drive. Tighten your route and be ruthless where you stop. Yep, do everything in the one go – buy groceries, fuel and do other jobs in one loop. Avoid backtracking and detours. It will help conserve fuel.

• Cut extra weight. If possible, cut extra gear, you know, those ‘just in case’ items plus. Also, reduce full water tanks (if possible). Also, remove roof gear if you can. Unfortunately, roof racks, awnings, and bulky gear create drag and burn more fuel. And while fuel costs are at a premium and sometimes, in short supply, cutting extra weight and removing roof gear will help.

So this is what I am doing to help me continue travelling Australia during this, can I say, interesting time.

PS: Download a fuel map to find the cheapest fuel.