Holiday & Travel Loan Calculator

Last updated: May 2026. Reflects current Australian metrics.

Don't let interest ruin your holiday memories. Budget your flights, accommodation, and spending money to see exactly what your trip will cost in total once financed.

Trip Budget

$
$
$

Loan Details

%
Try to pay off a holiday quickly so you aren't paying for it during your next trip!

Monthly Repayment

To pay off the trip

$0

True Cost of Your Holiday

Base Trip Cost $0
Bank Interest Paid $0
Total Amount Paid $0

Financing a Holiday in Australia

Whether you are planning a European summer getaway, a honeymoon, or a ski trip to Japan, travel is expensive. If you haven't saved enough cash, you might consider financing the trip. In Australia, this is usually done via a Personal Travel Loan or a Credit Card.

Travel Loans vs Credit Cards

A Travel Loan is just an unsecured personal loan marketed towards holidaymakers. Because it is an instalment loan, you are given a lump sum of cash, a fixed repayment schedule (e.g., 2 years), and a clear end date. Interest rates usually sit between 10% and 15% p.a.

A Credit Card acts as a revolving line of credit. While convenient, standard credit cards often charge around 20% p.a. If you put a $10,000 holiday on a credit card and only make the minimum monthly repayments, you will end up paying thousands of dollars in interest, and you could still be paying off the holiday a decade later.

The Golden Rule of Travel Debt

Financial advisors generally recommend that you should aim to pay off your travel debt before you take your next holiday. Taking out a 5-year loan for a 2-week trip means you will still be paying for the memories long after they have faded. Keep the loan term as short as you can comfortably afford (1 to 2 years is ideal).

Related Calculators

Personal Loan Debt Consolidation Holiday Loan

Read about personal loan consumer protections at ASIC MoneySmart.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is debt consolidation?
Debt consolidation involves taking out one new personal loan to pay off multiple existing debts, ideally at a lower overall interest rate.
2. Secured vs Unsecured personal loans?
Secured loans require an asset (like a car) as collateral and have lower rates. Unsecured loans do not require collateral but cost more.
3. Does applying affect my credit score?
Yes, submitting an application leaves a "hard inquiry" on your credit file, which can temporarily lower your score.
4. Can I pay off my personal loan early?
Variable rate personal loans usually allow unlimited extra repayments. Fixed rate loans may charge break fees.
5. What is a good credit score in Australia?
According to Equifax, a score between 622-725 is Good, 726-832 is Very Good, and 833-1200 is Excellent.
6. What are establishment fees?
An upfront fee charged by the lender to process and set up the loan. It is usually added to the loan amount.
7. How does the comparison rate help?
It merges the interest rate and fees into a single figure, making it easier to compare the true cost of different loans.
8. What is the maximum I can borrow?
Most Australian unsecured personal loans max out between $50,000 and $75,000, depending on your income.
9. Can a personal loan be used for anything?
Mostly yes (weddings, holidays, medical), but lenders generally restrict using personal loans for business purposes.
10. What happens if I miss a payment?
You will incur late fees and it will be recorded on your Comprehensive Credit Reporting (CCR) file.