Last week I did something exciting and applied for annual leave! This year we are doing more camping things, so we are going away to see friends a few hours away for a weekend and we are also going away camping for four nights for our wedding anniversary to a place called Bright, which is in the mountains and is really beautiful.
The campsite at the caravan park was $45 per night, so $180 in total. I decided to withdraw $100 from the holiday fund (because that's what it's there for) but didn't want to withdraw too much either. Because I've withdrawn $100 from the holiday fund I've reduced the holiday fund and the Banking the Difference challenge on the sidebar accordingly. This way we pay $80 out of pocket for the accommodation, feels much better, less of an outflow. So $207 is left there, might add some here and there to build it up a bit.
Very much looking forward to both holidays 
Other things of note:
- no charge for paying the minimum late on the balance transfer card, woohoo!
- the fan belt on the dryer broke. We have had it for 12 years now so B was thinking maybe it's time to replace it. Instead I found a parts kit (there are four or five different parts, and the dryer fan belt is one of those things) for $56 in total off eBay. When it arrives B will fit it. I am so lucky to have such a handy husband!
Withdrawal from the Holiday Fund
September 9th, 2015 at 12:04 pm
September 9th, 2015 at 03:57 pm 1441814250
Would you find it helpful to make a plan for activities or how you'll use each precious day? Of course it's not 'written in stone' but takes into account special events, holidays with accelerated costs and traffic headaches etc. Do you need to make reservations for caravan sites if using your camper? Is your rig appropriate for 'boondoggling?' [camping in a parking lot or countryside without access to water, sewerage or electric lines?] I found it helpful to note locations with reasonable access to washing machines and larger grocery stores to re-stock. since tourist specific locations charge a premium for everything imaginable.
September 9th, 2015 at 10:20 pm 1441837223
We already have booked a caravan site and as we are away only five days in total will not need to do washing, and will probably plan our meals before we go, would rather avoid buying expensive food (grocery stores in the tourist areas are notoriously expensive!). Thank you for giving me many things to think about
September 10th, 2015 at 12:34 am 1441845294
September 10th, 2015 at 08:51 am 1441875103