Stop Saying "Someday" to Your Road Trip

The budget calculator that works out what life on the road really costs, and shows you it's probably more doable than you think.

Instant access: a Google Sheets file that works on any device.

One-time payment for lifetime access + updates

BONUS: fuel calculator & savings tracker

This is the calculator that changed our minds about whether it was possible. 


 It answers one question: How much does a road trip actually cost—for your family, in your situation, on your timeline? 


 Input YOUR numbers. 


 See YOUR departure date. 


 That's it.

What's included:

At a glance dashboard

See the whole thing on one screen — where every dollar's going, and how close you are to leaving

Track your savings

Watch the bar fill up — what you've saved, what's left, and whether you're on track for your date

Daily schedule option

Plan the first week if you want to — or don't. It's there when you need it

Planning list

Everything you can't forget, in one spot — and half of it can go to your partner

Plus much more. Video walk through below

If you want to do this but the money side is a fog, you already know the feeling:

Your kids asking "when can we go on that road trip?" and you not having an answer.

Googling "how much does a road trip cost" and getting numbers between $50 and $300 a day, none of which feel like your trip.

The quiet worry that you will run out of money halfway and have to come home early.

Trying to budget on paper, in Notes, or in random spreadsheets — and giving up because it's too messy

Make it look like this:

Know your budget, based on your campsite preferences - free, low cost, paid or a mix.

Know exactly what you need to save between now and your departure.

A list you can hand half of to your partner

Know what your fuel bill will be, so you can plan accordingly.

Zero last minute panics with forgotten things

Know how the budget is tracking on your trip and be confident knowing it will last the distance. 

You need to know your unique budget. 


Everyone is different. Back home costs are different, travel styles are different. 


This calculator gives you the tools needed to work out your personalised plan. 

The hardest part of planning a Big Lap isn't the packing or the route. 

It's sitting down and working out if you can actually do it.

Most people stay stuck in 'one day' mode for years because they can't answer that one question: 'Can we actually afford this?' This planner answers it in under an hour


When you know what you'll spend per week on your trip, you can actually start budgeting for a figure. It becomes tangible. 


But not only that, when you have your departure date sorted, you can work out what you need to save per week to make it achievable. 

What's Included?

Everything you get in the Travel Australia Budget Planner:

Know the all-important weekly spend number — before you leave

This planner works out the full cost of your trip — fuel, accommodation, food, experiences, and the easy to overlook ones. Enter simple prompted data. Let the planner work it out for you.  Includes how to calculate back home costs. 

Know how much you'll need to save per week until your departure

The Sinking Funds Savings Tracker automatically works out how much you'll need to put away each week. Watch your savings bar fill up. Tick it off as you go. Weirdly satisfying.

Stay on track while you're travelling

The Real-Time Expense Tracker will let you instantly see if you're on track or starting to creep over budget, allowing you to make adjustments before it's too late. 

Estimate costs in seconds, not hours

Five pre-built Quick-Reference Calculators specifically designed for Australian travel. Head across the Nullabor and know exactly how much fuel you'll burn and how much it will cost - so you can budget accordingly. Work out caravan park costs, food costs and much more. 

Know where you're going and when

The Daily Trip Itinerary Planner lets you map out your first weeks on the road — or your entire route — with customisable daily time slots. No more "so where are we going tomorrow?" at 9pm.

Keep track of every pre-departure task

The Pre-Departure Task Tracker covers caravan servicing, insurance renewals, mail holds, and every other thing you absolutely cannot forget before you leave. Check them off. Watch your departure day get closer- or delegate to your partner so you're not doing it all. 

Step-by-step instructions included

Even if you've never used a spreadsheet in your life — the Comprehensive Instructions PDF walks you through every feature clearly. No tech experience needed.

Today: $17. Instant download. Yours forever.

No spreadsheet experience is needed

BONUS: 

Included with the budget planner are tools that will help you achieve your budgeting goals even faster: 

Find your big lap budget quick guide

A quick reference guide that will help you find your approx. budget in only a few moments. Use it to start the conversation today. 

Price: INCLUDED

Create a printable sheet to stick to your fridge

If you're like me, you might want to see something tangible. Fill in your savings goal, print it (or screenshot it to your phone) and pop it on your fridge. 

Price: INCLUDED

Consectetur

Repudiandae

The Budget Planner is a good fit if…

You're dreaming of the Big Lap (or any Australian road trip) and the money side feels overwhelming or unclear
You've tried to budget on paper or in a notes app and it's not really working
You want to know exactly how much to save each week between now and departure

Grab the Budget Planner Today

One time purchase. Instant Google Sheets download (+ Instructions!)

ONLY $17

Designed by an Aussie for Aussies

No spreadsheet experience needed

Instant download


This is NOT for you if: 

You've already got a spreadsheet that works and you're happy with it
You're looking for travel inspiration or pretty photos (this is pure logistics)
You want someone else to do the planning for you (you need to be willing to do the work)
Sneak peek: 
In case we haven't met yet... 

Hi :) 


I'm Margie. I'm not a financial advisor or a budgeting expert. 

 

I'm just a traveler, a Nat Geo writer, someone who loves the outside and exploring. 

 

But I got tired of not knowing our actual numbers - we wanted to leave, but it was all a guess if we could actually afford it. 


And, as much as I wanted to 'wing it', I don't think I could have talked my family into it... So, I built the early version of this spreadsheet - and within minutes, we could see we could afford it. 


Fast forward 4 years, many 6-month+ trips, and this spreadsheet tool has been fine-tuned with real-life experience to be exactly what you need to plan a road trip.


Happy Planning & Happy Adventuring :)

Stop dreaming.
Start planning.
Know your number.
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Special Offer
[HIGHLY RECOMMENDED] Add the Australia Route Planner to your order for the answers to all the tough questions you don't think about until you need to think about them! + much more! 
$17au 

Planning a lap from scratch can raise so many questions! 

Where do you start? How long in each spot? When's the wet season, actually? This is our route research, written down.

Includes:
  • WA suggested route
  • South East Aust route
  • East Coast route
  • Seasonal timing
  • Before you go checklists
  • Questions to ask each other before you leave to ensure everyone is on the same page!  


Instant download editable doc so you can customise if needed. [$17] 

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  • 1xTravel Australia Budget PlannerA$17
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All prices in AUD

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    Have any questions? 

    We're here to help... 


    Email us at hello@margieandtim.com.au with any of your questions. 

    • Do I need to know how to use spreadsheets?
      Not at all. The instructions PDF walks you through every step from setup. If you can type numbers into a box, you can use this planner.
    • What format does it come in?
      It's a Google Sheets file — so it works on any device, anywhere. You'll get instant access after purchase and a separate PDF instructions guide.
    • Is this just for the Big Lap, or can I use it for shorter trips?
      It works for any trip — a two-week road trip through WA, a few months in Queensland, the full lap, whatever you're planning. Just enter your dates and it does the rest.


    • Are refunds available?
      Sorry, no refunds are available due to the instant download of this product. Please check with us at hello@margieandtim.com.au if you have any questions.
    • Do I have to be towing a caravan for this to work?
      No, this works for anyone travelling by road - car & tent, car & roof top tent, camper, motorhome, hired camper, RV, bicycle... :) you get the idea :)
    • Is this a subscription?
      No. One payment, the file is yours, and any updates come to you.