It’s show season! And we all know what that means – food, fun, rides, animals and showbags (of course).

Yet in all the fun it’s easy to spend more than you expect – a snack here, a showbag there, and suddenly you get a nasty surprise when you open your credit card statement.

Fortunately, we have you covered – we’ve got tips to help you make the most of your Royal Show experience (without having to claim bankruptcy!)

Score tickets at a discount

While the cost of tickets is unavoidable, if you play it smart, you won’t have to pay full price.

Start by checking out the different pass options – if you’re going with friends of family, you might be able to save. The Royal Queensland Show, for example, offers adult/child combo tickets that can save you a good chunk of change. Or check your memberships – if you’re an RACV member, you can get tickets to the Melbourne Royal Show at a 20% discount.

And, no matter which show you’re going to, we highly recommend visiting your local Woolies to buy tickets in advance. Prices are higher at the gate, and you could save as much as 10% a ticket if you buy in advance.

Plan your showbags in advance

What would a visit to a Royal Show be without the ultimate prize – a showbag? For most kids, the bag at the end of the day is non-negotiable, but they can quickly add up.

The good news is that most of the official Show websites will list their showbags online. In some cases, you can purchase your showbag up front, and like your tickets, buying online is often cheaper (plus you might also get to jump the queue).

More money-saving tips!

Looking for more ways to save? Here are some more ideas for saving money at the Royal Shows:

• Pack your lunch. Not only is this a healthier option, but it means that when you do buy food it’s a treat for the family to share.

• Choose free events. Yes, many of the rides and exhibitions cost money, but there’s a tonne of free entertainment as well. Visit your local show’s website to find out what’s on, and plan ahead!

• Travel on the cheap. Jumping in the car to avoid the crowds on public transport might sound like a good idea… until you find yourself stuck in traffic and paying for parking. Public transport is easier on the budget, and means you avoid the hassle of finding somewhere to park, or remembering where you put your keys.

• Buy in bulk. If you plan to go on more than one day one day, a multi-day pass from Woolies more economical than buying one day at a time.