The unlikely way Swifties are scoring cheap accommodation ahead of tour

As the excitement for Taylor Swift’s Eras tour reaches a fever pitch in Australia, fans are facing a significant hurdle: the soaring costs of accommodation. 

With sold-out shows in Melbourne and Sydney, a recent Australian Financial Review report compared the demand for hotels to that seen during New Year’s Eve and the Australian Open. 

Hotels in the vicinity of the concerts are nearing capacity, reaching 84% occupancy according to the AFR, with prices skyrocketing beyond $1000 per night.

As a result, thousands of fans, already having spent a fortune on flights, have found themselves scrambling to find affordable places to stay.

The Swifite hack that will make your ‘Wildest Dreams’ come true

Enter: a genius solution, courtesy of JUCY Campervans Australia.

Fans can rent a campervan for two to four people or a luxe Star RV Motorhome for up to six, look up a campsite or caravan park in town, and book a site for the concert night. 

Not only is this a fun way to enhance your concert experience (camp singalong with fellow Swifties anyone?) but you’ll also save some serious cash… more on that later. 

A spokesperson for JUCY, Cynthia Dammerer, said the idea was sparked by a simple realization: the company had several vehicles available during this off-peak period and thought, why not utilize them as temporary accommodation for the concert?

“It will be a game-changer for parents with teenagers, young couples, or anyone traveling to the concert from afar,” she said.

“I think it will be especially useful for parents who have bought their teenagers tickets as a treat and can’t allow them to stay in a hotel on their own, so have to come with them. 

“It also means that the parents can get them to and from the stadium easily and stay close by to keep an eye on their children’s welfare and maybe make a little family event of the whole thing.”

How it works

It’s easy – just pick up your vehicle, drive to your chosen spot, check in, plug in, and get ready for the concert. 

The campervans can be parked at campsites, caravan parks, or even at a friend or relative’s house if that’s an option for you. 

The company offers flexibility in booking, allowing people to choose their preferred location that suits their budget. 

For instance, a caravan park in Lane Cove costs $100/night for a powered RV site, just 16km from the Accor Stadium in Sydney. There are also campsites for just $40 a night a bit further away.

Also, if you haven’t yet bought tickets due to the price of flights, you can pick up your camper in Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane, Cairns, or Hobart, and drive it to Sydney or Melbourne. 

The cost and other details

The Star RV sleeps up to six very comfortably, has freshwater and grey water tanks, air-conditioning when plugged in at a campsite, a kitchen sink, a TV, and a cooktop, and comes fully equipped with linen towels and kitchen gear. 

Starting from $420/night, this is the most expensive option, but still much cheaper than a hotel room when divided by up to six people. 

A JUCY Crib Campervan is the cheapest option, from $112 a night, and sleeps two comfortably. It’s best to book this if you have access to a campsite or campervan park’s amenities block.