Big Lap On A Budget: Deena’s Smart Money Tips For The Road
Deena Shanahan
Want some good information about doing a big lap on a budget? Listen in to hear Deena Shanahan's tips about fuel hacks that could save you hundreds.
When Deena and her family set off on their Big Lap in 2015, they didn’t just take a road trip, they lived a dream that reshaped their lives.
Fast forward to today, and she’s still travelling, only now it’s through the world of loyalty points, helping Aussie travellers save big while seeing more.
We sat down for a nostalgic, practical, and laugh-out-loud chat about her trip and how every lapper can stretch their budget without sacrificing the good stuff.
The Lap That Changed Everything
Deena, her husband, and their two kids (then 8 and 9) spent 8 glorious months in a 17-foot Jayco StarCraft, towed by a trusty Prado that’s still going strong. From McKinlay races to Cape Leveque, they chased red dirt roads, sunsets, and bucket-list dreams.
Her top reflection? “We were happier in that little caravan than in our bigger homes. It was the best time of our lives.”
And yes, her farewell to the van included a night in a freezing cold Hillsville caravan park just to say a proper goodbye.
No School, No Problem
Deena and her husband took a different approach to schooling: no worksheets, no stress. Instead, the kids journaled daily, read voraciously, and learned organically—from reef sharks to Red Dog.
“The kids slipped straight back into school after,” she said. “They didn’t just learn, they lived Australia.”
Planning vs. Living
She offers this gold nugget to new lappers: “Don’t over-plan. Don’t over-spend. Just go. You’ll find your rhythm.”
Her lap was driven by simplicity. No bull bar. No unnecessary gear. Just the essentials and a good dose of courage.
When the Caravan Door Swings Open... Literally
A classic blooper: a day of driving with the van door wide open. “We thought everyone was just being extra friendly,” she laughed. Lesson? Always double-check before hitting the road!
Big Lap On A Budget: The Fuel Hack That Could Save You Hundreds
Now, Deena runs Committed to Collect, teaching Aussies how to turn everyday spending. Fuel, groceries, even Maccas runs, into loyalty points. Her biggest hacks for lappers?
BP Me + CarSales: Link them and get 6c off per litre plus Qantas points.
7-Eleven Fuel Lock: Lock in the lowest price for 7 days and earn Velocity points.
Gift Cards on Bonus Offers: Buy gift cards at Woolies or Coles when they offer 20x points, then use them at Supercheap, BCF, or Bunnings.
Points Without Credit Cards? Yes, Really.
Contrary to common belief, Deena proves you don’t need a points-earning credit card. Her account? Over a million points, earned through clever shopping and fuel habits.
“Just be smarter with what you already spend,” she says. “It adds up fast.”
Photo Albums, Not Just Memories in the Cloud
To preserve their memories, Deena printed Instagram photos each month, ending the trip with a stunning, chronological coffee table album—a tangible reminder of their adventure.
Takeaways for Your Big Lap
If you’re planning a lap (or already on it), Deena’s story is a powerful reminder:
Keep it simple.
Say yes to detours (even 700km ones for Red Dog!).
Track your spend and be savvy with points.
And above all, commit to the experience, not just the plan.
🚐 Want the full chat, bonus content, and access to insider-only tips? Join the BLC Crew+ and unlock extended interviews, private Q&As, and a supportive community of fellow lappers.
Deena is a passionate traveller who’s just as comfortable in a caravan as she is boarding a plane. In 2015, she hit the road with her husband and two young kids to complete the Big Lap of Australia, a journey she still calls “the best time of our lives.”
After 30 years in the travel industry, Deena launched Committed to Collect in 2024, a business that helps everyday Aussies turn their regular spending into serious travel rewards,without relying on credit cards. Her philosophy? You don’t need to spend more, just spend smarter.
With a knack for making loyalty programs simple and accessible, Deena is on a mission to help others ditch the confusion and finally see real value from their points. No more swiping for a toaster, she’s here to show you how to travel further for less.
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