Finish 2020 off on a good note with these 5 staycation tips
What better time to start planning a staycation than now?
Sure, international travel off the table for the time being - however, that doesn’t mean you need to give up planning for your Christmas holidays just yet.
There’s a silver lining: this is the perfect opportunity to get to know your home state a little bit better with a staycation!
2020 is a year we’ll all remember - end the year on a high note and enjoy a memorable holiday in your own backyard.
Why plan a staycation?
$ave money
If money’s tight, then a staycation is the way to go.
Travelling overseas comes with a range of extra expenses:
- Travel insurance
- Airfares
- Visa fees
By staying within your state however, you’ll be able to avoid most of these additional costs.
Not to mention, the Aussie dollar has dramatically weakened in value (and not just because of COVID-19). With a staycation however, you’ll be able to avoid losing money to dud exchange rates.
Less travel
“I love spending 10 hours in economy class!” said no one ever.
The worst part of travelling overseas is the actual travelling itself. Airline seats aren’t exactly the most spacious things around after all, and spending hours in a layover isn’t great either.
And we haven’t even gotten started on how you’ll need to leave early, or spend hours going through airport security!
Luckily, this isn’t something you’ll need to worry about with a staycation. Choose a destination nearby, and you might be able to reach your holiday destination after just 2 or 3 hours behind the wheel!
Less planning
Between organising flights, converting cash and arranging a visa and more, international travel is a lot of work.
While travelling locally isn’t planning-free either, there’s generally a lot less of it.
And given the circumstances, that’s a good thing!
Holidays should be stress-free as much as possible, especially with all the bad news and stress at the moment. You deserve something to distract you and keep your mind off everything that's happening at the moment.
Not only that, but since there isn’t a strict itinerary to follow, you can be a lot more flexible with where you go and when!
Essential staycation destinations
The beach
What, you really thought we wouldn’t mention our favourite place on earth here? Not a chance!
Nothing better than laying out by the pool or on the beach with a good book in one hand and cocktail in the other while sitting in your premium beach chair with a Klaoos beach umbrella!
Coastal towns
Escape the city and experience a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle. Not only is it soothing and therapeutic (two attributes that are in high demand at the moment), but you’re also close to the beach - it’s a win-win!
National parks
Mountains, deserts, rainforest… you needn’t travel far to find some of the world’s most jaw-dropping scenery thanks to our huge national parks.
Just be warned: in some states, national parks are only open by appointment, so be sure to do your research first.
Campsites
Always wanted to go camping, but could never find the time for it? Why not now? Just be sure to check whether campsites in your state are subject to restrictions or are only open on a limited basis first.
Our advice: 5 must-know staycation tips
Keep on top of the news
If there’s one word to describe life in the COVID-19 world, it’s “unpredictable”. As we’ve all learnt the hard way (especially any Victorians reading this), things can change quickly.
And that means you’ll need to keep a close eye on the situation on the ground when planning for your staycation.
Make a habit of checking the news regarding the area you’re travelling to and if possible, try to book places that will allow you to cancel or postpone without having to pay exorbitant fees, just in case.
Check what’s open
While closures are starting to lift in many states, that doesn’t mean that everything’s open for business again.
If you want to save yourself from the disappointment that comes with rocking up to your favourite holiday destination only to find that they’re shut, you’ll want to check what’s open before you add them to the itinerary!
And if you’re travelling interstate, be sure to check whether or not your destination has any border restrictions on travellers from your state while you’re at it,
Focus on outdoor activities
Not only do these let you really soak in the Australian summer, but outdoor activities also give you the space you need to practice social distancing and keep yourself safe while you’re on holiday.
Luckily, with its beaches, national parks and natural scenery, there are plenty of staycation options out there for you!
Research your destination’s health advice
Each state and territory has different health advice - before you lock in a destination, be sure to check out the area’s health requirements, and work them into your holiday plan if needed.
The health department’s Restriction Checker is a great starting point - not only can you look at restrictions by state, but also by industry and even by specific regions.
Stay close to home if you can
With how quickly things can change, it’s important that you don’t travel too far away from home, lest you need to quickly return on short notice.
This is especially important if your staycation involves crossing state lines!
We’re not saying this to put a dampener on your excitement - we’re just trying to look out for you, and ensure that you’ve got all your bases covered.
You don’t need to give up your holiday plans just yet
With a bit of tweaking, you might still be able to go away for your holiday!
Whether it’s down to the beach or the nearest national park, there’s no shortage of local holiday alternatives.
If there was ever a time to go on a staycation, it’s now!
What do your holiday plans look like? Do you have a unique staycation idea you’d like to share? Drop us a line - we’re looking for ideas ourselves too!