Are you in need of a break but don’t want to spend a fortune on a holiday? A staycation may be the perfect solution for you. A staycation is a vacation taken within your own city or nearby location, allowing you to relax and unwind without the expense and hassle of travelling far from home. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks on how to plan a perfect staycation in Australia.
Staycation
The slight ebbing of the COVID-19 pandemic may have given Aussies some weight to at least consider a staycation for momentary respite. In discussing the potential travel trends in 2023 at the Sydney Morning Herald, Lee Tulloch covered insights from travel advisor Virtuoso indicating a two-fold increase of domestic stays compared to 2019.
In Tourism Research Australia’s domestic market evaluation as of December 2023, overnight trips in Australia were tallied at 112.58 million, a four per cent climb from late 2022, but still 4.1 per cent off from the 117.44m trips recorded in December 2019. When it came to spending on these vacations, much money changed hands, with expenses totalling $109.3 billion, a 35.5 per cent jump from the $80.7 billion in December 2019; it also continued an upswing that began in March 2021. A state/territorial analysis found NSW leading the pack at 36.7 million trips with a spend of $34.8 billion to end 2023.
On the other side of the coin, a Pure Profile/Tourism and Transport Forum Australia national survey of 1,500 people polled their financial capability to go on holiday. The study, which covered 29 March to 29 April 2024, found that 70 per cent of Aussies still want to travel for the autumn school break – but 41 per cent prefer staying with their state or territorial lines. Even if respondents said they can afford to go, 53 per cent lamented that cost-of-living issues scrimped their plans so badly, they might just head out for a few days and on a budget no more than $2,000.
Overall, the statistics suggest that staycations are becoming an increasingly popular option for Australians looking for a break, with many interested in exploring their own backyards and avoiding the expense and hassle of travelling far from home. As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel continues to be felt, it is likely that domestic travel, including staycations, will continue to be a popular choice for Australians in the coming years.
Planning Your Staycation
Planning your staycation hinges on following these critical elements.
Target Location
The first step in planning a staycation is choosing a location. Consider nearby towns, national parks, or even your own backyard. Think about what activities and experiences you enjoy and look for nearby locations that can provide them. For example, if you enjoy hiking, look for a nearby national park with hiking trails. If you enjoy beach activities, look for nearby beaches that you can visit. A location close to home just might help you save on travel costs and spend more time relaxing.
Set a Budget
While a staycation can be more affordable than a traditional vacation, it’s still important to set a budget. Determine how much you can afford to spend and allocate funds for accommodation, food, and activities. If the above survey gave you ideas on drawing the line at $2,000, it’s a matter of setting up which places, activities, and food options can sum up to that number. You can also program a separate cash envelope as emergency funding.
Plan Activities
Just because you’re staying close to home doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and exciting experiences. Research local attractions and activities that you can enjoy during your staycation. This can include visiting museums, art galleries, parks, or attending local events. Consider trying new activities that you haven’t done before, such as taking a cooking class or trying a new outdoor adventure.
Book Accommodation
While you may be staying close to home, booking accommodation can help you fully disconnect and enjoy your staycation. Look for local hotels or vacation rentals that offer amenities such as pools, spas, or in-room dining. Those venues can help you relax and enjoy your staycation without worrying about cleaning or other household chores. Imagine returning to your suite after a brief departure from home, enjoying a few hours of rest, and then venturing out to explore.
Conclusion
Some people think that staycations are just vacations in your neighbourhood, but for Aussies, its a chance for the whole family to go and discover so much more within the general area of your state or territory, not to mention spend more modestly.
By choosing a nearby location, setting a budget, planning activities, and booking accommodation, you can enjoy a relaxing and memorable staycation in Australia. Whether you want to explore a nearby city or enjoy the great outdoors, a staycation can provide you with the break you need from the grind of daily life.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for information purposes only. QUICKLE has no business relationships with any industry resource mentioned in the article.
