Support local and holiday near home: Aussies prepare for a Christmas ‘staycation’

Aussies are set to holiday near home this Christmas and New Year, a new study has revealed, with almost 40 per cent of people hoping to explore their own backyard over the festive season after months in self-isolation and distancing from their loved ones.

According to the Innocean 2020 Life in the Times of Covid tracker report, there’s overwhelming support for local travel in the Land Down Under, which likely comes as no surprise to Aussies as they hope to support the economy and of course boost their own mental health following lockdown.

In fact, the study found just one in 10 people have been able to get out and discover their surroundings in the past few months as current Covid-19 restrictions continue to prevent most interstate and all overseas travel. And it’s been sorely missed, with one in six Australians saying it’s what they miss the most.

“The past six months have been devastating, with Covid-19 transforming the way we live and impacting every facet of life,” Karl Bates, head of strategy at Innocean said. “Despite this, the majority of respondents (56 per cent) said they felt optimistic about the nation’s future and were itching the hit the road for a break this Christmas.”

He added: “We’re gearing up for Australia’s biggest ever staycation season – and with so many regions still reeling from the effects of drought and bushfires, let alone Covid-19, it’s great news for the many tourism, accommodation and hospitality providers who have been doing it tough.”

Over the past couple of weeks Queensland and South Australia both announced changes to their border restrictions rules giving Aussies more opportunity to explore their own country during the school holidays. The Sunshine State is now allowing residents from Australian Capital Territory to enter without the need to quarantine upon arrival.

Meanwhile, New South Wales residents are able to enter SA without any restrictions. And from next month onwards Queensland will relax its borders slightly to NSW with people from select areas allowed to cross the border without quarantining.

And to help Aussies plan their next getaways Travel at 60 is offering some great deals for short stays around the country in beautiful locations. You could spend three nights in gorgeous Airlie Beach on the Queensland coast and pay for only two nights. The hotel is perfectly positioned between the beachfront and the buzz of the village life with ocean views and an on-site restaurant.

You could spend your days relaxing on the beach at Airlie Beach or you could venture out and explore the Great Barrier Reef and the 74 Whitsunday Islands – it’s really the perfect getaway!

Alternatively, for something more luxurious you could enjoy a stay in Mooloolaba at a 5-star ocean front boutique resort. Within the resort you’ll find a heated pool, a movie theatre, a steam room and sauna and much more. You also wouldn’t have to travel far to get to the beautiful beaches, championship and public golf courses, Australia Zoo, markets and bushwalking tracks.

Meanwhile, for those in New South Wales there’s an incredible holiday package available which includes two nights in Sydney and two nights in the Blue Mountains at gorgeous Spicers Retreats. It’s a great way to spoil yourself with some shopping and relaxation. While staying in the Blue Mountains you’ll even get a cheese, chocolate and wine tasting experience and a full day private guided tour around the region. Sounds like bliss!