TRAVEL
hello holidays! If you haven’t planned yet for this summer’s holidays, fear not! There are still options. Are you stuck for Christmas holiday ideas? Bored with the same old, same old? Looking for the right trip that will deliver joy and happiness to all? To help you a little, here are some suggestions for breaks short and long.
CLOSE TO HOME perfect for everyone There’s a lot to be said for holidaying in our own beautiful, wide brown land. Australia, from top to bottom, has something for everyone. Traditionally, Qantas and Virgin release great fares on Christmas Eve or Boxing Day to fill all those unsold seats. Perfect for a last-minute getaway, city breaks are particularly good – luxe hotels at less than luxe prices because business people aren’t travelling. Darwin and surrounds may be hot as Hades, and it will pour every day. But if you love waterfalls, it’s a magic time to visit Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. Prices are low and you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck. Or nip over to Far North Queensland. Here too it’s tropical, but it seldom rains all day and you’ll find a wide choice of resorts with gorgeous pools beckoning you to laze away the day. If you can travel after the Christmas and New Year rush,
you’ll find the choice wider and the prices more favourable. I’ve enjoyed many a perfect January family holiday here. Noosa and the Gold Coast are perennial favourites. They’re within easy reach, so you can even drive and save your precious dollars for some special meals out or days at a theme park or two. Or why not consider heading south to the wonderful Mornington Peninsula? The weather may not be quite so reliably warm, but there’s a lot to do and explore, wonderful walks and bike rides, wine tasting, gentle child friendly beaches – and it’s not going to cost a fortune. New Zealand is definitely close to home and while not exotic, offers a credible summer option. Alas Kiwis heading home to see the family have usually planned well in advance, so last-minute fares can be exy all through December and January. Fly, pick up a car and enjoy a driving holiday that will have you enthralled, particularly through the South Island. Speaking of islands, our Queensland islands, Fiji, Samoa and the Cooks are not great for last minute getaways. Cyclone damage has reduced inventory and prices are high, so save these destinations for a forward planned holiday to make the most of your money.
THE YOUNG COUPLE IN LOVE Think anywhere there’s a beach, beautiful sunsets, delicious cocktails and a whiff of the exotic. Mauritius and the Maldives rate highly, but what about Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka fulfils the need for exotic and adventurous, you can be as active or as bone idle as you want, but every day will excite you. Or why not test the relationship with a snow trek through the wilds of Hokkaido, Japan - or Bhutan? Both very out there with serious bragging rights.
* Conditions apply 26 I THE VILLAGE OBSERVER I NO. 269 I DECEMBER 2017
