Our Wotif team of travel experts have put their thinking caps on and come up with their best holiday tips. So, if you’re planning to take a trip through Australia or New Zealand soon, make sure you check these out first.
Aliisa, PR Team
“Your ‘fun holiday self’ shouldn’t just be reserved for overseas adventures. With local tour operators doing it tough, make an effort to do your part by booking at least one fun activity or tourist experience you might not have previously considered. It will be well worth it – for both of you!”
Vicci, Email Team
“I love to take a holiday with a big group of friends and the best way to fit us all in is to book a holiday rental on Wotif! It’s easy, we each get our own space and we can come together as a group for meals and fun times. Win-win!”
Kristen, Social and Content Team
“I love giving the gift of quality time to my loved ones. So at Christmas, instead of having a million presents under the tree, I try to put some funds aside for a trip away – even if it’s only one or two nights later on in the year when it’s not so exxy – just to have something to enjoy together.”
Stacey, Brand Team
“When I’m heading on holidays and need pointers on what to do and where to go, I search for the relevant destination hashtags on Insta. That way, I can see the different beaches, walks, cafes or pubs that people have visited and taken a snap at. You can find some real gems!”
Sarah, Social and Content Team
“My hot tip? You don’t have to go far to get your travel fix. If you’re itching for a trip but don’t know where to go, head somewhere local and see it through fresh eyes. All I need is a pool, great restaurants and somewhere to take in a gorgeous sunrise, and my batteries are officially charged.”
Archina, Marketing Analyst,
“I like to get my kids into chores by having them work towards holiday goals. Every task they complete, the closer they get to the holiday! I create a vision board of our trip and vacay activities to get them excited. If they still don’t help, they can’t complain about the staycation alternative!”
Bec, Senior Brand Manager
“I’ve got decision fatigue so I’ve handed the holiday-planning reigns (with guidelines) to my kids. They choose places they’ve learnt about at school or based on a fab holiday a friend took, so we have a solid starting point. They’ve chosen a 2021 trip to the NT and I can’t wait.”
Nirmal, Senior SEM Specialist
“A few hours away from Sydney lies a beautifully quaint town in the Shoalhaven region of NSW, renowned for it’s boutique shopping, amazing food and award-winning wineries. Oh, and a famous Donut van! Where is it, you ask? Let’s just say it’s a Berry good place to visit!’
Bridget, social and content team
“I leave almost nothing to chance when it comes to my meals (I’m bookmarking cafes and bolthole bars months before a trip!) but I do always leave time to get lost in a new place. Wander down that alleyway, poke your head into that friendly neighbourhood place… you never know what you might find.”
Kristen, social and content team
“Never underestimate the power of a ‘nothing holiday’. Pick a relaxing holiday spot (I highly recommend any island in The Whitsundays), your favourite person, a bottle of wine and a book and do absolutely nothing for a few days. I guarantee you’ll come back feeling like a new person!”
Clara Perego, market manager
“There are so many cheap things to do in Wellington! Take an awesome tour around parliament FOR FREE and make sure you take the cable car to the Botanic Garden for some stunning panoramic views. It’s also a great walking city and you can discover its soul through the street art.”
Courtney Van Eeden, accommodation team
“On a road trip? My top tip is to follow the brown signs! All the tourist drives are marked by brown signs along the roads. If you get lost, just follow them to the next town.”
Nidhi, PR team
“Hobart, one of Australia’s oldest cities, is my absolute fave to visit. When it’s possible to travel there again, I’d suggest staying along the iconic waterfront and explore the galleries, theatres, craft shops and restaurants set among the 1830s Georgian warehouses of Salamanca Place.”
Amy, partnerships team
“Want to take an Aussie road trip but don’t know where to go? Check out Wotif’s road trip hub for ideas on routes, places to stay, things to see and places to eat along the way. A trip to find the best QLD country pub is next on my list!”
Kate, commercial team
“With fewer people able to travel at the moment, one big positive has been the rejuvenation of our amazing nature. Our natural wonders are more ‘untouched’ right now than they’ve been in a long time. So, my tip is to explore your local beauties and leave them as you find them… untouched.”
Chi, Associate Marketing Manager
“Ever been caught without phone reception just when you need directions? Me too! Be a navigation and preparation hero by planning ahead and downloading Google area maps so you can navigate offline. Perfect for road trips or bush walks, when your signal can easily drop out.
Praveen, Senior Business Analyst
“Travelling with toddlers? Make sure you bring their fave toy, snacks (buy the whole aisle!), and make sure you have a lot of time and don’t rush. Also, don’t forget to explain the journey to them and make it as exciting as possible. Most important of all, make sure they ENJOY it!”
Cassie, Wotif Insider Blog Editor
“It’s always great to leave your options open – especially this year. So when you book your next trip, look for stays and airfares that offer free cancellation and changes. It gives you that extra bit of confidence when making travel plans.”
Fergus, NZ hotel team
“Take your togs with you wherever you go, no matter what the season. Between hotels with heated indoor pools, natural hot springs, beautiful beaches and other idyllic swimming spots, you never know when you’ll find a chance to take a dip!”
Sarah, Social Media Specialist
“It sounds cliché but I love getting off the beaten track. Popular spots are awesome but there are great lesser-known regions that are full of personality and not on everyone’s radar. From busy bakeries to local pubs with heaps of character, nothing beats a small Aussie town with welcoming hospitality.”
Chris, Senior Commercial Manager
“Touristy? Yes. Fun? Absolutely! There’s never been a better time to stay local, jump in the car and visit Queenstown. Operators need local support more than ever and there’s nothing more exhilarating than standing on a bridge and bungee jumping off the edge. Just save the winery visit for afterwards!”
Chris, Senior Commercial Manager
“What’s my Brisbane must-do? For a staycation, or the starting point for a longer trip, make sure you spend time eating and drinking your way along James Street in Brisbane. The Calile Hotel is next level and if you need to walk off the overindulgence, take the 5km stroll along the river from Teneriffe to Howard Smith Wharves.”
Zack, Commercial Team
“Get out onto the open road quick-smart by nailing your road trip packing game. Here’s how…gather your items before you start and work your way down from the big items to smaller ones, but keep the esky accessible for any pit stops! Pack small items last and use collapsible containers or bags to make unloading way easier.”
Wendy, Database Marketing Specialist
“One of my fave spots for an NZ food and wine break is Waiheke Island. Nothing beats harbour views, world-class vineyards, olive groves and beaches! Don’t miss Oneroa Village for some of the best local oysters and art galleries, and Mudbrick Winery for sunset with a red.”
Aliisa, PR Manager
“The Blue Mountains has to be one of the best road trip destinations in NSW. Whether you’re there for the day or making a weekend of it, you’ll find plenty of natural beauty, friendly hospitality and delicious eateries. To really appreciate the open air, head to Centennial Glen Stables for a horse ride with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.”
Vicci, Senior Database Marketing Manager
“If you’re ever in Christchurch with some time to spare, head to Hanmer Springs. It’s a great place to relax and unwind, with stunning landscapes, and the famous thermal pools and spa are a must-visit. Also, don’t forget to walk up Conical Hill for amazing views. It’s my fave weekend getaway from the city.”
Allyvia, South Australia Accommodation Expert
“A few days on Kangaroo Island is an absolute must! Hire a car and head across to Seal Bay Conservation Park. Get there first thing in the morning to see these guys up close and personal on the beach. Seals are the new quokkas! Oh, and don’t forget to head to the Vivonne Bay General Store for their famous Whiting Burger afterwards.”
Adele, Wotif Social Media Specialist
“My Wot Tip is to explore Tropical North Queensland! I’m obsessed with Cairns, Port Douglas and Fitzroy Island. You can do all three in a week and still feel well rested. If you visit Port Douglas, you HAVE to head to Capannina – the best gelati outside of Italy!”
Adele, Wotif Social Media Specialist
“On a recent trip to Queenstown, my friends and I fell in love with Arrowtown. We wandered through charming shops and cafes and discovered so many hidden gems. Make sure you visit the Lakes District Museum – one of the most interesting snapshots of local history.”
Heads up! Due to COVID-19, government restrictions are in constant review and travel guidelines may change. We strongly recommend that all travellers seek further information about destinations and attractions before scheduling trips or making bookings, take extra care and follow all rules.
