{"id":10207,"date":"2020-06-15T14:22:22","date_gmt":"2020-06-15T04:22:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/?p=10207"},"modified":"2020-11-11T09:56:02","modified_gmt":"2020-11-10T23:56:02","slug":"8-reasons-to-book-a-last-minute-school-holiday-getaway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/australia\/family\/tips\/last-minute-school-holiday\/","title":{"rendered":"8 reasons to book a last-minute school holiday getaway"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wow, 2020 has been a doozy, hey? Did you ever think you\u2019d become an impromptu kindergarten teacher, sourdough expert and pandemic specialist all at once? Probably not. But however you\u2019ve been coping with this truly crazy and unprecedented situation, there\u2019s one thing we can all agree on \u2013 we could all really do with a holiday right now. So, round up the kiddies (who\u2019ve hopefully stopped yelling at you now that they\u2019ve gone back to school\u2026 finally!) and start planning a much needed trip. Here are eight reasons to book a last-minute school holiday getaway right\u2026 NOW.<\/p>\n

1. You don\u2019t have to go far<\/h2>\n

Just because you went to Hawaii last year for your big family school holiday doesn\u2019t mean that taking a road trip 200km from your driveway is going to be any less enjoyable. In fact, it\u2019s actually great you don\u2019t have to go too far. Not only can you forget about things like passports, exchanging currencies or language differences, but if someone forgets their luggage, iPad, favourite stuffed toy or other holiday must-have, you can always turn back. Make the most of staying local and explore some of the hidden gems in your region.<\/p>\n

2. Fewer crowds<\/h2>\n

You know what having closed international borders means? There are going to be fewer international tourists at some of Australia\u2019s big-ticket, must-visit tourism hotspots. That means you might just be able to take that perfect family picture at the 12 Apostles without 500 strangers in the shot.<\/p>\n

\"Father<\/p>\n

3. The whole family needs a break<\/h2>\n

Are we right? With the screaming matches across the breakfast table, the failed attempts at home schooling, the tantrums that started just in time for online work meetings and the desperation to GET OUT of the house, it\u2019s been rough for everyone and the whole family has been feeling it. Now that the kids are back at school and have some structure again, it\u2019s a great time to relax and reconnect minus the stress.<\/p>\n

4. Nature is thriving<\/h2>\n

With fewer people on the roads, fewer tourists at popular landmarks and more people staying close to home, nature really has had time to rejuvenate. If you\u2019ve ever wanted to explore the likes of the Great Barrier Reef or Tropical North Queensland, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges in South Australia or Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clare National Park, there really is no time like the present (or whenever your border restrictions allow). But don\u2019t forget your local gems either! Every state and territory in Australia is home to incredible natural sites, so there are awesome holiday experiences waiting for you, even (and sometimes especially) in your own backyard. Get out there with the fam and enjoy some quality nature time. You might just have some incredible animal encounters too! \ud83d\udc28<\/p>\n

5. Staycations are awesome too!<\/h2>\n

As much as you might love one, a full holiday right now might not be doable for you and your fam. But that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t enjoy some quality downtime. Whether it\u2019s a short local getaway, an overnight stay at a fancy (and discounted) nearby hotel, or a just a couple of days set aside to explore your own town or city, you and your family deserve it. Check out which restaurants, museums, galleries and other activities are open in your area and spend a few days enjoying each other\u2019s company outside of the house \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n

6. You can support local communities<\/h2>\n

Some of the most beautiful parts of the country are struggling right now, either because of drought, flood, bushfires or the detrimental impact COVID-19 has had on international tourism. That doesn\u2019t mean that they have to go it alone, though. If you and your family want to show your love for an Aussie community that\u2019s doing it tough, find one that needs and wants tourists and spend your school holiday there.<\/p>\n

\"Boy<\/p>\n

7. You can go back to your old faves<\/h2>\n

Ever reminisced about some of the places you went on holiday as a kid and thought, \u201cWouldn\u2019t it be great to take the kids there one day\u201d? Well, \u201cone day\u201d has arrived. Whether it\u2019s a sleepy holiday park in Rosebud, a rural farm stay in the Scenic Rim or an apartment on the beach across the road from the best fish \u2018n\u2019 chips in Port Stephens, now is a great time to revisit some of your old holiday faves and make some new family memories with your own little ones.<\/p>\n

8. It\u2019s a chance to catch up with (extended) family<\/h2>\n

With the recent lockdown restrictions, many extended families have missed out on important milestones and events. Turn your family holiday into an extended family get-together and catch up on all the celebrations you missed out on. It\u2019ll be fun for everyone!<\/p>\n

Heads up!<\/strong> 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.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/i> PLAN YOUR LAST-MINUTE SCHOOL HOLIDAY GETAWAY <\/a>\n