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<\/p>\nWell, there was just no anticipating 2020, was there? Almost everything we\u2019ve come to expect as par for the course has been given a right old shake up. One thing we can expect? That Christmas is bound to be a little different than previous years, especially for those with family interstate or overseas. That\u2019s why I reckon the best way to guarantee a holly, jolly Christmas is to lock in your plans now. Here are seven reasons why.<\/p>\n
Christmas typically brings all of us (including our big, brash families) together, for better or worse \ud83d\ude09 Even the most predictable festive seasons are fraught with tricky conversations on who\u2019s staying where, who\u2019s bringing what and why a turducken isn\u2019t always a winning addition to the table. That\u2019s why getting plans on the go now will also get those tricky conversations with family happening and (hopefully) avoid any last-minute unhappiness. Emotions are likely to run especially high around the subjects of travel and hosting the big day this year so making decisions now could help to avoid disappointment later.<\/p>\n
Hear that? That\u2019s the sound of practically everyone you know frantically booking domestic travel. With international destinations still out of reach, it\u2019s no surprise that local spots are the premium choice this year. That means that beloved and sometimes secluded seaside town you always hit during summer holidays is likely to have a few more visitors than usual. So you really want to get in and book your trip now to give yourself the best chance of nabbing a bargain.<\/p>\n
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When you\u2019re trying to fit everyone from aunty Ann to cousin Bill into your plans, the puzzle pieces of your family vacay can be a challenge to click into place. That hurdle could be made infinitely harder by the fact that there aren\u2019t enough places in your chosen area to house the whole family (and all their luggage). In short, booking earlier generally means there\u2019s more choice. When it comes to families and Christmas, more choice might mean that no one draws the short \u2018the-couch-is-yours\u2019 straw.<\/p>\n
One upside of COVID has been a more flexible attitude to cancellations and changes to your travel itineraries. At Wotif, we understand that flexibility matters more than ever this year and that\u2019s why we offer access to 24\/7 customer support and free cancellation on most hotels (keep in mind that some stays require you to cancel more than 24 hours prior to check in, though). With many hotels offering these free cancellation options, booking early doesn\u2019t have to mean you\u2019re hemmed in – you\u2019ll have your travel plans booked but the peace of mind of being able to make changes if you need to.<\/p>\n
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Look, it\u2019s been a bit of a year hasn\u2019t it? Booking a Christmas trip now could be just the salve you need to get you through the year\u2019s final push. If you\u2019re feeling extra fancy, why not use this opportunity to see how those luxury, city-based hotels are faring? With international and corporate travellers not in town, there\u2019s bargains to be had. It\u2019s like getting to unwrap a pressie early!<\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve been secretly hankering to branch out and do your own thing during the silly season, this Christmas could be your year to change things up. Who knows what your new tradition could be? It might finally just be you, a page turner and your pooch heading to a seaside spot. Or you and your immediate fam without the crazy relos. Whatever your new Christmas season looks like though, this change might take a bit of planning \u2013 do your kids need an alternate Santa plan? Does your lunch menu need a shake up now that it\u2019s just you and your best friend under a palm tree? Building traditions takes time, so give yourself plenty of it.<\/p>\n
Stress is a bit like dessert: no matter how much you have, there always seems to be room for more. It\u2019s safe to say you\u2019ve likely had your fair share of worries this year so I\u2019d recommend cutting yourself some slack and leaving the stress of the year behind you by getting onto those plans \u2013 whatever and wherever they may be \u2013 nice and early. Save your stress for the turkey prep.<\/p>\n