It’s no secret that Aussies are itching to get back out there and enjoy some domestic travel after being cooped up inside and isolating in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Nothing’s certain yet, but there is light at the end of the tunnel with murmurs that restrictions could be lifted for interstate trips as soon as July.
Luxico — a luxury home hotel service coveted by celebrities like Victoria Beckham — has seen a 138% increase on travel enquiries compared to the same period in 2019. People are daydreaming and preparing for the first trips after quarantine, and when the day comes that restrictions are lifted, there will be an inevitable boom of bookings.
But just like you’re gearing up for a road trip down the coast or a visit to your relatives in other states and territories, you can be sure others are thinking the same. So to avoid congestion and crowds on your first holiday post-isolation, we’ve rounded up some tips and advice.
1. Avoid air travel
If you can avoid it, it’s perhaps best to venture towns closer to home, or at least within driving distance to limit your contact with other people.
For Sydneysiders, weekend trips to the Central Coast, Palm Beach area or Byron Bay could be ideal. And for Melbournians, destinations like the Mornington Peninsula and The Dandenong Ranges make for beautiful options.
“Some of these trips only take an hour by car but can still feel a million miles away,” says CEO and co-founder of Luxico, Alexandra Ormerod.
2. Get out of town
Ormerod advises we “pick a destination outside the main township” to avoid large numbers of people.
“Some of Australia’s most popular tourism hotspots are full of hidden gems just outside the town centre. Places like the hinterland outside Byron Bay and the Gold Coast offer scenic seclusion, whilst still being 20 minutes drive from the town and the beach.
“Avoid the need to rub shoulders with other travellers whilst still having access to amenities as needed.”
3. Choose holiday homes over hotels
Ormerod’s number one tip? “Stay in a holiday home over a hotel or resort.” She says: “Not only is there a lot more space for everyone to spread out inside, but you’ll have exclusive use of all the facilities.”
Holiday rental companies like Luxico have pivoted their offerings to remove unnecessary face-to-face interactions. We’re talking about remote check-in via video links from tablets inside the homes, remote concierge services, and a 12-hour buffer between delivery of guest requests before they check in.
Things like groceries, toys, and bottles of bubbles can be delivered to Luxico rentals, but they’ll be done so a full 12 hours before guests check-in now.
Regardless of when we’ll be able to hit the road (and the skies) again, one thing we can do right now is plan. Start now with our round-up of 5 stunning Australian road trips, peek inside a luxury floating home at Palm Beach, or virtual travel experiences around Australia.
The current health crisis is evolving rapidly. If you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.