Christmas holidays are a time when many Australians take a break to enjoy all that the Australian summer offers and November is the time when plans are hatched. But this can mean crowds and, more often than not, accommodation is priced at a premium, Travelzoo Australia’s Publisher Allison Wallace offers some key tips to help you plan to avoid crowds and in some cases, get you better bang for your buck.1. Escape the holiday coastal crowds by booking more inland, rural and mountain destinations. It might not seem as appealing to start with but once there you will discover there is something new and exciting. Australia is a vast country and there is a lot to see and do. Many accommodation offerings do have pools of course!
2. Avoid peak travel days even if it means travelling on a Saturday morning instead of a Friday night or early Monday morning instead of Sunday night or even Christmas or Easter mornings rather than the day before when everyone else has the same idea. Traffic jams and flight delays can throw a spanner in the works and cost you time and add stress.
3. Overcrowded beaches are not the only water you can enjoy this Summer. Why not consider floating down some of our stunning waterways such as the Murray and Hawkesbury Rivers in a houseboat. There are endless opportunities to camp out, bushwalk, fish, swim and picnic. Or find some out of the way and lesser known beaches.
4. Christmas time is a great time to make the most of and get good deals in most of our major cities as so many of the locals flock to the coastal towns during this period leaving availabilities at restaurants and shows that might otherwise be sold out.
5. If the thought of Boxing Day sales and packed car parks fills you with dread, head for the hills instead! Ski resorts offer amazing value in the off-season with 3 nights for the price of 2 offers plus they often pile on the extras such as free breakfast, scenic chairlift rides, bobsled rides, mountain bike hire, guided walks, gold, pool, gym and waterslide access.
6. Exposing your kids to memorable experiences over the holidays doesn’t necessarily mean you have to blow the budget. There are lots of activities and holidays where kids go or stay free. Do your research online and you will be amazed!
7. Research is key. Over the last year, Travelzoo’s weekly roundup of the Top 20TM travel deals has featured some great deals for families with children including free entry on kid’s birthdays to theme parks, or kids fly free on international flights or stay free in holiday apartments and summer holiday rail deals where kids go for an extra $1.
8. And for those over who can’t avoid air travel make sure you research your airports. Smaller airports can often mean less traffic and hassle overall. Flights might be a little more expensive but it is often worth it especially if it gets you closer to your holiday destination point. If you have to drive to the airport, remember to park at the International Terminal and catch the bus to the domestic terminal. You will save money as the international terminal parking rates are generally cheaper the first day and a seven day rate is also available. Check-in online before you fly and allow extra time to get to the airport and through the security screening process.
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