What a crazy start it has been to 2020! First the Bushfires and now the Corona Virus has brought panic and uncertainty for anyone wanting to travel this year.
This type of uncertainty doesn't mean we have to cancel our travel plans for 2020, it just means we should look at travel this year, with a different lens - for some of us this might be a blessing in disguise!
At Mind and Body Travel, our Tagline is 'Inspire You' which emulates the essence of how we look at travel and our customer's experiences. There is an amazing world out there and we believe inspiration should be the biggest benefit we bring home with us from each and every holiday. So whilst the day to day world may be a little crazy at the moment, here are 5 closer to home holidays that may not be on your radar this year, but just maybe....they now should be.
1. Walking Holidays in Tasmania
To escape a crazy world, there is no better solution than connecting with nature and breathing in thousands of litres of some of the freshest air on the planet! Tasmania boasts stunning coastlines, lush forests, picturesque lakes and amazing food and wine!
The Tasmanian Walking Company offers an inspiring range of 5 multi-day walks taking in some of the most amazing scenery across the State. The hardest part will be deciding which one to do: Cradle Mountain, Three Capes, Wineglas Bay, Bruny Island and Bay of Fires! Hmm...decisions, decisions.
All walks are guided and include your meals, lodge style or luxury camping accommodation each night and even a nice glass of wine to celebrate an excellent days walking!
For most Australians, Tasmania is only a couple of hours away making it easily accessible and great value - there really is no excuse to not have this amazing destination on your list!
Pic Credit: Tasmanian Walking Company
2. The Stunning Kimberley Coastline
We travel all over the world in search of amazing experiences when we have truly unique and majestic destinations like the Kimberleys on home soil. You may not have considered the Kimberleys for your next holiday, but the combination of rugged coastlines, majestic gorges and spectacular waterfalls should motivate you to elevate this to a 'must do soon' on your list.
True North have been operating purpose built, luxury vessels in the Kimberley Region for years and ensure that every guest receives the best in hospitality and destination experience. The Kimberley Falls 10 night experience from Broome to Kununurra (or reverse) is one of the most popular itineraries taking in Horizontal Falls, King Cascades and King George Falls as well as endless rivers, gorges and wildlife experiences (yes Crocodiles live up here!)
Whilst not necessarily a trip for the budget conscious traveller, it is certainly a once in a lifetime holiday that should be on the bucket list for every Australian - maybe 2020 is the year to make that happen!
Pic Credit: True North
3. The Whitsundays
If I had a dollar for every time I have heard a customer justify going overseas rather than holidaying at home, I would be relaxing in my own luxury villa on Hamilton Island right about now. If you haven't been to the Whitsundays lately (or ever) then you are missing out on experiencing one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World - yes that's right we have the largest Barrier Reef in the World on our doorstep, and with temperatures great all-year round it is an amazing holiday to relax, be inspired and re-connect with ourselves, family and friends.
Yes Bali might be cheaper when you are there and yes the people of Fiji are beautiful souls however a short flight, no passport required and an amazing range of Islands, accommodation options, crystal-clear turquoise waters and activities make the Whitsundays a no-brainer for an amazing holiday this year. Even in Winter the average temperatures are mid-twenties and a short boat cruise from Hamilton Island is Whitehaven Beach, constantly judged as one of the top 10 beaches in the world!
With flights direct into Hamilton Island from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne accessibility is easy and you can have your first cocktail in your hand, by the pool within 30 minutes of landing. Yes please!
Pic Credit: Hamilton Island
4. Hit the slopes!
With the Australia Ski Season running from June to early October (typically) it offers families opportunities in both the June/July and Sept/Oct School Holidays for a fun and exciting holiday in 2020! Alternatively, couples and groups of friends have Late-July through to Mid-September to capitalise on non-school holiday (and cheaper) seasons to carve up some powder this year.
Perisher is the largest ski resort in Australia and offers the widest choice of accommodation, ski runs, dining and entertainment catering for all travellers. Ski Schools cater for all levels of ability and experienced skiers are not left wanting with a great range of Black and Blue runs. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of tackling the ski slopes and the fresh air and exercise is certainly great for the mind and body too!
Being just 2.5hrs drive from Canberra Airport it is nicely accessible for most Australians to fly/drive in one day and be skiing in the afternoon! Earlybird Deals are just starting to be released for Australian Ski Season 2020 so keep your eyes out for some great offers and lock in a Ski Holiday for 2020!
5. South Australia
The recent Bushfires hit hard in South Australia, particularly the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island. The good news is that these destinations are open for business and, are desperate for your business - certainly one way we can give back and spend our tourism dollars where they are needed.
Kangaroo Island still remains an amazing destination filled with an abundance of wildlife, stunning scenery and a food scene to satisfy every taste bud. Stay a few days and you'll feel it won't be enough with a plethora of sightseeing options unique to the Island. A tour to visit the Sea Lions in their natural habitat is a must-do! With short daily flights from Adelaide and regular Ferries it is easily accessible and can be easily included in your next South Australian holiday.
The Adelaide Hills, just an hour out of Adelaide CBD is one of the most accessible and stunning wine regions in Australia. Whilst it might be often over-shadowed by the Barossa Valley, the Adelaide Hills has a beautiful feel with rolling hills, world class wineries and restaurants and the quaint town of Hanhdorf at it's base. Be sure to include The Lane Vineyard, Shaw & Smith and Nepenthe Winery Cellar Doors on your list and take your time to enjoy the beautiful vista's in between.
The Adelaide Hills is perfect for self-drive or if you would prefer, there are many quality day tour operators who can take care of the driving so you can take of the tastings!
Kangaroo Island and the Adelaide Hills are just 2 highlights that can be included in a South Australian Adventure. Why not combine them with a beach stay at Glenelg, a visit to the Monarto Zoo, a Houseboat along the Murray River or a road trip along the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne? So much choice!
Pic Credit: The Lane Vineyard
These are just 5 amazing destinations that are right in our backyard and can be amazing options for a 2020 holiday that ensures we can still fulfil that need for inspiration and recharging that travel always delivers. Don't give up on travel in 2020, just think differently and you might just be grateful that 2020 has forced you to!
Travel Safe,
Mark Hodgson
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