We reveal the top trending Aussie destinations for Easter


Like many Aussies, I missed out on a 2020 Easter getaway due to the nationwide lockdown. So this year, I’m more than ready to get out there and take a break in my own backyard (I’ve already booked a trip for me and my family to the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year winner, Cairns!) Unsurprisingly, a whole load of Aussies agree, with many keen to make up for lost time by planning an awesome local trip these holidays. In fact, new research commissioned by Wotif.com* reveals one in three (33%) plan to travel over Easter and the school holidays. Despite so many Aussies looking to travel, only (10%) have actually booked, proving many are waiting until closer to the time of travel to book.

The combination of the Easter and the autumn school holidays aligning across most states this year as well as Australia’s continued international border closure means that more Aussies will be travelling here at home over a condensed period. My advice? Lock in your travel now. Based on Wotif bookings data**, regular holiday favourites including the Gold Coast, Great Ocean Road, Margaret River and Hunter Valley are proving most popular, but there’s a whole host of destinations that are seeing a big surge in interest. Where are these trending spots state by state? Have a look below!

Here are a couple of Wotif’s top tips for Easter and school holiday travel: 

1. Let the deals guide you With different government-led voucher schemes and incentive deals available across the country, skip your usual spot and take advantage of the discounts on offer. You can also check out Wotif’s March Mayhem Sale, where you can save up to 20% off select accommodation***.  

2. Flexibility is king Explore all avenues and embrace some spontaneity to make the most of a local holiday. A bit of flexibility over this peak travel period will go a long way, so mix up dates, destinations, the amount of time you plan to be away and accommodation preferences so you can find great deals. At this stage, the second week of the school holidays offers better availability and value, however family-friendly accommodation including holiday parks are already looking very popular.  

3. Check out the reviews – Hygiene and cleanliness standards (51%) and value for money (52%) are the two most important considerations for travellers**** due to COVID-19 and as a result 30% believe traveller reviews are now more important, so consulting traveller reviews is a handy way to sense-check your trip before you book. Plus, don’t forget to do your bit and leave a review after your stay. Hoteliers are enthusiastically waiting to welcome travellers back and leaving a deserving positive review could make a huge impact.   

4. Rest your head somewhere new – It was anticipated over 5,000 hotel rooms would open in Australia from October 2020 to March 2021*****, meaning there are a heap of new accommodation options to discover this year. From Crowne Plaza Adelaide to Flynn, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel in Cairns, enjoy staying somewhere new, while supporting an industry in need.   

5. Don’t discredit the little things – After going for months without, many Aussies are missing some of the most basic travel perks. More than usual, use your next trip to really enjoy the simple pleasures. When it comes to a hotel stay, fresh linen (46%), tiny toiletries (22%) and surprise upgrades or gifts (26%) are what many Aussies are missing most, along with almost one third (30%) who miss the anticipation that comes with checking into a hotel room******.  

So, wherever you’re keen to go, now’s the time to Wotif it!

* Wotif research commissioned in collaboration with YouGov, March 2021. Total sample of 1,045 Australian adults 18+ who travel away from home on holidays, distributed throughout Australia. The data was weighted by age, gender, and region to reflect the latest ABS population estimates.
** Based on accommodation interest on Wotif.com from 1 December 2020 to 28 February 2021 compared to 1 December 2018 to 28 February 2019 for travel between 2 – 18 April 2021.
*** Sale period 1 March 2021 – 11.59pm on 31 March 2021 in the applicable property’s time zone for select stays between 1 March 2021 – 30 September 2021 inclusive. Savings correct as at 9:00AM AEDT 15 March 2021, are subject to change and may vary depending on selections made. Discounts are applied to the standard rate of select hotels, as determined, and supplied by the hotels. Blackout periods may apply, and a minimum hotel stay may be required. Offers are subject to availability and may be discontinued without notice. Prices displayed will include the applicable promotional discount. Travel restrictions and conditions apply. See https://www.wotif.com/lp/b/hotel-sale for applicable travel dates, prices, availability and hotel offer restrictions and conditions. Wotif standard booking terms and conditions apply https://www.wotif.com/lp/lg-terms.
**** Australian Accommodation Supply Update, Colliers International, November 2020
****** Wotif research commissioned in collaboration with YouGov, November 2020. Total sample of 1,027 Australian adults 18+ distributed throughout Australia. The data was weighted by age, gender, and region to reflect the latest ABS population estimates.

Heads up! 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.

PLAN YOUR EASTER GETAWAY

 

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