There’s no doubt that you deserve a weekend getaway. The only matter to settle is how to get the most out of it.
When you only have two days – three if you’re lucky – planning the perfect getaway becomes a matter of quality. And think ahead a bit.
So if you want to have a good time without having a lot of time to spare, here are four simple steps to make the most of your trip before Monday rolls around.
Step One: Consider the ‘Staycation’
If you live in an Australian capital, you’re lucky enough to be able to reach bush, beach and bustling cities within an hour, wherever you are.
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, the endless diversity of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth certainly has something for you. The food, culture, entertainment and attractions are world-class and constantly changing, meaning you can make the most of it every time.
Taking advantage of your city is the main secret to a perfect getaway. There is minimal travel time, relative familiarity and it gives you a deeper appreciation for the place where you already live.
Step two: choose your hotel
Choose the perfect stay and let that determine your weekend itinerary. After all, a great hotel is a destination in itself. And because you’re only staying for two nights, you have every reason to loosen up the reins and make it an extra special experience.
Favorites include Manly Pacific Sydney MGallerywhere you can enjoy unbeatable views of Manly’s world famous beach. Whether you’re looking for a beachside romance or just looking for a change of pace where you can stretch out your days, this is the place.
Or drive an hour north from Adelaide and find Novotel Barossa Valley Resort – conveniently located next to the Tanunda Pines Golf Course, should you fancy a swing. Located in the heart of the Barossa Valley wine region, you can enjoy historic winery tours, farmers markets, cycle paths and even nearby bushwalk trails.
But then again, with so many excellent facilities on site – think outdoor play areas for the kids, a swimming pool, a gym, volleyball and basketball courts – guests who stay at Novotel Barossa Valley Resort may never want to leave.
Then there is the Novotel Swan Valley Vines Resort half an hour outside Perth, and serves as a scenic gateway to the city’s wine region. If you wanted to stay more central, Tribe Perth Kings Park places you on the doorstep of the endlessly fascinating and endlessly explorable city park.
Back to the east coast for something a little more metropolitan, the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins is a showstopper in one of the most enviable locations in the city. So too Pepper Broadbeachhigh above Broadbeach’s main shopping and dining area – perfect for those seeking luxury, sophistication and relaxation.
And so it goes on. Find the most spectacular stay in your city and the rest will fall into place.
Step three: plan your meals
Trying different dishes at new restaurants is undoubtedly a big part of the travel experience – perhaps one of the best parts, actually. And while it may seem like overkill to “plan” your meals, two days away means six chances to taste something new.
Use a combination of Google reviews, recommendation websites and social media to find options that pique your interest and create a list. A mix of ‘high’ and ‘low’ keeps it interesting and takes you to new places. Think: bakeries, fine dining and microbreweries. Don’t forget to also take your hotel’s restaurant into account.
Another good tip is to call ahead – speak to the staff at your chosen hotel to help you with restaurant recommendations. At worst, you get excited for the trip. Best case scenario, there won’t be a bad bite all weekend.
Step Four: Prioritize your “to-see” list
Finally, what is a getaway without an extraordinary experience?
If you have chosen a hotel in the middle of nature, plan a walk or a day at the beach. If your hotel is more urban, you can look up the ‘what to do’ lists to see if there are any concerts, plays, museum exhibitions or special events happening during your stay. Plus, take advantage of the hotel’s concierge service for personalized recommendations on what to do in and around the area.
Even if you’re only interested in reading a book next to a body of water, at least make it a body of water you’ve never seen before. Like one of Sydney’s ‘hidden’ beaches (Milk Beach, Chowder Bay, etc.) or this breathtaking pool at Shadow play Melbourne by Peppers.
You understand the essence. Go book now!
Nature lovers, adventurers, food fanatics and culture enthusiasts, we can’t wait to welcome ALL travelers to you. Find your perfect stay at ALL.com