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You're not the only one putting off that overseas trip (flight prices will come down!) but staying home doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun. These are some of our favourite ways to plan a staycation so excellent you'll want to show it off on Instagram.
Hire a car and hit the road
When we say hire a car, we mean hire a cool car – even if just for one day (think the top down and the wind blowing through your hair kind of car). A day trip to the beach, mountains or countryside is as good as a holiday when you're behind the wheel of the right car.
Be a tourist in your own town
We get it, life gets busy, but if you're taking time off it's time to look at the area you live in through a holiday lens. What are the top sights and experiences an overseas visitor would seek out in your neck of the woods? Pick five fun things to see and do this summer, and your staycation is off to a great start.
Take a class
One of the best things about Australia is the melting pot of people who live here. Why not embrace our multiculturalism and learn about something new? Consider a cooking class in a cuisine you love to eat, a dance class that gets you moving and laughing in equal measures, or a beginner language course (in preparation for your next trip). The world really is your oyster, without leaving home.
Discover a new neighbourhood
Chances are pretty high that you've never even been to some parts of the city you live in. Pick an area as different as possible to your own and get exploring. Do a little research on restaurants and other places to visit before you go or just see where the road takes you if that's the way you prefer to roll.
Pamper yourself
Book in a spa treatment at a hotel you're not staying in, but that accepts outside bookings. If you can follow your massage or facial with a session in the hotel Jacuzzi or sauna – or just a laze about by the pool – do so. Relaxing is the first step to getting into the holiday mood. If your budget doesn't currently allow such extravagance, treat yourself to a DIY spa treatment at home. Take the time to soak in the bath, put on a face mask and light a candle – it's time to spoil yourself a little.
Get out into nature
Breaking free of the everyday routine and getting out into the great outdoors is one reason why we come home so refreshed after a holiday. Recreate the feeling with a hike, bike ride or kayak somewhere new. Sunny days and beautiful surrounds are easy to find in Australia – why not take advantage of what tourists come from all over the world to experience?
Take it easy
You may not have a resort pool to lie by, but there's no reason you can't kick back, relax, and read that book you never seem to find time to read. Want to take it a step further? Turn off your wifi, string up a hanging chair or hammock and fix yourself a cocktail – you deserve it!
Travel Insurance
One of the perks of a staycation is that you may get to avoid airports and get from A to B in your own car or a rental vehicle.
TID policies automatically includes rental vehicle insurance excess coverage. You'll still need to take out insurance for the vehicle but you don't have to pay the hefty daily rates to the car rental company to reduce your excess.