question from an Infrequent Traveller

[mariam]

Hi, I'm trying to organise a getaway for my family at Christmas, not too far or too expensive. We rarely go away anyway and so I'm finding it overwelming. Details are, we are in Brisbane, want about 5nights away, hope to go away at christmas. The usual options are Hawaii or Fiji or a Cruise? my hubby isn't too adventurous, and my daughters, mainly like the beach/sun/shopping..whatever order. Can I please have some suggestions on travelling at this time of year? is it a bad time to go away? is it expensive time of the year? I don't know and I need some advice for you frequent travellers? We want a mini break not a huge holiday. cheers Mariam

 

[david1]

Less exotic but still potentially a nice holiday is Perth and south-east WA, some great beaches and plenty of sun. Also New Zealand, given a week or two you could have a good look around Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula, Taupo, Rotorua, and up north to the Bay of Islands. More food for though!

Fiji is great though, my parents took me when I was about 6 and I still have a lot of memories from the trip. Not sure about the time of year, Christmas-time is cyclone season so might not be the best time to go? Maybe others can chime in.

 

[RooFlyer]

Welcome to AFF Miriam .

I gather you want to go away for 5 nights surrounding Christmas day? That will be a very busy time to fly and consequently probably more expensive than usual, but if you are booking now it might be OK.

Have a look at Vanuatu. Direct flight from BNE on Virgin and a bit closer than Fiji even. I think things are repaired well enough after the cyclone and possibly things will be cheaper as they try to lure tourists back.

Good range of hotels, from normal hotel type (look at Chantillie's) to resorts on the main island and outlying ones. Great beaches, snorkelling and fun shopping in the main town, Port Vila (a residual French influence).

Vanuatu Tourism Office

 

[wanderer_au]

Mariam I prseume your daughters are at school/uni? I guess that would affect when you can get out of Dodge and head off for a holiday.

I think RooFlyer's idea of Vanuatu is excellent!

 

[Denali]

I was going to mention Vanuatu as well - lots of resort styles to choose from and do as much or as little as you would like.

I do suggest to avoid Port Vila itself as I consider it a hot mess these days but lots of islands you can visit/explore.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Bali? New Caledonia? But anywhere is going to be pretty expensive at that time of the year.

My parents (elderly) went to Vanuatu - found it extremely boring... and they went with their best friends! Nothing to do unless you like bike riding (so they said).

 

[RooFlyer]

Bali? New Caledonia? But anywhere is going to be pretty expensive at that time of the year.

My parents (elderly) went to Vanuatu - found it extremely boring... and they went with their best friends! Nothing to do unless you like bike riding (so they said).

I have no commercial interest in Vanuatu, but having been, I would respectfully suggest that there is considerably more to do than that (but I appreciate the seniority of your parents ).

There's even an active volcano on one of the southern islands!

 

[Welsh-Kiwi]

I would also recommend Vanuatu. We've been there the last 3 NZ winters for a defrost. Good apartments and plenty of variety for food and activities.

 

[kermatu]

I'd suggest Tassie or NZ that time of year. But if you are looking for a single place to go for 5 days with guaranteed sun and beach opportunities, it wouldn't be the best bet. But a different idea anyway.

 

[Radio8tiv]

I know it doesn't quite fit the brief but there is lots to do and see in Asia, like Japan or Singapore and it's not too far away. Not really a beach destination but definitely good for shopping something to keep in mind also look out for specials flying out of the Gold Coast, Jetstar does some cheap deals through there from time to time.

 

[bsb]

If your partner is not adventurous I think NZ is pretty good at that time of year. You can stay in Auckland and hire a car, drive up North for a day, down south for a day, then do a ferry trip to Waiheke which has food, wine and scenery. Or go to the South Island. It's a beautiful country.

vanuatu is pretty boring and not that scenic really. Fiji is better.

Norfolk Island is expensive at that time of year but might meet your family needs.

tassie is a great option - Freycinet Peninsula is stunning

My best piece of advice though is go visit a travel agent, give them a budget and let them do the work.

 

[Deleted member]

Personally I think Christmas is the worst time to travel. That said, there are some good options suggested. My advice is keep it simple. SE Asia offers plenty of options that meet all/most of your retirements