Last-minute holiday getaways

Relax! It’s not too late to book a summer escape – here are wonderful 11th-hour offerings

how quickly the year goes by. It seems one minute it’s the start of the year and then, in a flash, the school year is winding up and Christmas parties start. But don’t worry if you’ve left booking a trip away too late, as there are still terrific options available for the perfect summer escape.

PITCH A TENT

It’s never too late to grab the camping gear, pitch a tent and sleep under the stars. So these Christmas holidays (when it’s likely everyone else will be heading to the beach), why not take the road less travelled and experience a different part of Australia? For example, Natimuk in Victoria has easy hikes or bike rides along the 10km trail to Mount Arapiles, there’s farmers’ markets to browse, heritage buildings to behold and sensational Wimmera sunsets to toast with tipples from nearby wineries. Find camping grounds around Australia at Find a camp. findacamp.com.au

TAKE A STAYCATION

Here’s a fun idea: feel like a tourist in your own town or city by going on a local adventure or trying a new activity. Staycations can be just as rewarding as taking a holiday overseas. There are websites such as Groupon and Red Balloon that offer discounts on experiences such as helicopter flights, deep-sea fishing and V8 car racing. The best way to tackle a staycation is to draw up a plan. Schedule an itinerary as if you were in another city. When you become a tourist in your own town, you see it in a new light. redballoon.com.au groupon.com.au BECOME A HOUSE-SITTER How would you like to enjoy free accommodation in a new destination? If you love pets or gardens and don’t mind looking after them, then you could find yourself with a free house-stay via Trusted house sitters. For pet owners, having their special friends looked after at home while they’re away is a great option. The website connects homeowners and prospective house-sitters. trustedhousesitters.com/au/ SCAN THE WEBSITES

Pack your suitcases, as there are last-minute deals around, if you know where to look. Finder.com.au has a list of deals still available during Christmas and sites such as Skyscanner, Last Minute, Webjet and Trivago are there for you to compare travel deals. Keen to get away, but don’t really mind where you head off to? Look at Skyscanner’s ‘everywhere’ option, which lets you see all the cheapest destinations available.

You can get into holiday mode whether open up you’re at home or away, just to new experiences and adventures

You don’t have to get on a plane to go on holiday – hit the road!