Looking forward to a long weekend in the Central West

Have you ever thought about becoming a tourist in your own backyard?

The region in which we live and work will look even better when you start to look at it through the eyes of a tourist rather than a resident. You can rediscover what the area has to offer without spending days on the road. 

And, as people continue to work longer hours and take fewer holidays, staycations are becoming increasingly popular. A staycation involves staying in your hometown or region and exploring what it has to offer. 

An effective, relaxing holiday doesn’t have to be a big, expensive production. Think of small breaks like the long weekend as the power napping of holidays.

Smaller breaks, like power naps, have many benefits and are a wonderful way for people to de-stress, reconnect, rest and explore without breaking the budget or exhausting all of your annual leave entitlements. 

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So, hop up in the morning, decide where you want to go for the day (or an overnight stay), load up the car and kids, and head out to see the wonders on your doorstep. But before you do, consider these tips:

Grab a deal

Nowadays, last-minute deals are readily available online and can save you hundreds of dollars. Look for specials on accommodation which may include breakfast or room upgrades, restaurants offering dinner specials and off-season activities which may have price reductions.

Check out the visitor information centres

Before you commitment to a getaway, call or visit online the area’s visitor information centre. Staff from these centres are a wealth of information and are happy to help you get the best deals. As well as doing the legwork for you and saving your valuable time, they can provide tips on accommodation, the best way to get to the area, what to do when you arrive and what you just can’t afford to miss doing or seeing.  

Clear your desk

There is absolutely no point planning to have a break if you end up spending most of your time worrying about matters back at home. So, in the lead up to your long weekend, figuratively clear your desk at home and work. Deal with issues that are a priority and delegate as much as you can.  

Safety first

Travelling across the Central West will often involved hours on the road. Be mindful to be safe: check your car before heading off (oil, water, tyres, windscreen wipers) and remember to stop, revive and survive.