Why you should book your summer holidays now
Winter only starts tomorrow but already the race is on to escape this summer.
With international borders slammed shut and interstate borders unpredictable amid snap lockdowns, more people are looking to holiday within NSW.
And that demand is driving up prices and leaving many holiday hotspots insisting on minimum stays.
Many recreation parks on the NSW north coast are already booked out and those with limited space are filling fast.
Holidaymakers expect higher prices during school holidays, but the lack of supply is fuelling bigger than usual price hikes.
A hotel in Port Macquarie that mid-next week would cost $219 a night – is $579 a night for a mid-weeknight in early January for the same room.
A search on accommodation sites shows 87 per cent of Port Macquarie is already booked out in the first part of January.
In Byron Bay, 86 per cent of places are unavailable. It’s worse in Lennox Head where 93 per cent of places are unavailable.
A lot of recreation parks along the coast require 7-night minimum stays while some hotels are asking for a four-night minimum.
NRMA Parks and Resorts chief operating officer Matt Bruckner said demand is 30 per cent greater than what they’ve seen previously.
“We’re seeing a lot of demand for the drive market. People are hopping in their cars… reconnecting with family and friends,” Mr Bruckner said.
He said they’ve seen a change with more people looking at driving holidays with some hesitating to book flights in case of cancellations and lockdowns.
NRMA however was offering flexible booking terms and would work with guests if they needed to make any changes.
While prices were up this year, there was a price range for everyone from unpowered sites to two-storey cabins, Mr Bruckner said.
“We’ve introduced a lot of activities into our parks. There may be some price increases but it’s still good value for money.”
Where demand is high, especially along the east coast, minimum stays will apply.
Reflections Holiday Parks has a seven-night minimum on some types of accommodation at some of its parks. Many are already booked for the first half of January.
Choice’s travel expert Jodi Bird said it’s important to read the terms and conditions before booking anything.
If a travel ban is imposed, you are bound by those terms and conditions so you need to know what you’re getting into.
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Choice has had a lot of complaints about the time it has taken to get refunds or credits in the past year from cancelled holidays.
“Persistence is the key,” he said.
“A credit will usually come faster than a refund.
“Sometimes it helps to complain on social media,” Mr Bird added.
He said while there is some concern about price rises, price gouging remains illegal. If you suspect price gouging, lodge a complaint with Fair Trading.
The thought of summer seems far off but if you’re fussy about where you want to head on holidays and when, start booking.
