In 2023, recreational holiday trends in South Australia have shifted towards local exploration, offering travellers a chance to embrace sustainability and support local communities. The choice between the great outdoors versus overseas holidays depends on individual preferences, with both options providing unique experiences.
Consequently, the tourism industry is seeing a resurgence in demand. After many months of lockdown and with overseas markets opening up, people are more eager than ever to pack their bags and venture to far-off destinations. However, despite this, local staycations are still quite popular in South Australia, and for good reason.
Stay and play in SA.
One of the main reasons that local staycations are still popular is that they offer a unique opportunity for South Australians to discover hidden gems within their own state. By staying close to home, they can explore regions that they may not have otherwise thought to visit.
As an example, many people are surprised to discover the beauty of the Riverland region, with more than 330km of mighty River Murray to explore. Similarly, the Flinders Ranges offer a rugged and picturesque landscape unlike anything else in the world. Meanwhile, the pristine waters and seafood of the Eyre Peninsula continue to be a global drawcard.
Closer to home, just how beautiful are the Adelaide Hills, with their rolling green belts, quaint towns, and stunning vineyards? And speaking of vineyards and everything wine, the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and many other wine regions are just a day trip away.
Of course, when locals choose to take a break locally, it's not just the traveller who benefits. By putting money into the region's economy, they are supporting local businesses and helping to create jobs. By spending their holiday dollars locally, South Australians are doing their part to help their communities recover.
Another reason why local staycations are still popular is the cost factor. Overseas getaways can be quite expensive after factoring in airfares and accommodation, and many people are still coming to grips with the surge in interest rates that are significantly affecting household incomes. By staying closer to home, they can save money on travel expenses, which can be spent on other aspects of the trip, such as dining out or trying new activities. In fact, many local businesses offer special deals and discounts to encourage South Australians to explore their own state, making it even more affordable to take a staycation.
Of course, the time-honoured road trip is one of the best ways to see our state and take a well-deserved staycation. Just about anywhere you can think of venturing, there’s bound to be a caravan park, campground, pub, or motel where you can base yourself for a few days.
Timing your getaway.
When it comes to the best times to holiday in SA, there are a few key factors to consider. School holidays tend to be a popular time for families to take a break. However, this can also be a more expensive time to travel, as demand is higher. For those flexible with their travel dates, it may be worth considering travelling outside of school holiday periods to save money.
Additionally, many tourists flock to South Australia during the summer months, when the weather is warm, the beaches are inviting, and Adelaide comes alive with festival fever. However, it's worth noting that this is also peak tourist season, so popular destinations may be more crowded. For those who prefer a quieter experience, it may be worth considering a trip in the colder season, when the weather is still pleasant, but the crowds have thinned out.
Whether you're a vacationer seeking distant adventures or a staycationer uncovering hidden gems in your backyard, we continue to evolve our holiday choices. One thing, however, remains constant - the joy of exploration and the lasting memories we create along the way.
Overall, local staycations offer a unique opportunity for South Australians to explore their state and support local businesses. While overseas getaways may be tempting (and yes, there are many travel bargains to be had), there are many benefits to staying closer to home. By choosing to vacation locally, you may be surprised at what you discover in your own backyard.
The talented team of professionals at McGrath Real Estate know that you’ve got to have a break to maintain a healthy work/life balance. We’re fans of staycations but love the occasional trip overseas. Regardless of who in our team is away taking some well-earned ‘me’ time, our clients know there is always someone available to help with any enquiries about a property sale or a property management query.
Phone our office on
8350 4200, or drop into 42 Brighton Road, Glenelg.