The summer break is fading in the rearview mirror of our minds – which means it must be time to book in a mini break to hit pause and unwind ahead of the winter months. According to data from Booking.com on the Future of Travel, half of us (55%) are planning to explore a new destination in our home region, and 53% want to spend time appreciating the natural beauty that we have in abundance in Australia.
The pandemic brought much uncertainty when it came to travel in 2020 with the closing of international borders, as well as the borders being shut between Australian states to stop the spread. The result of no international tourism meant the usual influx of travelers to the wine regions were halted, and harvesting was in question as the help of overseas workers who make the journey every year couldn’t enter the country – Wine Australia.
However, many Australians have been switching their exotic overseas holidays to adventuring in their own backyard which is hoped to replace the loss the wine regions have experienced because of international tourism as cellar doors also struggled through lockdowns and restrictions.
Globally, the use of simple pleasure-related activities such as hiking (94%), clean air (50%), nature (44%) and relaxation (33%) has increased since the start of the pandemic. Over two in three Australian travelers will appreciate more simple experiences such as spending time outdoors or with the family while on vacation (67%), while over half will seek out more rural/off-the beaten-path experiences (55%).
Over half agreed that relaxing trips are their most desired type of trip in the new normal (51%), followed by beach breaks (33%) and city trips (22%).
So what better way to take a relaxing trip than to make the most of Australia’s vintage season, book a tranquil stay overlooking lush vines or visit an in-need cellar door serving up award-winning wines and gastronomic delights.
Luke Wilson, Area Manager for Australia at Booking.com, said “While the future of international travel remains uncertain, the ability to explore our own backyard continues to bring moments of joy and inspiration, whether through dreaming and planning, or cherishing the trips we have been able to take.
As we head into 2021, with our mission to make it easier for everyone to experience travel, we’re doing all we can to support our regional tourism destinations including our severely impacted premier wine tourism regions.
With so many amazing wine region accommodations available on Booking.com, we’re encouraging Aussies to explore the natural splendour of our Australian terrior this vintage, and experience all of the unforgettable moments these destinations have to offer.
Trina Smith, Group White & Sparkling Winemaker at Jacob’s Creek, said “You can visit the Barossa all year round, however February through to the end of April is the vintage grape harvest, so there’s a hive of activity here at the Jacob’s Creek winery from sunrise to sunset.
We began harvesting on 18th of January, with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for our Classic sparkling wine, as well as harvesting for our lower alcohol wines. By March, our Shiraz grapes have developed their distinctive mulberry, plum and supple tannins and the Jacob’s Creek team are in full-swing.”
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