Short break

NEW WAY TO TRAVEL

WHY TAKE ONE TRIP WHEN YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO MULTIPLE BREAKS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

WORDS TANIA GOMEZ Smiths Beach, Yallingup

Road trip!

Thanks to the unexpected events of the past year, flying overseas for an extended holiday is off the cards — for the time being at least. But this has meant a microcation — or break of less than five nights — is becoming an appealing way to take time off. With a Monash University study finding a widespread increase in psychological symptoms including depression, anxiety and irritability among Australians due to COVID-19 restrictions, it may be time to book that short break.

Take a break

A recent Roy Morgan survey found 52 per cent of Australians working from home due to COVID-19 are finding it “difficult to switch off from work”.

With the separation between office and personal life becoming increasingly blurred, the need for a break is even more important.

“Having those frequent breaks means that our mind and body have a chance to relax and to reset,” psychologist and Ikigai Psychology Clinic founder Tunteeya Yamaoka says.

“It’s way cheaper, there’s less planning involved and it means that there’s much less of a ‘guilt factor’ being away from work,” travel journalist and The Travel Hop website founder Paul Ewart says.

“For me, the best thing about a short break is that it removes the pressure of it being successful. Think about it: If you’ve waited a year for your annual fortnight’s holiday and it’s a disaster, you’ll be left devastated. If things go awry on a weekend break, then you’ll feel infinitely less shortchanged,” Paul says.

And it is great to have something to look forward to.

A Dutch study found those about to take a holiday are often happier before than after it, which was linked to anticipation about the upcoming trip.

But are we losing out by not being able to enjoy a longer break? While there is something to be said for the relaxation levels achieved while on an extended holiday, Tunteeya says taking a few days off at different points of the year is still beneficial. “It’s just a different experience,” she says.

OPEN ROAD Point Picquet near Dunsborough, WA

Plan your getaway

Microcations are defined by their brevity, so time considerations are important.

“Trying to pack too many things into a small getaway is a sure-fire way to come back feeling more exhausted than when you left,” Finder editor-in-chief and travel expert Angus Kidman says.

Having an itinerary is always important to ensure you make the most of your time, but it should also be realistic. “Given that you can only comfortably tick off a few experiences in a limited number of days, be selective and do heaps of research beforehand to make sure that the activities (restaurants, tours, wineries) you choose are the best of the best,” Paul advises.

Location is also key. While you may have your heart set on a particular spot, consider the length of time it takes to get there.

“Spending any more than 40 per cent of your time in transit can make your microcation feel like it’s over before it has even begun. For a six-day trip, look at no more than one day of travel each way, as this will allow you four full days of holiday time in between,” Angus says.

Make the most of it

Tunteeya says “variety and novelty are really important for keeping good mental health”. When things start feeling repetitive and monotonous, it may be a sign you need to plan a getaway.

To get the most from your break, ensure you are genuinely out of the office and give yourself the opportunity to switch off.

“Aim to really dedicate yourself to be present in the moment. That might be that you allow yourself certain hours of the day when you’re not using your smartphone or you’re not on the computer or watching TV but engaging in nature instead, or really taking that time for selfreflection,” Tunteeya says.

And the major upside of being able to take multiple breaks is that the holiday blues do not last long — there is always another break just around the corner.

Beach days

Summer sunsets

HOLIDAY AT HOME

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Palm Beach coconut and lime candle, $42.95, palmbeachcollection.com.au; Four Pillars olive leaf gin, $85, fourpillarsgin.com; Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Milk 375ml, $16.49; Temple & Webster white luxury cotton-rich sheet set, from $149, templeandwebster.com.au; and listen to the Rough Guides and The Travel Diaries podcasts

BRUNY ISLAND Tasmania

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and abundant fresh produce

WHITSUNDAYS Queensland

Island getaway or adventure, the Islands deliver on both fronts

BYRON BAY NSW

Beaches, relaxation and great dining experiences

MARGARET RIVER WA

Impressive wineries and craft breweries, and pristine coastline

DAYLESFORD Victoria

Bathe in natural mineral springs, or book a spa treatment or two

#SWEETADDICTION