While some Aussies may be packing their bikinis and slapping on their sunscreen for a European summer getaway, the mid-year holiday season also sees holidaymakers swapping their daily commute for the chill and thrill of Australia’s Snowy Mountains.
Despite Instagram being flooded with hot-weather holidays, Booking.com’s Regional Manager for Oceania Todd Lacey tells WHO that a vacay to a cooler climate is quickly gaining popularity amongst Aussie travellers, with 35% of holidaymakers on the hunt for a cozy cottage for their next trip.
Snow season may be the most popular time of year to venture to Australia’s alpine region, but with Aspen-esque chalets and some of the country’s most pristine bushland, the Snowy Mountains is filled with ample activities to help you live your best holiday life year-round.
Ready for your next getaway? Keep scrolling for our top travel tips for the perfect Snowy Mountains holiday.
Tip #1 – Understand Your Accommodation Budget
Whether you’re looking for an affordable place to crash after a day of skiing or are on the lookout for a luxury, celebrity-inspired chalet experience, understanding your vacay style is essential to getting the best bang for your buck.
With Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2024 reporting that 54% of Aussie travellers are factoring in cost of living pressures when choosing their next holiday destination, finding the best deal possible on accommodation is key to maximising your next getaway.
When it comes to finding the perfect holiday home in your price range, Lacey tells WHO that looking a little outside the box can help you uncover your next holiday hidden gem.
“You don’t need to look off the beaten path for a good deal, however, it does pay to understand distances and transport in a location you’ve never been based on the type of trip you desire. Often a property might look far away from where you’re staying, but actually could be an easy walk or cheap metro stop to the beach or local attractions, making that deal slightly further out all the more worthwhile,” says Lacey.
Tip #2 – Set Your Travel Goals
After using Booking.com’s map function to explore accommodation throughout the Snowy Mountains and surrounds, it’s time to plan your itinerary.
While the Snowy Mountains may be filled with endless activities, uncovering your travel goals can be a helpful starting place for living your best life on holiday.
According to Booking.com’s Travel Predictions, 55% of travellers are focused on getting as much rest and reaction as possible on their next trip, while another 56% are hoping to dedicate their getaway to the finest dining experiences, so understanding what you’re hoping to get out of your trip can be a great starting point for planning your itinerary.
If you’re looking for a unique, nature-filled getaway, a tiny house can be a great base for rest and relaxation. Want a more all-inclusive experience? Holiday resorts such as Lake Crackenback provide a great launch pad to Kosciuszko National Park alongside an all-in-one hub of restaurants, spas, and activities perfect for couples and families.
Tip #3 – Choose Your Travel Season
Now you’ve got your accommodation style and travel goals set, it’s time to decide what season is best for your next Snowy Mountains adventure.
If you’re one of the 55% of travellers who prefer to venture off the beaten path, exploring the Snowy Mountains outside the snow season could be the best travel season for you. With more roads open and hiking trails defrosted, you can easily work your way through some of the region’s most stand-out experiences, such as summiting Mt. Kosciuszko or exploring the 440 million-year-old Yarrangobilly Caves and natural hot springs.
Ready to tear up the slopes? Make your way to the Snowy Mountains region between June and August. If you’re short on time but still want to fit in a ski session, consider booking an overnight/day-trip package from your nearest capital city, such as Booking.com’s Melbourne to Mt Buller Snow Tour.
If you’re struggling to find your perfect itinerary, Lacey suggests utilising Booking.com’s latest AI Trip Planner to uncover your next Insta-worthy getaway.
“Travellers can ask the AI Trip Planner general travel-related questions, as well as more specific queries to support any stage of their trip planning, including scoping out potential destinations and accommodation options,” Lacey tells WHO.
“It’s perfect if you have a general idea of what you want and if you need some easy advice on how to tailor your trip.”
Ready to discover your next Snowy Mountains getaway? Find your perfect accomodation now on Booking.com
