I know it’s ridiculous to be fantasising about having a holiday when I’m not working anyway, but it has to be said; being unemployed and actively looking for work (and stressing about the lack of it and its impact on one’s finances) is very different from being on holidays. Or even being retired.
My mother (who’s retired) often (seemingly) guiltily confesses to a daytime nap. “You’re retired!” I tell her. “You’re allowed to do whatever the hell you want!”
It’s different though when guilt and stress are gnawing away at your insides.
However… I have something up my sleeve I’ve been saving for a rainy day. Well, in all honesty I’ve been procrastinating and waiting to see if I got a job in the meantime, but the clock’s a’ ticking.
Last year when I was booking my Italy holiday I cashed in some credit card awards points for a gift card at a travel agency here in Australia (Flight Centre). I’d planned to book part of that holiday through a friend’s friend at the Flight Centre and figured that would save me some cash. However, in the end that didn’t happen. So… I have had – in my hot little… umm… drawer – a $1000 Gift Card to use. By 1 September this year.
Of course I realise I should be sensible and put out feelers to see if someone wants to buy it from me (as it’s a generic gift card). That money would pay my quarterly local government rates (currently due) or part of my home and contents insurance (soon to be due).
However, there’s been a frivolous part of me that’s wanted to keep it on hand to use, well… frivolously. On me!
So for all of my moaning and groaning about my finances I’m almost sure (ie. pretty certain) I’m going to blow it on a holiday. (A short one obviously!)
I’ve been pondering two options. There’s a crime writing festival just outside of Hobart in late October, early November. It looks great and though I’d love to see some of Tasmania, the two day festival is not cheap and I must admit it’s the workshops and masterclasses the two preceding days (at extra costs) that interest me more. Also, it’s in a remote-ish area so although my gift card SHOULD have money left on it after the flights, I probably wouldn’t be able to use it for the accommodation. That would be an extra cost, as would the writing festival itself. (Not to mention I’ll need to check I can use the gift card for costs AFTER its expiry date.)
I keep checking out the Flight Centre site for options. Within my price range – flights and accommodation options include various places in Australia. And though I wouldn’t mind going to Kangaroo Island, for eg… that seems a bit meh. And going to a beachside locale seems pointless when I live at one.
Then there are the usual nearby overseas suspects: Phuket or Bali, or even Hawaii. More alluring to some as we’re in the midst of winter here. But again…. tourists, beaches. Meh. Vietnam is on offer along with Cambodia. I’ve seen quite a lot of the latter as I lived there for 7mths in 1997 (and visited again in 1998). I’ve only been to the south of Vietnam (again, two decades ago!), but must confess I’m in the mood for something ‘easier’.
So… at this stage the frontrunner is Queenstown in New Zealand. I’ve been there once before with a friend. We attempted to ski. I hated it. I wouldn’t even bother with the skiing option this time around. I’ve had two friends visit recently and been drooling over author Jacqueline Harvey’s Instagram feed for some time.
I’ve realised my idea of a holiday is ACCEPTING I DON’T HAVE TO BE DOING ANYTHING ELSE. Not sightseeing and catching connecting trains and the like.
In all honesty my dream holiday involves lolling around a hotel overlooking a gorgeous vista, drinking red wine. Warm and snuggly near a fire. Perhaps I’m reading. Or perhaps I’m wandering around the town a little. Finding places to eat where I don’t feel weird solo. Just being (far) removed – albeit briefly – from life here.
Any other suggestions I might not have considered? Or any recommendations if I go with the Queenstown option?
Linking up with the Lovin’ Life gang again.
** Pic from Flight Centre website **
July 18, 2019
Your idea of a holiday sounds very much like my idea of holiday. I don’t like rushing around and getting exhausted. I like to explore new places but at a leisurely pace and I like to loll about reading and sipping wine and snacking and enjoying ‘vista’s’ as you said. The NZ holiday sound great, as does the writer’s festival in Tasmania. Go with whichever one fills you with a sense of excitement! 🙂 #TeamLovinLife
July 18, 2019
In some way the writing one feels more exciting, but it’s also more expensive and will require $ outside of my gift card and of course I’m trying to minimise that. Plus I can do the NZ thing fairly soon if I choose that one.
July 18, 2019
Sounds like Queenstown is your answer…you’ve practically told us that 🙂
July 18, 2019
It’s the most likely contender at this stage unless there’s somewhere I haven’t thought of!
July 18, 2019
Queenstown looks spectacular.
Within Australia, I always love Northern Territory; Canberra (for the galleries etc although it’s an expensive place to visit in terms of flights and accommodation); and we’ve had a couple of holidays in picturesque Tilba, NSW (cheese country!)
July 18, 2019
I lived in Canberra during the late 90s (and had a few visitors) so got to visit quite a few of the usual haunts then. I also got to see Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru when I was living in East Timor. I haven’t seen much of the countryside in NSW or Victoria and haven’t been to WA or SA at all but not sure somewhere domestic will feel like I’m getting away – if that makes sense. (Particularly cos I’m not a fan of beaches and pools etc.) I did think Tassie cos of the cold weather, mountains etc… Or Kangaroo Island but will need to check on affordability.
July 18, 2019
Margaret River so that you at least change time zones?! 😀
July 19, 2019
Ha true – though it’s probably more expensive to fly there than to New Zealand!
July 18, 2019
Following with interest, can’t wait to see where you decide to go. I’ve never been to Queenstown so I’m no help. I’m biased but I love going home to Perth for a low key getaway.
SSG xxx
July 18, 2019
I kinda realise I should go somewhere new and I’ve not been to other places in New Zealand but this is an equivalent to lying by a pool / on the beach for me. But inside. In the cold.
July 19, 2019
Queenstown, NZ sounds great to me. Jo at And Anyways blog has written about it. You may want to connect with her for recommendations.
July 19, 2019
Yes, definitely. I think she knows the area well! I know a couple of other people who’ve just been there this past month as well.
July 19, 2019
Great plan and go with no regrets nor guilt and all that stuff. Enjoy the moments. They are the memories for the future. Denyse x
July 19, 2019
Thanks Denyse! x
July 19, 2019
Whatever you decide I hope you have the best time! An $1000 gift card would be so exciting to spend! Also, lolling about is my idea of a holiday too, but hubby loves getting up really early and filling the entire day with activities so i never get to relax lol. Have fun!
Di from Max The Unicorn
July 19, 2019
I really loved my Italian holiday but I did feel a sense of obligation to keep moving and seeing things. I tried to usually have part of a day back in my room (even if it was night) so I didn’t feel too hurried. But yes… I’m not a fan of the sun, so a winter getaway where I do nada would be lovely.
July 22, 2019
Sounds good to me! My idea of a holiday is riding around taking photos from or not to far from the car.
July 22, 2019
The sort of holiday I’d really like at the moment is one that involves staying in a hotel or resort where I don’t have to think about anything, or organise anything. I’m not much of a pool / beach person which is why winter in NZ kinda appeals.