What memories are next on your list?

Planning that next trip can still feel a little uncertain — rising costs, busy schedules, and endless options can make it hard to commit. But if the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that time spent exploring together is always worth it.

Travel isn’t just about escaping routine; it’s about slowing down, connecting and finding those moments that remind you what really matters. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a month-long adventure, we’ve learned that happiness comes from chasing experiences, not things.

Here are a few of our favourite tips for planning travel that feels easy, flexible and full of possibility — no matter what the world throws your way.

TRAVEL NEARBY

“Travel for a day or drive to the end of the street. It's not the destination but the journey that's the adventure.”

There are so many adventures waiting just around the corner. If those lockdown years taught us anything, it’s that you don’t need to go far to feel free. Being confined to our local area reminded us that adventure isn’t about distance — it’s about discovery. Whether it’s a walk you’ve never taken, a sunrise you’ve never stopped to watch, or a weekend at a nearby caravan park, the best journeys often start minutes from your own front door. It's not the destination but the journey that's the adventure. We have so many natural walks and sights that we've never seen right next door. And not to mention some of the best caravan parks in NSW literally down the street.

Getting the kids in the car and out the door still takes effort (and patience). The missing shoes, the endless snack requests, the “just one more minute” moments — they’re all part of it. But every time we push through, we’re reminded why it’s worth it. The second they’re running up a hill, jumping from sand dunes or spotting something wild, the chaos disappears. Those moments of peace — the sound of the waves, the laughter echoing through the trees — they reset all of us. Nature has a way of doing that. It’s not just good for the kids; it’s good for us too.

TRAVEL AFFORDABLY

You don’t need to take out a second mortgage to enjoy a week away. With the cost of living rising, more families are realising that travel doesn’t have to mean expensive hotels or long-haul flights — it’s about finding smart, flexible ways to explore.

Airbnbs and boutique stays have opened up a world of affordable options, letting you prepare your own meals and travel at your own pace. If you’re keen to take it further, sites like Aussie House Swap make it possible to literally trade homes with other families across Australia — an incredible way to experience somewhere new without the big price tag.

For us, camping (or glamping) is our favourite way to keep adventure within reach. Towing our own home gives us freedom, flexibility and that sense of simplicity we crave. Caravan parks across NSW still offer great value — some from as little as $25 a night — and free camps are more accessible than ever through sites like Wikicamps. With solar panels, water tanks and a little planning, you can be fully self-sufficient for days.

And if you don’t own a van yet, there are plenty of options. Platforms like Camplify and Outdoorsy let you hire someone else’s caravan or camper, often with owners who’ll even tow and set it up for you. It’s an affordable, flexible way to test the lifestyle before committing to your own rig — and for families like ours, it’s been the best decision we’ve made.

TRAVEL TO DISCOVER

“Last time we adventured we tried something new... and we hated it.”

We’ve travelled the east coast of New South Wales more times than we can count — often returning to the same towns and caravan parks. And honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Even when we revisit familiar places, we’ve never once been bored. There’s always a new walk we didn’t get to last time, a lookout we missed, or a beach that feels completely different with a change of tide or season.

We’ve learnt that adventure isn’t always about going somewhere new — it’s about seeing the same place with fresh eyes. Some of our best memories have come from spontaneous day trips while based in one spot — chasing waterfalls, discovering hidden tracks, or just following a dirt road to see where it ends.

But not every trip has gone smoothly. Last time, we decided to try something different — staying put in the caravan park and sticking only to the activities on offer. At first it sounded ideal: the kids were entertained, the pool was nearby, and there was plenty to do. But by the end of the weekend, we were all restless. The more we spent, the less connected we felt. Every activity needed another ticket, another snack, another distraction.

That trip taught us something important: the best moments aren’t found in busy itineraries or endless entertainment. They’re found in the quiet, unplanned adventures — the walks after dinner, the climb up a hill, the laughter from a cold swim. Those are the memories that stay with us long after the trip ends.

TRAVEL TO BE Inspired

Social media is flooded with flawless travel images — curated scenes that can make us question if we’re doing enough, seeing enough, or being enough. It’s easy to forget that what we’re seeing is only part of the story. Behind every picture-perfect moment is a little chaos, a few compromises, and a whole lot of real life.

But if you look past the filters and the marketing, social media can also be a powerful tool. It connects you with real families doing the same thing you are — learning, adventuring, and finding joy in the everyday. Follow the ones who share more than just pretty pictures. Learn from their experiences, their honest tips, and their stories. That’s where the real inspiration lies.

When planning your next trip, think less about what looks good online and more about what feels good to you. What do you want to see, feel, or experience? Use Instagram’s location tags and hashtags to uncover hidden gems, but once you’re there — talk to people. Chat to locals, ask other families in the caravan park what they’ve discovered, and follow their lead. Some of the best spots we’ve ever found came from a simple conversation at the camp BBQ.

When I look in the rearview mirror, I don’t see picture-perfect smiles. I see the mess, the noise, the laughter, and the small moments in between — the hugs after the tantrum, the wonder in their eyes when they see something for the first time. That’s what makes travel worth it. That’s why we keep going.