Staycations take the front seat

Debasree Das Mall enjoys a staycation in Melbourne. Photo: Supplied 229200_06

By Debasree Das Mall

By Debasree Das Mall, travelinstylewithdebs.com/

Travel, the word spells luxury to me these days and I am sure it resonates the same to many. The world which was, free and easy, has been divided by restrictions and radius boundaries.

However, being a travel blogger, and a proud Melburnian living in a western suburb, I am giving myself an opportunity to be a tourist in my own city.

I decided to support small city apartments by having few staycations. It is a great way to boost local tourism and support small businesses that are striving hard to hit back post pandemic.

Do you remember the last time you had a staycation in Melbourne city?

In the past five years of calling myself a true Melburnian, I’ve never actually had a staycation.

A beautiful apartment on Collins Street, Docklands, famous for its shopping and café vibes, was my weekend destination with friends.

Waking up to some amazing city views and not having to rush to catch the V/Line or drive home, I had my fair bit of extravagance with family.

These city apartments are self-contained and offer a perfect venue for family with kids too. Wake up to the smell of coffee and cook up your favourite breakfast while enjoying the city views. You can spend the day jumping in the pool or read your favourite book while you watch the city coming back to life.

I enjoyed my lasagne and coffee with some afternoon retail therapy, caught up with some old friends over a glass of wine and did some pub-hopping in Flinders Lane.

But it doesn’t have to be a city getaway. No matter where you stay – Sunshine, Broadmeadows, Sunbury, Footscray, Altona, Whittlesea or anywhere in regional Victoria – gift yourself some time to explore the state this summer and help small businesses to survive and bounce back.

Debasree Das Mall, a Manor Lakes resident, is a brand influencer, fashion and travel blogger and fashion runway choreographer.