Why Melbourne Cup Week Is a Smart Time to Travel
Melbourne Cup Day falls on Tuesday 3 November this year, which means one public holiday could turn into a proper break. If you are in Melbourne, you already have the Tuesday off. With a little planning, that single day can stretch into a long weekend away without using much annual leave.
How to Stretch One Day Into a Longer Break
The maths is simple. Take Monday off and you get a four day break from Saturday to Tuesday. Add a day of annual leave on the other side as well and you are looking at five days away. Either way, you are getting a decent trip for very little leave, which is the kind of value most travellers look for.
What to Expect With Flights and Accommodation
Flights and accommodation tend to spike around the long weekend, because everyone else has the same idea. If you booked early, you may have found some value. If you are searching now, expect higher prices and fewer options, so be flexible with dates, departure times and nearby airports where you can.
Ideas for a Short Break
A four or five day trip works best when you keep travel time short. A quick domestic flight, a road trip or a regional getaway can all make the most of your time on the ground rather than spending half the break in transit. Shorter trips also keep the cost down, which helps when prices can already be through the roof.
Tips for Making It Work
Check your leave balance and get your request in before your colleagues do. Book your fares as early a possible if you’re flying somewhere and compare the total cost of the trip, because accommodation and transport can quickly add up over a peak weekend.
Are You Making the Most of It?
Long weekends like this do not come around often, and they are an easy way to squeeze in a trip without much planning. Even if you have left it late, a short escape is still possible with the right approach.
Are you travelling for Melbourne Cup week this year? Where are you going and how are you making it work? Drop it in the comments and follow 5 Star Trip for more travel news, tips and destination and points guides.