Brissie Staycays That Will Make You Feel Like a World Traveller without leaving home.

Brissie Staycays That Will Make You Feel Like a World Traveller without leaving home.

  I think I am having a vacay psychosis!... Our domestic travel restrictions are finally coming to an end here in Queensland and I feel like a deer stuck in headlights; blinded by the sudden light radiating from the end of this hellish tunnel we’ve been stuck in.

  One half of my brain says “Move you dummy… run free!” but the other half says “Danger Will Robinson; it’s still out there!”  The internal conflict between my patriotic need to do my part for our recovering economy and my primal instinct for self-preservation is playing a game of Chicken in my head and I feel stuck, motionless. 

  But what if there was a way to feel like you're on vacation without travelling and still doing your bit for the economy?   Well, read on my fellow chickadees because I have come up with 3 holiday destinations you can experience right here in Brisbane; giving you those vacay feels while staying safe and helping out your favourite local businesses recover from these ‘unprecedented times’ (Gawd!  I never want to hear that phrase again when all this is over!).

  Let’s go to GREECE!!

  One of my favourite places to holiday… from the ancient ruins of Athens to crystal clear waters and those carefree island vibes; Greece is definitely the ultimate vacay destination.  Take a day and create your own   island adventure with these local experiences:

  Catch an early morning boat ride on the Brisbane City Hopper .  Island hopping is one of the most popular ways to travel around the Greek Islands so why not start your adventure with an early morning boat ride on the Brisbane River with the free  City Hopper Ferry.  While you're cruising, jump off at Southbank and take a stroll down to the Five Sisters Cafe for your morning coffee fix, Greek style, of course, then head on into the CBD and get your island tan sorted at Believe in Beautiful Creek St .  

  Nothing says “I’ve been to Greece’ better than a rockin’ tan and Believe in Beautiful’s range of Hydr8 spray tans are formulated with natural, organic ingredients to give you a truly authentic colour, leaving your skin flawlessly bronzed in just 2 hours.  Team it up with a relaxing 30 or 60 minute body massage for next level holiday feels.

  While your tan is drying… eat!  Jump on a City Cat and cruise your way to Greca underneath the story bridge at the Howard Smith Wharves.  Try the Taramasalata (fish roe dip), charcoal chicken or oven baked lamb for a true taste of Greece before unbuckling your belt and settling back in one of Brisbane’s many beautiful hotels for a Greek movie marathon (think My Big Fat Greek Wedding, My Life In Ruins & The Wog Boy).   Consider the Calile Hotel on James St, Fortitude Valley, with their marbled decor and rooftop terraces you’d be forgiven for forgetting where you are;  and the Calile just happens to be home of restaurant Hellenika, serving up authentic Greek fare in a modern resort setting, so you can wake up to some alfresco breaky to finish off your one day Greek themed vacay.  Opa!

  Let’s go to France! 

  Said to be one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris oozes European charm.  With its elegant architecture and inspiring art, you can’t help but be swept away by its culture… and chocolate croissants.  Take a day to explore Brisbane’s own French inspired joie de vivre with these easy adventures:

  Hosting major global exhibitions on a regular and often exclusive basis, start your day with a leisurely visit to the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, take your time wandering through art displays and interactives before heading out for a French inspired brunch at C’est Bon., situated in a mini french quarter of the historic heart of Woolloongabba.

  Being leisurely is the key to a true french experience and what better way to continue the relaxing pace than to spend the afternoon being pampered!  Visit Believe in Beautiful for a 90-minute Peptide Infusion Facial which includes their divine signature facial massage as well as an AHA exfoliating peel, Vitamin B3 Complex Boost and their famous ASI Dermal Facelift Mask.  You’ll be left feeling loftier than the Eiffel Tower and your skin will have the perfect red carpet glow, ready for a fancy night out at the Cabaret!  

  Get your tickets for Cloudland’s Big Band Cabaret & Dinner Show.  With show-stopping performances from Jacqueline Furey’s Burlesque ensemble and some special guests, enjoy a night of fabulous food, drinks and music to finish your one day in Paris vacay.  

  Let’s go to the United States!

  Well, I think it’s safe to say that we probably won’t be taking a bite out of the ‘Big Apple’ any time soon but for those of us whose hearts are caught ‘somewhere between the moon and New York city’ (lol… see what I did there?)... you’ll be happy to know there is plenty you can do right here in Brisbane to give you those Yankee feels.

  First stop… head straight for a BIG, pancake breakfast!  Yum!  I mean, there’s no better excuse for having dessert for breakfast than when visiting the U.S right?  Try the iconic Pancake Manor (the one in the old church on Charlotte St, CBD is my favourite) for your fill of pancake goodness before heading out to Archie Brothers in Toombul for a fun morning of ten pin bowling, arcade and ticket games as well as virtual rides and the good old dodgem cars!  This is a great morning if you’d like to take your kids along but just as fun with a bunch of bff’s.  

  In the afternoon, make a little ‘me time’ and  visit the Believe in Beautiful team at any one of their 21 locations throughout Brisbane for your choice of beauty make-overs that include everything from HD brows to cosmetic injectables, then hit the pavement for some shopping in one of the many fashion precincts in Brisbane… think James St, the Emporium or Paddington to name a few.  

  Enjoy your travels darlings and remember… It’s never been more important to buy local and make Brisbane small businesses feel loved. By supporting our local small business community, we can make sure Brisbane remains a great place to live, work and relax.