Summer holidays have always been a logistical mission for many, but try jetsetting away during a global pandemic.
Testing hassles, border headaches, and the threat of being forced to quarantine on return has people wondering whether a big trip is worth the worry.
Instead, many are leaning towards a "staycation" — a holiday closer to home, hopefully clear of coronavirus and the pains of the pandemic.
In Western Australia's Kimberley region the staycation has helped one resort recover from yet another wave of cancellations.
Lake Argyle is a popular destination for Northern Territorians to celebrate New Year's Eve when options during the wet season can be limited.
However, Lake Argyle Resort lost up to 150 bookings for the holiday period in a matter of days because of WA's latest border restrictions imposed on the NT.
Resort owner Charlie Sharpe largely filled the void by marketing a cut-price holiday at home for locals less than an hour's drive away in Kununurra.
"The ones I spoke to, a lot of them were planning to go into the territory or across to the east coast or down to Perth," he said.
"They looked at it and thought 'we're just going to stay home for a change'."
Risk of quarantine keeps people closer to home
Kununurra resident Chelsea Fruhwirth said that uncertainty motivated her to choose Lake Argyle as a place to unwind and party for New Year's Eve.
"The COVID stresses are taken away knowing we have a 100 per cent certainty that the lake is really good for us," she said.
She said her initial hope to fly to Perth to see family and friends was dashed due to an outbreak in the city.
Residents help fill resorts
While the rise of pandemic-motivated staycations have been much reported across the world, on the other side of the Kimberley, in Broome, the concept is nothing new.
The town, known for its pearling, pindan coastal colours, and beautiful beaches, teems with tourists every dry season.
But come Christmas it is a different story.
Instead of hosting travellers from far-flung places, Habitat Resort's Michael Leake welcomes residents who have journeyed less than a few blocks from their own homes.
"And it's quite cheap because they don't have to pay for the airfare."
Mr Leake said he had noticed an increase in demand for hometown holidays since the pandemic started, despite the market being difficult to quantify.
"A lot of people we had to turn away this year because we're unfortunately booked. I'm sure it's probably had some effect," he said.
Mr Sharpe said the staycation market could become even more important to his resort in a time when mass cancellations have become a recurring event in the East Kimberley.
"It's pretty crucial for us," he said.
