Thinking of Skipping your Holiday this Year? Plan Ahead and Take One at Home

There are no two ways about it – travel is expensive. And it's probably only going to get worse. After all, the cost of flights is going up for everyone and, considering how expensive it is to fly from Australia to . . . well, just about anywhere, that's a bad thing for people trying to go on holiday. Worse yet, the federal government has just proposed a change in the fuel excise that will increase the price of petrol according to the rate of inflation every six months. If you're already struggling, then taking a trip may seem a bit gratuitous.

If you're looking for a reasonably priced alternative to a big holiday, have you ever considered taking a 'staycation'? Relaxing at home is always a good way to use your time off, but maybe you don't really love your yard and can't see yourself enjoying it for any period of time. Not to worry! Here are some tips for how to make your yard into a retreat not just this coming spring and summer, but also after work, on boring weekends, and all the days in between. And by planning now, you can save up for some of the larger things on the list:

Invest in a Carport

You may not equate carports with luxury and relaxation, but trust us – they're truly versatile. With customisable options, like the colour and roof design, carports offer a stylish shelter from the sun, a great place to read or work on a hobby, an obvious spot for a barbecue, and a great opportunity to build the garden patio of your dreams! You don't have to use it for car protection unless you want to. Also, with our sturdy steel structures, you know that the carport you get will be able to withstand the crazy weather we get here. If placed next to your home, it can also shelter you during a rain storm, meaning that you don't have to run inside or cancel your party at the first sign of drops.

Create Some Privacy

If your property currently abuts that of multiple neighbours, which is likely, you may feel it's hard to relax in your yard. However, there are several ways to block noise and views, some of them less costly than others. For instance, planting a few trees or tall bushes in problem areas is a great way to avoid seeing and being seen at a relatively low cost. For an even budget-friendlier option, buy some large ornamental pots and plant thujas or the like around the edges of your patio area. You can also try some careful placement of garden accents such as small trellises, fountains, and statues. If you already have a chain link fence, invest in some privacy slats to insert into the links.

Buy Some Comfortable Lawn Furniture

There's nothing like an uncomfortable chair to keep you from relaxing outside. If you opted for the cheapest furniture on the market for your backyard, consider an upgrade. You don't have to go crazy – but get something that doesn't start to irritate you in less than a minute. Head to the gardening store and experiment a little. Sit for a few minutes. Lay down as well (if applicable). Does the furniture stay comfortable? If you want to save some money and keep the chairs you have, consider buying some comfy cushions for them instead of replacing them outright.