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Tax refund burning a hole in your pocket? 5 ways to holiday at home
Been away recently? Used up all your annual leave? Stuck in that work routine with no end in sight? While half of Australians are planning to ‘reward themselves’ with a holiday using their tax refund this year – the other half of us are stuck at home, writes Liz Russell.
Tax refund burning a hole in your pocket? 5 ways to holiday at home
Been away recently? Used up all your annual leave? Stuck in that work routine with no end in sight? While half of Australians are planning to ‘reward themselves’ with a holiday using their tax refund this year – the other half of us are stuck at home, writes Liz Russell.
If you’re one of those Aussies unable to get away any time soon, here are five ways you can use your tax refund to bring a holiday into your home - without having to go anywhere.
1. It’s all about the fragrance.
You know when you smell a certain fragrance and your mind is instantly taken to a memory? Why wouldn’t you want to live in that moment for as long as you could? Bringing the fragrance of a holiday into your home is one of the easiest ways to replicate a vacation. The best part about it is that you get to choose any type of holiday you want. Whether you opt for the smell of rich spices, for sweet flowers or the beach, you can decide on the destination, without worrying about breaking the bank. Being one of the cheapest ways to feel like you’re constantly on vacation, you can’t lose with this option, as everyone loves a nice smelling home.
2. More plants!
We all know that plants and greenery liven up any home, but have you thought about how they could simulate a vacation? With only a few tools you can create the illusion of a holiday in your home or backyard that any jet-setter would envy. If you have a spacious garden, decorate it with pots of tulips as if you’re in the Netherlands, brighten yourhome with sunflowers to emulate the fields of Spain, or plant some palm trees to resemble your ideal Caribbean vacation. If you want to go further, create a small sanctuary as your own little in-home getaway. Bamboo sticks, a nice hammock and lots of tropical plants will make you feel like you’re in Bali every day of the week. With a bit of creativity, you can feel anywhere in the world, sitting in your own backyard.
3. Treat yourself to some new linen
Never underestimate the power of good bed sheets. You can be sure that any 5-star hotel or resort has nice, soft linen on the beds. The incredible sleep that you get in these sheets should not be restricted to being on vacation. Treating yourself to nice linen is one of the smartest investments you can make for your wellbeing. You’ll feel just as good as you do on vacation, sleep better, have softer hair and skin, and get more rest going to bed earlier because you can’t wait to enjoy the new sheets.
4. Bring the sites back home
If one of your favourite parts of any holiday is the cultural experience, bring the sites that you loved back home. Buying a print of the Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower or the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel will enrich the aesthetic of your own environment and remind you of the time you got to experience some of the greatest art in the world. Support local artists by buying some of their works or frame a postcard from a gift shop that you love. If art isn’t what you’re after, print off some of your favourite snaps from your trip or photos of places you intend to visit. Having such wonders hang on your wall will brighten your home and spark conversation. After all, who doesn’t love a not-so-humble holiday brag?
5. Tantalise your tastebuds with the flavours of travel
Exotic food doesn’t have to be enjoyed in only exotic locations. Pairing an authentic Asian curry with some Lebanese bread and pilaf rice can take you all around the world on one plate. Try to recreate a favourite dish from your holiday or search for new recipes from places that you want to go - and why not make it social? Assign your friends a different country from around the world and each cook a traditional recipe from that place. Enjoying various cuisines with loved ones can make you feel just as good as dining in a foreign destination together. You can enjoy sensations from around the world in the comfort of your own home.
Liz Russell is a senior tax manager at Etax.
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