Managing your money doesn’t have to feel dull or restrictive. A good financial plan should leave room for joy - the holidays, the dinners out, the little luxuries that make life meaningful. When your goals aren’t clear, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking there’s never enough left over for fun. A financial adviser can help you map out a future that balances both responsibility and reward.
Curious where our team loves to escape to? We’ve rounded up their favourite holiday destinations for every budget.
Europe
Europe is a favourite for Aussies chasing the magic of a white Christmas. No one does Christmas lights quite like the Europeans. They glow even more beautifully under a dusting of snow. Warm your hands on a vin chaud and meander through festive markets. Or make your way to Vienna, the home of classical music. Here you can admire grand architecture, explore cosy laneways, enjoy a glass of wine or take the kids outdoor ice-skating in a picture-perfect winter setting. Euro-summer is always a favourite, but if you want gorgeous scenery minus the crowds, head to Puglia in Italy. Stunning coastlines, white-washed villages and incredible food await. If you’re a beach lover, the Greek Islands deliver in spades, with postcard sunsets and some of the best dining in the Mediterranean.
Sierra Nevada range, California
California’s High Sierra is a well-known and popular destination for world travellers. There’s something there for everyone in all four seasons, whether it’s outdoor adventure, sightseeing, or just enjoying the natural beauty of this high-altitude paradise. It’s an adventurer’s playground. The Sierra Nevada mountain range is an expanse of majestic peaks offering seemingly limitless summer and fall activities and world-class winter snow sports.
Japan
Japan in cherry blossom season
It’s no surprise Japan is booming in popularity with Australians. Where else can you wander from centuries-old temples to neon-lit city streets in a single afternoon? Time your trip for cherry blossom season to catch stunning scenes of Mount Fuji in bloom. And the best part? Japan is a quick flight with almost no jet lag - perfect for travellers who want maximum holiday time.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a country of rich cultural and geographic diversity, with much to explore, from sandy beaches to verdant jungle and ancient temples. If you’re a foodie, the cuisine is one of the highlights of a trip to this country. Their fresh, flavourful cuisine is defined by a balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy flavours. It is heavily influenced by Chinese techniques like stir-frying, chopsticks and French ingredients - baguettes for Bánh Mì and coffee culture.
Vanuatu
According to the Happy Planet Index, Vanuatu ranks number two in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Immerse yourself in rich Melanesian culture and feel everyday worries melt away. Adventure seekers will love the treetop ziplines, crystal-clear swimming holes and cascading waterfalls. Or if you’d prefer to unwind, sip an ice-cold cocktail by the beach and soak up the gentle, laid-back island vibe.
Petra (Jordan)
Petra: a unique bucket list destination
Petra is an archaeological marvel carved into sandstone as much as 2500 years ago, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Lost to the sands of time, it remained largely unknown to the wider modern world until a Swiss explorer stumbled upon the city in 1812. The “Rose City” is carved into rose-coloured sandstone and was a famed marvel even before Christ, thanks to its rock-cut architecture and water systems. It is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. For those seeking something truly special, a trip to Petra in Jordan is an unforgettable experience.
Australia
Sometimes the best holidays are right here at home. Explore Tasmania’s cool forests on a hiking adventure or keep things simple with a beach-camping getaway on Stradbroke Island or Rainbow Beach. And if you haven’t visited Uluru yet, add it to the top of your list. It’s an unforgettable must-see for every Aussie.
If travel is important to you, include it in your financial plan. Establishing a dedicated travel fund or savings account is one way to do this. Build your fund slowly over time, and those bucket list items will become a reality. If you need help in prioritising your spending, get in touch.
General Advice Warning: The information provided in this article is general in nature and does not consider your particular investment objectives, financial situation, or insurance needs; we therefore recommend you seek advice tailored to your individual circumstances before making any specific decisions.
Dobbrick Financial Services (Gympie) Pty Ltd ABN 48 931 205 109 and Dobbrick Financial Services (Ipswich) ABN 86 100 184 521 & DFS Oakland ABN 64 340 527 395 and their advisers are authorised representatives of Fortnum Private Wealth Ltd ABN 54 139 889 535 AFSL 357306.
