Why have holidays become to-do lists? Meet the anti-tick list escape

Ditch the jam-packed itinerary – this escape is all about slowing down, switching off and truly unwinding.

For years, the ultimate holiday experience has been defined by how many sights, attractions and landmarks can be crammed into an itinerary. The more boxes ticked, the more successful the trip. But a growing number of Australian travellers are flipping that mindset on its head, rejecting the ‘tick list’ approach in favour of slowing down, unwinding and immersing themselves in nature. Enter the ‘anti-tick list holiday’ – a travel trend that’s all about embracing the joy of doing less.

Why the anti-tick list holiday is gaining traction

The open road in Kimberly, Western Australia. Straight single lane asphalt road stretching into the distance with mountains in the background. Holiday adventure. — The anti-tick list holiday encourages travellers to focus on being present. (Image: Getty Images/Jason Bennee)

A combination of factors is driving the shift in how Aussies are choosing to holiday. The rising cost of travel, increasing overtourism in major hotspots and a collective yearning for a break from the chaos of everyday life have all contributed to the growing appeal of slow travel.

Reflections Holidays chief executive officer Nick Baker told Australian Traveller that many Aussies are realising that the cookie-cutter holiday experience just isn’t for them. “We’ve noticed a growing shift towards Aussies seeking out authentic, personalised getaways that avoid common tourist traps," Baker said.

“Instead of wasting time in queues and crowded attractions, travellers now want to focus on activities they truly enjoy, opting instead for an anti-tick list itinerary."

Rather than rushing from one attraction to the next, the anti-tick list holiday encourages travellers to take a step back, focus on being present and enjoy the simple pleasures of their surroundings. Whether it’s waking up to the sound of birdsong in a secluded stay in Tasmania, spending an entire day reading on a secret beach, going on an epic road trip to the heart of the outback or hiking to a lookout without checking the time, this kind of travel is about experiences, not itineraries.

Less is more

Aerial view of car parked with camper and young man overlooking the Great Australian Bight. Captured while crossing the Nullarbor. — Escape the daily grind with an anti-tick list holiday. (Image: Getty Images/Philip Thurston)

Stepping away from the pressure to ‘see it all’ can lead to a more meaningful and rejuvenating holiday. Instead of returning home feeling like they need another break to recover, travellers who embrace a slower pace report feeling more refreshed and connected to both their surroundings and themselves.

Nature-based getaways, in particular, are proving to be a popular choice for those looking to escape the daily grind. Immersing in natural environments – whether it’s a rainforest retreat in Tropical North Queensland, a remote campground or a small town coastal escape in South Australia – has been linked to improved mental health , lower stress levels and a greater sense of well-being. It’s not just about switching off from work emails; it’s about reconnecting with the world in a way that doesn’t require a checklist. Because we have enough of those already.

“Sometimes, less really is more. When you strip back the clutter of a packed schedule, you create space for genuine relaxation and a chance to reconnect with nature," Baker told Australian Traveller.

Where to go for the ultimate anti-tick list holiday

For those keen to embrace the anti-tick list ethos, there’s no shortage of destinations across Australia that offer a slower, more immersive escape. Here are a few ideas:

Holiday parks in beautiful locations

Reflections Holidays Moonee Beach — Slow down at Reflections Holidays properties.

Nestled in some of Australia’s most picturesque locations, Reflections Holidays campgrounds and cabins provide a perfect setting for a low-key, nature-based escape. With waterfront views, bushland retreats and easy access to stunning landscapes, they make it easy to slow down and savour the beauty of Australia.

“We are seeing a lot of interest in spots that are more off-the-beaten-track with locations such as Bonny Hills, Evans Head, Pambula, Tumut and Eden, gaining popularity, offering the perfect balance of comfort, adventure and seclusion," Baker said.

And for a taste of remote wilderness, Discovery Parks has some standout locations, including Broome, Lake Argyle and Lake Kununurra in the Kimberley.

Margaret River, WA

Margaret River vineyard — Enjoy an unhurried escape in Margaret River. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

A world-renowned wine region that offers more than just cellar doors. Here, you can take long walks along untouched beaches, explore ancient caves and enjoy farm-to-table dining at a relaxed pace. The lush vineyards and rugged coastlines create the perfect backdrop for a truly unhurried escape.

The Blue Mountains, NSW

The Grand Cliff Top Walk Undercliff Track in the Blue Mountains — Ditch the crowded lookouts on the new Grand Cliff Top Walk. (Image: R Brand/DCCEEW)

Known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls and lush eucalyptus forests, the Blue Mountains is an ideal destination to unwind. Ditch the crowded lookouts and instead explore lesser-known hiking trails, stay in a cosy cabin or simply soak up the crisp mountain air.

The Yarra Valley, Vic

Yarra Valley Road — The Yarra Valley is perfect for a slow and mindful getaway.

This wine country escape offers rolling vineyards, exquisite dining and boutique accommodation set in tranquil countryside. Whether it’s a leisurely afternoon tasting local wines, indulging in gourmet produce or enjoying a picnic by the river, the Yarra Valley is perfect for a slow and mindful getaway.

Cocos Keeling Islands

A remote paradise in the Indian Ocean, the Cocos Keeling Islands are an archipelago that boasts crystal-clear waters, pristine white-sand beaches and an unhurried island vibe. With limited tourist infrastructure, it’s the ultimate spot to disconnect from the world, snorkel among vibrant marine life and enjoy uninterrupted sunsets over the horizon.

The future of anti-tick list travel?

The rise of the anti-tick list holiday suggests that more Aussies are rethinking what a successful getaway looks like. While there will always be a place for bucket-list travel, there’s a growing recognition that a holiday should be about more than just ticking boxes – it should be about taking a breath, enjoying the moment, and making memories that aren’t defined by a checklist.

As this trend continues to gain momentum, expect to see more travellers opting for slow, nature-focused escapes that prioritise relaxation over rushing. After all, sometimes the best way to make the most of a holiday is to simply let go of the agenda altogether.

The passionate community that saved Bendigo Tramways has kept the story of this city alive for generations.

It was an absolute steal: a fleet of 23 trams for just $1. But such a fortunate purchase didn’t happen easily. It was 1972 when the Bendigo Trust handed over a single buck for the city’s historic collection of battery, steam and electric trams, which had transported locals since 1890.

inside the historic Bendigo Tram — Bendigo Tramways is a historic transport line turned tourist service. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

The city’s tram network had been declared defunct since 1970 due to post-war shortages in materials to upkeep the trams and declining passenger numbers as motor vehicles were increasing. However, determined locals would not hear of their beloved trams being sold off around the world.

The Bendigo Trust was enlisted to preserve this heritage, by converting the trams into a tourist service. The Victorian government approved a trial, however news spread that the Australian Electric Tramways Museum in Adelaide had acquired one of the streetcars for its collection.

a tram heading to Quarry Hill in 1957 — A tram on its way to Quarry Hill in 1957. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

An impassioned group rallied together to make this physically impossible. Breaking into the tram sheds, they welded iron pipes to the rails, removed carbon brushes from the motors, and formed a blockade at the depot. The community response was extraordinary, and a $1 deal was sealed.

A new chapter for the city’s fleet

the old Tramways Depot and Workshop — The old Tramways Depot and Workshop is one of the stops on the hop-on, hop-off service. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Today, Bendigo Tramways welcomes some 40,000 passengers annually, operating as a hop-on, hop-off touring service aboard the restored trams. Fifteen of the now 45-strong fleet are dubbed ‘Talking Trams’ because of the taped commentary that is played along the route. The trams loop between Central Deborah Gold Mine and the Bendigo Joss House Temple, which has been a place of Chinese worship since 1871, via other sites including the old Tramways Depot and Workshop.

a Gold Mine Bendigo Tram — The fleet comprises 45 trams that have been restored. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robert Blackburn)

Keeping things interesting, throughout the year visitors can step aboard different themed trams. Tram No. 302 becomes the Yarn Bomb Tram, decorated both inside and out with colourful crochet by an anonymous group of locals.

During the festive season, Tram No. 15 operates as a tinsel-festooned Santa Tram, and the big man himself hides out somewhere along the route for excited children to find. And on selected dates, the adults-only Groove Tram runs nighttime tours of the city, accompanied by local musicians playing live tunes and a pop-up bar.

the historic post office turned visitor centre in Bendigo — Visitors can hop on and off to see the city’s sites such as the historic post office turned visitor centre. (Image: Tourism Australia)

As well as preserving the city’s history, however, the continuation of the tram service has kept the skills of tram building and craftsmanship alive in a practical sense. Bendigo’s Heritage Rail Workshop is world-renowned for restoring heritage trams and repurposing vehicles in creative ways.

Locally, for example, Tram No. 918 was transformed into the Dja Dja Wurrung Tram with original Aboriginal artworks by emerging artist Natasha Carter, with special commentary and music that shares the stories and traditions of Bendigo’s first people. You can’t put a price on preserving history. Nonetheless, it was a dollar very well spent.

Why have holidays become to-do lists? Meet the anti-tick list escape

Ditch the jam-packed itinerary – this escape is all about slowing down, switching off and truly unwinding.

Why the anti-tick list holiday is gaining traction

Less is more