5 ways to make the most of your Easter

Eating chocolate for breakfast is one (completely acceptable) way to spend Easter, but if you’re after a little more action, lastminute lovely Gen shares her top tips for taking advantage of the long weekend.

I’m not sure about you, but I went straight back into the daily grind after celebrating the New Year. 2013 is flying past and if you’re like me and only recently caught up to the fact Easter is THIS month, never fear, fellow travel lover. I’ve done the research for you and have five easy ways for you to make the most of the long weekend plus some hot hotel deals. After all, it would be rude not to take advantage of the four day break.

1. Get outta town: Hit the road! It’s amazing how relaxed you can feel when you’re a couple of hours from home. Grab a group, sort out a carpool and book a hotel room or two or better yet, a self-contained apartment to save your dollars for extra chocolate (and let’s be honest, wine) supplies.

2. Live it up in the CBD: With no business travellers in town, there’s often bargains to be had in the city. Check out our Secret Hotels® which will give you a taste of luxury but leave more change in your pocket for tasting Easter eggs.

3. Jet overseas: It might be a bit on the exorbitant side but with four days off you could always add an extra day or two either side for a true break. Fly somewhere close like New Zealand, Fiji or even Bali and you’ll be kicking back with a cocktail before you know it.

4. Holiday at home: If family or social commitments make getting away tricky, there’s no reason to miss out completely. Why not treat yourself to some pampering, make a booking at that restaurant you’ve been meaning to try or get completely out of your comfort zone with an adrenalin activity like sky-diving.

5. Let there be chocolate: The Easter long weekend wouldn’t be complete without a ridiculous amount of chocolate. Have Max Brenner faves delivered to you or your family/friends. Take it up a notch by indulging in a chocolate walking tour or if you’re lucky enough to be in Melbourne, book the Chocolate Package at Hotel Urban St Kilda, including unlimited (yes that’s right, unlimited!) hot chocolate, two chocolate martinis and more.

Hot Easter Deals

Sydney, NSW: This is an absolute bargain. Book a 5-star self-rated Sydney CBD Secret Hotel deal with king bed from $169 per night, twin share.

Melbourne, VIC: Score a 12pm late check-out when you book the ‘Hot Deal’ at the Stamford Plaza Melbourne. Priced from $170 per night, twin share.

Sunshine Coast, QLD: Grab you BFFs for the long weekend and chill out in Rainbow Beach at Plantation Resort at Rainbow. Book a two bedroom self-contained apartment, including spa-bath, from $360 per night, based on 4 people (min three night stay).

Perth, WA: Feel like a VIP with a Secret Club room when you book a 5-star self-rated Secret Hotel deal in the CBD, from $265 per night, twin share. This deal includes access to the exclusive lounge for complementary continental breakfast, evening drinks and canapés.

Port Macquarie, NSW: Stay overnight at the central 4.5-star Mercure Centro Port Macquarie from $161 per night, twin share and make the most of the heated pool and onsite restaurant.

Gold Coast, QLD: Satisfy all your senses when you book a ‘Jet Boat Getaway’ with Vibe Hotel Gold Coast from $260 per night, twin share. This deal includes accommodation in an Aqua View room, two tickets to the Jet Boat Extreme experience, full buffet breakfast for two people, drink vouchers and a late check-out of 12PM.

Wollongong, NSW: Head down the NSW South Coast at stay at the Chifley Wollongong from $209 per night, twin share. Hello sea breeze!

Falls Creek, VIC: Four adults can stay in a two bedroom apartment at Quay West Resort & Spa Falls Creek from $325 per night. Be sure to book in a treatment at the spa.

Adelaide, SA: Free breakfast? Yes please. (You probably should eat something other than Easter eggs after all!). Book the ‘Bed & Breakfast’ package at the five-star Rendezvous Grand Hotel Adelaide from $194 per night, twin share.

To find more Easter Escape options see www.lastminute.co.nz

How are you planning to spend the Easter long weekend?

All deals are subject to availability and based on pricing for the Easter long weekend, current as at March 7, 2013.