Since September 2019, fires have ravaged over 25 million acres of bush and national park, killed at least 25 people and millions of animals and birds.  One third of the population of koalas in the state of New South Wales are thought to have been lost, along with huge tracts of their habitat.  Whether they can recover their numbers is unknown.

One third of Kangaroo Island, a popular holiday and tourism destination off the coast of South Australia, has burned vineyards, homes and national parks just gone.

One third of the Adelaide Hills region wineries have been destroyed.  It’s estimated that 19,000 farms have been destroyed, along with thousands of commercial bee hives.

A school auditorium has converted to a hospital for injured koalas, and the Irwin family’s Australia Zoo has rescued or treated over 90,000 animals since the fires broke out.

Around the world, people are digging deep and supporting fundraisers for animal rescue programs, to help families rebuild after losing everything they owned, and supporting the largely volunteer-based Rural Fire Brigade organizations around the country, which have been affected be government-funding cuts.

As If you’d like to donate, reputable official fundraisers are listed below.  These organizations are helping the volunteer fire fighters, the families who have lost everything, the wildlife rescue groups and so much more.

But what’s becoming clear now is that tourism and small business has taken a massive hit, as tourists cancel their vacations or delay until March or April.  Tourism operators in locations outside of the bushfire areas are also suffering from cancellations, and everything from boutique hotels to small tour companies and restaurants are under threat of closure because the visitor numbers just aren’t there.

If you’re rethinking a vacation to Australia in 2020, maybe think again.  You can help out by visiting this year.  There are still incredible destinations downunder that will give you the experience of a lifetime and you’ll be supporting an industry facing a crisis.

Travelers are more than tourists – they’re actually the lifeblood for thousands of small businesses and tourism operators. Australia is a big country and there are plenty of places unaffected by the bushfires that will welcome you with a smile and an Aussie welcome.   Check out the Tourism Australia website for up to date information.

There are fundraisers being held across the globe, and the following are a handful of reputable and official groups that are currently providing help in the affected regions.

Australian Red Cross
NSW Rural Fire Service
St Vincent de Paul Society
WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc)
Port MacQuarie Koala Hospital 

1. Choose your gang
This could be a no-brainer and your girl gang is ready to go, but it’s worth thinking about group dynamics and making sure everyone is compatible. If you have a lot of friends from different walks of life, give some thought who you’re inviting, and why. The reason we want to get away with the girls is all about connection with our besties and a no-drama break, so choose with this in mind.

  2. Decide on a destination
Whether you’re planning a weekend away or a two week break overseas, the destination should be convenient (and within their budget) for everyone to reach. Be mindful about how people will be traveling and whether you’ll travel together or independently.

3. Why go?
Is work super-busy and you all need to relax? Have family responsibilities left no me-time? Have the past few months been all work and no play? Find out what the girls need from their getaway and let that guide your planning.

4. Lock in the date
It’s time to stop saying “we must get together” and do it. Suggest a couple of dates and as soon as you find a time everyone is free, commit to it. Pay deposits, book the dog into a pet motel, clear the diary. Planning in advance leaves time to get organized for the getaway and get excited!

5. What’s your getaway style (and budget)?
These two go hand in hand. When you’ve worked out what type of break you’re having – beachy, European, nature-based, city splurge – calculate a quick budget for each person and make sure they’re comfortable with it. Make sure everyone is clear about their preferences (a bedroom each? Or is sharing twin rooms okay?) and what they can afford. Then start researching the all-important accommodation!

6. Where to stay
This is kind of a big deal, but if you’ve done your homework it’ll be easy to know if you need a cozy Airbnb house or an apartment overlooking the water.  One word of advice – make sure there’s a big comfy sofa or two for those long conversations and catch ups!7.

7. What to see and do
It’s great to have some options for activities but keep it simple. The main idea is to relax and have fun so keep lots of time free for just hanging out. Put long lunches (preferably with a view), beach walks or a spontaneous winery tour on your “to do” list.

8. Start planning the next getaway!
Chances are all those chats and long conversations mean you’ve had some great ideas for another trip. Set the date and destination for the next one before you leave.

Want some inspiration for your next girl’s getaway? Here are a few ideas to inspire your itinerary!

Wine-lovers: California produces almost 90% of the country’s wine, but you’ll find wine regions in every state. If you’re traveling overseas, France and Italy are the obvious choices, but look at Douro Valley in Portugal, or Hungary’s Eger wine region for something different.

Snow-bunnies: The US has some of the best (and most numerous) ski resorts in the world – the hard part will be choosing! For a ski holiday with a cultural twist, Niseko in Japan offers great skiing, amazing food and hot springs.

Waterside Wonders: The lodge at Lake Quinault in Washington State is a gorgeous spot for a weekender. If you’re planning a bigger trip, the Greek Islands have to be the ultimate blue-sky-blue-sea option.

Nature Unplugged: Could you share an RV with your besties? Or maybe a glamping weekend? Head off to a national park for a few days and unplug from the online world. Iceland is an incredible nature-based destination – perfect for an outdoorsy break (and maybe a luxury spa experience).

City Slicker: New York never gets old! Have dinner at Balthazar in Soho for a fabulous dining experience. If you’re up for a longer getaway, Melbourne will show you a great time – Australian-style – with beaches, a great food scene and lively nightlife all in easy reach.