For Nick Baker, CEO of Reflections Holidays, January isn’t just another month on the calendar—it’s the season of the “reset.” While December is defined by frantic family schedules and ticked boxes, the post-Christmas period is seeing a surge in travellers seeking slower, quieter escapes to recover from the festive overdrive. Here, Nick discusses why high achievers find “unstructured time” so daunting, the inland “hidden gems” that are still bookable, and why 2026 will officially be the era of slow travel.
It feels increasingly common that we need a holiday just to recover from the holidays. Are you seeing a distinct shift in the type of bookings people make in January compared to the frantic family trips of December?
December is all about big family trips, celebrations, and making the most of school holidays, so it can often be full-on and activity-packed. January, by contrast, is when people start looking for a slower pace and see it as a chance to decompress after the festive season. We’re seeing more travellers book smaller, quieter stays after the business of Christmas. This holiday is less about ticking boxes and more about taking the time to really breathe and reset for the new year.
We live in a culture that glorifies being busy, and for many high-achievers, the idea of “unstructured time” is actually quite daunting. What is your advice for someone who arrives at a park and struggles to switch off because they aren’t used to “doing less”?
The first thing I tell people is to give themselves permission to do nothing. It is the smallest things that make a true difference, such as sitting on the beach with a coffee, watching the sunset, or going for a casual walk without a plan.
The beauty of our parks is that the natural environment does a lot for you. Often, once people let go of schedules and just immerse themselves in nature, they’re surprised at how quickly they can switch off.
The data suggests 62% of travellers are specifically seeking trips to relieve stress. Why do you think the Reflections style of holiday—often closer to nature, rural towns, and the outdoors—delivers that mental reset better than a standard hotel stay?
Being near nature changes your rhythm. When you’re in a cabin, camping, or even a tiny home by the beach, your days are dictated by sunlight, fresh air, and the simple joys of the outdoors rather than check-in times or when to order room service. That combination of nature, open space, and freedom to do as little or as much as you want is what really delivers a mental reset.
While visiting rural towns and regional escapes, you also have the chance to support local businesses, from enjoying a meal at a family-run café to picking up handcrafted goods at a local market. There’s also something to be said about the connections you make while spending time in nature. Whether it is a shared dinner at the camp kitchen or a chat with your camping neighbour, these moments can’t be replicated in an AirBnb or hotel.
As the CEO of Reflections Holidays, your busiest commercial season is everyone else’s downtime. How do you manage your personal “reset”? Do you get a chance to unplug, or are you on call while everyone else is camping?
It’s definitely a busy period, but I make it a priority to find my own pockets of downtime. I’ve learned that you can’t recover from the year if you’re constantly switched on yourself, so even during peak season, carving out small moments to unplug is a non-negotiable.
You mentioned that finding these peaceful spots often requires travelling a little further afield to country destinations. For those reading who might feel like “everything good is already booked,” are there specific regions or “hidden gems” in the network that people often overlook?
There are always plenty of options if you’re willing to look beyond the typical hotspots. Coastal parks are often snapped up first, but there’s still plenty to explore inland. In South West NSW, Burrinjuck Waters and Wee Jasper Reserve offer peaceful escapes surrounded by nature, while in the Central West, parks like Cudgegong River, Lake Burrendong, and Wyangala Waters give visitors space, serenity, and plenty of water-based fun. These spots often get overlooked because they’re a little off the main tourist trail, but that’s exactly what makes them so special.
Looking at the trends for 2026, it seems this desire for low-key, “detox” style travel is only growing. Do you think this is a permanent reaction to modern burnout, where “slow travel” becomes the new standard for Australian families?
Slow travel is here to stay. People are realising that holidays don’t have to be about packing in as much as possible or ticking off destinations/tourist sites.
In 2026, I see this trend continuing to grow, with Australians embracing the idea that a slower, more mindful holiday is not just a nice option, it’s essential for wellbeing. It’s about giving yourself permission to breathe, reconnect with what matters, and create memories that last far beyond the trip itself.
