By Jessica Good

“RECESSION? What recession?” I thought as I kicked back, enjoying the blue skies, ocean views and tropical surrounds of North Queensland.
We could have been a million miles away from the economic doom and gloom that has dominated the headlines for the best part of this year.
While most people are counting down to the Christmas break, I got in early this year and, after shelving plans to travel overseas, we settled for sunny Port Douglas and some of the best hospitality on offer in Australia.
For one week we escaped the daily grind, enjoying fresh seafood, the odd cocktail and afternoons lazing by the pool. We were in paradise, but on closer inspection I realised this tourist town wasn’t immune from the economic slowdown.
Many small businesses, especially the clothing retailers, were feeling the pinch and were looking forward to the impending high season.
Here it’s easy to forget your budget and splash out, but on this holiday there was no shop-til-we-dropped, just a mixture of dining out and home-cooked meals in our apartment. We weren’t alone; the on-site barbecue was surrounded by a different group of guests each night.
The only adventure away from home base involved a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef where, dressed head-to-toe in blue-stinger suits, we snorkeled amongst the most beautiful tropical fish and were lucky enough to spot a reef shark skimming the coral.
We couldn’t have been more pleased with our decision to travel domestically. It was the first holiday we were able to relax and enjoy the experience rather than find the experience to enjoy with, apart from the memories, the only souvenirs being an impressive collection of sand fly bites and a slight suntan.