This summer, the majority of us will be staying put due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, meaning New Years Eve in Tokyo looks a lot further away than it did last year. With such restrictions comes an upside, and with so much of our east coast still rebuilding from the bushfires that ravaged regional Australia last year, it's a blessing in disguise that we are able to focus our holiday spending efforts closer to home. Tripadvisor has had a similar idea, which is why they have partnered with Destination NSW to promote safe and sustainable travel in NSW.

While flying still feels like a bit of a risk (doesn't soaring through the air in a tin can with 200 strangers always?) we're still getting itchy feet, and a road trip feels like just the ticket. While Tripadvisor and DNSW are campaigning to Love NSW by encouraging us to hit the road, they are adding another incentive: a travel contest worth over $9,000 that will provide one winner with the opportunity to road trip through NSW in a Tesla Model 3. Travellers will be asked to choose their dream NSW road trip from the series and explain their preference in 25 words or less. In addition to the car, the costs of accommodation and experiences expenses will be covered by Tripadvisor, and meals will be sponsored by contest partner, TheFork.

In an initiative to encourage fellow NSW residents to venture out and see the sights NSW has to offer (instead of simply flocking to Byron Bay), this will also be a particularly big move for the economy during such an unstable time, especially for those owning local businesses who need it the most. “There are so many incredible towns to visit across NSW, and a road trip is the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in our regions and support businesses by staying and spending locally,” NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said.

With all this in mind, we wouldn't be mad at an all expenses paid Tesla road trip around NSW, would you? You can enter the competition now via the Tesla website.