There is something special about packing the car on a Friday afternoon and heading away with friends. For generations, camping was the obvious choice. It was affordable, relaxed and part of the Australian holiday tradition.

But anyone who has organised a camping trip knows that getting away is often the easy part.

First comes collecting the tents, sleeping bags, camp chairs, tables, cooking gear, gas bottles, eskies, torches and everything else that somehow becomes "essential". Then there is the time spent setting everything up after arriving. At the end of the weekend, the whole process happens in reverse, with wet tents, dirty equipment and hours spent unpacking once everyone gets home.

At the other end of the holiday market are luxury hotels and resorts. They are wonderful, but for many groups of friends they are simply beyond the budget, especially when several people are travelling together.

Increasingly, Australians are discovering a practical middle ground.

A large Airbnb or holiday home allows a group of friends to enjoy the best parts of travelling together without the inconvenience of camping or the cost of booking several hotel rooms. Everyone has comfortable bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, a proper kitchen and spacious living areas. If the group is large, there is often still room for a few sleeping bags on the floor.

Instead of spending time pitching tents, everyone is cooking together, sharing meals, planning tomorrow's activities or simply sitting on the deck talking late into the evening.

Byron Bay is perfectly suited to this style of holiday.

Days can begin with coffee in town before heading to the beach, a walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse, surfing lessons, boutique shopping or an afternoon exploring the hinterland. Evenings become simple affairs—a barbecue at the house, takeaway pizza, local seafood or dinner at one of Byron's many restaurants before everyone returns to the same place to relax together.

Travel writers often describe these weekends as an "escape".

Perhaps that misses the point.

Spending time with family and friends is not really about escaping anything. It is about enjoying life. It is about conversations that last for hours, shared meals, laughter, board games, beach walks and memories that remain long after everyone has gone home.

The destination matters, but so do the people you travel with.

A shared holiday house in Byron Bay offers something that neither camping nor a hotel can easily provide: the feeling that, for a few days at least, everyone is living together rather than simply staying somewhere.

Sometimes the best weekends are not the most expensive or the most adventurous.

They are simply a few good friends, one comfortable house and a place like Byron Bay where everyone can slow down and enjoy each other's company.