Short Stays, Lasting Impact
From weekend escapes to long family getaways, travel is more than just a trip—it’s a chance to create memories, explore new horizons, and make a meaningful impact. Short Stays, founded by Northern Rivers locals Sim and Pete, connects hosts across Australia and New Zealand with travellers worldwide. With half of every booking fee donated to Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research and support, every stay becomes a journey with purpose—where adventure meets heart.
For Sim and Pete, travel is a way of life. Their love for adventure inspired Short Stays, a flexible platform connecting hosts and travellers. “What makes Short Stays unique is that we’re family-owned, Aussie-operated, and 100% BOT-free,” Pete explains. “Hosts can list short stays, long stays, or home swaps—all in one platform.”
A Platform Built for Community
Short Stays is more than bookings—it’s a community for hosts and travellers. Managing a successful stay requires many professionals, so Sim and Pete developed an advertising directory for co-hosts connections, cleaning services, photographers, equipment hire, food services, gardeners/landscapers, linen services and product supply. “We want hosts to have easy access to everything they need,” Sim says. This strengthens the accommodation industry while supporting local businesses across Australia and New Zealand.
Fighting MND Through Every Booking
There’s a deeply personal purpose behind the platform: fighting Motor Neurone Disease. Pete shares,“MND first struck my life when I was a young boy with the passing of my uncle, next a brother-like cousin who was only 21 years old. Little did we know this was just the beginning of our family’s battle. Over the next 15 years followed several aunts by the age of 50, my Nan and more of my cousins, taking them in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. The hardest was losing mum at just 48 years old. I too carry the SOD 1 gene mutation.”
50% of Short Stays’ booking fees go directly to MND research and support, helping families across Australia and New Zealand. “One person can only do so much, but a community can make a difference,” Pete says. The impact is deeply personal. “Creating Short Stays is one way to turn tragedy into something meaningful”.
Designing a Platform for Travellers and Hosts
Being a family of travellers shaped the platform. Sim and Pete understand travel costs, logistics, and fine print, and wanted a system giving travellers flexibility while helping hosts maximise their homes.
Born on a family road trip across Australia, Short Stays is an all-in-one platform offering short stays, long stays, and home swaps.
Hosts quickly notice the benefits, from listing flexibility, extensive resources, option to car/pet swap, low fees on short stay booking and zero service fees on long stays and swaps, complete with a home swap guarantee—all while supporting the MND Foundation. For travellers, it’s convenience, savings on booking fees, variety, and purpose in one.
A Year of Growth and Expansion
August marked Short Stays’ 12-month anniversary, already surpassing expectations. Upcoming plans include a new Ecostays and Historic Stays feature, channel manager integrations, and an app.
Partnering with MND QLD, they’re donating a luxury New Zealand stay to raise vital funds—a mix of adventure and advocacy. Every booking with Short Stays is more than a trip—it’s a story, an adventure, and a contribution. Explore new places, create lasting memories, and support families affected by MND along the way.
Looking Ahead
Sim and Pete envision Short Stays as the go-to platform for hosts and travellers, offering seamless experiences while supporting families in need. “We want people to enjoy their trips fully, knowing every booking is making a difference,” Pete adds.
Whether host or traveller, Short Stays offers freedom, adventure, and impact—every booking becomes a story of exploration, connection, and hope.
