Home » News » Holidaying families drop a rung in bid to ease cost of living pressures

2 July, 2024

Holidaying families drop a rung in bid to ease cost of living pressures

Prevailing financial stress and work demands mean people are looking for more cost-effective, flexible holiday options these school holidays, according to research conducted on behalf of BIG4 Holiday Parks.

The research found that 76 per cent of Australians cite financial constraints as the primary limitation currently preventing them from travelling.

More than half (54 per cent) of survey participants said that budgetary issues were their biggest worry when it comes to planning a holiday. Weather, health concerns and the possibility of an injury/illness while on holiday were the (equal) second highest worries – each recording 7 per cent.

While participants in every state and territory ranked money as their number one concern, those in the Northern Territory topped the list for most financially anxious with 65 per cent, compared with those in Victoria and NSW who ranked second at 56 per cent a piece.

Next were Queenslanders at 54 per cent, closely followed by the West Australians with 53 per cent, South Australians at 50 per cent, after that the ACT at 48 per cent and the least concerned were Tasmanians at 42 per cent.

Even Australians who can find the funds to take trips are feeling the pinch in a different way, with more than a third (38 per cent) saying that in the current economic climate and the pressure to retain a job, they felt they had to work while on holiday.

BIG4 Holiday Parks CEO Sean Jenner said it was unsurprising that people are having to reconsider travel plans – including their holiday destination and duration – in the face of increased financial pressure.

“In the current economic climate, many Australian families are reviewing their holiday plans, with some opting for staycations or shorter, more budget-friendly trips closer to home,” he said.

“This shift reflects not only a financial reality but also a broader societal impact, as the cost-of living crisis reshapes leisure choices and challenges notions of holiday experiences for Australian families. This has seen a revival in camping, caravanning and cabin stays as favourable travel options.”

Holiday parks are gaining popularity as an attractive preferred accommodation choice amongst Australians, with nearly 60 per cent (59 per cent) of those surveyed saying they had opted for a park holiday during the past five years.

“Where holiday parks are most competitive is in delivering great value for money with fantastic amenities,” Jenner explained. “While it is dependent on the time of year and location, BIG4’s network of parks across Australia offer powered sites at an average price of $71.53* per night, but for those on a tight budget some parks offer rates of less than $50** a night.

“If camping isn’t your thing, our budget-friendly cabins are a great alternative. With a variety of styles and options, there’s something for everyone. For even better value and availability, consider traveling outside of school holidays and opting for mid-week stays to enjoy a wonderful holiday without breaking the bank.”

Beyond accommodation, other costs such as dining, social activities and sightseeing can all add up quickly. But BIG4 say its facilities can help curb costs once again, with 41 per cent of those surveyed saying that one of the top features at the BIG4 Holiday Parks were the outdoor BBQ facilities, meaning meals can be done on a budget.

About one in 10 (12 per cent) of survey respondents favoured the popular on-site jumping pillows; and while the cool weather in the southern states may test the nerves, two in three (65 per cent) rated the pool facilities and a quarter (24 per cent) nominated the water slides and equipment the most exciting offerings to keep everyone entertained.

The survey also revealed that some of the most relaxing holiday activities were also budget friendly. Over a third (36 per cent) enjoy visiting the beach, one in five (22 per cent) will happily bunker down with a book, and 11 per cent will cast a fishing line in the hope of hooking dinner. Around more 61 per cent admitted to indulging in the most inexpensive holiday activity of all – a daytime nap – during their getaway.

BIG4 Narooma Easts Holiday Park – Splash Park. (Supplied)

The stats

• Three-quarters (76%) of surveyed Australians say their finances are the biggest constraint to travel plans.
• Budgetary issues were the top ranked worry (at 54%) amongst survey participants when it came to holiday planning.
• More than a third (38%) of Aussies feel they need to work while on holidays in order to keep their jobs during the current economic climate.
• BIG4 Holiday Parks has affordable getaways this school holidays, offering powered sites at select parks for less than $50** per night.

*Average price calculated across the BIG4 portfolio of over 260 parks.
**Average price calculated across five park offerings around the country on a 12-month rolling average.
*** Price is based on average at BIG4 Red Cliffs Victoria cabin average.
Research conducted by Pure Profile on behalf of Soda Communications in 2024, among a nationally representative sample of 2000 Australian adults (18+).

Feature image: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort.

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

BIG4 Holiday Parks