Older travellers, including Baby Boomers, are more likely to act on sustainable intentions, despite younger travellers often voicing stronger views on sustainability, according to new Booking.com research.
Its 11th annual Travel & Sustainability research also revealed that Australians are increasingly avoiding peak travel periods, as extreme weather and overcrowding reshape how and when they holiday.
“Booking.com’s 2026 Travel & Sustainability Report shows that while understandings of what constitutes sustainable travel may differ, adapting to extreme weather and actively avoiding crowds are now becoming the norm for all,” Booking.com regional manager Oceania, Todd Lacey said.
“Regardless of generational differences, Australians are continuing to evolve how they approach sustainability when they travel, from choosing third‑party‑certified accommodation and travelling off‑peak, to engaging more deeply with local cultures and communities.”
Key findings
- Aussies are rethinking when and where they travel, with 42% planning to travel off-peak and 43% looking to avoid overcrowded destinations
- Among those choosing quieter trips, 39% want to avoid contributing to overtourism, while 35% aim to reduce pressure on destinations
- Extreme weather is now disrupting travel plans, with 27% of Australians cancelling or changing trips in the past 12 months due to weather events
- Nearly three-quarters consider climate risk when choosing where (72%) and when (75%) to travel, while 53% say destinations have become too hot to visit
- While 83% say sustainable travel is important, older generations are more likely to turn intent into action – particularly when it comes to reducing waste and supporting local businesses
The 11th annual Travel & Sustainability Report, based on insights from 32,500 travellers across 35 markets including 1,000 Australians, found 83 per cent of Aussie travellers consider sustainable travel important. However, a clear “say-do” gap is emerging across generations.
Across Asia Pacific, Baby Boomers are leading when it comes to tangible action. Nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) say they will shop at local, independent stores while travelling, compared to just 40 per cent of Millennials and Gen Z. Three-quarters (75 per cent) plan to reduce general waste on trips, well ahead of Gen X (55 per cent), Millennials (52 per cent) and Gen Z (50 per cent), while 63 per cent intend to cut energy consumption.
Younger travellers, however, are carving out their own niche in sustainability, particularly through cultural engagement and conservation. Around one-third of Gen Z (34 per cent) and Millennials (31 per cent) reported participating in activities involving Indigenous communities or local cultures over the past year, compared to 21 per cent of Boomers. More than a quarter also took part in experiences supporting wildlife or ecosystem conservation.
Stressful conditions
Extreme weather is also reshaping travel behaviour across all age groups. Nearly three-quarters of Australians now factor climate risks into destination (72 per cent) and timing (75 per cent) decisions. Six in 10 actively avoid destinations known for extreme weather, while half find such conditions stressful during the booking process.
The impact is already being felt, with 27 per cent of Australians reporting they have changed or cancelled travel plans in the past 12 months due to weather-related events. More than half (53 per cent) believe some destinations are now too hot to visit, while 47 per cent have removed locations from their bucket lists altogether.
Travellers are also adjusting when and where they go. Some 42 per cent of Australians plan to travel off-peak, while 43 per cent aim to avoid overcrowded destinations. Notably, 67 per cent of Boomers across APAC intend to travel outside peak periods, compared to just 30 per cent of Gen Z.
Sustainable accommodation is also gaining traction, with more than a third of travellers across all age groups planning to book stays with recognised sustainability certifications in the next year. This follows a milestone 100 million room nights booked at certified properties on Booking.com in 2025.
