TTF research has shown that Australians are finding cost to be the biggest barrier for travellers these school holidays, with 44 per cent of Australians citing it as their main obstacle.
Younger generations feel this most acutely, while older Australians (55+) are more likely to be held back by family commitments.
“Aussies have pinpointed cost as the single biggest barrier for planning a holiday,” TTF CEO Margy Osmond said. “However, despite the pinch, most Australians are still booking trips this Spring. If they have spare change, it will be put towards travel.
“The nation has indicated that crowds, hot weather and even political headlines won’t deter them, or keep them from getting away. With cost as the main deciding factor, operators planning a sale can expect large uptake from the Australian market.”
The nationally representative survey of 1,546 Australians, conducted by Pureprofile between 19 and 22 September found that a majority of Aussies are planning to travel this Spring (67 per cent). This is down slightly from the 71 per cent who planned to travel in Spring 2024.
While less than half (44 per cent) said that cost was their largest barrier to travel this Spring, 50 per cent expected it to be the biggest barrier to travel in five years’ time. Climate concerns are also on the radar for some, particularly younger Australians. 25 to 34s are the most likely to feel wary of extreme temperatures, with 11 per cent citing it as the biggest barrier to travel this Spring. Only 8 per cent of this age group anticipated it being the biggest barrier in five years’ time, while the concern in 18-24s grew, with 6 per cent most concerned this Spring, and 11 per cent in five years’ time.
“Overall, Aussies are showing resilience in their travel plans, navigating both price pressures and environmental considerations while keeping their holiday plans alive,” Osmond said.
Domestic travel remains the most popular option this Spring, with 55 per cent of Australians planning a local trip. One in five (20 per cent) plan to head interstate, while 35 per cent will holiday in their own state or territory.
The most popular state for domestic travellers is NSW (29 per cent), followed by QLD (25 per cent), VIC (22 per cent) and WA (10 per cent).
“New Zealand has come out as the top international destination for Aussies this Spring,” Osmond added. “For many, it’s the perfect compromise. Close to home, familiar, but still offering that international holiday feel, and often at a lower cost than long-haul travel.”
Aussies are looking for holidays that are affordable, accessible and flexible, as seen by the 19 per cent who are taking their pet on holiday with them this Spring.
Of those travelling with pets, 19 per cent plan to take them along, while 41 per cent plan to leave them with a loved one or pet-sitter, and 9 per cent plan to use specialty accommodation. 31 per cent of travelling Aussies do not have a pet.
Other findings within this Spring travel study include:
- 67 per cent of Australians plan to travel this Spring, between 15 September and 31 October. 35 per cent plan to holiday within their own state or territory, 20 per cent are looking to head interstate, while 11 per cent plan to head overseas.
- 25-34s are the most avid travellers, with 76 per cent planning to set off on holidays between 15 September and 31 October. This is followed closely by 75 per cent of 18-24s, and 73 per cent of 35-44s.
- Men are more likely to travel this winter, with 71 per cent planning a holiday, compared to 63 per cent of women.
- The most popular city destinations for Australian travellers are Sydney (13 per cent), then Melbourne (10 per cent), followed by Brisbane (7 per cent).
- Leading regional destinations for Australians/ travellers include QLD’s Gold Coast (7 per cent), then Sunshine Coast (4 per cent), as well NSW’s South Coast (4 per cent), and VIC’s Mornington Peninsula (3 per cent).
- 41 per cent of those planning a Spring holiday intend to spend less than $2,000 on their entire trip. Meanwhile 36 per cent look to spend between $2,001 – $5,000 (down 3 per cent from previous survey).
- 8-24s are set to spend the most with 30 per cent budgeting over $5,001.
- 19 per cent of Australians plan to take their pet on holiday with them this springtime. 31 per cent say that they don’t own a pet, while 41 per cent will leave their pet with a loved one or pet-sitter, and another 9 per cent will leave them in specialty accommodation.
- 22 per cent of Australians have said they’d take a pet on a plane, a number that gets higher with younger respondents.
- 34 per cent of 18-24s would take their pet on a plane, as would 32 per cent of 25-34s, and 24 per cent of 25-44s.
- 44 per cent claimed that the biggest barrier for them to travel this Spring was the cost. This was most felt by those under 44; 54 per cent of 18-24s, 50 per cent of 25-34s, and 53 per cent of 35-44s.
- 25-34s were the most off-put by the impacts of climate change, with 11 per cent claiming that extreme temperatures is their biggest barrier to travel.
- Those over 55 found that family commitments were a major factor, with 17 per cent of 55-64s and 24 per cent of 65+ saying this was the biggest barrier for them to book in a holiday this Spring.
- In five years’ time, more Australians’ see cost becoming a major barrier for travel, as expressed by 50 per cent of the nation. An increase was also seen with political climate, rising from 2 per cent to 6 per cent.
