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With the aftershocks of the global pandemic gradually fading, Australians are giving domestic travel a fresh lease of life by making it an essential part of their self-care and relaxation regime. A new study by Hometime, Australia’s premier short-term rental management platform, sheds light on this trend.

The study, titled ‘Hometime’s Staycation Sentiment Report: Unpacking our travel habits,’ explores the intriguing connection between travel and the need for leisure time during the pandemic. In a world that’s seen years of whirlwind changes and uncertainties, it’s clear that travel has emerged as a preferred method for many Australians to hit the pause button and recharge their batteries.

Interestingly, only 13% of respondents chose to mix work with leisure during their staycations, indicating a marked post-pandemic preference for a stark separation between work and holidays. However, the study also uncovers an unsettling paradox – despite prioritising relaxation, nearly half of the participants admitted needing at least two days to unwind fully. Around 10% claimed they could never completely switch off, even on holiday.

Staycation

The CEO and co-founder of Hometime, Billy Crock, commented on this finding, “While achieving true relaxation can be challenging, it’s heartening to see many Australians acknowledging the necessity for downtime post-pandemic.” He adds, “Our local, on-the-ground hosting partners play a crucial role in delivering these experiences for people looking to escape from everyday stressors.”

The comprehensive report, split into four sections, also discloses that nearly 30% of Australians are meticulous planners, preferring to research extensively before finalising their bookings. These findings align with the data observed by Hometime’s in-house revenue management team. In May, the average lead time for booking increased to 39 days, reflecting the trend towards advanced planning and anticipation for staycations. The report also highlights a steady growth in bookings throughout the year, unlike traditional peak periods like Easter or Anzac Day.

The revelations of the report coincide with the introduction of ‘Hometime Stays’ – a new platform offering direct bookings for its short-term rentals. The website provides a selection of homes that meet Hometime’s quality criteria and promises guests local support from its network of expert hosting partners.

“The findings, showing a clear appetite for local insights and experiences, are encouraging,” says Dave Thompson, co-founder of Hometime. He believes Hometime’s unique business model and community of local experts can deliver precisely these experiences.

Key findings from the research include:

Close to 50% of Australians are prioritising more domestic travel post-pandemic (48%)
Rising awareness of self-care and relaxation is the primary driver for domestic travel
Queensland has emerged as Australia’s favourite state for a staycation, with NSW and Victoria following close behind
More than a third of Australians (37%) say it takes them two days or more to switch off and relax on holiday fully
A staggering 80% of Australians read the visitor’s guide or guest book for recommendations
Over 50% of Australians start their holiday the minute they hit the airport or get in the car
Approximately 27% of Australians meticulously plan their weekends away, investing months into planning and preparation
1 in 5 Australians are last-minute packers, packing either the night before leaving or the morning of their departure (22%)

The research was conducted by Pureprofile and involved a representative sample of 1,002 Australians aged between 18-65 years in April 2023. The data was adjusted to reflect the latest ABS population estimates for age, gender, and region. Hometime’s research underscores a significant shift in Australians’ approach to leisure travel post-pandemic, with domestic travel becoming a critical component of self-care and relaxation.