In a compelling shift for the travel industry, Skyscanner’s latest report reveals that many Australians plan to increase their travel budgets in 2025. The report shows that 43% of Aussie travellers are set to spend more on vacations next year than in 2024, marking a trend towards elevated holiday experiences and a desire for deeper connections through travel. This shift is primarily driven by a quest for collective experiences and community-driven travel, making it a pivotal moment for the tourism sector.
According to the ‘Travel Trends: The Search for Community and Collective Experiences 2025’ report, Aussies are increasing their spending on flights and accommodation and investing in experiences that provide a meaningful sense of connection.
“Australians are actively seeking destinations that offer value for money while also providing unforgettable, culturally immersive experiences,” says Jarrod Kris, Travel Expert at Skyscanner. “We’re seeing Aussies shift from traditional tourist hotspots to lesser-known gems like Krabi in Thailand, where airfares have dropped by 34%, and Labuan Bajo in Indonesia, offering a more intimate, enriching holiday.”
The Numbers Behind the Travel Boom
The report reveals that 36% of travellers have budgeted to spend more on flights, with 31% increasing their accommodation spend and 14% allocating more for car hire. This surge in spending aligns with a growing trend of travellers prioritizing value-driven destinations that offer rich experiences without breaking the bank.
For Aussies, weather, attractions, food, and culture are the key factors influencing destination choices. 66% prioritize climates that complement their holiday activities, and 65% select destinations based on local attractions. Meanwhile, 63% want to explore new cuisines, and 59% are drawn by cultural richness.
Travel Trends to Watch in 2025
With this heightened enthusiasm for travel, several key trends are set to shape how Australians explore the world in 2025:
1. Sports Tourism on the Rise
Belfast – Ireland.
Sports tourism is gaining momentum, with 28% of Aussie travellers planning trips centred around major sporting events. This includes everything from international football tournaments to Formula 1 races, where Aussies are motivated by the entertainment (59%), the excitement (50%), and the chance to see their favourite sports stars (41%).
2. Astro Adventures
Many younger travellers, mainly Gen Z and Millennials, gravitate towards astronomy-based experiences. Whether gazing at the Northern Lights or visiting remote observatories, 58% of Aussies are looking to the stars for their next adventure, making astro-tourism one of the fastest-growing niches.
3. Wellness and ‘Reset Jetters’
The wellness travel market is expanding beyond traditional spa retreats. 23% of Aussies aged 18-34 and 37% of those aged 45-64 are embracing health-conscious holidays designed to recharge their physical and mental well-being. These holidays are about relaxation and building resilience and longevity, contributing to a rising trend of travel with purpose.
4. Cultural Immersion with ‘Art-Ventures’
Art-driven travel is experiencing a resurgence, with 59% of travellers choosing destinations based on their cultural offerings. This trend is expected to lead to a boom in immersive art experiences, from exploring local galleries to participating in community art projects abroad.
5. Cowboy-Core
Okinawa – Japan
Embracing the romance of the Wild West, 29% of Aussies are showing interest in Cowboy-Core travel, an adventure trend rooted in ranch life and country music festivals. The trend is particularly popular with 18-24-year-olds, with 44% expressing a desire to experience the rugged charm of cowboy culture.
6. Horti-Culture
The growing appreciation for nature has turned gardening into an essential travel inspiration. In 2025, 72% of Aussies plan to visit gardens or nature reserves to reconnect with the natural world during their travels.
7. Gami-Vacation
Gaming culture also influences travel choices, with 31% of Australian travellers planning trips inspired by video games. The rise in flight searches for gaming conventions abroad is evidence of how popular virtual worlds are shaping real-world travel decisions.
Where to Find the Best Travel Deals in 2025
Budget-conscious travellers need not worry. Skyscanner has identified several destinations offering significant savings in 2025. The top best-value locations include:
- Krabi, Thailand: Airfares down 34%
- Belfast, Northern Ireland: Airfares down 26%
- Madrid, Spain: Airfares down 26%
- Budapest, Hungary: Airfares down 26%
- Okinawa, Japan: Airfares down 25%
Meanwhile, trending destinations where Aussies are flocking in higher numbers include Siem Reap, Cambodia, with a 529% increase in flight searches, and Busuanga, Philippines, which has seen a 125% rise.
Partnering for Savings: Skyscanner and Up
To help Aussies maximize their savings, Skyscanner has partnered with digital bank Up to offer personalized savings tips. Brian Oakley, PhD, Up Data Scientist, says that over 80,000 Australians have already set up savings accounts specifically dedicated to travel.
“For Aussies looking to save, it’s all about time and consistency,” says Oakley. “Setting aside a percentage of your pay automatically can make a huge difference.”
A Year of Exploration Ahead
As Australians prepare for a travel boom in 2025, the search for value and memorable experiences is front and centre. From cosmic adventures to immersive cultural trips, next year promises to be when Aussies broaden their horizons in pursuit of adventure, connection, and discoveries.
Written by: Charmaine Lu
