Australian travellers are gearing up for an exciting year ahead. The newly released 2025 American Express Global Travel Trends Report reveals that over 78% of Australians plan to embark on up to three holidays this year. The report highlights a strong resurgence in domestic and international travel, with travellers seeking smart, experience-driven getaways that offer value, adventure, and personalization.
A Renewed Passion for Travel
According to the report, 51% of Australians intend to travel as much as they did in 2024, while 34% plan to explore even more. Regarding international travel, 43% will maintain their usual travel habits, and 34% expect to venture overseas more frequently.
One of the standout findings is Australians’ focus on value-driven travel. They prioritize destinations that fit their budget (68%) while catering to their interests in food, sports, and fashion (42%). Travellers are also keen on authentic local experiences (42%), showing a shift towards more meaningful and culturally immersive trips.
Four Major Trends Shaping Aussie Travel in 2025
1. The Rise of ‘Tiny Tour Guides’: Kids Are Influencing Travel Decisions
Children play an influential role in family vacations, with 59% of Australian parents acknowledging that their kids help shape travel plans. The trend extends to 41%, allowing children to influence activities and 31%, even allowing their kids to choose their destination.
This isn’t just an Australian phenomenon; globally, 68% of Gen Z and Millennial parents report that their children play a significant role in planning holidays, compared to 56% of Gen X and Baby Boomer parents.
“This year, our Global Travel Trends Report shows that children are playing a key role in influencing their parents’ travel decisions and helping to shape unforgettable family holidays,” said Corinne Ng, Vice President and General Manager of American Express Travel and Lifestyle Services.
Women enjoying the panoramic view from the pool in the Alps
Interestingly, 77% of Aussie families prefer family-centric destinations with activities suitable for all ages. This finding excludes traditional cruising and resort-style holidays, suggesting a growing preference for interactive, engaging travel experiences.
2. Flights for Festivals, Passports for Playoffs: The Surge in Event-Based Travel
Australians increasingly travel for major entertainment and sporting events, with nearly 46% of travellers planning a trip to attend concerts, sports finals, and cultural festivals in 2025.
44% of event travellers are motivated to share the experience with friends and family, while 40% are dedicated fans travelling to support their favourite teams and artists. The trend is reflected globally, with 53% of adults worldwide planning travel around entertainment events in the coming year.
“As many Aussies prioritize experiences, live events are becoming the ultimate excuse to explore new destinations and celebrate passions to make lasting memories,” said Corinne Ng.
3. Travel Hacking: Turning Everyday Spending into Dream Vacations
Aussies are getting smarter about travel financing, with 44% planning to use points and rewards for their trips. Travel hacking is particularly popular among Gen Z and Millennials, who maximise their credit card rewards by linking spending to subscriptions such as Netflix (20%) or food delivery services like Uber Eats (18%).
The report found that 60% of travellers believe combining credit card rewards with airline loyalty programs provides the best value for international trips. Meanwhile, 48% are stacking multiple loyalty programs to enhance travel perks across flights and accommodations.
“When used responsibly, credit cards can be a great way to earn points for travel, especially cards that offer flexibility to transfer points across airlines,” said Ng.
4. Tailor-Made Travel: Smarter Holiday Planning with AI & Insights
Australians blend technology with traditional insights to create personalized, well-informed travel experiences. The report reveals that 70% of Australians find Generative AI useful for trip planning, especially for activity recommendations (34%), itinerary building, and budget management.
Despite the rise of AI, trusted sources remain dominant—with 44% relying on reviews, 43% on recommendations from friends and family, and 29% consulting travel agents.
Before heading overseas, 33% of travellers research local businesses to support their trip and ensure a deeper connection to their chosen destination.
Final Thoughts: A New Era of Aussie Travel
The 2025 American Express Global Travel Trends Report vividly describes Australians’ evolving travel habits, which are marked by greater personalization, strategic spending, and a shift toward meaningful experiences.
From kids influencing family getaways to fans jet-setting for global events, the travel landscape is evolving into a more intentional, experience-driven phenomenon. Australians also embrace travel hacking strategies and AI-powered planning tools to maximize their trips while ensuring they remain rewarding, seamless, and budget-friendly.
“It’s clear that Aussies are redefining travel by prioritizing meaningful experiences, maximizing reward points, and blending technology with personal insights,” concluded Ng. “From kids influencing family trips to booking holidays around live events, travel is more intentional than ever.”
With a strong appetite for exploration, 2025 is set to be a milestone year for Australian tourism, driven by innovation, passion, and a renewed sense of adventure.
Written by: Michelle Warner
