: New data* released today from global travel app Skyscanner has revealed almost 9 in 10 (85%) Aussies are looking to maximise their winter holidays and escape to warmer destinations.
In fact, almost half of Aussies said they want to experience more destinations and activities than before, and 35% said they have more flexibility this year and want to take advantage of it.
According to the travel app, ‘Maximiser Summer’ is here and it’s all about making the most of every moment – and every dollar. Aussies are looking for ways to stretch their budget, travelling in shoulder seasons to beat the crowds, staying flexible with travel dates and exploring alternative destinations.
As well as this, 34% of Aussies plan to travel domestically to escape the cold – especially to places such as Queensland where the temperature is naturally warmer, while 31% are jetting off internationally for a summer escape. This tie in preference could mean that making the budget stretch further remains a priority for more than half of Aussies.
Skyscanner Travel Expert Jarrod Kris said with cost-of-living top of mind, more Aussies are looking to our backyard for a warmer escape.
“Aussies are looking to other avenues to get bang for their buck, including travelling domestically. Our research reveals 40% of Aussies said they will travel on less popular days, and 47% stated they will travel to destinations where their money goes further,” Jarrod said.
For Aussies looking to maximise their ‘winter sun’ getaway, now is the best time to plan and book your adventure and according to Jarrod, winter offers some of the cheapest deals.
“Whether you’re travelling domestically or internationally, there are a range of destinations that are affordable and allow for great memories.
“Some of the cheapest destinations for winter 2025 in Australia include Tasmania, Sunshine Coast and the picturesque Hamilton Island. If you’re looking to cross the ocean, try Vanuatu, Vietnam or the Philippines – the Aussie dollar stretches further there, your wallet will thank you for it,” he said.
Planning can save money
While travel is a priority, Aussies are in search for as much help as they can get. According to the data, almost 40% of Aussies have yet to book their trip, indecisiveness and lack of destination inspiration preventing us from booking a holiday.
Skyscanner has revealed the cheapest destinations for Aussies, below as well as the most popular destinations in terms of cheapest week and day to fly.
As well as this, Aussies who are unsure on where to travel and need trip inspiration can use Skyscanner’s Everywhere Search function. To unlock ‘lesser known’ destinations, travellers can also use the ‘underrated destinations filter’ on Everywhere Search to explore new places, beat the crowds and save their pockets.
Cheapest and most popular destinations for winter 2025 include:
| Cheapest Destination** | Average seat price ($AUD) | Most Popular Destination | Best time to travel | |
| Cheapest week of winter + average seat price ($AUD)*** | Cheapest day of winter + average seat price ($AUD)**** | |||
| Launceston, Tasmania | $177 | Melbourne, Victoria | w/c 21 July – $383 | Sunday – $950 |
| Sunshine Coast, Queensland | $254 | Tokyo, Japan | w/c 21 July – $831 | Thursday – $1,005 |
| Adelaide, South Australia | $329 | Athens, Greece | w/c 28 July – $1,840 | Sunday – $1,890 |
| Hamilton Island, Whitsundays | $381 | London, England | w/c 4 August – $1,681 | Sunday – $1,821 |
| Krabi, Thailand | $548 | Bangkok, Thailand | w/c 4 August – $642 | Monday – $921 |
| Port Vila, Vanuatu | $594 | Singapore | w/c 11 August – $1,011 | Monday – $1,210 |
| Uluru, Northern Territory | $640 | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | w/c 11 August – $477 | Tuesday – $625 |
| Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | $709 | Queenstown, New Zealand | w/c 18 August – $481 | Monday – $571 |
| Guangzhou, China | $765 | Denpasar, Bali | w/c 18 August – $498 | Thursday – $682 |
| Dumaguete, Phillipines | $796 | Sydney, New South Wales | w/c 25 August – $765 | Tuesday – $1,146 |
