Forget the Bank of Mum and Dad – in 2025 it’s the Suitcase of Mum and Dad. New research from Aussie-owned eSIM and travel SIM provider SimCorner reveals that nearly half of Australians (46%) have been forced to rethink their holiday plans this year due to the cost of living.
And rather than flying solo, more travellers are choosing to head overseas with family and friends – sharing expenses and keeping international holidays within reach. Max Lim, SimCorner customer, 65+ travels with his wife and children 1-3 times a year to share expenses, experiences and stay connected.
Family travel on the rise while solo travel takes a back seat
Forget “Eat, Pray, Love” – in 2025, it’s more “Eat, Pay, Split the Bill.” Travelling with family jumped 5% year-on-year, with those aged 35-49 the most likely to head overseas with relatives (43%).
By contrast, solo travel is on the decline. While three in four Aussies say they’ve travelled alone at least once, only 16% actually went solo on their last trip. Nearly half (49%) travelled with a partner, and more than one in four (26%) with family.
Even older Australians are getting in on the action – almost half of over-65s say they enjoy solo travel, and 11% actually did it on their last trip, making grey nomads the most independent travellers of all.
Shehbaz Shaikh, CEO and Co-Founder of SimCorner, said: “Aussies aren’t giving up their love of travel – they’re just finding more affordable ways to stretch their money. Travelling in packs and staying connected, especially with family, is one way we’re managing costs without missing out on experiences.”
Generational wealth divide
Gen Z are feeling the squeeze most: one in eight (12%) aged 18-26 have cancelled or delayed trips altogether, and 70% have had to change their holiday plans to cut costs or switch destinations.
Meanwhile, older Aussies are more resilient. Nearly seven in ten (68%) of over-65s say their travel plans remain completely unchanged despite cost pressures.
Travel plans reshaped by global factors
Cost of living isn’t the only thing steering travel choices. Two in five travellers (40%) have changed or are considering changing plans due to geopolitical tensions, with nearly a third (31%) switching focus from North America to Europe.
Mr. Shaikh added: “Our customers are carefully planning their trips – not just around budgets but also around where they feel safest and most secure. Whether it’s a quick family getaway or a big solo adventure, the one thing they don’t want to worry about is staying connected.
“When my brother and I founded SimCorner 13 years ago, we set out to make overseas travel easier by taking the stress out of mobile connectivity. Today, we’re proud to keep Aussies connected in over 190 destinations with instant activation, reliable coverage, and competitive pricing.”
