Travel Tops the Wish List for Aussies in 2026

Travel is no longer just a break from routine – it’s becoming one of the most anticipated parts of Australians’ lives. Webjet’s Go Somewhere Special 2026 travel trends report reveals that for half (50%) of Aussies, a holiday is the plan they’re most excited about this year, beating out many of life’s bigger moments. Based on a nationally representative survey of over 2,000 Australians, the report decodes what’s driving travel excitement in 2026.

And the excitement is translating into action, with almost half (45%) planning to travel more in 2026 compared to last year. On average, Australians are planning four trips across the year – a mix of 2.6 domestic and 1.7 international journeys – signalling a shift towards more frequent, experience-led travel rather than a single annual getaway.

The report highlights a deeper emotional connection to travel, with Australians increasingly viewing holidays as a way to reset, recharge, and reconnect. For many, travel has become part of their wellbeing routine – with 30% of working age Australians (18-59 years old) saying taking a holiday is key to their mental health. Relaxation has emerged as the one holiday style every generation agrees on – with 48% of Aussies saying the chance to rest and recharge is the occasion most worth travelling for in 2026.

Affordability remains the biggest driver when choosing where to go, named by 22% of respondents as the most influential factor, followed by safety, good weather and ease of travel – showing that while travel is highly emotional, decision-making remains grounded in value.

Katrina Barry, Managing Director and CEO, Webjet Group, said travel is playing a bigger role in how Australians plan their year, “Travel has evolved from being a once-a-year treat into something Australians are actively building their lives around. People aren’t just booking trips – they’re planning moments to look forward to, whether that’s a quick domestic escape or a dream international adventure. Planning is now part of the excitement, and travellers are spending months researching, comparing and finding the right experience at the right value before they go somewhere special.”

When it comes to overseas travel – 60% of Aussies are planning to travel internationally this year. Japan tops the list of the most exciting destinations for Australians in 2026 – and the momentum is also showing in booking trends. Early-year demand is strong, with Webjet’s January 2026 bookings for 2026 travel to Japan up 20% year-on-year[1]. And while it remains the most-booked, Tokyo isn’t the only city driving momentum. Osaka bookings have grown 40% over the past 12 months year-on-year[2], while Sapporo is also seeing growing interest, and Okinawa is securing a place on travellers’ radars as Japan’s emerging beach escape.

New Zealand follows closely behind, alongside Indonesia, the United Kingdom and Italy — the only mainland European country to crack the top ten. Closer to home, Thailand, Vietnam and Fiji continue to attract Aussies seeking sun-soaked escapes across short-haul Asia and the Pacific.

The top ten overseas destinations Aussies are most excited to visit this year, include:

Aussies are also looking forward to travelling in their own backyard with nearly nine in ten (86%) planning a domestic trip this year. Queensland tops the list, followed closely by New South Wales and Victoria. While Brisbane and the Gold Coast remain popular, the Sunshine Coast is gaining momentum as travellers look for relaxed, nature-led escapes closer to home.

The Aussie states ranked by travel excitement in 2026 are:

While dream destinations are front of mind, Aussies are also thinking about who to share the experience with. Partners top the list of preferred travel companions (25%), followed by friends (21%) and extended family (14%). Solo travel continues to grow in appeal too, with 13% keen to go it alone, and 7% interested in joining group tours and meeting new people along the way.

When it comes to spending habits, Australians are prioritising the stay over the journey. More travellers said they would rather upgrade their accommodation than their flight, with 27% naming accommodation as the area they’re most likely to splurge on – ahead of experiences, dining, and tours.

Katrina Barry said the shift reflects a broader change in how Australians think about travel: “Travellers are investing in the parts of a trip that create lasting memories – where they stay, what they experience and how they feel once they arrive. It’s no longer just about getting from A to B; it’s about shaping an experience that feels meaningful from the moment planning begins.