The latest Klook Travel Pulse Survey 2026 reveals that travellers across Australia are planning to spend more, stay longer, and dig deeper into destinations, focusing more on value and meaningful experiences.
With nearly two-thirds (68%) of Aussies having travelled overseas in the past 12 months and over half (55%) planning an international trip in the next 3-6 months, according to the survey, Australians have become the third highest spenders on travel globally, behind only the US and the UK.
On average, they’re planning to spend a generous AUD $4,500 on their next trip – and there are no signs of slowing down, despite cost-of-living pressures. In fact, almost four in five (77%) say they will spend the same or more on their next holiday compared to their last.
Klook’s Vice President, Western Markets, Henry Hooper, said: “What we’re seeing on the Klook platform is a strong appetite for travel and a shift in destination interest. We’re seeing triple-digit growth in demand for destinations like Vietnam and China as consumers look to explore new parts of Asia beyond the traditional favourites. It’s a clear sign that confidence is strong, curiosity is growing, and travellers are ready to discover something new.”
It’s about value, not volume – especially for Gen Z
The survey shows that value is a top priority despite willingness to spend. When planning travel, the top three considerations for Aussies are staying within budget (45%), meaningful experiences (36%), and ease of planning (35%).
While budget sensitivity is strongest among Gen Z, with over half (50%) saying it’s a top priority compared to 41% of Millennials, more Gen Z travellers (29%) are planning to increase their travel budgets this year than Millennials (27%).
Value means travelling slower and with purpose
Aussie travellers are prepared to spend for the right experience, which is no longer about packing itineraries with popular hotspots, but instead, connecting with destinations on a more meaningful level. Over two-in-five (41%) say they would rather spend longer in fewer places to explore them more deeply — significantly higher than the global average (33%).
This shift is fuelling demand for immersive community-based experiences, with 41% saying cultural experiences rooted in local communities interest them most, while one-in-five (20%) plan to spend more on local tours, workshops and activities this year.
“Value doesn’t necessarily mean spending less; it means spending smarter. Gen Z travellers in particular are balancing budget-conscious decisions with a willingness to invest in the right experiences, and that’s driving more considered, experience-led travel planning.
“We’re seeing a shift away from fast-paced, bucket list-style travel. Experiences like community-led tours, workshops and hands-on activities are resonating strongly because travellers want to return home with authentic cultural stories, instead of just familiar snapshots,” added Hooper.
Japan beyond the ‘Golden Route’
The survey shows the appetite for authenticity is also driving travellers away from typically crowded hotspots. An overwhelming 88% of travellers say they actively seek lesser-known destinations offering similar experiences to major tourist hubs, with nearly half (46%) saying they often or always do so. Affordability (45%), less crowding (43%), and authentic local experiences (39%) are named as the top motivations for visiting lesser-known destinations.
While Japan remains one of the most popular destinations for Australian travellers, itineraries are quickly expanding beyond the traditional Golden Route of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. On average, nearly one in four travellers (24%) is planning to include lesser-visited destinations in their Japan trips, such as Hiroshima (29%), Shizuoka (25%), Okinawa (23%), and Yokohama (19%)
Technology is reshaping our travel planning
As Aussies set their sights on exploring destinations in more depth than ever before, tech is playing a growing role in helping make their travel decisions and plans. More than two-thirds (68%) now use AI tools in their travel planning, with researching activities (33%) and destinations (29%) the most common uses.
When it comes to the role of social media, however, the survey reveals there’s a generational gap emerging. Gen Z travellers (48%) are significantly more likely to discover lesser-known cities through social media content compared to millennials (38%). Meanwhile, more Millennials choose word-of-mouth, with 40% preferring recommendations from family and friends compared to 35% of Gen Z.
“Technology is now embedded in the travel journey. From AI-powered research to social media discovery, travellers are using digital tools to uncover lesser-known destinations and build more personalised itineraries. Interestingly, we’re seeing generational differences emerge. Gen Z is heavily influenced by social content, while Millennials continue to value trusted recommendations. But across the board, tech is empowering more confident and informed travel decisions,” Hooper concludes.
