Research by the Shangri-La Group reveals winter drives more indoor time, screen time guilt, and family friction – as families swap long-haul Europe for closer, warmer getaways
Australian families are feeling the strain of winter at home, and most are looking to trade jumpers for sunshine. New research by the Shangri‑La Group found 86% of Australian parents would consider an overseas family holiday to escape the colder months, with short‑haul warm destinations (Asia and the Pacific Islands) the leading preference.
Key findings at a glance
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86% of Australian parents would consider escaping winter with a family holiday abroad
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73% say winter means more time indoors; 65% report fewer outdoor experiences
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49% feel guilty about increased screen time in winter
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38% chose short‑haul warm destinations as their top winter travel preference (vs 33% intra/interstate; 12% long‑haul)
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46% have reconsidered Europe for premium short‑haul options (Asia/NZ/Pacific)
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64% are planning (or intend to start planning) a family holiday in the next six months
Winter’s toll at home: indoors, irritable, and on screens
The research highlights winter’s impact on day‑to‑day family life. Most parents reported more time spent indoors (73%) and fewer outdoor experiences (65%) during the colder months. Nearly 1 in 2 (48%) said winter affects their family’s overall mood and patience, while 49% feel guilty about the amount of screen time their children clock up when stuck inside, reinforcing a growing desire among families to “borrow summer” overseas in order to spend more time outdoors.
Where families want to go: closer, warmer, easier
When it comes to choosing a winter getaway, parents’ top considerations were affordability (63%), safety and security (56%), and weather (38%).
Short-haul warm destinations particularly across Asia and the Pacific Islands ranked as the top choice (38%), ahead of intra- or interstate travel (33%) and long-haul options (12%). Among those choosing short-haul travel, the leading driver was the ease and practicality of getting the whole family there.
Many of these destinations are not only more accessible for Australian travellers but also offer the kind of premium, family-friendly experiences increasingly driving this shift toward shorter, more seamless holidays.
Beyond warmth: families say holidays help them reconnect
Parents overwhelmingly see holidays as a reset button, with 90% agreeing family holidays are the best way to reconnect.
In warmer climates, 74% said their children spend less time on screens and more time outdoors. Among parents who have escaped winter before, many reported returning feeling closer as a family (46%), more connected with their children (42%), and re-energised for work (28%) and the school term ahead (27%).
Europe loses appeal as costs and disruption rise
The research also suggests a clear shift away from long‑haul Europe, driven by price and complexity. Nearly half (46%) have reconsidered Europe in favour of premium short‑haul experiences in Asia, New Zealand or the Pacific, citing flight issues and rising airfares. More than two‑thirds (68%) said Europe now feels too expensive or too complex to book.
Confidence boosters for families include:
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Flexible bookings (59%)
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Travel insurance for disruptions (56%)
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Direct flights (51%)
Recognising the importance of reconnection, the Shangri-La Group continues to curate experiences that help families trade winter friction for sun-filled memories. Across Asia and the Pacific, interest continues to rise in holidays that combine relaxation, cultural discovery and family-friendly hospitality in one seamless experience.
