As the busy summer travel season draws to a close, cooler temperatures and cost of living pressures aren’t stopping Aussies from enjoying a holiday or two this autumn, with two-thirds planning trips over the next three months according to Tripadvisor’s 2023 Autumn Travel Index.
Released today, the study combines Tripadvisor’s first-party search data and consumer sentiment research to spotlight where and how Australians are planning to travel this autumn, how travellers are feeling about rising cost of living and if travel tastes are changing.
Aussies still plan to travel, despite feeling the pinch
Continued cost of living pressures won’t stop the majority of Aussies from travelling this autumn, with 2 in 3 (66%) planning trips over the next three months–a significant jump from 52% in autumn 2022. Inflation will impact the way some plan to travel, however, with one-third of respondents likely to travel less or for shorter lengths than previously planned, and 27% likely to vacation closer to home.
As many Aussies continue to cut back spending elsewhere, it seems a holiday is too valuable for most to sacrifice. In fact, almost half of Aussies (47%) intend to spend more on travel this autumn compared to last year, while a whopping 84% plan to travel either more (45%) or the same (39%) as they did last autumn.
Travellers opting to adventure closer to home
After a busy summer travel period, many Aussies are looking forward to exploring their own backyard this autumn, opting for shorter getaways. Tripadvisor’s 2023 Autumn Travel Index reveals that the majority of Aussies (72%) will travel domestically this season, with 31% planning to travel within three hours of their home. Unsurprisingly, many are keen to chase the warmth, with Queensland bagging 5 out of the top 10 domestic destinations this autumn.
While 1-7 March is the most popular week to travel this season, Good Friday is the most popular travel day, with many Aussies planning to make the most of the long weekend to getaway or visit loved ones–over one-third (38%) say their autumn travel destination was influenced by visiting family and friends.
The top domestic destinations for Aussie travellers this autumn are:
Melbourne
Sydney
Brisbane
Surfers Paradise
Cairns
Port Douglas
Hobart
Adelaide
Perth
Noosa
Bali popular amongst international jetsetters
Long-haul air travel is well and truly back. 1 in 4 Australians plan to travel 11 hours or more for their autumn trip, while over half (57%) plan to travel by plane. Beach getaways are proving popular amongst the 28% of Aussies who plan to travel internationally this season, with four of the top 10 destinations in Bali. (So if social media is making you feel like everyone’s in Bali right now, it’s because they are!)
The top international destinations for Aussie travellers this autumn are:
Singapore, Singapore
Seminyak, Indonesia
Legian, Indonesia
London, UK
Sanur, Indonesia
Paris, France
Nusa Dua, Indonesia
Bangkok, Thailand
Patong, Thailand
Honolulu, USA
Japan is open to travel again, and Aussies are excited!
When looking at destinations which have experienced the biggest year-on-year growth in demand on Tripadvisor this season, Kyoto, Japan tops the list for Australia, followed by Chuo in Osaka, Japan. After the country finally reopened its borders to international travellers in October, it’s of little surprise that Japanese cities have dominated the list of trending destinations for Australian travellers this autumn–particularly in the midst of a stellar ski season.
Other top trending destinations this autumn include Mexico City in Mexico, Shinjuku in Tokyo, and Bali’s Nusa Lembongan.
Travellers keen to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery
What is the main reason for booking an autumn getaway? Tripadvisor’s Autumn Travel Index reveals that over half (57%) of Aussie travellers want to relax and rejuvenate after the busy silly season, while 52% are looking forward to making memories with family and friends. Looking at what people are most excited for on their travels, scenery (61%), food (48%) and activities (44%) top the list.
When it comes to the types of experiences being prioritised by travellers, 62% of Aussies will treat their taste buds to restaurants and food tours, 42% will dive into outdoor activities or sport and 40% will explore attractions and museums.
Most booked domestic experiences this autumn:
Gordon River Cruise departing from Strahan – Strahan, Tasmania
Morning World Heritage Cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan – Strahan, Tasmania
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns – Cairns, Queensland
Barossa Valley Wineries Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Adelaide – Adelaide, South Australia
Discover Rottnest with Ferry & Bus Tour from Perth or Fremantle – Perth, Western Australia
Most booked international experiences this autumn:
Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour, Cruise & Picnic Lunch – Milford Sound, New Zealand
Go-kart tour Shinjuku drive metropolitan area – Tokyo, Japan
Water Taxi Signal Island Turtle Tour for cruisers – Nouméa, New Caledonia
Private Full Day Sightseeing Tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone – Tokyo, Japan
Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V. Marine Tour – Patong, Thailand
