Travel Top Priority These School Holidays Despite Cost-Of-Living Pressures

More Australians are holidaying in their own state these Autumn school holidays as cost-of-living pressures continue to strain household budgets, according to new research released by the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) Australia. 

The national survey of 1,500 Australians, conducted by Pure Profile, reveals where Australians are holidaying between 29 March and 29 April over the school holiday period, which starts today in NSW, ACT, SA and TAS and is already underway in QLD, VIC, WA and NT. 

It reveals 70% of Australians will go away for a holiday, including 41% within their own state, up from 36% during summer. While 21% will holiday interstate and 8% overseas. 

More than half of Australians said cost-of-living pressures had impacted their travel plans, with most holidaying for seven days or less and planning to spend less than $2000. 

TTF CEO Margy Osmond said it’s great to see more Australians supporting local tourism operators for what should be a strong Autumn holiday period. 

“More Australians are exploring the beauty of their own state these school holidays, helping support the industry by spending their tourism dollars locally,” Ms Osmond said. 

“But we’re concerned the sector is still feeling the impact of cost-of-living pressures with many families taking shorter holidays than originally planned, staying with friends or relatives to save money or recently cancelling their travel plans altogether.” 

The most popular state for Australians to visit this month will be NSW (33%), followed by VIC (25%), QLD (24%) and WA (7%). While the most popular city will be Melbourne (11%), then Sydney (10%), Brisbane (6%), Perth (4%) and Adelaide (3%). The most popular regional areas will be QLD’s Gold Coast (7%) then Sunshine Coast (6%), NSW South Coast and VIC’s Great Ocean Road (5% each), NSW Blue Mountains (3.5%), and NSW North Coast, Central Coast and VIC’s Mornington Peninsula (3% each). 

The most popular overseas destinations will be Europe, then New Zealand and Indonesia, followed by Japan, USA and Thailand. 

Ms Osmond welcomed the figures showing Australians are still setting aside savings for a holiday, even as financial pressures continue. 

“Australians ranked travel and holidays as their top priority when it comes to nonessential spending, showing just how vital it is to take a break with family or friends,” Ms Osmond said. 

One in four Australians ranked travel as their #1 priority of all non-essential spending, followed by 17% who prioritised personal care, such as skincare and make-up, while 15% nominated gifts for others as their top non-essential spending priority. 

Food and grocery prices remain the top financial strain across the country, followed by interest rates, rent and energy bills.