Domestic travel remains the preferred choice for many Australians, with 60% of holidaymakers opting for trips within the country over the past year, according to a survey by Budget Direct Travel Insurance.
The trend, which became more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic due to international border closures, has persisted despite the availability of overseas travel.
The survey found that 51% of respondents took holidays lasting one to two weeks, while 26% went on shorter trips over a long weekend or standard weekend.
A spokesperson for Budget Direct said that domestic holidays remain an easy and comfortable holiday option for Australians, noting the country’s diverse range of destinations on offer to explore.
Holiday patterns remained relatively consistent across different age groups. Australians aged 18 to 75 took short-term domestic trips at similar rates, with those aged 38 to 47 taking the most weekend getaways (30%) and those aged 68 to 75 taking the fewest (20%).
For trips lasting one to two weeks, the survey found little variation, with 53% of respondents aged 18 to 27 and 48 to 57 opting for longer domestic holidays.
State-by-state data showed that New South Wales had the highest proportion of weekend travellers at 30%, while South Australia recorded the highest percentage (58%) of travellers taking one- to two-week holidays.
When it came to travel companions, 51% of respondents travelled with a partner, while 44% holidayed with family or relatives. Seventeen percent took trips with friends, 14% travelled solo, and 1% joined a tour group.
Despite the preference for local holidays, many Australians still planned their travel expenses carefully, with 70% saving in advance and the same percentage either staying within or under their budget.
While domestic travel remains popular, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) advised those travelling overseas to obtain comprehensive travel insurance.
In a December 2024 statement, the ICA described travel insurance as an essential component of trip planning, comparable to carrying a passport.
A joint 2024 survey by the ICA and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) found that one in eight Australians had travelled internationally without insurance. The survey also revealed gaps in understanding of policy coverage, potentially exposing travellers to financial risks.
The ICA highlighted several key factors for travellers to consider when purchasing insurance:
Travellers are advised to review their policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure they understand the scope of coverage. The ICA also recommends consulting resources such as Smartraveller to stay informed about travel risks and requirements.