The top spring destinations for Aussies travelling abroad have been revealed – with New Zealand taking the top spot on the list.
The Tourism and Transport Forum’s (TFF) survey for travel plans over spring revealed 67 per cent of Australians are planning to travel either domestically or internationally between September 15 and October 31.
That figure has dropped slightly from the 71 per cent recorded last year.
Of the 67 per cent, 11 per cent were packing to head abroad.
Speaking to SBS, TFF chief executive Margy Osmond said there had been a “bit of a shake-up” to the international travel destinations.
“New Zealand has jumped into the number one spot, overtaking Europe, which was most popular during the winter holidays just passed,” she said.
Osmond said New Zealand struck the “perfect balance” for Australians. Japan, last year’s winter favourite, came in second with 13 per cent of international travellers heading there.
“Close, familiar, and offering that international holiday feel at a fraction of the cost of a long-haul trip,” she said.
Coming in third was Europe, with 10 per cent of Australian travellers. Thailand came fourth with nine per cent and in fifth place a combination of the UK, USA and Vietnam with six per cent each.
However, many Australians still feel like holidays are an expense they can’t afford.
Asked what might prevent them from packing the bags and taking a holiday, 44 per cent of Australian travellers said cost was the main factor.
Next was the difficulty with getting time off with 14 per cent.
Ms Osmond said Aussies were “feeling the pinch” and considered the cost of living as the reason why people were going away for a shorter time.
Most travellers hoped they would spend less than $5,000 (77 per cent), while only about five percent saw themselves spending more than $10,000.
Cost of living is also a concern for respondents for booking travel plans in 2030, with 50 per cent of respondents saying it is their main worry.
The difficulty of getting time off was only the main factor for 8 per cent of respondents, while seven percent said “extreme temperatures” was their top worry for their 2030 plans.
