Aussies travellers are ditching cocktails for culture
Aussie travellers are a diverse group, so it’s not always easy to pin down our different interests and travel influences.
Thankfully, the folks over Hostelworld have done the hard yards for us to find out what the 2018 Australian travellers looks like.
What our interests are, what’s inspiring us and most importantly, what our packing essentials are.
As it turns out, we’re shirking cocktails, partying and tanning in favour of art galleries, culture, and, of course, food.
According to Hostelworld‘s latest survey of 1,500 Aussies, aged 18-65+, Aussie holidaymakers are more active, outgoing, adventurous, social and health-conscious than ever before.
Contrary to popular belief, Aussies could not care less about tanning (two per cent) and partying (three per cent) and are much more likely to rate experiencing a new culture (13 per cent), and de-stressing (55 per cent) as their primary motivators for going on holiday.
With fitness becoming ingrained in popular culture, 59 per cent of Aussies now see runners as must-pack items, alongside the essential pair of thongs (62 per cent).
Plus, they are keen to try out new activities and workouts when they are on holiday, wanting to maintain fitness, eat well and keep healthy while away from home.
Anyone for goat yoga?
Hostelworld’s survey reveals that the overwhelming majority of Aussies are equally or more active on holiday compared to when they are at home (77 per cent), with 26 per cent exercising 4-7 times per week whilst travelling.
While we’re all foodies at heart, almost half of Australian travellers (44 per cent) typically try to eat healthily when on holiday, and 16 per cent actively seek out holidays that are ‘active’.
Cycling (31 per cent), yoga (32 per cent), and deep sea diving (24 per cent) were amongst the top activities Aussies were most eager to try on holiday, while 8 per cent said they would try their hand at goat yoga!
Interestingly, it seems that Aussie men are keener to improve their flexibility abroad, with 41 per cent willing to practice their yoga on holiday compared with 24 per cent of women.
However, the annual getaway also remains an important time for rest and relaxation, with more than half (55 per cent) saying it’s one of their main motivators for going on holiday.
This desire to wind down may explain why more than one in 10 Australians like to practice meditation (12 per cent) when on holiday.
Discovering new things and de-stressing
Marek Mossakowski, Global Head of Brand of Hostelworld, said: “Exercise, healthy-eating and finding fun and active new things to do whilst travelling are at the top of the wish-list for young travellers.”
“Unlike hotels where you often need five-star luxury to benefit from a half decent gym, hostels are uniquely placed as they offer all kinds of fitness classes on-site plus interactions with local events for travellers.”
“This is perfect for those wanting to keep fit and get stuck into energetic activities, as well as being able to meet people and make the most of the city they are exploring.”
“From The Salty Pelican in Portugal offering surf and yoga lessons, to Wellness Hostel 4000 in Switzerland which has a spa and swimming pool, hostels offer so much more than you might expect.”
Top tips from Ashley Freeman for staying fit on holiday without all the gear
Hostelworld has teamed up with personal trainer and body positivity ambassador, Ashley Freeman, to provide top tips on keeping fit with minimal equipment, while on holiday or travelling.
Ashley commented: “Staying fit and healthy really shouldn’t be a chore, and actually something that’s fun and revitalising – the perfect thing to do whilst you’re travelling!”
“Exercising can be an incredible way to make connections with the people around you, and also explore the area you’re visiting. Go for a run or a bike ride, walk rather than hailing a taxi, and you’ll find you see so much more!”
“And don’t forget to keep it fun.”
“Travelling is a time to meet new people and try new things.”
“From kayaking to surf lessons, you don’t need to lock yourself in a gym to get a good workout.”
“Staying in Hostels can be a fantastic way to tap into local activities and find a group of like-minded people to enjoy them with.”
Ten top tips for staying fit on holiday by Ashley Freeman
- Hit the pavement: There is no better way to explore a new city or tropical destination than by throwing on your runners and taking to the streets. Get into the fresh air, see the sights and take in the smells and sounds of somewhere new.
- Take the stairs: Ditch the elevator of your hostel and use the stairs each time you get back to your room. A sure way to spike your heart rate and get the legs and booty firing a few times a day!
- Go prepared: Pack some light equipment in your suitcase so you’re all prepared for those cheeky hostel room workouts. I always travel with resistance bands, a skipping rope and a set of core sliders.
- Get outside: Scope your holiday destination for sets of stairs, sports ovals or running tracks. Sprinting up stairs or the length of an oval can be an extremely quick and efficient way to get a great workout in when you’re on the road.
- Keep it fun: Incidental exercise counts too! Think paddle boarding, surf lessons, bike riding, kayaking, dancing and hiking. Sometimes the best workouts are the ones you don’t even realise you’re doing!
- Walk when you can: It can be easy to fall into the habit of hailing a taxi for short trips when you’re in holiday mode, but keep exploring and walk it out instead!
- Commit to be fit: Promise yourself to aim for at least 15-20 minutes of exercise each day. Feeling strong, energised and healthy will ensure that you make the absolute most of your time away.
- Use what you’ve got: Chairs, tables and steps can make excellent workout props! Almost every hostel room will have a chair at the very least. Think tricep dips, incline pushups, step ups, split lunges, box jumps and the list goes on.
- Don’t forget your supplements: Dining at new restaurants and tasting new foods is one of the most anticipated parts of any trip! As great as it is to relax on a regular eating regime, it is still important to keep up your basic nutrition to ensure you feel 100% on your trip. I always pack my protein powder, greens and personal supplements to ensure that I am still hitting all of my nutritional targets.
- Your body is a gym: Your own body is all that you need to create an incredible workout! Burpees, squat jumps, pushups, planks and lunges are all effective movements that don’t require much space and provide a lot of bang for their buck.
For more information on Aussie travellers’ health and well-being trends, read Hostelworld’s blog
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
aussies australians holidays hostelworld yogaLatest News
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