Aussie youth prefer to go it alone

A novel Homesick Hotline has been launched in light of new stats revealing Australian travellers prefer to set off overseas solo.

The research project, commissioned by Travel Insurance Direct (TID), found Aussies are becoming increasingly independent when it comes to travelling solo, with a massive two-thirds (69%) saying they have or want to go on holiday alone. August is also the peak time for travel to Europe.

The research revealed younger Australians are more likely to travel alone than their baby boomer counterparts (74% to 67%), Australians living in state capitals are more likely to travel alone than those in regional Australia (72% to 63%), and men are more likely to travel alone than women (76% to 62%).

The driving force for travelling alone was getting out of comfort zones, as well as avoiding drama that could be created by travelling with a companion.

In light of the new research, TID have launched a free new service for all Australians abroad: a free Homesickness Hotline (1800 STRAYA), a one-stop service for Aussies to feel close to the things they love about home, wherever they are in the world.

“There’s nothing worse than being a bit homesick when you’re overseas and let’s be honest we’ve all been there; Australia is a great place to call home. That’s why we thought we’d create the Homesickness Hotline for Australians anywhere in the world,” Phil Sylvester, Travel Safety Expert at TID said.

“All you have to do is jump on your phone and dial 1800STRAYA, and you’ll be instantly reminded of some of the iconic Australian sounds that you love, and maybe don’t quite love.”

“Homesick Aussies can call 1800-STRAYA (+61 2 8316-6999) to hear nine classic Aussie recordings, including the waves of Bondi Beach, cockatoos waking you up on a Sunday morning and your neighbour pouring his empties into a wheelie bin,” TID states.

The rise in solo travel also sees many Australian’s seeking to ‘live like a local’ with 15% of respondents admitting to using dating apps to meet natives of their holiday destination. When living like a local, 32% want to expand their international friendship circle and 13% actively seek a holiday romance. 12% want to add to their ‘selfie’ library, perhaps because on a solo travel trip there is no companion to take the photo.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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