Revealed: Find out what makes Aussies want to travel

Young woman with suitcase walking at the street in Barcelona
By Alexandra Coulton


While there are many different factors that fuel the travel bug, it turns out the appeal of exploring a new destination is the reason why the majority of us choose to pack up and go.

Skyscanner’s Australia Travel Trends 2018 report has found that 68 per cent of Australians are motivated to travel by the appeal of distant lands, while 54 per cent cited rest and relaxation, and 40 per cent said it was the desire to enjoy an authentic experience.

Aussie travellers are also big on having a good yarn, with the report revealing that 73 per cent said ‘word of mouth’ played a major role when deciding on their next destination.

The power of social media also plays its role with more than 1 in 3 (34 per cent) admitting they gain their trip inspiration from social media.

For a handful (5 per cent), social media is such a strong influence in their lives for “bragging” reasons as well.

And we’re all keen as beans to get going, with a whopping 96 per cent saying travel was high on the agenda this year, and 87 per cent heading overseas at least once in 2018.

Domestic travel was also popular throughout the year with more than three quarters (81 per cent) eager to explore their homeland.

As far as travelling companions go, most Aussies said they travelled with their partner (48 per cent) or family (40 per cent) but solo travel was also a common choice, with two-fifths (39 per cent) of independent travellers choosing to explore the world on their own this year.

Solo travel was particularly popular amongst 18-29-year-olds, with nearly 2 in 5 (38 per cent) travelling by themselves this year.

The report also revealed some emerging destinations to keep an eye on in 2019, based on which cities experienced the biggest rises in bookings in the past year.

Here’s the top 10:

Lisbon, Portugal (37 per cent growth)

Lisbon Street Car

Da Nang, Vietnam (23 per cent growth)

Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills

Kiev, Ukraine (129 per cent growth) 

Kiev-Pechersk Lavra in Kiev, Ukraine

Nice, France (33 per cent growth)

Aerial view of Apollo Statue, Place Massena, Nice, Mediterranean Sea

Thessaloniki, Greece (69 per cent growth)

People at street of historical city with traditional houses and restaurants at Thessaloniki greece

St Petersburg, Russia (49 per cent growth)

Early morning at the Savior's Blood

Nha Trang, Vietnam (33 per cent growth)

Skyline of Nha Trang

Palawan, Philippines (32 per cent growth)

Capture3

Porto, Portugal (3 per cent growth)

Woman traveling in Porto city

Medellin, Colombia (23 per cent growth)

Colorful Cobblestone Street

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

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