In a world where travel has evolved from a mere escape to a transformative way of life, Aussies are on a quest to live their best travel selves in 2024. According to the latest findings from Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions research, over three-quarters of Australians (78%) believe that travel is synonymous with feeling more alive than ever before.
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As the sun sets on the previous year, optimism for the future radiates among Aussies, driven by a desire to reinvigorate and reinvent themselves through travel. Let’s find out what they are looking for on their journey of self discovery.
Here are the main categories that the research found for Australian travels coming into 2024:
(Alter) Ego enthusiasts: unleashing the inner maverick
The allure of travel lies in the opportunity to adopt alter egos and shed inhibitions. A significant 66% of Aussies feel they are the best version of themselves while on holiday, embracing new facets of their personalities. For 61%, the anonymity of travel becomes a canvas to recreate themselves, with some going as far as crafting intriguing stories to share with fellow wanderers.
Cool-cationers: chasing refreshment in water-centric escapes
With a scorching Australian summer on the horizon, climate change is influencing travel plans for 42% of Aussies in 2024. The heatwave prompts a surge in water-centric travel, with three-quarters agreeing that proximity to water induces relaxation. Expect floating yoga, snow meditation, and underwater hotels to take centre stage, as water becomes not just a backdrop but the main event.
Surrender seekers: embracing spontaneity in the journey
In a shift from meticulous planning to embracing the unexpected, 57% of travellers wish to abandon rigid itineraries in 2024. The rise of AI introduces Booking.com’s AI Trip planner, trusted by 40% of Aussies, facilitating spontaneous travel and exploration of lesser-known destinations. A whopping 55% prefer venturing off the beaten path, allowing the wind to guide their travel sails.
Culinary excavators: delving into heritage flavours
Aussie travellers are ditching next-gen food trends to savour indigenous cuisines worldwide, with 81% seeking culinary authenticity. Over half (56%) are eager to learn about the origins of a destination’s must-eat delicacies, preserving traditional craftsmanship and embracing unique histories, geographies, and produce that define one-of-a-kind cuisine.
Reboot retreaters: prioritizing self-improvement
Amid global uncertainty, Aussies are booking self-improvement trips to focus on their dream lives. Sleep tourism emerges as a new trend, with 55% prioritizing uninterrupted shut-eye in their 2024 travels. Solo travel gains popularity, with 50% of parents planning solo getaways to prioritize self-care, while 30% embark on matchmaking holidays in search of new sparks.
A la carte affluencers: curating budget-friendly luxury
Cost-saving hacks meet luxury travel in 2024 as Aussies become ‘à la carte’ affluencers. Nearly half (48%) turn to AI for budget-friendly travel itineraries, enhancing experiences with suggested ancillaries and deals. The cost of living shapes destination choices for 54% of travellers, leading to a surge in luxe-for-less holidays and strategic school holiday planning for 49% of Aussie parents.
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Mindful aesthetes: embracing sustainable elegance
A conscious travel movement is on the rise, with 47% of Aussie travellers seeking accommodations with sustainability at their core. Jaw-dropping architecture becomes a beacon for mindful travellers, complemented by green spaces and plants indoors. Sustainable itineraries offer exclusive access to preserved locations, with 47% interested in sustainable travel apps unlocking unique experiences.
Are you sold on the journey of self discovery?
In the landscape of 2024 travel, Australians are not just exploring new destinations; they are embarking on a journey of self-discovery, embracing alter egos, spontaneous adventures, culinary heritage, and mindful travel practices. As they traverse the globe, Aussies are not merely escaping life—they are weaving it into the fabric of their best selves.
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