Aussie travellers might all love a good break, but what that looks like may depend on when you were born. A new study from Money.com.au asked over 1,000 Australians to rank their favourite type of domestic and international holiday – and the results reveal a clear generational split in how different age groups prioritise their time away.
While beach escapes are the top pick for vacations overall – with 37% of total respondents choosing sand and surf – younger travellers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are leading the charge. In the study, both demographics come in at 41% for beach breaks, confirming the classic coastal getaway is still cool.
Elsewhere, ‘active’ holidays like hiking, skiing and diving, rank second overall at 12%, with Millennials the most enthusiastic (18%) about these trips, followed by Gen Z.
Meanwhile, urban adventures and cultural trips tie for third at 11, led by younger and middle-aged Aussies.
According to the research, Gen-Zers are the biggest fans of urban holidays (22%), while Gen-Xers and Boomers lean more towards cultural experiences.
Boomers, however, showed a soft spot for the open road, with one in five saying they preferred road trips – twice the national average. It’s a telling sign that slow travel and nostalgia still resonate with older Australians.
Rounding out the top ten most popular holidays are cruises (9%), seasonal holidays (4%), staycations (3%), camping (2%) and wellness retreats (1%).
“Australians are choosing to switch off, not pack more in when travelling. Beach holidays are the perfect way to recharge the batteries and the main attraction is free, so it’s a no-brainer especially if you’re paying for flights and accommodation,” says Sean Callery, Money.com.au editor.
“There’s also a generational split in how Aussies want to travel. While younger travellers are chasing sun and adventure, older Australians are looking to brush up on culture – whether that’s in cities with a rich history or out on the open road.”
When it comes to preferred destinations, a recent Roy Morgan data found that nearly three in five (57%) Aussies are planning a domestic trip in 2025, up from 52% last year, proving home is where the holiday heart is for many.
Earlier this year, Explore Worldwide data showed that one in two Aussies are swapping flop-and-drop vacays for active holidays, with the tour company seeing a surge in walking and cycling trips in 2025.
