Australians would prefer to splash their cash on 5-star accommodation rather than flight upgrades as a new survey of travel spend trends shows travellers would shell out up to $500 more for the part of the trip they value most.
It comes as a similar study of travel spend trends found Australian travel budgets rose by 35 per cent in 2023/24.
More than one in five Aussies (22%) would spend more on premium accommodation such as 5-star hotels, private villas and luxury resorts while only nine per cent were interested in business class flights and upgrades during their trip.
The TravelInsurance.com.au survey found 16 per cent of Aussies would indulge in private tours, followed by fine dining (14%).
Bucket-list experiences, such as hot-air ballooning and helicopter rides, attracted 10 per cent of votes, followed by designer shopping (6%) and private transport (2%).
Overall, respondents said they’re willing to spend up to $500 more on the part of their holiday they value most for travel experiences that leave a lasting impression.
When it comes to generational travel spend trends in spending habits, Gen X are the most likely to splurge on premium accommodation – a top travel indulgence for 30 per cent.
Baby Boomers are more inclined to spend on business class or flight upgrades (13%), while Gen Z are the most experience-driven with 20 per cent splurging on private tours and 17 per cent on bucket-list activities.
One in five Aussie travellers (21%) said they never indulge on holiday and prefer to travel on a budget: no matter the destination.
