Cash-strapped but travel-obsessed Australians are willing to go for broke to afford a break. New research shows almost one in two Aussies are getting extra creative to pay for a holiday.
The Finder survey found 48 per cent of Aussies are taking drastic action to afford a holiday, including sacrificing social activities and starting side hustles and even going broke for a break.
One in four (25%) respondents said they have had to forgo social activities, 21 per cent have recycled cans and bottles, and 14 per cent have sold unwanted clothing and household items to save for a holiday.
Another 13 per cent have taken on a second job or started a side hustle to afford a break, while 11 per cent are fanatical about accruing frequent flyer rewards and points to help fund their trip.
Nine per cent have gone into debt or put their holiday on credit to go broke for a break and five per cent are renting out a spare room to take a much-needed escape. However, 23 per cent also indicated that they don’t plan on travelling at all.
Going broke for a break
It backs up recent Finder results that found one in seven Australians (14%) booked trips they can’t afford in 2025, going broke for a break.
Finder’s Rebecca Pike said the survey results show many Aussies are long overdue for an escape and will adopt extreme measures to get away.
“This shows just how desperate some are for a holiday. They’re not just cutting back, they’re hustling hard to make it happen. For many, travel isn’t affordable anymore. But consumers are willing to sacrifice everyday comforts to make it happen,” she said.
