Think Schoolies and your thoughts probably drift to the Gold Coast, or more recently, overseas jaunts to popular hangouts like Fiji, Vanuatu, Thailand and of course, Bali.
However, a new schoolies hotspot has gained momentum in recent years, following a similar overall trend in travel among Australians. As school leavers go out with a bang, an increasing number are choosing to do so in the more refined setting of Tokyo. The Japanese capital that has become a hit with Australian holidaymakers has found a new market among schoolies, new research from Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has revealed.
According to the FCTG data, bookings to Tokyo for travellers aged 19 and under over the schoolies period have risen by a massive 28% compared to 2024.
Flight Centre Global Managing Director Andrew Stark says the Tokyo trend reflects Gen Z’s changing outlook on travel.
“Young Australians are more worldly than ever before, and this translates into the kind of travel experiences they’re after,” he says.
“For a lot of teens, Tokyo ticks all the boxes: safe, clean, exciting, easy to get around, and full of things they can’t do anywhere else.”
In good news for parents who’ve ever worried about their offspring overdoing the booze, the FCTG research also found that most (82%) teenage Aussies would even opt for an alcohol-free getaway.
“The Gold Coast will always be iconic but the idea of spending a week in one spot just to drink, and party doesn’t really resonate with teenagers anymore,” Stark states.
“They want cultural depth, good food and experiences they can’t get at home.”
According to Anna Fawcett, APAC General Manager of youth touring specialist Topdeck, the priorities of younger travellers have evolved.
“Young people aren’t as focused on cost as they are value for money,” she remarked.
“Schoolies on the Gold Coast can cost up to $1,000 per person for accommodation alone, not to mention food and drinks for the week, activities and flights if you’re travelling interstate.
“For some people it’s a milestone trip and they do see value in that cost, but I think there’s a jump in school leavers looking at the price [of schoolies] with a critical eye and thinking about where in the world that money could take them instead.”
While teenage travel to Tokyo is on the rise, schoolies are still flocking to international hotspots in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia.
And of course, tens of thousands are still set to descend on the Gold Coast.
Be prepared
Regardless of where they go, younger travellers need to be prepared. For instance, according to iSelect’s Sophie Ryan, young people (aged 18-25) need to consider their travel insurance policy choice carefully.
“Travel insurance is there to protect you when things don’t go to plan, but it’s crucial to understand what’s included before you pack your bags,” Ryan said.
And this doesn’t just relate to high-risk activities like jet skiing and riding scooters, but something as seemingly benign as drinking alcohol.
“Basically, insurers expect you to take precautions and minimise your risk of making a claim – drinking alcohol dramatically increases your risk of having an accident,” Ms Ryan said.
“So, if you take a tumble after having a tipple, chances are you won’t be able to claim for the treatment of any injuries.
“Also, don’t even think about getting on a bike or motorcycle without wearing a helmet, if you do, and you have an accident, your insurance could be voided.”
Ryan also emphasised the importance of schoolies keeping policy details and emergency contact information readily available.
“If something goes wrong, you’ll need quick access to those details.”
