Australians are planning to head overseas in record numbers in 2026 — but 60 per cent still haven’t locked in dates. According to new Skyscanner data, six in 10 Aussies intend to travel overseas this year, but price and indecision are shaping booking behaviour.
The findings highlight a key opportunity for travel advisors to engage travellers early in the year as 41 per cent of Aussies say January is when they start planning their holidays.
The findings show overseas travel intent is still high among Aussies in 2026, but cost concerns and indecision are key hurdles for many travellers.
Despite the motivation to travel internationally this year, 60 per cent of Aussies are yet to lock in travel dates and 40 per cent are undecided about where to go.
Australians are overwhelmingly led by price with 72 per cent saying cost is the biggest barrier to overseas travel in 2026 as a similar survey found 46 per cent of Aussies would prioritise travel as a savings goal this year.
More than one-third (37%) look for the cheapest travel days before booking flights and 55 per cent are happy to fly at odd hours to save cash. Surprisingly, Skyscanner data shows that Saturday is the cheapest day to fly in 2026.
Aussies prioritise locking in flights (47%) and accommodation (43%) first, and will swap hotels, book cheaper activities and even shorten their trip to save money on overseas travel.
Skyscanner’s new Cheapest Destination Planner app tool reveals that Cairns, Queenstown, Nadi, Singapore and Seoul rank as the top five lowest fares in 2026.
Hong Kong, Taipei, Colombo, London and Milan round out the top 10 lowest fares with return flights from under $2,253.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Australians are ready to roam overseas in 2026, but still cautious about costs. For advisors, January is an opportunity to capture undecided travellers by promoting value-led deals, flexible booking options and destination inspiration. By pairing sharp pricing with personalised guidance, advisors can turn overseas travel intent into action.
