There’s an increase in travellers leaving their holiday research to the last minute, but not these holidaymakers – who enjoy taking their sweet time when planning a getaway.
According to new data released by Skyscanner, Kiwis are the world’s least spontaneous travellers, planning for holidays 12 weeks prior to the departure date. While that doesn’t sound too far in advance, it’s actually around 3.5 weeks longer than the global average.
Malaysians are also doing their research in advance, commencing their searches 11 weeks prior to departure, while Aussies prefer to start planning a holiday 77 days in advance.
Considering their geographical location and the weakening dollar, it isn’t too surprising Australians and Kiwis are taking as much time as possible to plan ahead.
Alana Saphin-Polchleb, Head of Marketing, Skyscanner, Oceania region said Australians are ‘understandably playing it safe’ and giving themselves as much time as possible to book a great deal.
“Booking trips in advance and taking note of the best time to book can help families save hundreds of dollars on flights and accommodation.”
Alana Saphin-Polchleb, Skyscanner Head of Marketing Oceania
“In addition, travellers who can be flexible with their travel dates can search for flights across a month-long period, highlighting the cheapest days to travel in any given month or even set up price alerts for their holiday destination to capitalise on last minute offers.”
The only other travellers researching their holidays a little earlier include those from the UK (9.8 weeks) and Japan (nine weeks).
On the flipside, the most spontaneous travellers in the world come from China where the rising middle-class is making travel more accessible.
Chinese holidaymakers are planning their getaways 40 days prior to departure – more than half the time of Kiwis and Aussies.
