Australian travellers may be cooling on the long-haul Euro Summer fantasy, with new Booking.com search data suggesting Asia Pacific destinations are doing some serious heavy lifting for July travel.
The data shows 22 of the top 30 international destinations searched by Australians for July stays are in Asia Pacific, with Vietnam’s Hanoi, Danang and Hoi An recording the strongest year-on-year growth in search interest.
Vietnam climbs the list
Hanoi recorded the biggest jump, up 13 places year on year, followed by Danang, up nine places, and Hoi An, up eight places.
Booking.com says the search behaviour points to a growing appetite for closer-to-home alternatives that deliver some of the same appeal as Europe, with shorter travel times, warmer weather and, in many cases, better value. Though the bigger culprit is likely the fallout from instability in the Middle East, which has made some long-haul routings to Europe feel more complicated and Asia Pacific alternatives look easier by comparison.
Hanoi is being positioned as an alternative for travellers chasing history, food and culture in the vein of Rome or Athens. Danang brings the coastal pull of the French or Croatian Riviera, while Hoi An offers its own version of old-world canal charm, with lantern-lit streets and waterways.
Bali still owns the board
Bali remains a major force in Australian holiday planning, with Seminyak taking the top spot in the list of international searches.
Other Indonesian destinations in the top 30 include Sanur, Legian, Nusa Dua, Ubud, Kuta, Canggu, Uluwatu and Nusa Lembongan, giving Indonesia nine entries overall.
Seminyak and Canggu are being viewed as Asia Pacific answers to Mykonos, offering beach clubs, dining, nightlife and one-flight access without the Europe-sized airfare.
Tokyo ranked third overall, while Osaka also made the top 30. Seoul rose six places, with Booking.com comparing its mix of urban energy and cultural depth to cities such as Paris or Milan.
Nadi also climbed seven places, pointing to ongoing demand for island escapes, clear water and easy fly-and-flop luxury.
Europe stays in the mix
London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Athens and Sorrento all featured in the top 30. New York also made the list.
Asia Pacific dominated the rankings, with Australians appearing to balance the pull of iconic European destinations against cost, distance and convenience.
Booking.com’s 2025 Travel & Sustainability Report found 36 per cent of travellers are actively seeking alternatives to traditional hotspots. Its 2026 Travel Predictions Report also found 42 per cent of Australians plan to travel outside peak seasons.
Advisors can use the search data when talking to clients who want the feel of a European summer without the price tag, flight time or crowd factor.
A client dreaming of Mykonos may be open to Seminyak or Canggu. Someone drawn to Venice may respond to Hoi An. A Riviera brief could point towards Danang. Travellers wanting the cultural depth of a major European city may find the answer in Hanoi, Seoul or Tokyo.
Top Australian international destination searches
- Seminyak, Indonesia
- Queenstown, New Zealand
- Tokyo, Japan
- Sanur, Indonesia (+4)
- Singapore, Singapore
- Legian, Indonesia (+1)
- London, United Kingdom
- Paris, France
- Nusa Dua, Indonesia (+2)
- Ubud, Indonesia
- Kuta, Indonesia (+3)
- Canggu, Indonesia
- Uluwatu, Indonesia (+2)
- Danang, Vietnam (+9)
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Rome, Italy
- Hoi An, Vietnam (+8)
- New York, United States
- Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia (+5)
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (+1)
- Osaka, Japan
- Patong Beach, Thailand
- Barcelona, Spain
- Seoul, South Korea (+6)
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Hanoi, Vietnam (+13)
- Nadi, Fiji (+7)
- Athens, Greece
- Sorrento, Italy
Booking.com’s search data is based on searches made from 1 March to 30 April for stays from 27 June to 19 July.
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