While some forecasts show a slowing down in demand, Skyscanner data swings the other way with new data revealing 43 per cent of Aussies plan to spend more on travel in 2025 and seek out destinations that deliver the most bang for their buck.
The annual Skyscanner Travel Trends Report, based on flight and hotel search data and a consumer behaviour study, shows Australians are keen to get the most value for their money in 2025, seeking budget-friendly destinations and affordable flights.
Thailand, Northern Ireland and Spain have emerged as the top choices for Aussies, offering the best bang for buck. In particular, Krabi has seen a 34 per cent airfare price drop and Belfast, Madrid and Budapest are have 26 per cent less expensive flights for Aussies.
Other budget-friendly destinations for 2025 include Okinawa, Japan; Lyon, France; Chicago, USA; Vientiane, Laos; Bogota, Colombia and, surprisingly, Reykjavik, Iceland – with a 19 per cent price drop in airfares.
And heads up advisors – for the Skyscanner Travel Trends Report’s trending destinations among Aussies for 2025, Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines and South Korea amassed the sharpest increase in searches.
Siem Reap in Cambodia surged by a whopping 529 per cent while Krabi, Thailand; Busuanga, Philippines; Daegu, South Korea; Rovaniemi, Finland; Cusco, Peru and Tromso, Norway all achieved a hike of more than 100 per cent.
Skyscanner Travel Trends Report themes
The Skyscanner Travel Trends Report notes the top factors influencing Aussie travellers’ destination selections include weather (66%), attractions (65%), food (63%) and culture (59%), reinforcing their desire to seek out experiences that bring people together.
And it’s game on in 2025. Almost one-third (28%) plan to take a ‘sportscursion‘ to see a sporting event in 2025, while 31 per cent are inspired to book overseas travel based on locations from their fave video game.
Read the full report here.
