Despite the claim most Australians make about being spontaneous travellers, new research has revealed we’re actually meticulous planners.
According to a study by travel site Skyscanner, nearly three in four (70 per cent) Aussies claim to be spontaneous travellers, but over half (54 per cent) have never actually booked a last-minute getaway.
Polling 1,000 Australians in March 2023, the study found more than one in three travellers (35 per cent) are planning holidays at 90 days or more out from departure.
Indeed, such considerations can bring the services of a travel advisor into the frame.
“Planning ahead can actually enable travellers to be more spontaneous in the moment, as they have the peace of mind that comes with knowing the logistics are taken care of,” Skyscanner’s Australian travel expert Jarrod Kris says.
Even though Aussies are early planners when it comes to travel, the study found that half of those polled (49 per cent) would at least like to be more spontaneous. And that’s not a bad thing, psychologist Emma Kenny says.
“Along with promoting contentment and harmony in close relationships”, Kenny says spontaneity reduces stress and increases levels of self-esteem. She adds that planning and spontaneity can actually work well together.
“It creates a ‘can do’ attitude and will remind you of the limitless possibilities that are out there. Because you have no clear set agenda, plans, or expectations, every step you take will involve a sense of adventure which is truly freeing.”
Positive vibes
And research backs this theory, with 80% of respondents admitting to feeling “positive” when acting spontaneously, 40% feeling “excited”, 15% feeling “exhilarated”, 13% feeling “happy”, and 12% feeling “carefree”.
According to the study, Victorians consider themselves the most spontaneous Aussies (72%), followed closely by South Australians and Western Australians (71%), Queenslanders (70%) and NSW residents (69%).
The study found spontaneity peaks at 18-30 years of age, with those 25 years and under the most impulsive (36%).
Impulsiveness drops after 31 years due to a rise in responsibilities (41%) and more financial obligations (38%).
When it comes to our favourite spontaneous holiday spots, Auckland (New Zealand) leads the way, followed by Denpasar (Bali), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Athens (Greece) and Nadi (Fiji).