The latest Amex Trendex survey shows Australians travellers are putting themselves first with more than half of Aussies (59%) keen on ‘me-cations’ – Gen Z (60%) and Millennials (67%) are overwhelming on board with an internal focus while holidaying. Visiting family is another top priority for the festive season.
What does this mean for travel advisors? You can expect to see a lot more enquiry about solo travel as travellers seek opportunities to focus on themselves on ‘me-cations’.
A ‘me-cation’ is defined as a holiday just for you away from the stresses of home and prioritising your needs.
While me-cations have been around for a while, the notion of travelling by yourself, for yourself is gaining traction. And it’s not necessarily about organised self-care or wellness retreats.
Popular UK-based fashion writer and blogger Susie Lau aka Susie Bubble recently shared the joy of going away alone after her solo trip to Montenegro.
“To go away alone when you have young children feels like you’re stealing time away from a candy jar,” she wrote on Instagram.
“I’m not with friends so it’s not a genderised ‘gals trip’. I’m not with my partner so it’s not a ‘romantic getaway’. I’m with nobody I know in fact.
“And yet it’s something I’ve really needed this year. To have true calm and quiet in my head. To go to sleep easily with a full belly of delicious food and vivid words. Now I can return with wide open arms,” she shared.
Visiting family and hosting friends
The Amex Trendex global survey looked at consumer trends, including travel, for the upcoming 2024 festive season, which is the Christmas and New Year period in Australia.
While Australians are interested in gifting themselves time away, 68 per cent of Aussie adults travelling this holiday season are doing so to visit family and are keen to celebrate either by splurging on themselves through travel, hosting loved ones and sharing experiences together.
More than half (58%) of Aussies plan to travel with family, 42 per cent with a partner and 22 per cent with friends over Christmas and New Year.
