Aussies are proving (again and again) that wanderlust trumps wallet worries with a new survey showing that despite the rising cost of living, Australians are still willing to prioritise their travels (and many are even willing to splurge while away). It’s a reminder of the vital role travel agents play in turning budgets — big or small — into meaningful, stress-free experiences.
According to a survey by Money.com.au, 37% of Australians splurge on holidays, 41% keep a strict budget, and another 23% fall somewhere in between, choosing to splurge only for special occasions like milestone birthdays or honeymoons.
This is all good news for agents and a golden opportunity to showcase the value of booking with a trusted travel advisor. Because the role of an agent isn’t transactional; it’s about designing seamless, unforgettable travel experiences, being there when you’re needed most and providing the kind of expertise, reassurance, and personal touches that no algorithm can replicate. That’s value.
Splurge vs save
There are three kinds of people in the world: those who survive on two-minute noodles so they can stretch their travel budget further than their pants after a buffet, those who treat every holiday like they’re auditioning for Crazy Rich Asians, and those who say, “I’ll splurge… but only if it’s for a milestone, like my dog’s half-birthday”. No matter where your clients land, knowing the numbers helps you guide them to a trip they’ll love — without the buyer’s remorse.
“With nearly a third of Aussies spending up to a year saving for a trip, it’s perhaps not surprising that many people are able to maintain that financial discipline by sticking to a budget when they’re away,” Money.com.au Finance Expert Sean Callery said.
Yet, for some, a holiday is a chance to toss the rulebook (and budget) aside.
“On the flip side, many people want to push the boat out a little further, seeing vacations as a chance to escape daily routines, including financial restrictions.”
Boomers budget, millennials splurge
The survey also reveals generational differences in spending habits:
- Boomers are most likely to stick to a budget, with 50% prioritising financial discipline.
- Millennials and Gen Z are more inclined to splurge (39%), seeing holidays as a chance to indulge and escape.
This divide shows why it’s important for agents to tailor their approach. While Boomers may appreciate value-driven itineraries, younger travellers may prioritise unique experiences—even if it means stretching the budget a little.
What does ‘value’ really mean?
Selling your value is hard. And some people just won’t get it. For others who are teetering between booking online and using an agent, it’s about showing them what they can’t see on a website: the expertise, the problem-solving, the personal touches, and the peace of mind that come from having a real human advocate who’s been there, done that, and knows how to turn a good trip into an exceptional one.
For savers, the focus is on steering clients away from common pitfalls, like opting for cheap flights with gruelling layovers or booking accommodation that seems affordable but comes with hidden fees. For splurgers, it’s all about taking their holiday to the next level with exclusive tours, premium services, and unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make every dollar feel well spent.
This isn’t news to you, but the information below is a message that needs to be heard. Share it far and wide—because travellers everywhere deserve to know.
Travel agents bring personal expertise
Agents know the ins and outs of destinations and travel logistics. Whether it’s recommending the best neighbourhoods in London or securing direct flights to avoid the dreaded 13-hour layover, agents ensure their clients travel smarter, not harder.
Travel agents have access to deals and perks
Through industry connections and relationships, agents can unlock perks like discounted premium upgrades, exclusive tours, and value-packed packages. From complimentary breakfasts to spa vouchers, these extras elevate the client’s experience without increasing their stress levels. But more than that, agents also have relationships with key travel suppliers in the web of a travellers journey. Those connections are priceless.
Travel agents can tailor recommendations
Unlike one-size-fits-all online tools, agents create itineraries that align with their clients’ interests and needs. Budget-conscious travellers might appreciate centrally located accommodation to save on transport, while luxury seekers will love access to high-end dining and premium tours.
Travel agents have problem-solving superpowers
When plans go awry — be it a cancelled flight or a sudden border change — agents offer something priceless: peace of mind. Acting as a trusted advocate, they manage the unexpected so their clients don’t have to.
