How swapping seasons can save you hundreds on next year's holiday, and other travel trends
Aussies are 'swapping seasons' to save on travel but still enjoy a holiday, research reveals.
According to data from Expedia Group, which has revealed its travel trends for 2025, the spiralling cost of living continues to have Aussies tighten their wallets and find better-value domestic destinations for their holidays.
That also means they can avoid the crowds.
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Head to Byron Bay, NSW in winter instead of summer and save up to 30 per cent. Getty
Nearly half of Aussies asked would travel in the off-season to save on their holiday, the research found.
Data from Wotif uncovered the hotspots where this works.
Experts say a trip to Cairns, Queensland in the summer rather than the winter for example, can save you 22 per cent on accommodation.
Or head to Darwin and save a massive 122 per cent on accommodation - as long as you like the heat.
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Head to Darwin in summer and save a massive 122 percent on accommodation - as long as you like the heat. Getty
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The Snowy Mountains in NSW might be best known as a winter spot, but go in summer and save more than 150 per cent on accommodation.
Or head to Byron Bay, NSW in winter instead of summer and save up to 30 per cent.
Tasmania is becoming known as a cosy winter holiday spot- go to Launceston and save up to 22 per cent on accommodation.
Sydney is also much cheaper in winter - by as much as 18 per cent less.
Torquay in Victoria is also a great getaway in winter - and you could save up to 36 per cent on accommodation.
"Travellers are planning trips during the off season to save money while still enjoying their favourite destinations," Expedia Group Australia Senior Director, Darren Karshagen, said.
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A trip to Cairns, Queensland in the summer rather than the winter for example, can save you 22 per cent on accommodation. Getty Images/iStockphoto
But that's not the only trend experts are predicting for 2025.
Here are the other hot holiday directions Aussies are heading in.
Detour Destinations
Next year, travellers are not only visiting the tried-and-true tourist destinations – they are adding "detours", Expedia said.
Head to Reims on a detour from Paris, Brescia on a side trip from Milan, and Cozumel while in Cancun, Mexico.
Goods Getaways
TikTok has inspired travellers to take trips in search of must-have and share-worthy shopping, Expedia says.
Whether it's a viral chocolate bar from Dubai, butter from France or skincare products from Korea or Japanese, travellers must have it.
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Fix chocolate from Dubai has taken off on social media. Nine
Dine-Inn
When choosing hotels travellers are not just booking rooms, they're booking tables at some of the critically acclaimed restaurants now housed in them.
JOMO Travel
Forget FOMO, in 2025 travellers will embrace JOMO, the joy of missing out.
"JOMO Travel means doing less on holiday to escape the hustle bustle of everyday life and staying at farmhouses or beach houses to boost relaxation and reconnection," Expedia Group says.
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Booking a home to 'miss out' is a legitimate holiday. Supplied
The Phenomena-List
Droves of international travellers booked holiday homes along the path of totality to see the solar eclipse in 2024, proving people will travel to see natural phenomena.
One of the spots Expedia Group mentions as being a sought-after bucket-list natural experience is the penguin parade on Phillip Island, Victoria.
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The penguin parade on Phillip Island, Victoria as a sought-after experience. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Set Jetting
Two-thirds of travellers say movies and TV shows have influenced their travel choices, 16 per cent up on last year.
Shows such as The Real Housewives of Dubai, And Just Like That and Yellowstone are persuading holidaymakers to go see the places for themselves.
Emily in Paris also remains a big influence.
The new series of The White Lotus, set in Thailand, is also sure to boost that holiday spot.
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One-Click Trips
Shopping on Instagram and TikTok has become the new normal for items like fashion and beauty. While travel shopping on social media is still in its early stages, it's set to grow, Expedia Group said.
