Why thousands of Aussies have been forced to rethink their travel plans
The cost of living is still hitting Aussies hard, and it's changing the way we travel.
9Travel readers are keen to get out and explore, but are having to be more budget-conscious when planning their trips.
More people are turning to domestic travel, road trips, and even staycations in order to be able to afford holidays.
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Aussies are embracing road trips. Getty
In an exclusive poll of Nine.com.au* readers, 30 per cent of respondents said the cost of flights and accommodation is the main factor when deciding where to travel.
"I would like to explore more of America, but having just finished a trip over there, the cost is keeping me away," one person wrote.
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A combination of high prices for flights and accommodation plus unfavourable exchange rates has Aussies setting their sights on domestic holidays for 2026.
One reader shared they're excited to explore "all those small country towns and amazing experiences our country can offer".
Aussies are being hit by the cost of living. Nine
Travellers are taking advantage of cheap flights to places like the Gold Coast. Getty
Margy Osmond, CEO of the Tourism & Transport Forum Australia, told Today that "cost of living remains the biggest issue in terms of people's travel choices."
In fact, most Australians are budgeting just $2000 for their spring holiday travel.
Though heading overseas on that budget isn't really feasible, it is enough for a trip to places like the Gold Coast, Mornington Peninsula, or NSW's South Coast.
"Motorhomes and caravans are the go at the moment," Margy said, adding that "national parks are high on everybody's list as somewhere unique and interesting to go" without having to spend much at all.
There are plenty of budget-friendly spots in Australia. Nine
When we asked Nine readers about their top travel priorities for the coming year, the majority responded that "cost-friendly trips" are the most important.
Only 8 per cent of people are planning to prioritise luxury while travelling.
About 30 per cent of people who are travelling these spring school holidays are staying in their own state, Margy said.
Some overseas destinations are still budget-friendly for Aussie travellers, though.
Countries like Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam draw in tourists thanks to their relatively low prices and the favourable exchange rate for the Aussie dollar.
Vietnam is popular with Aussies right now. Getty
"I went to China for two weeks to see friends and stayed in hotels," one Nine.com.au reader replied to our poll. "Total costs, including return airfares, transport, food, and attractions, were $6,000 for both my wife and me."
Another factor influencing Aussie travel decisions is safety and political stability, with 9 per cent of readers citing this as their main consideration.
"Want to visit family in USA," one person wrote, "but not while Trump is in power."
"We will be motorhome travelling in Australia for the time being, never gets boring."
*The nine.com.au poll, which runs once a fortnight, canvases the views of the nine audience on 9Nation, which is an online community of our readers and Nine viewers.
