Where Aussie families are heading to escape winter - and it’s not Queensland
Winter is just around the corner, and many Aussies are plotting and planning how they can escape the cold, even if just for a long weekend.
In those long winter months - which always seem to drag on way longer than summer -having a little reset and thawing out is essential to getting through.
While Queensland has long been a favourite spot for those seeking a warm getaway, this year, it turns out we're looking a little further afield.
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Queensland isn't the only place you can escape for the winter. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Research from Shangri‑La Group has found that 86 per cent of parents are considering escaping the Australian winter with an overseas family holiday.
Instead of just heading north to the Sunshine State, the majority of respondents say they're looking to destinations in Southeast Asia and the Pacific this winter.
The top spots that people are looking at include Singapore, Boracay in the Philippines, Fiji, and Malaysia.
Predictably, the top factor when choosing a destination is its affordability, which is why the Philippines has recently seen an uptick in visitors from Australia, especially those travelling as a family.
"Our latest research shows that cost and practicality remain key decision drivers," Stephan Kapek, Vice President Operations and General Manager of Shangri-La Singapore, tellsnine.com.au.
"While Australians still gravitate towards sun-seeking escapes, they are prioritising destinations that deliver a well-rounded family holiday experience while remaining efficient and accessible."
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White Beach in Boracay is ideal for first-timers. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Indeed, Boracay is a resort island in the Philippines' Western Visayas region that offers people the perfect mix of relaxation and activities.
"Travellers can enjoy quiet mornings by the sea, adventure-filled afternoons, and lively nightlife, all within a compact and easy-to-navigate island setting," Hans Martin Gfrei, General Manager at Shangri-La Boracay, also previously told nine.com.au.
"The island is an intimate 7km which makes it very easy to get around and there's no heavy traffic, giving a more genuine tropical escape," he says.
Plus, it's got something for every budget, from high-end accommodation to great value hotels right by the beach.
Our Aussie dollar also goes far in the Philippines, with the AUD up about 17 per cent year on year against the local Peso - a nearly five-year high.
Fiji is also a popular spot for Aussies families. Supplied
Fiji is also high on the list for Aussies who are looking for a quick getaway to defrost this winter.
With a flight time under four hours, it's an attractive option for people who can't get too much time off work or away from school.
You can leave home in the morning and be sipping dinner cocktails by the pool come the early evening.
It's also a great place for affordable luxury and you'd be hard-pressed to find a better holiday spot for kids.
