Aussies are switching seasons to save on travel but still enjoy a holiday, research shows.
According to data from Expedia Group, which revealed travel trends for 2025, there is a spiral cost of living continues to have Australians tighten their wallets and find better value domestic destinations for their money holiday.
That also means they can avoid the crowds.
Nearly half of Australians surveyed would travel out of season to save on their holidays, the survey found.
Data from Wotif has revealed the hotspots where this works.
Experts say a trip to Cairns, Queensland in summer instead of, say, winter can save you 22 percent on accommodation.
Or go to Darwin and save a whopping 122 percent on accommodation – as long as you like the heat.
The Snowy Mountains in NSW may be best known as a winter destination, but go in summer and save more than 150 percent on accommodation.
Or go to Byron BayNSW in winter instead of summer and save up to 30 percent.
Tasmania is becoming known as a pleasant winter holiday destination. Head to Launceston and save up to 22 percent on accommodation.
Sydney is also much cheaper in winter: no less than 18 percent less.
Torquay in Victoria is a great getaway in winter too – and you can save up to 36 percent on accommodation.
“Travelers are planning off-season trips to save money while still enjoying their favorite destinations,” said Darren Karshagen, senior managing director of Expedia Group Australia.
But that’s not the only trend that experts predict for 2025.
Here are the other popular holiday directions that Aussies head to.
Diversion destinations
Next year, travelers will not only visit tried-and-true tourist destinations, but also add “detours,” according to Expedia.
Go to Reims on a detour from Paris, Brescia on a side trip from Milan, and Cozumel while in Cancun, Mexico.
Goods outings
TikTok has inspired travelers to travel in search of must-have and share-worthy stores, says Expedia.
Whether it’s a viral chocolate bar from Dubai, butter from France or skin care products from Korea or Japan, travelers must have it.
Dine Inn
When choosing hotels Travelers aren’t just booking rooms, they’re also booking tables at some of the acclaimed restaurants now located there.
JOMO Travel
Forget FOMO, in 2025 travelers will embrace JOMO, the joy of missing out.
“JOMO Travel means doing less on vacation to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and staying in farms or beach houses to encourage relaxation and reconnection,” says Expedia Group.
The symptoms list
Throngs of international travelers booked vacation homes along the path of totality to see the 2024 solar eclipse, proving that people will travel to see natural phenomena.
One of the places Expedia Group names as a sought-after natural bucket list experience is the penguin parade at Phillip Island, Victoria.
Set jetting
Two-thirds of travelers say movies and TV shows have influenced their travel choices, up 16 percent from last year.
Performances such as The Real Housewives of Dubai, And just like that And Yellowstone convince holidaymakers to see the places for themselves.
Emily in Paris also remains a major influence.
The new series of The White Lotusset in Thailand, will certainly give that holiday destination a boost.
Travel with one click
Shopping on Instagram and TikTok has become the new normal for items such as fashion and beauty. Although travel shopping on social media is still in its infancy, it will grow, according to Expedia Group.