Is your passport itching for a stamp? We’ve got the scoop on where Aussie women are really heading next year, and why you might want to pack your swimmers and call your girlfriends!
If you feel like the world is a bit of a “hot mess” right now, you’re not wrong. Global events are definitely making us think twice about future travel, but here’s the good news: the desire to explore is stronger than ever! A huge 31% of Aussies want to travel more often in the next 12 months, according to the new NowNext ‘25 report by leading booking platform Omio. Are you one of them?
So, how are we making it happen despite the rising cost of living? We’re becoming “Travel Thrifties.”
@omioglobal Back at it… same chaos, new trip ✈️ #relatable #workbestie #traveltiktok #travelgoals ♬ original sound – laura.june.ness
The Art of the Savvy Getaway
Between mortgages and the weekly grocery shop, frequent travel can feel like a pipe dream. But Aussie women are masters of the budget-friendly escape!
- Almost four in ten people globally are prioritising travel over other non-essentials.
- A determined 36% of Australian travellers are planning ahead and being more flexible to snag the best deals.
- Heading off-season is another clever trick for 29% of us.
We’re proving you don’t have to be a millionaire to be a wanderer!
Sun, Sand, and Sisterhood: The New Travel Vibe
Forget jam-packed itineraries and exhausting city breaks—2025 is all about relaxation and connection, especially for women.
‘Beach, Please’ is the New Mantra
After years of chaos, we’re craving calm. The massive trend for 2025 is the beachside holiday! A huge 51% of Australians are seeking a relaxing break, with the main goal being to return home feeling completely recharged (also 51%).
While men are more likely to seek solo time (22% of men want to travel solo to disconnect), Aussie women are using travel to connect!
- 42% of Australian women are travelling to foster connection.
- 39% are planning trips for family time or reunions.
- 25% are more likely to go away with their friends.
Basically, pack your sarong and call your girlfriends, the wellness retreat and the family reunion are officially back on the calendar!
Your Next Destination: Hello Asia, Goodbye Crowds
So, where are all these mindful, budget-savvy women heading?
Asia is Our Number One
For Aussies, Asia is the runaway favourite, with three in ten planning a trip there. Europe is next (25%), but let’s be real, sometimes the best trip is the one where you don’t need a 10-hour flight. A remarkable two-thirds (68%) of Australians are also planning to holiday right here at home.
Saying ‘Overtourism & Out’
After the post-pandemic travel boom, many of us are sick of battling crowds at tourist hotspots. We’re looking for the hidden gems!
- We’re favouring second cities and lesser-known destinations to find lower prices and fewer crowds.
- 45% of Aussies want to embrace regional culture.
- We’re actively seeking out under-the-radar locations (34%) over simply choosing ‘greener’ transport options.
Omio data proves it: bookings to smaller cities are up by a massive 34%. Hello, Puglia instead of Rome, or maybe Hoi An instead of Ho Chi Minh City!
Forget the Influencers: We Trust Our Mates
Where are we getting all this great travel inspiration? Forget endless scrolling! While social media still has a place, Aussies are turning to more authentic sources:
- 44% of us prefer word-of-mouth recommendations, meaning we trust our friends’ tips more than a paid influencer.
- 43% rely on inspiration from their past trips.
- But here’s a fun one: almost a third (31%) are being influenced by TV shows and films! (We blame White Lotus for the sudden need for a luxury beach break!)
Ready to Book That Trip?
The bottom line is that while we’re travelling smarter and more consciously, the desire to explore is unstoppable. As Omio’s President of B2C and Supply, Veronica Diquattro, put it: “Our report reveals a new age of conscious, smart, and value-driven travel.”
So, whether it’s a relaxing beach holiday with your besties, a budget-savvy trip through Southeast Asia, or discovering a little-known town right here in Australia, your next adventure is waiting.
