- 46% of Australians more interested in ‘do nothing’ holidays in 2025
- 39% keen on sightseeing holidays
- Beach destinations expected to be most popular, with 30% of respondents favouring them
- 42% would spend most on a holiday designed for relaxation than any other type of holiday
As the summer holidays approach, new research reveals that Australians will prioritise beach and resort getaways in 2025, with many willing to spend extra for the quintessential sun-soaked escape.
The finding comes from a survey of an independent, nationally representative panel of 1006 Australians commissioned by award-winning Australian travel insurance provider Insure&Go, which sought to understand that the types of holidays will trend in the next 12 months and the factors driving these changes.
Emerging travel trends, what’s expected in 2025
Insure&Go found that, despite emerging travel trends, the classic ‘do nothing’ holiday – designed to enable travellers to unwind – will be the top choice for almost half of all Australians (46%) in the next 12 months. Beach or resort-based holidays will be the most popular, with 30 per cent of Australians more likely to choose this holiday type next year.
The research also revealed a significant willingness among Aussies to spend more on do-nothing holidays: 42 per cent of respondents said they would spend more money on a trip designed to simply relax and get away.
Insure&Go, Director – Commercial and Marketing (B2C), David Mayo said the enduring appeal of ‘do nothing’ holidays – particularly beach and resort holidays – may reflect a deeper desire to disconnect and relax amid our fast-paced workplaces and lifestyles.
The findings come as Australia’s international travel finally starts to exceed pre-COVID levels, reaching 100 per cent of 2019 volumes in January this year and continuing to grow throughout 2024.[1] With Indonesia a haven for beaches and watersports, it’s the top destination for Australians in 2023-24, followed by New Zealand, the USA, Japan, and the UK.[2]
Looking at the next 12 months, 39 per cent of respondents said they were most interested in taking a sightseeing holiday, with the strongest interest among over-65s (23% of respondents who chose this holiday option). Culture, sampling local food and historical tours are among the most popular attractions that travellers look for.[3]
By comparison, younger people aged 25-34 are most interested in travelling for an event such as a family occasion, work, a sports game or a concert (making up 29% of respondents who chose this holiday option). This was also the most popular reason for travelling among 35-44-year-olds, reflecting the life stage of these age groups and the higher likelihood that they would be attending friends’ weddings or travelling for work.
The research strongly indicates that Australians love to travel simply for the sake of relaxing or travelling, rather than for a specific purpose: just 15 per cent of respondents said they would travel for a family, friend, work, entertainment or sporting event.
Travel that blends purpose and leisure
Insure&Go found that even if Australians travelled for a family, work, entertainment or sporting event, most would extend it to include a relaxing or sightseeing holiday.
If travelling for an event, 38 per cent of respondents said they would add an extra 2-3 days to turn that special occasion or event into a short holiday. Another 29 per cent would bookend their trip with 4-5 extra days and 19 per cent would add seven days or more.
This blending of purpose and leisure, especially for longer periods, was most popular among male respondents. Two-thirds (66%) of respondents who would add an extra 4-5 days on either side of a family occasion, work or a special event are males. Furthermore, 61 per cent of respondents opting for seven days or more are also men. The leaning toward seven days or more was most common among 23-34-year-olds, making up 36 per cent of respondents who chose seven days. A close 38 per cent would add a short 2-3-day getaway.
There are several factors unique to the current economic climate that are influencing the way people travel, David says.
| Survey questions | Answers | Total |
| Which type of travel will interest you most in the next 12 months? | An ‘event’ holiday – travel for a specific event such as a family occasion, work, a sporting event or concert | 15% |
| A ‘do nothing’ holiday – just to relax (family visit, resort, beach getaway) | 46% | |
| An ‘tourist’ holiday – to explore cities or destinations | 39% | |
| If you are travelling for a family, friend, work, entertainment or sporting event in the next 12 months, are you likely to extend your trip to include more leisure time before or after the event? | Yes, I would extend by 2-3 days | 38% |
| Yes, I would extend by 4-5 days | 29% | |
| Yes, I would extend for 7 or more days | 19% | |
| No | 14% | |
| What type of trip would you be more likely to take in the next 12 months? | Family or friend occasion (e.g, wedding, funeral, birth) | 19% |
| Sport event | 5% | |
| Concert or festival | 5% | |
| Volunteering/charity work | 1% | |
| Courses, education, or health or personal development retreats | 2% | |
| Work trip, including conferences | 2% | |
| Beach or ‘resort’ holiday | 30% | |
| Country holiday | 11% | |
| Explore a new destination | 24% | |
| On which type of trip would you spend more? | I would spend more on a trip taken specifically for a family occasion, work, education, a sporting event or a concert | 20% |
| I would spend more on a trip designed simply to relax, get away | 42% | |
| I would spend more on a tourist trip, designed for sightseeing | 39% |
Full survey results can be accessed here.
ENDS
About Insure&Go
This insurance is underwritten by Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited (MSI), ABN 49 000 525 637, AFSL 240816. Europ Assistance Australia Pty Ltd, ACN 140 219 594, AFSL 552106, trading as Insure&Go and other brands, holds a binding authority from the insurer, MSI to issue contracts of insurance and to deal with or settle claims on MSI’s behalf and as MSI’s agent. Any advice is general advice only and does not take account of your particular circumstances. Before purchasing, decide whether this product is right for you. Consider the PDS and TMD at InsureandGo.com.au.
[1] Number of Aussies travelling overseas reaches pre-COVID levels | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au)
[2] Number of Aussies travelling overseas reaches pre-COVID levels | Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au)