While the costs of living may be surging, new research shows that Australians are still pretty keen to travel … and most of them want to do it in their own back yard!
The quarterly NRMA Index survey of 2,000 people found almost half of all Australians (49%) are planning on taking a family holiday this Christmas, with a further 20% still deciding whether to take a break. Only one in 10 said they can’t afford a holiday this year.
And in what probably isn’t good news for grey nomads who are already finding campsites crowded – or at least booked out – some two-thirds (66%) of those planning on travelling have said they will holiday domestically.
Less than one-third (31%) will travel overseas.
Finding an uncrowded campsite may be more difficult than ever this Christmas! Pic Montage: Cizza
However, 60% of those planning on taking a holiday this year have cut back on spending throughout the year to fund their holiday. Cut backs included dining out (73%), clothing (53%) and ‘indulgences’ such as more expensive self-care products, ice cream and chocolates (52%).
Almost one-quarter (23%) reported cutting back on essentials such as fuel and groceries.
The NRMA, which owns and manages nearly 60 hotels, holiday parks and resorts across Australia says that while it still has some remaining capacity across its destinations, popular coastal parks and resorts are already almost completely booked out.
NRMA Parks & Resorts CEO Paul Davies said the industry welcomed the news that the overwhelming majority of Australians intended to holiday in their own backyards this Christmas.
“Australia has some of the world’s most sought-after and cherished holiday destinations and so it is pleasing to see the majority of Australians have chosen a domestic holiday over travelling overseas – it’s affordable and provides a crucial boost to local tourism,” he said. “Beach holidays are always popular over summer, however the NRMA is also seeing a growing interest in regional and rural destinations, including Tasmania, Halls Gap, Jindabyne and Airlie Beach.”
The NRMA research found among those planning to travel general sight-seeing (69%), the beach (58%) and visiting pubs and clubs (38%) were among the main attractions this Christmas.
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We stay at showgrounds inland over the Xmas and any school holidays. Too busy for us let the young families have the coastal holiday. The amount paid for a seaside caravan park site is disgusting over those times. Quilter inland and a lot cheaper
That’s great story, the more domestic tourism the better for Australia.. I’ve had my last overseas trip ever flying, I went back to see by birth country Sweden, the amount of pollution just for me was a wake up call for me. So whether you are discovering Australia caravanning using diesel or petrol you are a lot less polluting than flying over seas or taking cruise ship. Mind you if you tow with an EV…….
You won’t be going very far. Will you recharge from solar?
We are going home to look after farm while young family does an overseas holiday. Keeps us out of van parks and saves us money on everything!
We travel up north for the winter for three months, as being retired.