Despite the economic downturn, travel remains a priority of Australian. In fact, 43% of Aussie travelers have said they are planning to travel more in 2025, demonstrating the love of travel is as strong as ever.
The annual Skyscanner Travel Trends Report, based on flight and hotel search data and a consumer behaviour study, shows Australians are keen to get the most value for their money in 2025, seeking budget-friendly destinations and affordable flights. The top factors influencing Aussie travellers’ destination selections include weather (66%), attractions (65%), food (63%) and culture (59%), reinforcing their desire to seek out experiences that bring people together.
Additionally, 2025 is about travelers seeking experiences they can share with others – from watching their favourite sport up close to gazing at the Milky Way from thousands of lightyears away. Discover how the seven travel trends for 2025 are determined, as well as the one overarching theme that ties them all together.
01. Sport Mode: The acceleration of sports travel
Sports are increasingly shaping travel choices, particularly for younger generations and women. 51% of young adults now prefer to explore new destinations through activities like running and cycling, while nearly 30% of Australian travelers have incorporated fitness classes into their vacations. This trend reflects a growing desire to integrate physical activity and personal interests into travel experiences.
The rise of women’s sports is also contributing to this shift, with a significant increase in viewership and engagement among female fans. This surge in sports enthusiasm is also fueled by social media and the popularity of behind-the-scenes sports documentaries like Netflix’s “Drive to Survive”, “Break Point” and “Full Swing”. These programs offer a captivating glimpse into the world of professional sports, inspiring viewers to travel to events, connect with fellow fans, and experience the thrill of competition firsthand. This convergence of sports and travel presents exciting new opportunities for tourism operators and destinations to cater to this growing market.
02. Astro Adventurers:
Astro-tourism combines the adventure of exploring celestial events with the mystical insights of astrology. Astrology is something more Australian travelers are enjoying, especially younger Gen Z and Millennials, who are seeking a sense of connection with the cosmos.
- 50% of Australian travelers (aging 18-34) believe in astrology, and 42% are interested in using astrology to determine their next trip.
- 31% of Australian travelers say planetary and lunar activity, such as full moons and Mercury retrograde, can heighten their emotions and disrupt their travel plans.
In 2025, there will be four eclipses for travelers to experience:
- The 13rd – 14th March: Total Lunar Eclipse
- The 29th March: Partial Solar Eclipse
- The 7th – 8th September: Total Lunar Eclipse
- 21st September: Partial Solar Eclipse
Check out Time and Date to find out where to see them.
03. Reset Jetters: The rise of health, resilience and longevity tourism
A growing number of Australian travelers (63%) are prioritizing their health and wellbeing now more than ever before. This trend is particularly evident among younger generations, with 23% of 18-34 year-olds and 37% of 45-64 year-olds opting for health-conscious holidays. This shift in priorities is reflected in the rising popularity of wellness tourism, as evidenced by the increase in bookings for yoga and wellness retreats, which are up 10% and 25% year-over-year respectively, according to BookRetreats.com.
04. Art- venture: Immersive experiences are helping travelers see the bigger picture
Art and culture have long been a driving force behind travel decisions, and this remains true for Australian travelers. With 59% Australian travelers agree culture as a key factor in choosing their holiday destination. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 41% of 18-24 year-olds planning immersive art experiences for their next holiday, compared to 22% of all Australian travelers. This suggests a growing desire among young people to engage with art and culture on a deeper level while traveling.
05. Cowboy Core Travelers: Travellers are getting back in the saddle
The allure of the Wild West is captivating Australian travelers, with “Cowboy Core” surging in popularity. This trend, fueled by the rise of country music, hit TV westerns, and shows like Netflix’s “AMERICA’S SWEETHEARTS: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders,” has sparked a renewed interest in all things cowboy and cowgirl. 29% of Australian travelers identify as fans of Cowboy Core, with the number rising to 44% among 18-24 year-olds.
This fascination translates into a desire for authentic experiences, with travelers expressing excitement for activities like dining around a campfire (43%), enjoying a farm or ranch stay (41%), sleeping under the stars (36%), and horse trekking (26%).
06. Horti-Culture: Botanical tourism continues to bloom.
In a world increasingly dominated by technology and constant online stimulation, a refreshing trend is emerging: the desire to reconnect with nature through gardening. What was once a casual pastime has blossomed into a significant travel motivator, with 72% of people expressing enjoyment in visiting gardens during their holidays. This yearning for a more tangible and grounding experience reflects a growing need to escape the digital world and find solace in the natural world, fostering a sense of belonging and connection to something larger than oneself.
07. Video games and conventions are adding another dimension to travel
Fueled by major game releases and new consoles, 2025 promises to be a landmark year for gaming, with its impact extending beyond the digital realm and into the travel industry. 31% of Australian travelers are inspired to visit real-world locations featured in their favorite games, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality. This trend highlights gaming’s growing influence on travel decisions and its power to connect people with real-world destinations.
Da Nang, Vietnam, is in the top 2 for hotels offering game consoles.
Australian Hospitality Alumni Network Vietnam 