After the highs of post-COVID revenge travel and the ongoing cost-of-living crunch, Aussies are embracing a new mindset.
No longer waiting for “perfect” conditions, they’re choosing to travel with purpose, prioritising meaningful memories, personal passions and experiences that feel truly special.
Beauty souvenirs, hikes and supermarket safaris are on the list for 78% of Aussies who plan to travel abroad the same or more than in 2025.
Whether it’s hunting for cult beauty products in Seoul, sharing supermarket snacks with family in Samoa, or making new friends on a mountain hike, Aussies are making every trip a reflection of who they are and what matters most.
Seven in 10 say cost is the biggest factor when choosing where to holiday, with travellers opting for destinations closer to home, such as New Zealand, Palau and Vietnam.
The all-new Skyscanner Travel Trends 2026 has uncovered seven key travel trends under the overarching theme of Beyond Escape: Travel as an expression of self.
These trends include Glowmads, Family Miles, Bookbound, Altitude Shift, Catch Flights and Feelings, Destination Check-In and Shelf Discovery.
Blending proprietary flights and hotel data based on millions of searches with an annual consumer behaviour study and expert commentary, the annual Skyscanner report shows Australians are keen to get the most value for their money in 2026, continuing their search for budget-friendly destinations and affordable flights.
“Australian travellers are planning with greater purpose, seeking experiences that reflect their values while staying budget-conscious,” said Brendan Walsh, Skyscanner Travel Expert.
“Whether heading overseas or exploring closer to home, the focus is on meaningful travel that delivers real value.”
Trending and best-value destinations for 2026 include:
| Trending Destinations | % Increase in Searches | Best Value Destination for 2026 | % Price Drop |
| Hamilton, New Zealand | +856% | Launceston, Australia | – 18% |
| Paro, Bhutan | +155% | Apia, Samoa | – 17% |
| Koror, Palau | +102% | Warsaw, Poland | – 14% |
| Phu Quoc, Vietnam | +94% | New York, United States | – 14% |
| Labuan Bajo, Indonesia | +73% | Vienna, Austria | – 14% |
“While our Travel Trends 2026 provide great insight into users behaviours, we also see relevant shift in how travellers are integrating technology making travel even more personal,” added Mr Walsh.
“Already, 42% of Australians say they’re comfortable using AI to help plan their 2026 trips and 31% use models to compare flights and hotels – showing growing confidence in digital support to simplify and personalise the process.”
See the full Travel Trends 2026 here.
