Australians remain firmly committed to overseas travel, with 93 per cent still planning international trips despite rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty and economic pressure.
That was the encouraging conclusion from new research by multi-currency travel card provider YouTrip, based on a survey of more than 1,200 Australian residents.
The company’s inaugural 2026 Travellers’ Sentiment Report found that 63 per cent were determined to travel regardless of global conditions, while 30 per cent said they would switch destinations rather than cancel altogether. Only seven per cent reported cancelling trips due to disruptions.
“It (travel) has become a non-negotiable part of one’s lifestyle for more than half of those surveyed, with one in four planning to take more than three international trips this year,” said Caecilia Chu, YouTrip Co-Founder and CEO.
The lengths Australians will go to fund their travels are significant. More than half said they would delay major purchases such as buying a home or car to prioritise travel.
Everyday spending is also being sacrificed, with 76 per cent willing to give up takeaway coffee, 69 per cent cutting subscription services and 66 per cent reducing dining out to preserve travel budgets.
Asia is emerging as the clear beneficiary of this more budget-conscious mindset. Southeast Asia was the top destination choice at 56 per cent, followed closely by East Asia at 55 per cent, driven by shorter travel times and more affordable airfares. Interest in Europe remains steady at 30 per cent.
Food continues to rank as a top travel motivator, cited by 64 per cent of respondents, while 58 per cent prioritise multi-city itineraries to maximise value from long-haul flights.
The research also reveals a significant shift in how Australians pay overseas. Multi-currency travel wallets are now preferred by 73 per cent of travellers, surpassing credit cards at 43 per cent, with 77 per cent citing better exchange rates as the primary reason for switching.
