Australians haven’t given up on travel; they’ve just got savvier about paying for it.
New research commissioned by travel insurance provider Insure&Go reveals a nation of holiday hackers, dodging peak-season prices, chasing loyalty points and timing sales to squeeze more trip out of every dollar.
The survey of more than a thousand Australians found that 86% plan to use at least one money-saving tactic in 2026. Travelling outside peak periods was the most popular strategy, selected by 55% of respondents.
Booking early to secure cheaper fares followed at 46%, while 36% plan to use points or rewards programs, 35% will wait for airline sales and 34% will choose destinations based on airfare prices.
Off-peak travel was also seen as the tactic most likely to make the biggest difference to holiday budgets, nominated by 25% of respondents. Booking early ranked second at 17%, followed by staying with friends or family overseas at 13%.
Younger travellers were the most likely to use multiple strategies. Just 6% of Australians aged 18 to 29 said they would use none of the listed tactics, compared with 23% of travellers aged 50 and over.
Points and rewards programs were particularly popular among younger travellers, used by 44% of those aged 18 to 29, while women were more likely than men to use loyalty programs at 39% compared with 32%.
Madhvi Mishra, Insure&Go spokesperson, said Australians were becoming more deliberate about how they manage travel costs.
“Whether it’s dodging school holidays or hoarding points for a year, travellers are working harder than ever to make their dollar stretch further,” Ms Mishra said. “Aussies have turned bargain-hunting into a genuine skill.”
The survey also found differences between states, with off-peak travel most popular in South Australia at 58%, followed by New South Wales and Queensland at 57% each.
Insure&Go’s tips for hacking your holiday budget without the hassle:
- Book with flexibility in mind: cheap fares can come with strict change and cancellation terms, so weigh up the true cost of a ‘deal’.
- Set a price alert: track fares for your chosen destination and dates rather than committing the moment you see a number.
- Time it right: shifting travel just outside school holidays or major events can unlock big savings without sacrificing much.
- Protect the outlay: the more you pay up-front to lock in a bargain, the more you stand to lose if plans change, travel insurance can help to offset that risk.
