Australians are becoming more deliberate about how they travel, with digital disconnection, wellbeing, cultural experiences and value expected to shape holiday decisions in 2027.
Skyscanner’s newly released Travel Trends 2027 report found 78% of Australians plan to travel as much or more next year, despite 64% saying cost-of-living pressures are affecting their plans.
The research combines booking and search data with a survey of 2,000 Australian travellers.
Digital disconnection is emerging as a major theme. Around 65% of Australians said they would connect more with nature if they were off grid, while 62% believed switching off would help them engage more with local culture.
Lord Howe Island has recorded a 95% year-on-year increase in searches, alongside growth for Haikou in China and Nelson in New Zealand.
Wellbeing is also influencing accommodation choices, with 22% actively seeking properties with gyms and another 37% considering a gym an added benefit. Some 61% said they would book accommodation offering a nutritious breakfast.
Cultural and historical travel is another priority, with 40% planning to visit historical attractions on their next holiday, 35% considering museums or galleries and 28% interested in historical tours.
Value remains central to destination choice. Almost half of Australians surveyed check currency strength when considering where to travel, while 31% have changed destinations to take advantage of more favourable exchange rates.
Jarrod Kris, Skyscanner Travel Expert, said travellers were becoming more selective about where they go and how they spend.
“Rather than chasing crowded hotspots or social media trends, Aussies are seeking deeper connections, lasting personal fulfilment and better value from every journey,” Mr Kris said.
Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan recorded the largest increase in Australian flight searches, rising 877% year on year. Marseille followed at 98%, Iloilo at 96%, Lord Howe Island at 95% and Da Nang at 81%.
Among destinations offering lower airfares, Mexico City recorded the biggest year-on-year price drop at 27%, followed by Hamilton in New Zealand at 23%, Montréal at 19%, Okinawa at 16% and Vienna at 14%.
