Nearly three-quarters of Australian travellers say having a trip to look forward to helps them cope with the demands of daily life.
The inaugural Travel Happiness Index from Booking.com found 97% of Australian respondents associate travel with positive emotions.
Some 80% said anticipating a trip lifts their mood and 72% said it helps them manage everyday pressures. More than half (58%) also enjoy the planning process itself.
Travellers are becoming increasingly intentional about how they spend their time away. Around 70% prioritise local food and meaningful experiences, 65% consider deals when choosing dates or destinations and 57% would extend a trip to create more time to rest and recharge.
Uncertainty is also changing travel behaviour without necessarily stopping trips altogether.
Some 89% of respondents said they would adapt their plans rather than cancel when disruptions occur, while concerns included inflation, crime, political instability, health risks and extreme weather.
Technology continues to play a significant role in planning, with 78% saying digital tools make booking and organising travel easier. Around 70% use tools including search engines, booking platforms and AI to compare options, while 64% said technology helps inspire new destinations and experiences.
Dr Gina Cleo, Behavioural and Habit Expert, said the benefits of travel can begin well before departure.
“Our brains respond not just to rewards, but also to the anticipation of them,” Dr Cleo said. “When everyday life feels demanding, having something meaningful on the horizon can be incredibly powerful.”
The research surveyed 10,136 travellers across 10 Asia Pacific markets in May 2026, including 1,011 respondents in Australia.
