Are you a ‘revenge traveller’?
Recent figures show international trips have exceeded pre-pandemic levels as Australians make up for lost time, in a phenomenon called ‘revenge travel’.
It seems despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis Aussies are keen to reconnect with the world again.
New data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed more than 11 million outbound trips were taken in the year to June, a 32 per cent increase on the previous year.
While Australians are again travelling with gusto, the inbound tourism market is still recovering.
Australian Tourism Export Council managing director Peter Shelley said international visitation was about 80 per cent of pre-COVID levels.
"While record numbers of Aussies are spending their money abroad, that spending is not being balanced out with international holidaymakers spending here," Mr Shelley told the ABC.
Dean Long, the CEO of Australian Travel Industry, the peak body representing Australian travel agents and tour operators told the ABC that holidays accounted for the bulk of the trips overseas with destinations like Bali and Japan booming, thanks to favourable exchange rates and affordable travel options.
"The data shows us Australians are ‘revenge travelling’ despite recent economic pressures. But there are still ways to keep holiday costs low, including being conscious of your spending, being flexible with your travel dates, and using comparison websites to find the best deals,” says RMIT’s Dr Angel Zhong an Associate Professor in Finance, specialising in global financial markets, behaviour and trends.
"Opt for travel destinations that offer good value for money, such as places with favourable exchange rates or a lower cost of living. Recent data shows Indonesia is a top travel destination for Australians,” he says.
"Plan a daily spending limit for your trip to keep track of expenses and stick to this budget to avoid overspending. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on the entire trip, including flights, accommodation, meals and activities."