Getting back in the saddle and ready to travel: how most of us are ready to holiday in our own backyard

By creammagazine, January 7, 2022

Two years into the Covid pandemic, equipped with high vaccination rates, Australia’s domestic borders are now open. And international borders – even in stringent states such as WA – are also about to open. But what are our thoughts about going on holidays in 2022, namely on domestic trips?

Online financial brokers Savvy asked 1,000 Australians if they would be travelling within their backyard and what they feel about domestic travel on-ground.

77% of respondents said they are likely to go travelling after a tough 2021 while only 5% said it was extremely unlikely that they would travel.

With new COVID-19 variants, 35% of respondents are hesitant to travel, but despite this, just under half of these people indicated they may or may not consider changing their plans. This perhaps indicates that people will make travel decisions closer to the date of departure and based upon outbreak severities, which is easier when we’re talking domestic travel as opposed to international.

Interestingly, Tasmanians were the most cautious with 48% responding that they definitely would consider altering their plans.

52% of all respondents said it was easy to find information on COVID-19 travel requirements from state to state, which is encouraging.

Travelling near or far?

The top choice of respondents planning on going on holiday was a combination of regional and interstate travel (33%), followed by solely interstate travel (31%).

State by state, 47% of Canberrans said they’re keen to travel interstate to New South Wales (due to the small size of their territory) and 27% of Tasmanians will travel to Victoria (due to their relative isolation from the mainland).

West Australians however remain extremely loyal to their home state, with 53% choosing to holiday within their own region.

Of all the interstate regions respondents can travel to, Queensland is the top destination of choice, with 24% planning on vacationing there. New South Wales is a close second attracting 22% of respondents. Together, both states prove that the East coast of Australia – with its cities, beaches and ideal weather – remains one of Australia’s top tourism destinations.

Car travel is second nature to most Australians, in an enormous country where ‘just down the road’ can mean a few kilometres to a few thousand.

In 2022, car travel is favoured by 43% of respondents for their domestic holidays across all age groups. This could suggest that people will try to limit their contact with other travellers.

Flying is the second choice with 34% planning to travel by plane, particularly for those based in remote areas such as Tasmania (60%) and the Northern Territory (56%). Many will also use a combination of both methods of transport.

Hitting the road in a caravan or motorhome was most popular with respondents in the 45+ age group (the “grey nomads”), but also remains a choice for many younger age segments.

Keeping our loved ones close or road-tripping?

Lockdowns have kept us apart for so long, so visiting friends and family is the most popular reason for travel (45% of respondents). It seems we’re keen to see our wide land too, with 29% of respondents (mainly under 44 years old) wanting to discover parts of Australia they’ve never seen. The exploration theme continues with 25% of respondents wanting a road or adventure trip, 8% going to a festival or other event, and 7% keen to explore Australia while we have it to ourselves.

12% of respondents cited that it will be just too difficult or expensive to travel overseas, so they will trade international holidays for ones at home.

And we’re not afraid to spend our cold hard cash either, with 77% of respondents happy to spend between $500-$5000 on their holidays.

Only 2% are willing to spend $10,000 or more. Clive Palmer probably falls into that last category, but sadly for him, nobody wants him in their state.

Antonino Tati