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Three-quarters of Australians Likely to Take Domestic Holidays in 2022, Despite COVID-19 Hesitancy

How do Australians feel about holidaying domestically in 2022 with new COVID-19 variants? Read our report to discover if they will, why and how!
  Written by 
Thomas Perrotta
Thomas Perrotta is the managing editor of Savvy. Throughout his time at the company, Thomas has specialised in personal finance, namely car, personal and small loans, although he has also written on topics ranging from mortgages to business loans to banking and more. Thomas graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Media, majoring in journalism, and has previously had his work published in The Advertiser.
Our authors
 
  Commentary by 
Bill Tsouvalas

Guest Contributor

Bill Tsouvalas
Bill Tsouvalas is the managing director and a key company spokesperson at Savvy. As a personal finance expert, he often shares his insights on a range of topics, being featured on leading news outlets including News Corp publications such as the Daily Telegraph and Herald Sun, Fairfax Media publications such as the Australian Financial Review, the Seven Network and more. Bill has over 15 years of experience working in the finance industry and founded Savvy in 2010 with a vision to provide affordable and accessible finance options to all Australians. He has built Savvy from a small asset finance brokerage into a financial comparison website which now attracts close to 2 million Aussies per year and was included in the BRW’s Fast 100 in 2015 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the country. He’s passionate about helping Australians make financially savvy decisions and reviews content across the brand to ensure its accuracy. You can follow Bill on LinkedIn.
Our authors

Published on January 6th, 2022

Last updated on March 18th, 2024



Fact checked

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Australian Domestic Holiday Sentiments Survey 2022

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Two years into the pandemic, Australia has high vaccination rates and most of its domestic borders are open. Yet, what are our thoughts about going on a domestic holiday in 2022? Savvy asked 1000 Australians if they would be travelling within their backyard and how they feel about it.

  • 77% of respondents are likely to travel in 2022, despite new COVID-19 variants
  • Half of respondents find it easy to find COVID-19 travel information and are neutral about changing plans
  • Queensland and New South Wales are the top two destinations, attracting 46% of tourists
  • 43% prefer travelling by car, 34% choose to fly
  • Visiting family and friends is the number one reason to travel, but many keen to discover parts of their own country
  • Three-quarters of Australians likely to spend $500-$5,000 on their holidays
Australian Domestic Holiday Sentiments Survey 2022

Most Australians wish to travel, despite some COVID-19 hesitancy

77% of respondents said they are likely to go travelling this year, suggesting that we are taking much-needed relaxation time after a tough 2021 and are learning to live with the virus. Only 5% said it was extremely unlikely they would travel.

With new COVID-19 variants, 35% of respondents are hesitant to travel, but despite this, just under half indicated that 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. Tasmanians, however, 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.

Likelihood Australians will go on a domestic holiday in 2022

No Data Found

Hesitancy to go on domestic holidays with new COVID-19 variants

No Data Found

Travelling near or far?

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

State by state, logically 47% of Canberrans will 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.

‘All he needed was a wheel in his hand and four on the road’ – Jack Kerouac

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 use it, 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.

How Australians are planning to travel

No Data Found

Keeping our loved ones close or road-tripping?

Lockdowns have kept us apart for so long, so visiting our friends and family is the most popular reason for travel (45% of respondents). We are keen to see our wide brown land too, with 29% of respondents (mainly under 44 years old) wanting to discover parts of Australia they have never seen. The exploration theme continues with 25% of respondents wanting a road or adventure trip, 8% going to an event and 7% are 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.

We are 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. For those wishing to embark on their dream holiday, though lacking the available finances, a personal loan is a better choice than putting it on the credit card. 

Australian's reasons for holiday travel

Reason for travel Percentage
Visiting family or friends
45%
Discovering parts of Australia that I've always wanted to see
29%
Going on a road/adventure trip
25%
Revisiting parts of Australia I like
24%
Too difficult or expensive to travel overseas
12%
Going to an event
8%
Taking advantage of no international tourists currently in Australia
7%
Working holiday
4%
Other
4%

Intended spend on next domestic holiday

Intended spend Percentage
$0-$250
2%
$250-$500
8%
$500-$1,000
23%
$1,000-$2,000
28%
$2,000-$5,000
26%
$5,000-$10,000
4%
$10,000+
2%
Not sure
6%

Bill Tsouvalas, Managing Director of Savvy said:

‘With the numbers of COVID-19 cases changing daily, it’s understandable that some Australians are hesitant to leave the safety of home. However, it is encouraging that three-quarters of us wish to holiday in Australia - indicating that we are familiar with living and travelling with the virus. COVID-19 is no longer the new normal, it’s just everyday life.’

He continued:

‘Having our backyard to ourselves is a huge holiday opportunity. So if we are permitted and have the opportunity to travel, just go! It will benefit you and the economy as well.’

Savvy - 2022 Cost of Living Survey - 2 (n = 1000) 

Nationally representative survey of 1000 adult Australians, aged 18 and over. Conducted by Octopus Group, on behalf of Savvy.

Completion date: 1/01/2022

Age groups:18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65+

Gender breakdown: male n=500, female n=500, non-binary /prefer not to say n=0

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  Written by 
Thomas Perrotta
Thomas Perrotta is the managing editor of Savvy. Throughout his time at the company, Thomas has specialised in personal finance, namely car, personal and small loans, although he has also written on topics ranging from mortgages to business loans to banking and more. Thomas graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Media, majoring in journalism, and has previously had his work published in The Advertiser.
Our authors
 
  Commentary by 
Bill Tsouvalas

Guest Contributor

Bill Tsouvalas
Bill Tsouvalas is the managing director and a key company spokesperson at Savvy. As a personal finance expert, he often shares his insights on a range of topics, being featured on leading news outlets including News Corp publications such as the Daily Telegraph and Herald Sun, Fairfax Media publications such as the Australian Financial Review, the Seven Network and more. Bill has over 15 years of experience working in the finance industry and founded Savvy in 2010 with a vision to provide affordable and accessible finance options to all Australians. He has built Savvy from a small asset finance brokerage into a financial comparison website which now attracts close to 2 million Aussies per year and was included in the BRW’s Fast 100 in 2015 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the country. He’s passionate about helping Australians make financially savvy decisions and reviews content across the brand to ensure its accuracy. You can follow Bill on LinkedIn.
Our authors

Published on January 6th, 2022

Last updated on March 18th, 2024



Fact checked

At Savvy, we are committed to providing accurate information. Our content undergoes a rigorous process of fact-checking before it is published. Learn more about our editorial policy.

This guide provides general information and does not consider your individual needs, finances or objectives. We do not make any recommendation or suggestion about which product is best for you based on your specific situation and we do not compare all companies in the market, or all products offered by all companies. It’s always important to consider whether professional financial, legal or taxation advice is appropriate for you before choosing or purchasing a financial product.

The content on our website is produced by experts in the field of finance and reviewed as part of our editorial guidelines. We endeavour to keep all information across our site updated with accurate information.

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About Savvy

Savvy is one of Australia’s largest online financial brokers, focusing on personal and commercial financial products. Founded in 2010, the firm has seen rapid growth, a testament to their provision of market leading rates and reaching customers with the latest in media and technology. Savvy is a proud supporter of Kids Under Cover, a charity assisting homeless and at-risk youth to strengthen their bonds to community and education. Savvy was named one of BRW’s fastest growing companies in 2015.

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Australian Domestic Holiday Sentiments Survey 2022

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