It’s no surprise that Australians love to travel. In fact, we are known for it around the world. Wherever you go, no matter how far or dark, you can always be sure to meet a fellow Australian traveler. Whether it’s lying on the beach in Thailand or exploring local villages in Vietnam, travel is in our blood and part of our culture. We travel far, for good time and for a long time, but the question is why?
Why do Australians really take vacations?
Relax and unwind
In a recent survey, we asked our globe-trotting community why they like to vacation, and the most popular answer was “relaxation.” 84.2% of Australians vacation specifically to relax. Whether it’s a cruise to the South Pacific islands or a stay at an all-inclusive resort, relaxation is at the forefront of Australians’ travel plans. Although there are many different definitions of what constitutes a relaxing vacation, there is no doubt that they all have many important benefits. By making us feel rested, calm and carefree, a relaxing vacation is the best way to disconnect and de-stress from the chaos of everyday life.
Explore new destinations
Another popular reason why Australians like to go on vacation is discovering new destinations. In fact, 80.7% of those surveyed consider exploring new destinations as a priority for their trips. Exploring different cultures and checking destinations off the bucket list are popular priorities for Australian travelers. Many also travel to explore cultural and ancestral roots that have special meaning to them. Broadening our perspective and being exposed to new places, people and cultures is an enriching experience and can ultimately help us become better, more worldly and informed citizens.
Spend time with your loved ones
Additionally, 56.5% of Australians go on vacation to spend time with loved ones. Travel is the perfect opportunity to connect and develop deeper relationships with loved ones. Creating memories is an important factor in Australians’ holiday priorities and 87.2% of those surveyed travel with others to enjoy experiences they wouldn’t be able to at home. Whether it’s a romantic partner, a group of friends or a family situation, traveling in a group is a wonderful way to strengthen bonds and share special moments. Better yet, in the future you can look back on your vacation and share all the great memories you made together.
Spend time in nature
Escape from everyday life and get away from the hustle and bustle is an important factor in Australians’ holiday priorities. In fact, 33.5% of Australians vacation specifically to spend time in nature. More and more travelers are looking for picturesque and relaxed destinations to disconnect from everyday life. Spending time in nature has been proven to relieve stress, improve your mood, and boost feelings of happiness and overall gratitude. Whether you decide to go hiking, on a wellness retreat, or simply visit beautiful beaches during your trip, time spent in nature is guaranteed to create unforgettable vacation memories.
Personal development
Another important reason why Australians love to travel is to focus on their personal development. The process of personal development is different for everyone and it’s not just about “finding yourself.” While 30.4% of Australians travel to reconnect with themselves, 19.5% travel to make new friends, 19% travel to disconnect from technology and 9.8% travel to learn new skills. By immersing yourself in a different culture and stepping out of your comfort zone, travel has the ability to conquer a variety of personal development goals.
Want to know more about why Australians love to vacation? Visit our How Australians justify the results of their holiday survey.
Why do you like to travel? Tell us about it in the comments below!
