Research conducted by Skyscanner has revealed Australians remain committed to overseas travel, and are finding alternate, more affordable destinations.

The survey of 1,000 found 97% of Australians are intending to take at least one overseas trip in 2023.

Around a third (33%) of respondents said that they would be looking at destinations where their money would go further, with inflation expected to continue to squeeze budgets.

Skyscanner Australian Travel Expert Jarrod Kris said that 2023 is "set to be a year of discoveries as we see emerging, pocket friendly destinations rise the ranks".

The Skyscanner data also highlighted the emerging trend of holiday makers drawing inspiration from social media.

More than a quarter of respondents said they take holiday inspiration from Facebook (28%) and Instagram (27%).

The most common source of inspiration for Australians was seeing their friends' and families' experiences on social media, with 76% saying they draw holiday ideas from their loved ones' exploits.

Below are the destinations Skyscanner expects to be among the most popular for Australian travellers in 2023.

1. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

EsmondeYoungresized.jpg

Many Australians looking for a holiday that gets the most bang for buck will inevitably be drawn to Southeast Asia. Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam all featured in the top ten nations visited by Australians in 2022, according to the ABS.

Skyscanner expects Kuala Lumpur to join these places as one of the most popular destinations for Australians where their money lasts longer. Notable features in Kuala Lumpur include the Petronas Towers - the tallest twin buildings in the world - and the 400 million year old Batu caves.

2. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Peter Nguyen resized.jpg

One of the more established Southeast Asian destinations, Vietnam has one of the best exchange rates for Australian people, with $1 yielding around 16,000 Vietnamese dong. Skyscanner identified the capital, Ho Chi Minh City, as one of its picks for holiday makers next year.

Named after the revolutionary President and formerly named Saigon, the city is home to numerous cultural attractions, as well as several historical points of interest, both modern and ancient.

3. Zagreb, Croatia

MajaVujiczagrebsized.jpg

Skyscanner expects Zagreb and Croatia to be the European destination of choice for Australians looking to save.

Research house CEIC reports a steady growth in the number of Australians visiting Croatia in the past decade. One of the less well-travelled cities, Zagreb is still home to the grandiose architecture and culture people often associate with central-to-eastern Europe, without the extortionate cost of living of more famous cities like London and Paris in the west of the continent.

4. Amman, Jordan

Hisham zayadneh amman.jpg

When Skyscanner compared the difference in search history from 2019 to 2022, there was a 503% increase in searches for Amman, the capital of Jordan. Skyscanner attributes much of this increase to the aforementioned social media effect.

Holiday makers also do not have to worry about getting the right weather to go to Jordan, with temperatures consistently warm and dry all year round. Amman also is one of the oldest cities in the world, with evidence of civilization dating back to 8000 BC. As more travellers descend on this historic city, and share their experiences with their friends and family, there may be an exponential increase in Australians in Amman in the coming years.

5. Mexico City, Mexico

Bhargava.jpg

Mexico City was another destination where Skyscanner found a dramatic uptake in interest over the past couple of years. Searches for the Mexican capital were up 525% on 2019.

While some may be put off by the stigma that Mexico is dangerous, Mexico City is outside of the regions the Australian Government warns against travelling. Aussies who venture to Mexico City can experience historic sites like the Teotihuacan Aztec Temple, as well as globally celebrated culture and food.


Advertisement

Looking for a credit card? The comparison table below shows credit card products that offer zero currency conversion fees on purchases.

Credit card

N/A0[$0 Annual Account Fee in First Year with an ANZ Platinum credit card. *Reverts to standard purchase rate, currently 20.99% p.a. In each subsequent year, standard Annual Account Fee (currently $87) applies. Eligibility criteria, T&Cs, fees and charges apply. Offer ongoing until further notice. View balances, transfer money and make payments simply and easily with the ANZ App. Apple Pay® and Google Pay let you use your compatible Apple® or Android™ device to tap and pay with an eligible ANZ credit card. $6, 000 Minimum credit limit Apple Pay, Android Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, ]01020$product[$field["value"]]21.99VisaMore details

ANZ Platinum

    [Qantas Frequent Flyer]0[Earn 70, 000 bonus Qantas Points on a new NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card when you spend $2, 000 on everyday purchases within 60 days of account opening.* Enjoy a reduced annual card fee (from $295 to $150) for the first year. Standard Balance Transfer Rate: 0% p.a. for 12 months. 3% BT fee applies. BT reverts to Cash Advance Rate. Minimum monthly repayments required. NAB may vary or end this offer at any time. Access to six complimentary insurances when you make an eligible purchase. Platinum Concierge Service - your own 24 hour, 7 day personal assistant. Complimentary Qantas Frequent Flyer membership. Up to 44 days interest free on purchases. Minimum credit limit $6, 000 Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, ]0015$product[$field["value"]]21.74VisaMore details

    NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card

      N/A0[Latitude GO Mastercard® lets you buy now and pay later with a range of Interest Free Payment Plans when you shop with partner retailers, including Harvey Norman, Domayne, Joyce Mayne and thousands of other great stores. Up to 55 days Interest Free on your everyday purchases. Late fee $35 Note: Effective from 10th April 2024, the late fee will increase from $35 to $45. Apple Pay, Android Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, ]0035$product[$field["value"]]29.99MastercardMore details

      Latitude Financial Services GO Mastercard®

        [Qantas Frequent Flyer]0[Earn 0.75 Qantas Point for every $1 spent on Card purchases, except spend at government bodies in Australia where you will earn 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent. Pay no annual Card fee for up to 4 Supplementary Cards so you can earn more Qantas Points. Eligible for use with Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay Apple Pay, Android Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, ]0030$product[$field["value"]]-1AMEXMore details

        American Express Qantas Discovery Card

          [Amplify Rewards]0[Receive 80, 000 bonus Amplify Points When you apply for a new Amplify Platinum credit card and spend at least $3, 000 on eligible purchases made with the card within 90 days of card approval. 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for 15 months when requested at card application. 1% balance transfer fee applies if you make a balance transfer. The variable cash advance rate will apply after this promotional period. New cards only. Apply by 30 November 2021. Enjoy uncapped points earning potential and double points earned on international spend (overseas merchants). Complimentary insurance covers if you pay for your travel costs with your Amplify Platinum card before you leave Australia, as set out in the policy. 24/7 Concierge. Add an additional cardholder at no extra cost. Apple Pay, Android Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, ]0015$product[$field["value"]]21.99VisaMore details

          St.George Amplify Rewards Platinum

            N/A0[The convenience of Visa payWave allowing you to make purchases under $100 in seconds by holding your card against the payWave terminal. A low rate of 12.74% p.a. on retail purchases. Exclusive Visa Entertainment offers. Suncorp Clear Options Standard Credit Card Introductory offer of 0% p.a. for 20 months on balance transfers applies. Your total Balance Transfers may not exceed 80% of your Credit Limit. The 0% p.a. interest rate will apply to balances transferred with this offer, and the balance transfer fee, for a period of 20 months. The 20 months promotional period commences when the Balance Transfer is processed, and you must make the Balance Transfer request within the first 3 months from approval to receive this offer. This offer is valid until 28 August 2024. Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, ]0030$product[$field["value"]]21.99VisaMore details

            Suncorp Bank Clear Options Standard

              Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

              All products with a link to a product provider’s website have a commercial marketing relationship between us and these providers. These products may appear prominently and first within the search tables regardless of their attributes and may include products marked as promoted, featured or sponsored. The link to a product provider’s website will allow you to get more information or apply for the product. By de-selecting “Show online partners only” additional non-commercialised products may be displayed and re-sorted at the top of the table. For more information on how we’ve selected these “Sponsored”, “Featured” and “Promoted” products, the products we compare, how we make money, and other important information about our service, please click here. Rates correct as of November 23, 2024. View disclaimer.

              Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

              Header image by Link Hoang, Kuala Lumpur picture by Esmonde Young, Ho Chi Minh by Peter Nguyen, Zagreb by Maja Vujic, Amman by Hisham Zayadneh, Mexico City by Bhargava Marripatti, all on Unsplash