AUSSIES CUT BACK ON TRAVEL COSTS AS HOLIDAY HABITS SHIFT

Price now outweighs convenience when booking flights

Cost-of-living pressures are reshaping how Australians travel, with new data revealing a clear shift towards cheaper, more flexible holiday planning.

According to research from iSelect, Australians are rethinking everything from when they fly to where they stay, as rising expenses and global travel uncertainty continue to influence decisions.

For many, the traditional overseas getaway is being replaced with a more considered approach, one that prioritises value over spontaneity.

The shift is not subtle. It is happening at almost every stage of the booking process.

Cost-of-living pressures push Aussies towards cheaper travel choices

The iSelect research shows more than half of Australians who have changed their travel plans to save money are now travelling during off-peak periods (55%) or booking flights at less popular times of day (54%).

A further 39% are opting for budget airlines, signalling a growing willingness to trade convenience for cost savings.

It is a practical recalibration. Travellers are no longer chasing the ideal itinerary, but the most affordable one.

Domestic holidays and family stays on the rise

For some, the changes go beyond flight times. They are reconsidering the destination altogether.

More than a quarter of Australians (27%) are choosing domestic holidays instead of travelling overseas, while 25% are staying with friends or family to cut down on accommodation costs.

It points to a broader shift towards familiarity and flexibility, with travellers leaning on existing networks and local options to make holidays viable.

Price now outweighs convenience when booking flights

When it comes to booking flights, cost has firmly taken the lead.

The lowest price is now the top priority for 31% of Australians, followed by direct or shortest travel time (24%) and convenient departure or arrival times (16%).

In other words, price is no longer one factor among many. It is the deciding one.

Flexibility becomes the new travel advantage

The findings suggest that flexibility, whether in timing, destination or expectations, is becoming one of the most valuable tools for travellers looking to save.

Shifting travel dates, choosing less popular flight times, and reconsidering destinations can unlock meaningful savings, particularly as flight disruptions and fluctuating demand continue to affect pricing.

It is a quieter kind of travel shift. Less about cutting holidays altogether, and more about reshaping them to fit a tighter financial reality.