Rising overseas medical costs are failing to deter a significant number of Australians from travelling without insurance, according to new research highlighting growing financial risks for holidaymakers.

After several years dominated by so-called “micro” movements, from pandemic-era micro-credentials to last year’s rise of micro-retirement, a new trend is shaping how Australians take time off. This time, it is all about travel.

Across New South Wales, travellers are still heading outdoors, but doing so differently. Increasingly, they want immersion without inconvenience. Nature, yes. Stress, no.

While the rankings paint a picture of aspiration and escape, the research ultimately serves a commercial purpose. As a comparison platform, iSelect’s focus extends beyond inspiration to the practicalities and risks of travel, particularly insurance.