Australians Shun Tourist Traps, Seek Undiscovered Destinations as travel Trends Shift
Sydney, Australia – A growing number of Australians are actively avoiding popular tourist destinations in favour of quieter, lesser-known locales, driven by concerns over rising costs and overtourism, according to recent surveys. This shift signals a change in travel priorities, moving away from traditional “bucket list” tourism towards more meaningful and immersive experiences.
The trend is being fuelled, in part, by research methods employed by australians seeking destinations “off the beaten track.” A survey commissioned by travel insurer Insure&Go revealed that 66% of australians aged over 50 plan to seek out these quieter destinations in the next two years. 60% of respondents indicated thay are less inclined to visit iconic locations like Rome, Tokyo, or Phuket compared to five years ago.
“Our research indicates many travellers are done with crowds and queues,” said David Mayo, Commercial and Marketing Director at Insure&Go. “There is a growing appetite for destinations that offer rich experiences but without the anxiety associated with congested sights and the fear of missing out in those scenarios.”
The desire for a more relaxed and authentic travel experience is prompting Australians to explore alternatives.Two-thirds of those over 50 actively seek out alternatives, with nearly a quarter stating they would bypass tourist hotspots altogether. When asked about preferred alternatives, 51% favoured small towns with rich cultural heritage – examples cited included Matera in Italy, ronda in Spain, and Kotor in Montenegro. Remote nature destinations were preferred by 43%, and lesser-known beach getaways by 42%.
Mayo added, “Australians are now looking to places where they can holiday at a slower pace, immerse themselves in culture and stretch their budget further.” The findings suggest travel is increasingly focused on “rediscovering the joy of revelation itself,” rather than simply ticking off famous landmarks.
