Young Australians booking trips closer to home amid rising cost of living

With the rising cost of living, most of us are having to cut down on luxuries like overseas holidays – but there is one spot young Aussies just can’t stop visiting.

The growing cost-of-living crisis means people across the country have had to cut back on both big and small luxuries they have become accustomed to, but there is one luxury young Aussies are refusing to give up.

Young people in particular have been feeling the pinch, with Gen Zers more likely to have lower savings, while also facing the pressure of rising rents and grocery prices.

Last year, Sydney university students revealed the common habits they had been forced to ditch in the wake of rising costs.

Buying food and coffee on campus was one of the major things students now avoid.

Others said they had to give up driving to classes and catch public transport instead, while some have had to let things like gym memberships lapse in order to get by.

Despite this, young Aussies are clinging on to one luxury even when they know it is something they can’t afford.

A recent Finder survey of more than 1000 people found one in six have booked a holiday they couldn’t afford in the past 12 months.

Of the respondents, Gen Zers were more likely (35 per cent) to say they had taken a trip despite facing financial constraints, compared to about one per cent of Baby Boomers.

However, it does seem that Aussies are focusing on trips that are closer to home.

Flights to Auckland increased by more than 36 per cent between September and October. Picture: iStock

Data from travel booking site, Mix & Match, shows that about 50 per cent of the flights booked through the company in the past six months have been domestic Australia trips.

Flight data shows that domestic flights in Australia increased almost 30 per cent on average over the 30 days from September 10 to October 10, with the Gold Coast being the destination with the most increased bookings over this period.

When young Aussies do choose to venture overseas, they are still wanting to stick close to home.

Searches for trips to Fiji, which is a short four hour flight from Sydney have increased by 35 per cent.

New Zealand is another popular destination, with short haul flights to Auckland increasing a whopping 36.4 per cent between September and October.

A quick look on social media shows an abundance of young Aussies vlogging their recent trips to New Zealand.

Twenty-four-year-old TikTok creator, Chloe, flew from Sydney to Queenstown back in June this year, revealing the flight was only two and a half hours.

Another user, who goes by Vicionic, shared a break down of all the costs involved in her two week trip that she took to the country at the end of last year.

Young Aussies have been vlogging their recent trips to New Zealand. Picture: @vivionic/TikTok

One creator was pleasantly surprised the flight from Sydney to Queenstown was under three hours. Picture: @chloeereynoldsss/TikTok

Melbourne local, Kylie, also shared a breakdown of her recent trip to New Zealand, which included activities like kayaking, visiting mineral pools, bungee jumping and visiting the famous Hobbiton Movie Set.

Another TikToker shared a breakdown on all the activities they did while on their trip. Picture: @kyliegrows/TikTok

There has been a spike in young Aussies booking flights to New Zealand. Picture: @kyliegrows/TikTok

Angus Kidman, travel expert at Finder, said that many Aussies remain committed to travel, even as their budgets tighten.

However, he said there are still ways young people can book in a trip while sticking to a budget.

“Rein in your holiday expectations while you boost your financial position,” he said.

“If you’re in over your head with bills, you need to be realistic about what you can afford.

“Look for cheaper ways to have that break, such as house swapping or staying with family in another city to save on accommodation costs.”

In order to help young Aussies realise their holiday dreams, Mix & Match is offering $100 off international flights for students.

“Mix and Match online travel are excited to launch Student Flight Deals, helping students save up to $100* on international return flights. Compare airlines easily, find the best fares, and fly now, pay later with Afterpay,” said Mix & Match Group Marketing Manager, Ashley Andrew.

Ms Andrew revealed that over 70 per cent of customers who book their holidays through Mix & Match are using “buy now, pay later” services in order to manage costs.

“A popular flight payment method for Mix & Match is Afterpay where you can book now, pay later across four fortnightly payments for domestic and international flights you book on Mix & Match,” she said.

These must not exceed a total cost of $3000 and are also based on the available balance on your Afterpay account.

The booking site also allows customers to use MixPay to split the costs with travel buddies or across multiple payment methods.