Intrepid Index 2022: The top countries adventurous Australians are travelling to
Now we can once again trot the globe, there’s one place intrepid Australians really want to experience.
Borders around the world have reopened with reckless abandon, but when it comes to intrepid travel it seems we’re still content to adventure closer to home.
For the first time, Australia has topped the Intrepid Travel Index, with more than double the number of venturesome tourists preferring to explore their own backyard this year than before the pandemic.
The Index, which surveyed 1010 participants and analysed recent bookings, showed Queensland was the top domestic state to visit, followed by New South Wales and Victoria.
“Pre-Covid about 11 per cent of our bookings from the Australian source market was for Australian travel, and that’s now increased to 23 per cent, which is huge considering we’re a global business” said Intrepid ANZ general manager Sarah Clark.
“I think Australians have almost fallen back in love with Australia and forgot what it was like to travel within Australia, but we’ve got so many incredible places.”
Internationally, Middle Eastern destinations such as Egypt, Morocco and Jordan have jumped in popularity, while Vietnam – which had topped the list prior to the pandemic, fell to third place.
Clark said the findings reflected the changing desires of travellers post-Covid, as well as the delayed reopening of tourism in various countries.
“Southeast Asia has taken a while to come back again... It was great to see Egypt in the top five, that’s been really popular and I think that’s due to having access into the Middle East; there have been more carriers that have turned back on there, and it’s a bucket list destination as well.”
The survey also looked at the affect of Covid-19 on traveller habits, with more than a third choosing more out-of-the-way locations with fewer people and countries with high vaccination rates.
Solo travel was also a continuing trend, and while some respondents were concerned with safety and loneliness, more than two thirds were keen to travel independently.
The Intrepid Index 2022
1. Australia
Australia’s vast wilderness is an explorer’s utopia. From trekking the Larapinta Trail and weaving between the Mereenie sandstone cliffs of King’s Canyon in the Northern Territory to experiencing the underwater coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, it’s no wonder Australians are keen to stay put.
2. Morocco
There’s a lot to offer the adventurous in this North African country. Hike the Rif Mountains, explore the blue-hued buildings of Chefchaouen’s medina or wander among ancient ruins in the M’Goun Valley.
3. Vietnam
It may have dropped down the list this year, but Vietnam continues to be a perpetual favourite among Australian travellers. The heritage listed Halong Bay, traditional wonders of Hoi An and labyrinthine network of Dalat’s Chu Chi tunnels are just a few of highlights for those who prefer expeditions to poolside cocktails.
4. Egypt
The beauty and mystery of this ancient land has made it one of the most popular destinations to add to the bucket list. A cruise down the black waters of the Nile, visit to the imposing temples of Abu Simbel and a camel ride through the desert are essentials on this itinerary.
5. Peru
Trekkers flock to Peru for its diverse natural beauty, from the lush Amazon rainforest to the towering Andes mountain range. Oh, and the Llamas are also a drawcard.
The Top 15:
Jordan
Turkey
Costa Rica
Italy
Iceland
Cambodia
Equador
USA
India
Nepal
Greece
Indonesia
Croatia
Mexico
New Zealand