Aussies set their sights on Japan and Switzerland for autumn getaways

Globally, there are two key trends emerging this autumn. First, solo travel is on the rise, with individuals specifically focused on soft travel – or slower paced trips that prioritise leisure and wellbeing. These solo adventurers are embracing more relaxed and meaningful travel experiences, opting for longer trips averaging 17 nights, as compared to 9 nights for duo travellers and 8 nights for families¹. 

The second trend we’re seeing is duo and family travellers bringing their furry friends along for the adventure². 

• Solo travel continues to surge beyond Valentine’s Day and into autumn, with a 90 percent growth in solo searches for autumn travel dates compared to last year³. 
• In addition, compared to last autumn, searches for trips with pets have risen by 30 percent⁴, with solo travellers experiencing the most significant increase of over 40 percent⁵.
• Interest in countryside escapes has risen this autumn compared to last⁶.  
• Destinations that offer family-friendly events and activities are also trending⁷ and with school holidays over Easter coming up for Australia, it’s the perfect time to get away. 

Trending destinations this autumn for Australian travellers

Here are some of the top trending international destinations for Aussies this autumn based on a growth in searches since autumn 2024⁸:

• Fukuoka, Japan
• Palermo, Italy
• Osaka, Japan
• Kyoto, Japan
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Athens, Greece
• Tokyo, Japan
• Suzuka, Japan
• Bali, Indonesia
• Florence, Italy

Locally, travellers are heading to regional towns outside of the major metro centres and discovering locations off the beaten path. 

With demand for dispersed travel continuing to rise, here is a list of some of the trending locations Aussies are heading to domestically based on a growth in searches since autumn 2024⁹:

• Moogerah, Queensland
• Rockhampton City, Queensland
• Huskisson, New South Wales
• Tanunda, South Australia
• Devonport, Tasmania
• Ballarat, Victoria
• Mount Gambier, South Australia
• Nelson Bay, New South Wales
• K’gari, Queensland