More blending of work and travel abroad, more frequent international trips for Aussies – Airbnb research gives insight into travel’s new normal

One in two working Australians say they want to combine work and travel, according to research conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Airbnb, underscoring the fundamental changes in how people are living and working since the pandemic.

Since the end of 2021, when international travel resumed for most Australians and two years of dreaming about an overseas trip became a reality, research shows that absence does make the heart grow fonder, with the majority (52 percent) of Australians surveyed saying they plan to travel internationally more frequently in the future. 

Almost two-thirds (61 percent) said they missed being able to travel overseas during the pandemic and want to make the most of being able to do so again.

Almost 70 percent of Australians said that they are excited about once again being able to travel internationally, with more than half (55 percent) planning to undertake international travel as soon as they’re able to.

The survey, conducted in April, also reveals interesting insights into Australian attitudes towards travel in Asia-Pacific, and the intent of international travel as a means to connect with other cultures and people.

“Australians have always been keen travellers, and with international travel back on the cards, many are showing enormous enthusiasm for reconnecting with the rest of the world. With many now able to work remotely, people are indicating that overseas holidays may become a mix of work and leisure, which completely changes where, and for how long people are able to travel. Many Aussies are looking to head abroad more frequently and in flexible new ways – including off-peak international jaunts and overseas workcations. We’re incredibly excited to be helping to make travellers’ long-dreamt about international trips become a reality. We continue to focus on innovation so guests can experience both well-travelled and new destinations in fresh ways.”

Susan Wheeldon, Country Manager for Airbnb in Australia and New Zealand

Key findings from the research include:

The Asia-Pacific region is front of mind for many travellers

• One in two Australians said they would consider visiting international destinations within the Asia-Pacific region when they’re able to. 

Many people are excited about travelling internationally again and plan to do so more often

• More than 70 percent reported being excited about once again being able to travel internationally.
• More than half (52 per cent) say they plan to travel internationally “more frequently” in the future. 

Many travellers are looking to make that next international trip a reality very soon

• Almost 70 percent of Australians are excited about once again being able to travel internationally, with more than a third (36 percent) strongly agreeing with this.
• More than half (55 percent) plan to undertake international travel as soon as they’re able to.
• 70 percent of Australians have plans to travel internationally in the foreseeable future.
  • Almost a third (31 percent) of those looking to travel internationally plan to do so in the next six months.

As the travel revolution continues to unfold, the way we think about international travel is also changing

Throughout the pandemic, we’ve seen major shifts in the way that people think about travel and living, with the lines between them continuing to blur. For many, that also appears to apply to international travel.

• More than half (55 percent) of respondents are more open to travelling internationally during off-peak times of the year than they were before the pandemic.
• Half of those surveyed who are currently working said they would consider combining work and travel abroad, moving forward.

Many people believe that international travel remains an important means of expanding their horizons and connecting with other cultures

• Of those looking to travel internationally:
  • Almost 40 percent (38 percent) are interested in trips that allow them to immerse themselves in other cultures, with 38 percent interested in visiting famous cities, revisiting favourite destinations (33 percent) and experiencing off-the-beaten path destinations they haven’t visited before (32 percent).

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