Booking.com’s inaugural Travel Happiness Index has found 72 per cent of Australian travellers say the anticipation of a trip helps them cope with daily life, with 80 per cent saying having a trip to look forward to lifts their mood.
Research links travel to emotional wellbeing
The report, based on a survey of 10,136 respondents across 10 Asia Pacific markets including 1,011 Australians, found 97 per cent of Australian travellers associate travel with positive emotions. The research suggests the psychological benefit begins before departure, with 58 per cent of Australian travellers saying they find the trip planning process itself enjoyable. However, the survey also found some travellers report feeling tired or drained (17 per cent), pressured to make the most of their time away (17 per cent) or anxious (19 per cent) during travel.
Behavioural and habit expert Dr Gina Cleo said the anticipation effect had a psychological basis.
“Our brains respond not just to rewards, but also to the anticipation of them. When everyday life feels demanding, having something meaningful on the horizon can be incredibly powerful and give us a psychological break from everyday pressures,” Cleo said.
Travellers prioritise value and flexibility amid uncertainty
The research found 57 per cent of Australian travellers say they would extend trips to allow more time to rest and recharge, while 70 per cent prioritise trying local food and incorporating meaningful experiences, and 65 per cent say they choose travel dates or destinations based on deals. Holiday homes and apartments continue to draw interest, with 38 per cent citing better value for money as a reason for choosing these stays and 27 per cent saying they offer a more authentic, local experience.
Despite concerns around inflation (39 per cent), crime (37 per cent) and health risks (36 per cent), these factors rarely stop travel outright, with 89 per cent of respondents saying they would adapt rather than cancel plans when disruption occurs. Of those adjusting plans, 25 per cent said they would choose an alternative destination with a similar feel, 26 per cent would postpone their trip, and 13 per cent would adjust timing or duration.
Booking.com regional manager for Oceania and Korea Todd Lacey said the findings reflected a broader shift in how Australians relate to travel. “For many Aussies, travel is more than just about getting away, it is about feeling better, having something to look forward to, reconnecting, and having the confidence to keep exploring even when the world feels uncertain,” Lacey said.
