Don't let holiday regrets ruin your next getaway: RACV reveals Victorian's biggest travel regrets

An RACV travel regrets poll has revealed the most common holiday regrets and cringeworthy moments that can turn a dream getaway into a disappointing experience.

RACV Executive General Manager Leisure Craig Peachey said the biggest regret travellers face isn't a bad hotel or a missed flight – it's wasting time in sight-seeing queues or not taking the trip in the first place.

The latest stats from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show the top five overseas destinations in 2024/25 were Indonesia, New Zealand,  Japan, the USA and China, with Victorians staying for 10 days on average when travelling overseas.

"We see customers every day who've put off their dream destinations, thinking there's always next year," said Mr Peachey.

"But life circumstances change quickly – health issues, family commitments, and financial situations can suddenly make travel impossible."

"At RACV Travel and Experiences, we work with travellers to create realistic itineraries that balance must-see attractions with downtime and flexibility and our expert consultants help customers avoid common pitfalls, while maximising their travel investment."

Mr Peachey said almost 500 people revealed their regrets and most cringeworthy holiday moments.

“Victorians have shared some of their hilarious cringeworthy holiday moments – like the questionable karaoke, going with the wrong people or not checking the expiry on their passport – but one thing the RACV travel regrets poll revealed is that 37 per cent of poll respondents said they regretted spending time in sight-seeing queues, closely followed by 33 per cent who regretting cutting corners on quality,” Mr Peachey said.

"Interestingly, the most common comments from the RACV travel regrets poll revealed that many people regretted not travelling at all or not travelling enough,” Mr Peachey said.

“The time to travel is now. Don't let your holidays become another regret. Let RACV help you create memories that last a lifetime. This Black Friday, regret the tan line, not the trip,” Mr Peachey said.

Victorian's top holiday regrets

1. Poor planning (or no planning) Delaying holidays can often suddenly make travel impossible. The RACV Travel and Experiences Black Friday sale is the perfect time to book and receive up to 50 per cent* off hand-picked holidays.

2. Sight-seeing queuing Ironically, while planning is crucial, being too rigid with schedules causes travellers to miss unexpected opportunities. The RACV travel regrets poll revealed 37 per cent of poll respondents regretted spending too much time in sight-seeing queues rather than leaving room in their itinerary for serendipitous discoveries and local experiences that make travel truly memorable.

2. Cutting corners on quality Choosing the cheapest flights and accommodation options often backfires, with 33 per cent of RACV travel regrets poll respondents saying they regretted cutting corners on quality. Budget carriers with poor customer service and hotels that prioritise price over quality consistently feature in travellers' biggest regrets. As the saying goes: you get what you pay for. A carefully hand-picked holiday is one of the many reasons people are choosing to book with RACV Travel and Experiences.

3. Over-ambitious itineraries Another common mistake travellers make is trying to cram too much into their holiday with poll results showing 16 per cent regretted missed flights. RACV Travel and Experiences can help you plan, allowing sufficient time between connections for international flights to help avoid stress and ruined plans.

RACV's Travel and Experiences services include:

• Expert destination knowledge and realistic itinerary planning
• Access to quality accommodation and travel options that deliver value
• Support with complex travel arrangements including connections and transfers
• Local insights to help you experience destinations like a local, not just a tourist

4. The lighter side: Cringeworthy holiday moments

While some regrets are practical, others are memorable for entirely different reasons. RACV has heard countless stories of holiday mishaps that seemed like a good idea at the time.

“One poll respondent even shared that they accidentally married their travel guide at 3am in Las Vegas by an Elvis impersonator,” My Peachey said.

"We always tell our clients: if you need to ask yourself 'should I?', the answer is probably no," laughs Peachey. "But these are the stories that make holidays memorable, even if they make you cringe later."

5. Questionable karaoke While holidays are a perfect time to relax and unwind, 14 per cent regretted those cringeworthy moments, including going with the wrong people.

6. The 'I'll be fine without sunscreen' mistake Every year, thousands of Australians somehow convince themselves they're immune to the sun once they cross the equator. The result? Lobster-red shoulders, painful peeling, and holiday photos they'd rather forget.

7. Fashion choices that should have stayed at the resort From oversized sombreros to neon beach pants to that "hilarious" novelty t-shirt, travellers often make impulse purchases that seem perfect in the moment but never leave the suitcase once they're home. Many poll respondents also commented that they regretted either not packing enough or packing too much.

Plan your escape now

RACV Travel and Experiences Black Friday Sale is the ideal time to start planning your next holiday – it’s on now until 2 December 2025.

RACV encourages Victorians to:

• Book popular destinations and experiences early to secure the best options
• Allow realistic timeframes for travel, particularly with connections
• Invest in quality over rock-bottom prices
• Build flexibility into itineraries
• Most importantly: don't postpone your dream destinations

RACV Travel and Experiences is Victoria's trusted travel partner, offering expert advice and personalised service for all types of travel. From quick weekend getaways to once-in-a-lifetime international adventures, RACV's experienced consultants help members create unforgettable travel experiences.

For more information or to speak with a RACV Travel expert visit racv.com.au/blackfriday or call 13 17 17.

*Terms and conditions apply. See racv.com.au/blackfriday for details.