Travel

Top international travel destinations for Australians in 2022

British guards in London

Jessica Taylor Yates

Posted October 11, 2022

Having spent almost two years confined within our borders, Aussies have been packing their bags and booking flights at record speed. Here’s where everyone has been going.  

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we travel and where we travel to, largely due to border restrictions. Over 30 million domestic trips were taken in and around Australia over the 2021-22 financial year, with many preferring to spend their vacation days exploring the great southern land to places like Uluru, Broome, or even on a great road trip.

Historically, our favourite international cities have been those close by: Bali, Thailand, and New Zealand. For expat travellers, London, India, and China have been the destinations that historically topped the charts.

But since international travel restrictions were eased in February of 2022, Australians have been heading to cities that never close down - from New York to Rio, and old Londontown. 

There were almost one million departures from Australian airports in July of 2022 alone - an increase of 87,000 from the month before. But where is everyone going? 

From Singapore to Spain, here’s the most popular travel destinations for Aussies in 2022. 

Whatever kind of traveller you are, you can find out more about RACV’s range of great travel and experiences at the free RACV Travel & Experiences Expo on Saturday October 15 at the RACV Club. 

Most popular travel destinations for Australians

New Zealand

The most popular tourist destinations for Australians have remained largely unchanged over the last financial year. 

New Zealand was the number-one destination for Australians who were either holidaying or visiting family and friends. No doubt this was a welcome return for the New Zealand tourism industry, where Australians previously made up 40 per cent of annual international arrivals each year. 

Clocking in at around three and a half hours, the journey isn’t long for Victorians looking to say ‘kia ora’ to our Tasman cousins. 

You can take in the attractions and natural beauty of the North Island, visiting natural hot springs, enjoying The Lord of the Rings tour and going sandboarding across Ninety Mile Beach, to heading to the South Island to spot unique wildlife and adventure galore. 

Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled thrill ride or a scenic adventure of wine and Whanganui River, RACV Members can take advantage of discounts for a New Zealand tour.

Indonesia

With Aussies usually accounting for 25 per cent of Bali’s tourists each year, this means more than one million of us indulge in Indonesia’s beaches, markets, bars and hotels each year. 

Just under six hours by plane from Melbourne, Bali is still a popular hotspot due to its great weather, affordable cost of living, friendly services, and variety of activities for all kinds of travellers.

Whether you’re looking for attractions and cultural experiences with the family or perhaps a romantic getaway to go snorkelling, waterfall diving or sunset watching, Bali is what you make it. 

Plus, with a range of partner hotels for Members in the centre of Bali, you can upgrade your stay to a range of hotels and resorts to turn your holiday into one you won’t ever want to leave. 

United Kingdom

Approximately one million Aussies hear London calling each year, ready to visit family, have a working holiday, or enjoy magnificent sites the United Kingdom has to offer. 

While it’s common for many travellers to start a European holiday from London, there’s plenty to see in the English capital. From its royal heritage to rock n’ roll tours of Abbey Road, shopping on Oxford Street and Camden Markets, or taking in a show in the famous West End, there’s no time to be bored in old Londontown. 

 

Head on a Lord of the Rings tour in New Zealand. Image: Shutterstock.
Indulge in natural hot springs in New Zealand. Image: Graeme Murray.
See fur seals at Kaikōura on the South Island. Image: Kyle Mulinder.
Escape to luxury in Bali. Image: Getty.
Head down the Lazy River at Waterbom Park, Bali. Image: Supplied.

Hot travel destinations

While New Zealand, London and Bali remain our favourites, there are still those looking for something off the beaten track. In 2022, Egypt  has been a hot destination, with travellers eager to explore the pyramids, Sphinx and jewel of the river Nile.

Additionally, with Japan back open for business, expect tourists to be heading in droves to experience the shopping of bustling Tokyo, the temples of Kyoto, the bars of Osaka and the blossoms of spring. Half a million Aussies used to visit pre-pandemic, and with borders open, they are hoping for these numbers to return. 

Another hotspot for the Aussie explorer is Singapore, just under eight hours by plane. Popular with the expat community with around 20,000 Aussies calling Singapore home, there’s plenty of activities from solo travellers to family adventures.

From shopping Orchard Rd to experiencing the magic of Gardens by the Bay, sipping a Singapore Sling or chasing the sun in Sentosa, there’s something for everyone in the Lion City. 

Thailand, The Philippines and Fiji have also been trending for those looking for a holiday for a romantic escape or as a family getaway, no doubt with cold Aussies looking to get some sunshine closer to the equator. In fact, Fiji is one of the most-searched holiday destinations by Australians, with some 36,000 people looking for information on Google on the country in the last year alone.

Cruising together

After a two-year hiatus, the cruise industry is back on our shores, with 46 cruise ships scheduled to dock in Australia during the 2022-23 summer, promising adventures from a weekend at sea to a full-scale international adventure.

Since their return, avid cruisers can once again explore the world from the comfort of one hub, including all-inclusive options, unique onshore excursions and a variety of onboard activities. 

One unique destination that proved popular during the Australian winter was taking in the majestic landscapes of Canada and Alaska.

Experiencing the urban nightlife of Canadian cities, to witnessing the magnificent Rocky Mountains and glistening views of Alaskan glaciers, over 90 per cent of Australians who visit this part of the world do so from the comfort of a luxury cruise.

Cruises can be particularly handy for those wanting to visit multiple destinations with the comfort of not needing to organise multiple hotels, flights or activities – everything is organised so you can relax, unwind, and enjoy your surroundings.

This is an idyllic option for those interested in a European river cruise, those travelling with kids, or even heading on a solo adventure of the seas. 

 

The marvels of Egypt are calling. Image: Shutterstock.
Melbourne was voted the world's most liveable city seven times for a reason... Image: Shutterstock.
Explore the natural wonders of Uluru right here in Australia. Image: Shutterstock.
There is so much of Queensland still waiting to be explored. Image: Tourism Queensland.
Cruises are swimming back to our shores. Image: Supplied.
London calling! See the famous London Tower Bridge, built in 1886 with panoramic views around the city. Image: Getty.

Travel and Experiences Expo

Looking to book a holiday, but not sure where to start?

On Saturday October 15, RACV is hosting a free Travel and Experiences Expo, ready to help with the experiences and getaways you want to get reconnected with the world. 

Registration is recommended, where exclusive travel offers, giveaways and discounts will be available to RACV Members, Club Members, and the public for one day only. 

Featuring deals from our trusted travel partners including Intrepid Travel, Chimu Adventures, Sixt, Princess Cruises, APT, Designer Journeys, RACV Resorts and more, get inspired for your next incredible journey with access to exclusive deals on cruises, touring, accommodation, holiday packages and more.

 

Ready to pack your bags? 
Book your free ticket to the RACV Travel and Experiences Expo now→