Media Release

Euro trip: Schoolies splash their cash abroad

    • 46% of students heading to Europe for schoolies
    • Bali remains most popular destination
    • Tips for first time travellers

16 November, 2018, Sydney, Australia – Australian school leavers are choosing Europe over cheaper destinations, according to new research by finder.com.au, the site that compares virtually everything.

The recent study found that of those travelling abroad for their end-of-school celebrations, 43%
are heading to Europe – double that of any other continent.

Indonesia remains the most popular country however, with 11% of Year 12 graduates descending on Bali between November and January.

Bessie Hassan, Money Expert at finder.com.au, says the findings reflect a movement toward schoolies locations that are more expensive and worldly than previous years.

“Surfers Paradise was once the ultimate party destination for school leavers, but many Aussie teens now want more – and this often means jetsetting overseas.

“No matter where you are heading, make sure you have a travel insurance policy in place for your schoolies before you leave the country. Hop online to compare policy options and prices,” she said.

One in ten (10%) international schoolies travellers are heading to Great Britain after their exams, followed closely by the USA (8%) and Fiji (6%).

Hassan said that anyone doing schoolies overseas need to be aware that travel insurance protects you in many scenarios but it is not a cloak of invincibility.

“Schoolies should be aware that almost all travel insurance providers will not cover anyone who is hospitalised as a result of an alcohol-related injury.

“You also aren’t covered if you make a claim for a situation when you’re not covered by travel insurance, for example, if you drive a scooter in Bali without a license,” she said.

RankDestinationPercentage of Schoolies travellers (2018)
1Indonesia (Bali)11%
2UK10%
3USA8%
4Fiji6%
5Germany5%
6New Zealand5%
7France4%
8Japan4%
9Thailand3%
10Spain3%

Tips for first time travellers

  • Organise your travel money: Travel cards allow you to load funds onto a card and have the currency converted prior to your trip. Some cards may charge higher fees than others, so make sure to compare your options online.
  • Get vaccinated: If you’re heading to countries such as Bali or Thailand for schoolies, make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Typhoid and Malaria are particularly common in these areas, so it’s important you’re protected.
  • Sort your travel insurance: Delayed flights, missing luggage and unexpected medical expenses can all potentially occur on holidays. Without travel insurance, you’re liable to foot the bill, so it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.

###

For further information

Disclaimer

The information in this release is accurate as of the date published, but rates, fees and other product features may have changed. Please see updated product information on finder.com.au's review pages for the current correct values.

About Finder

Every month 2.6 million unique visitors turn to Finder to save money and time, and to make important life choices. We compare virtually everything from credit cards, phone plans, health insurance, travel deals and much more.

Our free service is 100% independently-owned by three Australians: Fred Schebesta, Frank Restuccia and Jeremy Cabral. Since launching in 2006, Finder has helped Aussies find what they need from 1,800+ brands across 100+ categories.

We continue to expand and launch around the globe, and now have offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland and the Philippines. For further information visit www.finder.com.au.

12.6 million average unique monthly audience (June- September 2019), Nielsen Digital Panel

Go to site