On the road: 9 million Aussies planning a road trip

• • • • 61% of Australians are planning a domestic trip.
      • The Trans-Tasman bubble could be possible before the end of 2020.
      • Here's how to save money when planning a trip.

30 September 2020, Sydney, Australia – Aussies are swapping international travel for the open highway, according to Finder, Australia's most visited comparison site.

A Finder survey of 1,007 respondents revealed that a whopping 61% of Aussies – equivalent to 12 million people – are planning a domestic getaway within the next three months.

This comes as the plan for a Trans-Tasman travel bubble between New Zealand and some Australian states is revisited.

Just yesterday, New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that a travel bubble arrangement may be possible by the end of the year.

With many Australians looking to scratch their travel itch, road trips are at the forefront of Aussies' travel aspirations, with almost half (48%) of the population planning to hit the highway before the end of the year.

This is followed by air travel, with almost one in five Aussies (21%) planning to fly domestically within the next three months.

Other domestic trips Aussies are planning to take before the end of the year include train journeys (5%) and cruises (2%).

Angus Kidman, travel expert at Finder, said that it's good to see Aussies making the most of their own backyard.

"From beaches to camping spots, Australia has a lot to offer. People who would usually jet off overseas are instead exploring their own country.

"There are some excellent deals to be had at the moment as domestic airlines, car rental companies and hotels attempt to make up for lost revenue.

"Although border restrictions are in place in certain parts of the country, each state or territory has its own unique places worth exploring," he said.

The survey data found that NSW residents are the most likely to take a road trip (54%), followed by one in two Queenslanders (51%).

Almost two-thirds of gen Z (60%) are planning to set off in a car or van in the next three months, whereas just 38% of baby boomers will do the same.

Baby boomers are more risk-averse when it comes to flying – just 10% plan to take a domestic flight during this time, compared to 32% of gen Z.

But not everyone is gearing up for a domestic holiday. The research also revealed that more than one in three people (39%) don't plan to holiday at all within the next three months.

Kidman said that anyone planning to take a road trip should ensure they have adequate insurance.

"There's nothing quite like the great Aussie road trip – we've been doing it for generations.

"While it's generally not at the top of most people's to-do list, make sure you check your car insurance policy before heading off to ensure you have adequate cover.

"If you break down in the middle of nowhere, does your cover include roadside assistance? Can other people drive your car and still be covered if you have an accident?

"These are the small yet significant details that can catch drivers out. You don't want to end up thousands of dollars out of pocket for an accident," Kidman warned.

Tips for saving when planning a trip

• Pick your dates wisely. If you have to travel during the school holidays, the first week of December and the last week of January are normally significantly cheaper than the middle of the holiday period.
• Sign up to newsletters. There's Jetstar's Friday Fare Frenzy, plus Virgin has a happy hour on Thursdays. Sign up to the newsletter and keep an eye on fares. If you act quickly, you can enjoy some significant savings.
• Swap your house. If you live in a desirable area and are prepared to let others stay in your house, consider a home swap with like-minded holidaymakers, or list your home on Airbnb.
• Get cooking. Book accommodation has a kitchen so that you can make your meals at home. Save the money you would've used to eat out and spend it on a holiday activity instead.