For Australian travellers, Japan’s been at the top of the list.
For years, we’ve flocked to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka to eat good Japanese food, soak up the cherry blossoms, bathe in hot springs, and, of course, shop.
But in 2025, it looks like Australians have their eyes set on a different destination, with surprising new trending destinations emerging as travel hotspots.
Siem Reap in Cambodia has emerged as the top trending travel spot for Australians in 2025. Source: Getty / Tang Chhin Sothy
Where are Australians travelling to in 2025?
According to a travel-comparison website, Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 report, the most popular place Australians want to travel next year is Siem Reap in Cambodia, home to the famous Angkor Wat temple. Interest has increased by a whopping 529 per cent.
Other Southeast Asian regions have also topped the chart, with Thailand’s Krabi coming in at the second spot. Lying just next to the popular Phuket, Krabi is famous for its breathtaking beaches and islands, including the Phi Phi Islands.
It seems like island living is at the top of the agenda for travelling Australians, with Busuanga in the Philippines coming in third place, which is known for island hopping and scuba diving.
Korea’s Daegu, located just 1.5 hours away from Seoul, came in fourth. Daegu boasts a rich cultural experience with plenty of art and ancient architecture.
Australians are also willing to head a bit further away from home, with Rovaniemi in Finland emerging as the fifth trending spot. Affectionately known as the hometown of Santa Claus, it’s the perfect place to catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
Rounding out the top ten were Cusco in Peru, Tromsø in Norway, Almaty in Kazakhstan, and Labuan Bajo and Yogyakarta in Indonesia.
The findings were based on the locations that saw the biggest increases in flight searches between 1 January 2024 and 30 June 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.
Siem Reap has taken out the top spot for Australia’s trending travel destinations in 2025. Source: SBS News
Where are the cheapest destinations to fly?
According to the report, Thailand has taken out the top spot for best-value travel destinations in 2025. Krabi has experienced a 34 per cent airfare price drop, making it even more enticing for a summer holiday.
Belfast in Northern Ireland has recorded a 26 per cent reduction in prices, while airfares from Australia to Madrid, Budapest, and Okinawa have also fallen.
How are Australians choosing where to travel in 2025?
The report also identified the top experiences and factors influencing Australians’ choice of destination.
The biggest factor was the weather (66 per cent), followed by the attractions (65 per cent), food (63 per cent) and culture (59 per cent).
Despite the cost of living crisis, travel is still a priority for Australians, with 43 per cent planning on travelling more in 2025.
The report shows that 36 per cent of Australians have accepted that they will spend more on flights, 31 per cent will spend more on accommodation, and 14 per cent plan to spend more on car hire.
But when choosing where to go, cost still plays the most important role. The top factors determining holiday destinations are favourable currency and exchange rates (32 per cent), the cost of tourist attractions (32 per cent), and the cost of visas (17 per cent).
What are people doing overseas?
Almost one-third of Australian travellers plan to see a sporting event in 2025.
Astro-tourism, which draws travellers for stargazing and solar eclipses, is also trending. Around 58 per cent want to see the northern lights, 39 per cent want to go to an observatory, and 38 per cent hope to watch a solar or lunar eclipse.
While holidays might have previously been viewed as places to relax and unwind, more Australians are now weaving health and wellbeing into their trips, with 63 per cent of travellers being health conscious.
Over half (59 per cent) of travellers consider arts and culture to be among the most important factors in selecting a holiday destination.
Gamers are also incorporating their hobby into travelling, with 31 per cent of travellers inspired to book trips abroad based on the location of their favourite video game.
Many also travel specifically for gaming conventions, and 10 per cent look for hotels equipped with game consoles.
A significant 72 per cent also enjoy visiting gardens while on holiday, making reconnecting with nature a big reason for travel.
The year 2025 will bring the rise of the ‘cowboy core,’ according to the report, with holidays focused on country music, stays at ranches and farms, and horse trekking.
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