As the cost of living continues to pinch, Australians are shifting their travel dreams closer to home — and leaning towards trusted reviews when planning their next destination.
New NRMA Index research reveals that two-thirds of Australians (68 per cent) are planning domestic travel over the next 12 months. But what’s guiding their decision-making isn’t social media influencers or glossy travel brochures — it’s word-of-mouth. In fact, 37 per cent of people say personal recommendations from friends and family are their most trusted source of travel advice. Whether it’s a mate’s camping trip to the NT or a cousin’s rave review of a beachside cabin in Tassie, Aussies are looking for authentic voices and real experiences to guide their getaways.
From everyday to epic
The shift signals a deeper trend: Aussies want meaningful, memory-making trips — but without leaving the country or blowing the budget. And the destinations they’re dreaming of reflect that: rugged coastlines, outback escapes, wildlife encounters and regional gems that let them slow down, reconnect and unplug.