SHOCK NEWS just in: it seems Aussies are not what they pretend to be!
SHOCK NEWS just in: it seems Aussies are not what they pretend to be!
New research shows that while we like to think of ourselves as spontaneous, we’re actually a nation of planners when it comes to travel.
Global travel site Skyscanner found that more than half (54%) of the 1,000 Australians surveyed had never booked a last-minute holiday, despite most (70%) claiming to be spontaneous.
Almost half of the survey respondents (49%) claimed they want to be more spontaneous when it comes to travel, yet still plan their travel far in advance, at 90 days or more (35%).
Here, JARROD KRIS, Skyscanner Travel Expert and Head of Partnerships, shares his top tips for successful spontaneous travel.
Flex those dates
Searching by multiple dates and airports will not only give you the best chance of a bargain but it also allows for more spontaneous travel times and locations.
Mix & match to save money
Being flexible in mix and matching the airlines you choose to fly with can seriously cut costs along with giving you more spontaneity in the locations you’re travelling to and stopping over in.
Be price smart
Setting up price alerts will ensure you are the first to know as prices drop with any additional discounts or added supply. These price alerts will not only give you access to cheaper flights but can also prompt a spontaneous holiday.
The early bird catches the late flight
Check for a departure flight in the evening after work or overnight. Depending on how long the flight is you could get a spontaneous extra evening, morning or full day in your destination.
Flying at a slightly less popular time means you’re likely to get them cheaper too.
Consider Everywhere’
An Everywhere’ search on Skyscanner is a great starting point for your next spontaneous break away!
Skyscanner offers travellers a unique Everywhere’ search opportunity that presents you with a plethora of travel options based on your travel dates, all ranked by price.
Give the gift of travel
Spontaneous travel is not only a fantastic idea for yourself, but studies show it also makes a great gift with 54 per cent of Aussies agreeing that travel is the most valuable experience to them.
Despite this, 69 per cent of Australians shared that they had never been surprised with a spontaneous trip, so when better to start than now?
AUSSIES ARE TURNING BACK THE CLOCK
THE NUMBER of Australians visiting Japan has exceeded pre-pandemic levels for the first time.
While total visitation to Japan from around the world remained 34 per cent lower in March 2023 compared to March 2019, Australians have rebutted the global trend with visitation climbing 2.3 per cent higher.
Australians have a great affection for Japan as a destination and we know this sentiment has held firm throughout the pandemic, despite border closures, said Yoko Tanaka, Sydney Office Executive Director, Japan National Tourism Organization.
The Australian visitation numbers we have seen for March are reflective of this pent-up demand for travel to Japan and we’re excited to see so many Australians putting their long-awaited travel plans into action.
Australia is one of only five key markets around the world to have seen an elevation in pre-pandemic visitor numbers alongside the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East.
Despite the already strong visitor numbers, flights to Japan from Australia are still on a recovery trajectory, and with even more direct connections between the countries expected to become available in the coming months, we hope to welcome even more Australians to Japan in the near future.
WHO HAS THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL PASSPORT?
NEW RESEARCH has revealed the 10 most powerful passports in the world in 2023.
The Global Passport Index, created by data-driven investment migration consultancy Global Citizen Solutions, shows a new country at the top of the list this year.
The survey utilizes a robust quantitative scoring system to evaluate a country’s investment opportunities, quality of life indicators and the number of visa-free countries accessible through each nation’s passport.
With a total score of 93.7, Germany took the pole position in 2023, taking over from the 2022 leader, the USA.
Germany emerged as the world’s strongest passport, performing well in investment opportunities, quality of life and travel mobility.
Sweden climbed three positions this year from its previous ranking, due to exceptional performance in the Enhanced Mobility Index, pushing Canada down to eighth position. Australia failed to make the top 10.
The top 10 passports ranked in the Global Passport Index are:
- Germany
- The United States
- Sweden
- Denmark
- The Netherlands
- Finland
- The United Kingdom
- Canada
- Norway
- Switzerland
The latest findings are based on rigorous research and evaluation that takes into account factors beyond travel mobility, such as taxation, quality of life, sustainability and cost of living,” said Patricia Casaburi, CEO of Global Citizen Solutions.
BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR ONE VERY HAPPY FAMILY
THERE WERE plenty of celebrations as one long-standing travel company marked a major milestone recently.
The Globus family of brands was founded back in 1928 when Antonio Mantegazza took a rowboat ride across Lake Lugano in Switzerland.
The company he began 95 years ago now has a robust portfolio of independent, touring and cruising holidays across 70 countries, winning multiple awards along the way.
On his rowboat on Lake Lugano, Antonio Mantegazza had a dream to show travellers the world, said Gai Tyrrell, Managing Director Australasia, Globus family of brands.
And in 1928, when he launched Globus, he did that and so much more.
The company has claimed a number of firsts’ which are now standards in the travel industry, including:
- First to introduce holiday packages involving multiple countries
- First to introduce circular touring with itineraries that begin and end in the same place
- First to tour in regional areas of a country and at a slower pace, allowing travellers to spend more nights in one place.
From creating the world’s first European touring holidays and unveiling value tours for cost-conscious travellers, to designing Suite Ships that changed the tide in river cruising, the Globus family of brands has a 95-year history of creating life-enhancing journeys across the globe.
THE TRAVEL TREND THAT COULD GET YOU FIRED
FOR A growing number of Aussies, the freedom to work remotely has been game changing.
Whether it’s at the office or at home, statistics say that those with hybrid or remote work report greater happiness levels and are more productive than their in-office peers.
Increased flexibility has also given rise to the workcation the ability to work while away from home.
By plugging in during office hours and optimising evenings and weekends, employees really can get the best of both worlds. But what if HR doesn’t agree?
Enter the hush trip’ or the ultimate workaround.
By taking a hush trip, workers can travel and explore new locations, all while on the job and without telling their employer.
A recent poll by Comparetravelinsurance.com.au found that nearly half of employees wouldn’t share their workcation plans with their employer.
The survey showed that up to 48 per cent of remote workers would take a hush trip, while a further 22 per cent said they would only confess their remote working travel plans if it was a requirement to do so.
Only eight per cent said they would feel uncomfortable’ working remotely in an undisclosed setting.
Natalie Ball, Managing Director of Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, said that while a getaway can do wonders for workers, the hush trip has its risks.
It’s clear from our survey that workers are keen to maximise their flexible working arrangements. Time away can certainly enrich and enhance one’s wellbeing.
However, the fact that employees are not being upfront with their bosses can pose complications.
Ball says that keeping quiet about your travel plans may not seem like a big deal if you’re getting your work done, but it can negatively impact your working relationships.
If word gets out, the consequence of not sharing your location with your employer could sever trust between you and your manager. There may also be legal ramifications if employees work abroad without the consent of their boss and without travel insurance, the appropriate visa, or a work permit.
Travel is fun and a change of scene can spark inspiration, innovation and increase productivity. On the other hand, the hush trip phenomenon can indeed spark resentment and distrust in colleagues and higher-ups.
If you are planning a workcation, we recommend that you be upfront as most employers do not unreasonably deny time away.
Being honest and upfront with your boss is the simpler choice.
