Pencilling in the next getaway is the secret for almost 3 in 5 Aussies (56%) when it comes to having something to look forward to in the new year. Still, despite the wellbeing boost travel brings, high costs and the need for detailed planning have seen travelling make the list of stressful big life decisions for Aussies.
New research released today from global travel app Skyscanner reveals 1 in 3 Australians (35%) are gearing up to make a major life decision in January, cementing the first month of the year as the nation’s peak decision-making period.
The New Year resolution period stress compounds, and even fun travelling is impacted. 39% of Aussies feel overwhelmed when it comes to travel planning. In fact, 34% say overthinking can sometimes stop them from booking a holiday.
But travel planning doesn’t need to be stressful. Skyscanner Travel Expert Jarrod Kris said there are tools and hacks for Aussies to use in the New Year to reduce stress and get the best bang for their buck. Skyscanner wants to encourage Aussies to use January to get their travel planning underway and book a holiday now.
“Aussies have no issues with locking in travel plans once they have all the information they need. In fact, our research shows 75% of Aussies are decisive when it comes to travel planning,” Mr Kris said.
“For 63% of Aussies, the cost is a major barrier to booking a holiday. However just by starting the year planning for it and taking advantage of smart hacks, travellers will find incredible ways to book their dream trip overseas and not break the bank,” he said.
There are also travel tools Aussies can use to cut costs.
“There are so many ways to get ahead when planning travel for the year that also maximise ‘bang for buck’. Using Skyscanner’s Whole Month Search, you can look at pricing for the whole year ahead, to pinpoint when it’ll cost you the least to travel to your desired location. Using something like the Whole Month Search tool can help in giving you a holistic view of travel for your year, so you can ensure you’re
not double booking yourself and applying for that annual leave in time!” Mr Kris said.
“As well as this, if you’re looking to book in the New Year, consider booking on ‘less desirable’ days and times. Fridays and Saturdays are often some of the most expensive days to fly given high demand, so you may look to fly on the last flight out to cut costs or shift to a Tuesday instead.”
“We also know that each location is different so knowing how far out to book can be a challenge. Aussies can use the Savings Generator tool to find when in the year will be the best time to book your flights and when you’ll find the best savings too,” he said.
For Aussies looking for a stress-free year ahead, Skyscanner has partnered with Neurologist Dr Faye Begeti on tips and advice for stress free travel.
Dr Faye shared her five brain hacks:
- Combat Decision Fatigue:
Decision fatigue can overwhelm your brain, making even simple choices feel exhausting. Narrowing down your options is key.
- Prioritise Key Decisions Early:
Tackle the big decisions – like selecting flights or accommodation – when your mental energy is highest. For less important choices, adopt a “good enough” approach. If a choice meets your criteria, select it and move on to avoid overthinking and decision fatigue.
- Balance Mental Energy with the Right Holiday:
Choose a holiday that aligns with your mental state. If you’re feeling mentally overloaded, opt for a nature-focused retreat to reduce sensory input and recharge. If you’re under-stimulated, consider a city break or an adventure holiday for a burst of novelty and excitement. 4. Leverage Anticipatory Dopamine:
Our brain thrives on anticipation, making the build-up to a holiday feel as exciting as the trip itself so use it to your advantage. Bookmark your dream destinations in a saved list and revisit them as you refine your plans, making the planning a less stressful and more exciting experience. 5. Break Free from Routine:
As we get older, time can feel like it’s moving faster, often because we get stuck in familiar routines. Overcome the status quo bias that keeps you locked into these patterns. Try stepping out of your comfort zone when planning your holiday and explore unexpected destinations; this can lead to more memorable experiences.
Looking to book a stress-free and cheap holiday in 2025? Skyscanner reveals the 10 cheapest destinations:
| Destination City | Destination Country | Price (AUD) |
| Ballina | Australia | $157.00 |
| Launceston | Australia | $194.50 |
| Hamilton Island | Australia | $409.00 |
| Broome | Australia | $456.60 |
| Uluru | Australia | $464.50 |
| Queenstown | New Zealand | $595.50 |
| George Town | Malaysia | $720.60 |
| Chongqing | China | $933.00 |
| Honolulu | United States | $1,050.00 |
| Sarajevo | Bosnia and Herzegovina | $1,070.00 |
