Aussies Desperate to Holiday Despite Rising Costs of Living

Finance Guru offers Tips to Making Travel Easier and More Affordable

• 43% of Aussies admit they don’t have a holiday booked in the next six months
• Over 41% say the additional cost of activities once they reach their holiday destination is also having an impact
• Over a third of the nation blame cancelled or delayed flights for impacting future holiday plans

With school holidays underway, Australians are craving a holiday with loved ones more than ever, yet research* released today reveals that almost half (43%) don’t have a holiday booked in the next six months.

The latest Holiday Report from P&O Cruises Australia highlights that the cost-of-living crisis is having a significant impact on personal budgets, with just over half (51%) of Aussies blaming rising interest rates. Almost a third of the nation feel significantly impacted.

According to one of Australia’s leading financial experts, Canna Campbell, inflationary pressures and interest rate rises are eating into discretionary income which is having a huge impact on everyday Aussies. “We know that 85% of us will spend the same, if not less than before, on holidaying due to the rising cost of living. However, after two years of lockdowns, a well-deserved break is exactly what Aussies are craving,” she says.

Her simple tips to getting more bang for your buck? Canna suggests, “Look for all-inclusive packages so you know exactly what your holiday will cost you, sign up to newsletters for hot deals, and keep an eye out for bonus inclusions like room upgrades, kids travel free or bonus room credit to make your holiday dollar stretch as far as possible.”

P&O’s Holiday Report also reveals that transit time and hidden costs are becoming a major turn off when booking a holiday. 38% of Aussies admit cancelled or delayed flights are impacting their holiday plans while just under half the nation (47%) don’t want to spend more than 3-5 hours in transit. Over 40% of Australians say that the additional cost to participate in activities once they reach their destination is also having an impact.

Ryan Taibel, P&O Cruises Vice President of Sales and Marketing Australia says that the return of cruising to Australia and the South Pacific couldn’t be timelier.

“We understand more than anyone that Australians value their holidays. We’ve all been waiting a long time for cruising to restart as it’s one of the most affordable, and stress-free ways to holiday and spend quality time with friends and loved ones. We also know many Australians are doing it tough right now so we’re doing everything we can to ensure Aussies can still enjoy a well-deserved holiday without breaking the bank.”

To help Aussies’ fulfil their holiday goals, P&O Cruises has released it’s We Are The Destination sale – secure a cabin for just $49pp[1] until 15 October, and for all bookings made between 5 -18 October, On Board Credit will be doubled from $300 to $600. For more information visit pocruises.com.au, call 13 24 94 or see a licensed travel agent.