Sunday, 12 December 2021

REDISCOVERING FUN: HOW DO AUSSIES HAVE FUN IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD?

  • 42% of Aussies say they’ve had less fun than usual in the last two year
  • The vast majority of Australians wish they had more fun with their partners
  • 61% of Aussies have identified women as the most-fun gender

With the nation reopened and country-wide lockdowns behind us, Australians are rediscovering themselves and jumping back into everything they’ve missed. However, new research reveals* that Australia is in the midst of a trans-fun-mational period, with seven out of ten of us saying that what we do for fun has ultimately changed.

The research from Carnival Cruise Line has revealed that Australians are hungry for fun, with 42% of the nation saying they’ve had less fun than usual in the last two years, while another 8% have had ‘no fun at all’. Aussies now want to visit new places more than before (36%), spend more time with their loved ones (35%) and have learned how to relax and switch off (24%). These are closely related to what Aussies find the most fun with relaxing, kicking back and forgetting their worries (68%), experiencing and discovering new places (66%) and spending time with loved ones and creating new memories (60%) topping the list.

However, this may be easier said than done, with nearly one in four Australians feeling like they’ve forgotten what they like to do for fun over the past two years. What’s more, nearly one in five of us (18%) say they don’t consider themselves a fun person.

Fun and relationships
But what do we know about how our loved ones have fun? Well, although nine in ten (90%) Aussies say they know what their partner likes to do for fun, only eight in ten (82%) think their partner knows what they do for fun. One in five Aussie parents (20%) also don’t know what their kids like to do for fun. Overall, nearly three-quarters of us (72%) wish we had more fun with our partners.

Aussies have also identified women as the most-fun gender at 61%. Although, both men and women
think their gender has the most fun (55% of men vs 77% of women).

On the research findings, Psychologist Jaimie Bloch says that it’s essential for Australians to rediscover what they like to do for fun to be able to reconnect with one another.

“It's been a difficult two years for all of us, but what this time has allowed us to do is re-evaluate our idea of fun. The research clearly reflects this with 70% of Aussies saying that their idea of fun has changed. It’s also no surprise that we are eager for a break and adventure – especially considering that we’ve been stuck at home for so long.

“Holidays are a great space to have fun together, strengthen relationships with our friends and family and let our stresses and worries go. However, it can be difficult to find a holiday that meets everyone’s expectations because what is fun for me is not necessarily fun for you. This can create stress and tension, especially in the planning stage.

“Knowing what you, and your loved ones, like to do for fun makes this process easier. That’s why Carnival’s ‘Fun Type’ quiz is such a useful tool. Cruises are also a great option for this same reason; offering as much or as little routine or structure as you like, a whole range of entertainment options, relaxation, flexibility and above all more time to be together and reconnect. What could be more fun than that?”

How does a holiday impact our idea of fun?
On the relation between fun and holidays, Aussies are just as eager with over one in ten (15%) saying that they can’t even remember the last time they had a holiday! Nearly half of all Aussies (45%) also said that although their last holiday was ‘okay’, there was room to improve.

When it comes to booking a holiday with our family, 48% of us find it difficult to plan one that everyone will enjoy. In fact, half of all Aussie parents (50%) say that they have more fun on holiday without the kids.

In terms of local holiday destinations, the Sunshine State is king with 33% of all respondents saying that Queensland would be the most fun Australian state or territory to visit. NSW follows at 18% and Victoria at 15%.

On top of everything, Australians still love a coastal getaway with “a tropical holiday in a warm destination with the sea, sun and sand” at the top of the list for a third of the nation (32%). This was followed by “a cultural holiday with days planned out and full of sightseeing” (20%), “a holiday to reunite and reconnect with family and friends” (16%), and “a chance to kick back, relax and be pampered” (12.3%).

Kara Glamore, Carnival Cruise Line VP, says that Australians need to appreciate their relationship with fun and discover their ‘fun type’. “What this research has shown is that Aussies need to find that fun- version of themselves again. Many of us no longer know what we like to do for fun after being deprived of it for so long! We consider ourselves fun experts at Carnival. Whether you are the type to slide down waterslides and seek adventure every day or sit by the pool with a cocktail and read a book, we have the perfect holiday for you, no matter your fun type.”

To find your fun type and discover your ideal cruise holiday, visit www.carnival.com.au/funtype.

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