Skyscanner Research Reveals Australians are Turning to Travel to Boost Morale in 2025

As we are into a new year, many Australians are looking to travel as a way to boost their morale, with 3 in 5 Aussies turning to holidays to enhance their well-being and improve their outlook for the year ahead. This trend, revealed by the latest research from global travel app, Skyscanner, underscores the vital role that travel plays in helping people recharge and reconnect with themselves.

However, while travel may offer a much-needed lift, the accompanying stress of planning and managing costs has made it one of the most stressful decisions Aussies face. According to the research, 39% of Australians feel overwhelmed when it comes to planning their holidays, and 34% admit that overthinking can prevent them from booking a trip altogether. Interestingly, one in three Australians also say they are making significant life decisions in January, making the first month of the year a peak period for decision-making stress.

Skyscanner's Travel Expert, Jarrod Kris, offers a timely reminder that there are practical tools and hacks to reduce travel stress and make it easier to book a holiday that fits both a traveller's budget and lifestyle.

Aussies Seek Stress-Free Travel with the Right Tools

“There’s no doubt that Aussies are highly decisive once they have all the information they need,” Kris said. “However, the research also shows that cost remains a major barrier to booking a holiday for 53% of Aussies. With travel costs on the rise, the key to booking the dream trip without breaking the bank is getting ahead of the game early.”

Skyscanner's tools are designed to make holiday planning simpler and more cost-effective. One standout feature is the Whole Month Search, which allows users to explore pricing trends across an entire month or year. This feature helps Aussies identify the most affordable times to travel to their desired destinations, ensuring they can plan trips without overspending. It also helps travellers avoid the mistake of double-booking and ensures they apply for annual leave in advance.

Additionally, booking on “less desirable” days and times—like flying on Tuesdays or choosing the last flight out on less popular days—can lead to considerable savings. This is especially useful since Fridays and Saturdays tend to be the most expensive days to fly due to high demand.

For those unsure of when to book, Skyscanner's Savings Generator tool provides personalised recommendations based on the best times to purchase flights, helping travellers lock in savings ahead of time.

Travel Tips for a Stress-Free Year Ahead

In partnership with neurologist Dr. Faye Begeti, Skyscanner has also compiled expert advice for making travel planning a more enjoyable and stress-free experience. Here are some of the top tips to keep in mind:

1. Combat Decision Fatigue: Decision fatigue can leave even the most simple choices feeling overwhelming. Dr. Begeti suggests narrowing down options early and taking a step-by-step approach to decision-making to avoid feeling drained by the process.

2. Prioritise Key Decisions Early: Tackle the most important travel decisions when your mental energy is at its peak. For smaller, less important choices, consider adopting a “good enough” mindset to prevent overthinking.

3. Choose the Right Holiday for Your Mental State: Whether you're feeling mentally overloaded or in need of adventure, pick a trip that aligns with your current mindset. A nature retreat may offer the rest and relaxation you need, while a city break might be just the cure for those craving new stimulation and excitement.

4. Leverage Anticipatory Dopamine: The excitement of planning a trip can be just as thrilling as the trip itself. By bookmarking dream destinations and revisiting them periodically, you can tap into the rush of anticipation, making the planning process more enjoyable and less stressful.

5. Break Free from Routine: Over time, routine can cause time to feel like it's slipping away too quickly. Dr. Begeti advises overcoming "status quo bias" by stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring unexpected destinations that promise new and memorable experiences.

Get a Head Start on 2025 Travel Plans

January is the ideal time to begin planning your next adventure, and Skyscanner is encouraging Aussies to take advantage of the tools available to make travel planning easier and more affordable. By getting a jump-start on their travel plans, Australians can use the first month of the year to reduce stress and lay the foundation for their dream holidays.

As we face the challenges of the year ahead, it's clear that travel can be an essential tool for boosting morale and well-being. With a little preparation and the right resources, Aussies can make 2025 a year full of exciting and stress-free travel experiences.