Lying on the Beach? One in Four Aussies Admit Fibbing About Holiday Costs

The Truth Behind the Holiday Price Tag

New research from Money.com.au has revealed a surprising confession from Australian travellers: more than a quarter (27%) admit to lying about how much their holidays actually cost. Whether to avoid judgment or to make their trip sound more impressive, it seems the truth about travel spending is often lost somewhere between the boarding gate and the beach towel.

The nationally representative survey of over 1,000 Australians found that 10% downplayed their holiday costs to avoid criticism from friends or family, 9% exaggerated their spending to make their trip seem more luxurious, and 8% admitted to lying both ways, depending on who they were speaking to.

Generational Travel Truths: Millennials Lead the Fibbing

When it comes to stretching the truth, Millennials are leading the pack. A striking 45% of Millennials confessed to lying about their holiday expenses, followed by 37% of Gen Z travellers. This suggests that younger generations—often immersed in social media culture—feel greater pressure to present the perfect getaway.

The allure of posting envy-inducing photos and stories online has blurred the line between genuine experiences and curated realities. Many younger travellers are keen to appear financially savvy while also showcasing aspirational lifestyles.

Why Australians Feel the Pressure to Pretend

Money.com.au’s Finance Expert, Sean Callery, explains that Australians are navigating a delicate balance between being responsible spenders and appearing to live the dream life.

“Amid the cost-of-living crunch, some Aussies want to appear to be travelling with a sense of financial responsibility. To them, going all out and blowing money on a holiday feels a bit reckless when everyone else is feeling the pinch,” says Callery.

“Others like to stretch the truth to make their trip sound a little more glamorous than it was. It’s not just about where you go, but how your trip looks to others, especially among younger generations who use social media to share their highlight reels with friends and family.”

Keeping Travel Honest and Affordable

While a harmless fib may seem trivial, experts warn that the desire to appear well-travelled and financially comfortable can have deeper consequences. Overspending or going into debt just to maintain appearances can quickly turn a dream vacation into a financial headache.

Instead, travellers are encouraged to embrace transparency and plan realistically. Sharing the real cost of a holiday—along with budgeting tips and deals—can actually help others plan more achievable adventures without the stress of overspending.

After all, the best travel stories are those that reflect authentic experiences, not inflated price tags.

For more information, visit www.money.com.au

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