visit raa.com.au
Southeast Asia has skyrocketed in popularity with South Aussie travellers and its largest country is topping the list of popular destinations coming into 2025.
According to RAA travel booking data for 2024, Indonesia has emerged as the state’s most popular travel destination over the past 12 months, increasing in popularity by 15% and surpassing the second-placed UK.
Japanese holidays also continued to surge – they were up by 12% year-on-year after a massive return to popularity in 2023.
With a reduced exchange rate between the Australian Dollar and Great British Pound, RAA Travel General Manager Gina Norman said more South Aussies are being drawn toward-budget friendly destinations.
“Current cost-of-living and budgetary pressures affect holiday plans for many travellers, whether that be the destination itself or length of stay,” Ms Norman said.
“Plenty of South Australians are opting for holidays that are easier on the hip-pocket, or with a shorter flight time, closer to home.
“Our RAA Travel booking data shows Indonesia is the favoured overseas destination for South Australians over the past 12 months – surpassing the UK and New Zealand – and with around 922 permanently inhabited islands, you’re spoilt for choice.
“There could also be more options for South Australians to fly to Bali by this winter, with discussions underway for more direct flights.
“Indonesia’s AirAsia airline is looking to provide South Aussies with four direct flights between Denpasar and Adelaide to the island by late June.”
Ms Norman said European holidays had fallen out of favour with some, which can be attributed to airfares and hotels being at peak rates post-COVID.
“The price of a European summer can add up far quicker than a holiday closer to home, with an unprecedented number of tourists post-pandemic driving hotel and airfare prices skyward,” Ms Norman said.
“As of November 2024, there’s been a 11.6% increase in international departures from the year prior according to the ABS, and with many South Australians feeling the pinch, they’re simply opting for a more financially sustainable holiday.
“However, RAA data shows long haul airfares decreased in 2024 as airline competition and capacity ramped up. This is tipped to continue across 2025, making Europe and USA travel more affordable compared to recent years, with popularity across these destinations expected to increase”
“The UK and Italy are still popular holiday destinations – sitting in RAA’s top 10 international destinations for South Aussies – but are the only two European nations currently holding their spot.
“By comparison six countries in Asia remain in the top 10 and continue to welcome a large number of South Australian travellers each year.”
RAA Travel’s top 10 international destinations – 2024
RAA Travel’s top 5 tips on securing the best value holiday