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RAA Travel data reveals ‘close-to-home’ travel grew 15% across last year, with many South Australian travellers seeking more for less from their next holiday. Close-to-home destinations include those in New Zealand, Asia, the Pacific Islands or within Australia.
The growing popularity of these destinations reflect South Australian’s shifting appetite towards destination ‘dupes’ that offer similar experiences to several far-flung bucket list destinations, at a fraction of travel time and costs.
For example, travellers who may have dreamed of a trip to the Swiss Alps are discovering they can see comparable landscapes in New Zealand – where bookings have increased 17% in the last 12 months.
RAA General Manager Travel and Distribution Gina Norman said even before the conflict in the Middle East, South Australians were thinking ‘close to home’ on travel plans.
“Travel is such an important part of life for so many people,” Ms Norman said.
“We’re seeing even as budgets tighten and some regions experience instability – people are simply becoming more thoughtful about where they can go to get an amazing experience.
“Europe is still a massive drawcard as we head into our winter, and we’re finding great ‘round-the-world’ fares for those still looking to enjoy Europe this year, with many tanking an unplanned stop along the way to experience a new destination.
“But at the same time we have travellers asking us about destination ‘dupes’ that might allow them to have a similar experience that more easily fits their budget.
“The silver lining is that some of the most diverse and culturally rich parts of the world are right outside our door.
“For example, Japan has been the fastest growing destination for Australian travellers for several years because it offers cultural experiences, incredible food, ancient temples, neon-lit cities and snow-capped mountains.
“Those drawn to the glamour, glitz and cosmopolitan energy with a cultural depth, Hong Kong rivals many major global destinations as the city that never sleeps.
“There aren’t many places in the world that you can pack as much into a single itinerary as you can with New Zealand, especially those after raw and untamed adventure.’
For more on close-to-home destinations visit the RAA Travel website.
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