New Skyscanner research reveals Aussies are prioritising affordable travel in 2026,  
with flexibility and savvy booking hacks driving holiday plans

• Adventure is calling! Six in 10 Aussies plan to travel abroad in 2026, and 41% kick off their holiday planning in January.

• Over a third of Aussies (37%) are on a mission to crack the code for the cheapest travel days,  
  and Skyscanner is making it easier with a brand-new tool launched today.

Australians are gearing up for a big year of travel in 2026, with new research* from Skyscanner global travel app revealing that six in ten Aussies plan to head overseas and nearly half will lock in their trips as early in the year. However, while enthusiasm for travel is high, indecision and cost concerns remain key hurdles for many.

January is the prime planning month, with 41% of Australians typically mapping out their holidays. For most, the motivation is clear: 59% want to relax and recharge, 54% crave something to look forward to, and nearly a quarter are simply keen to escape the weather.

Yet many travellers are still undecided: 60% haven’t settled on dates, and 40% are still choosing destinations. Despite this uncertainty, Aussies are embracing a new mindset of travelling with purpose rather than waiting for “perfect” conditions. Cost, however, remains the biggest barrier, with 72% citing price as the reason for delaying bookings.

To make their travel dreams come true, Australians are showing remarkable flexibility, with more than half (55%) opting to fly at different times to save money, while others change accommodation, book cheaper activities, or even shorten their trip. For those who are already booking, ensuring flights (47%) and accommodation (41%) are locked in is top on the priority list.

Skyscanner launches NEW Cheapest Destination Planner

With these concerns in mind to make holiday planning easier and take the stress out of travel decisions, Skyscanner has introduced a new widget – the Cheapest Destination Planner – on its website and app. The smart tool removes the guesswork from planning by showcasing the top 10 cheapest destinations to travel to, for every month in 2026.

How does the Cheapest Destination Planner work?

1. Simply select the month you want to travel;

2. The tool will reveal the top 10 cheapest destinations (on average) for that month – you’ll see the top reasons to visit and average price for a return flight alongside the cheapest days to travel;

3. Made your choice? You can click through to explore flights and/or hotel options for your chosen destination.

Inspiration is another key driver for Aussie travellers, with two-thirds (67%) open to lesser-known destinations. This is another great use for the widget, which will show a range of destinations that some travellers may never have thought to travel to.

Travel Expert Jarrod Kris said, “Our 2026 Travel Trends 2026 saw a shift in how Australians approach travel. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, Aussies are ready to embrace the now, choosing to travel with purpose and make meaningful memories.

January is often seen as a time for fresh starts and planning, and for many, that includes mapping out travel for the year. Whilst there is a common myth that there’s one perfect day to book flights, the reality is far more nuanced. Prices fluctuate based on a mix of factors like destination, seasonality, demand, and even booking trends. At Skyscanner, we’ve found there isn’t a single ‘magic moment’ – but our tools, like Price Alerts, Whole Month Search and now the Cheapest Destination Planner helps travellers cut through the complexity and find the best deals for their journey.

Skyscanner reveals the top 10 lowest fares for 2026**:

More smart ways to save on travel in 2026

• Drops: New miss a deal with Skyscanner’s Drops feature reveals price drops of at least 20%. Get instant alerts on jaw-dropping flight and travel deals as soon as they drop. Limited-time offers, massive savings – perfect for spontaneous getaways.

• Everywhere Search: Skyscanner’s Everywhere search makes spontaneous travel easy by showing you the best flight deals to destinations across the globe. Just enter the departure point, select “Everywhere,” and explore a curated list of affordable options ranked by price. Perfect for flexible travellers who love a good deal and a surprise destination!

• Price Alerts: Price Alerts keep you ahead of the game by tracking flight prices and notifying you the moment they change. Simply set an alert for your chosen route, and Skyscanner will send updates straight to your inbox or app.

• The cheapest day to fly on average? It might surprise you. According to Skyscanner’s analysis, the cheapest day, on average, to fly in 2026 is a Saturday. Only 1% of Aussies surveyed thought Saturday would be the cheapest, with 31% thinking Tuesday and 21% Wednesday.

*Skyscanner research conducted with OnePoll in November 2026 with 2000 Australian respondents.

**The average price is based on the median price (subject to applicable taxes and fees) for economy return flights booked on Skyscanner for travel in 2025 for the selected route and month.