Top destinations and travel trends for Australian travellers
1Cover reveals where Aussies are headed in 2025
According to the latest data from 1Cover Travel Insurance, the top three international destinations for Australian travellers during the April Easter holidays were Bali, Japan and the US. Domestic travel also proved popular, with 1Cover reporting a 10% increase in domestic policy sales compared with the same period in 2024.
Natalie Ball, Chief Operating Officer at 1Cover Travel Insurance, stated that travel demand was expected to remain high heading into the July school break. “If the Easter break is anything to go by, Australians are set to take full advantage of the mid-year break. We’re already seeing strong interest in both domestic and international cover. This steady increase in traveller numbers suggests that Australians are continuing to prioritise travel despite rising costs and an unpredictable exchange rate.”
Ball said affordable destinations close to Australia remain popular, but noted a growing interest in international spots, with many Aussies also planning domestic getaways for the July school holidays. According to 1Cover data, the top 10 destinations for travellers in July are Bali, Australia (domestic locations), the US, Indonesia, Europe, Thailand, Canada, France, Greece, and New Zealand.
“Bali and Japan remain popular, but looking ahead, we’re seeing growing interest in destinations like China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore. There’s also been a notable rise in travel to European countries such as Portugal, Austria, and Croatia, as Aussies venture further afield to seek the sun. This trend reflects a shift away from heavily trafficked hotspots, with travellers seeking out less crowded, emerging destinations in response to concerns around overtourism in recent years.
“Domestic policies are notably high for the mid-year period, with major sporting events, such as the Rugby Lions game, attracting travellers of all ages,” she continued. “We’re also seeing a lot of younger travellers headed to Europe for the summer as well.”
Cruise holidays on the rise
In 2024, 1Cover reported an increase in policy sales for cruise holidays. Ball noted that international cruise holidays are gaining popularity among travellers this year. “While domestic cruising and cruises in the Pacific remain strong, we are seeing a surge in Europe, Asia and North American cruises, in addition to cruises with Canada, Alaska and even Antarctica itineraries.
“Cruising continues to hold strong appeal for a wide range of travellers, from families to retirees,” she added. “With everything bundled into one experience, cruising offers exceptional value, especially at a time when travellers are looking to make every dollar count.”
More travellers are purchasing insurance in advance
1Cover also observed a notable early uptake in policies ahead of the July holidays. Ball commented: “People are becoming more insurance-savvy. We’re seeing fewer last-minute purchases and more customers proactively tailoring their cover to suit their specific trip. There seems to be a growing awareness that travel insurance can make all the difference when things go wrong.”