As the summer holiday glow fades and the daily grind resumes, Australians are already plotting their next escape. New data from Airbnb reveals exactly how and where the nation plans to holiday in 2026, forecasting a shift towards more frequent, bite-sized adventures and purposeful personal travel.
Five Key Trends Shaping Aussie Getaways
The platform's trend predictions for 2026 outline five major movements set to define the travel landscape. The overarching theme is making the most of limited time, whether through a quick city break or a disconnected weekend in nature.
The Rise of the Short and Sweet Trip
Domestic travel is firmly on the rise, with a growing number of Australians choosing brief 'quick trip' getaways over lengthy overseas holidays. These excursions typically last just one or two days and are often timed to coincide with cultural events in major cities. This trend sees travellers maximising short stays for a concentrated dose of fun and culture.
Locations currently trending for these micro-holidays include Albany in Western Australia, Tasmania's Launceston, Queensland's Southern Downs region, and Shepparton in Victoria.
Disconnecting Off the Grid
For those yearning to switch off, 2026 will be the year to head off the beaten track. Aussies are expected to seek out secluded retreats near waterways, embracing nature and a slower pace. Interest in remote US national parks has already surged by a significant 35 percent.
Popular Australian destinations for an off-grid escape include Shoalhaven and the Surf Coast in New South Wales, Glamorgan Spring Bay in Tasmania, Victoria's Bass Coast, and Busselton in Western Australia. For an international digital detox, consider Sardinia, Goa, or Indonesia's Ujung Kulon.
Chasing the Mainstage Event
Major events are becoming a primary driver for travel bookings. More than 65 percent of the top-searched dates and cities for 2026 align with global spectacles like the Winter Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and Carnival celebrations.
Closer to home, Australians are planning interstate trips to attend the Australian Open, the Asian Women's World Cup, and concerts by global superstars in cities like Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Adelaide, and Brisbane. Internationally, Toronto, Rio de Janeiro, Guadalajara, and Milan are bracing for visitor influxes.
The Year of 'Me Time': Solo Travel Soars
Airbnb is officially dubbing 2026 the year for self-discovery through solo travel. Adventurous Australians are planning both domestic and international journeys for some quality 'me time'.
Hotspots for solo explorers include Busselton, the Surf Coast, Wingecarribee, and the Gold Coast within Australia. Overseas, the Costa del Sol and Algarve in Europe, Norway's Tromsø, Scotland's Inverness, and the Dominican Republic's La Altagracia are topping wishlists.
Food and Wine as the Ultimate Inspiration
Culinary-driven travel continues its upward trajectory, with wine regions and foodie escapes dominating search lists. Inspired heavily by viral social media content, Australians are increasingly letting iconic dining spots and authentic food experiences dictate their holiday plans.
This includes everything from cooking classes in Japan to visits to top-rated wineries and trending bakeries. Key destinations for gastronomic adventures are expected to be Bangalore, Var, Lisbon, Paris, and Japan.
These 2026 trends paint a clear picture: Australian travellers are becoming more intentional, seeking flexibility, personal enrichment, and unique experiences, whether just a few hours from home or on the other side of the world.
