New research^* from leading travel app Expedia^® reveals that after a relaxing and fulfilled summer, many Aussies are holding onto that summer feeling, ready to embrace the idea of a “nothing-cation” in 2023 — a trip where warm weather and relaxation are the main attractions. According to a survey of 1,000 Australian travellers, four in five Australians (83%) plan to take a holiday in 2023 that involves little planned activity, with 74% wanting to do so overseas.

Sparking this sentiment is a renewed love affair for overseas beach getaways — a favorite trip type for nothing-cationers. The number of Australians searching for international beach accommodation on Expedia increased by a huge 120% in January[1], with interest for destinations including Lombok in Indonesia, Taormina in Italy and Makarska in Croatia up by over 1000%, compared to the same time in 2022[2]. April, which is the month with the greatest number of public holidays, promises to be the first big bumper season for international beach getaways, as Australians make the most of the extra time off.

“There’s a time and place for a cool climate or action-packed holiday, but the trends show relaxing, beach getaways are top of the list for Aussies this year,” says Daniel Finch, Expedia Brands Managing Director. “Whether it’s ongoing cost considerations, or just the growing desire to switch off and recharge, Aussies are embracing overseas getaways that prioritise relaxation above all else. One trick to make planning a nothing-cation even easier is to bundle your flight and hotel on Expedia, which not only saves you time but can knock nearly $187 on average off your trip^**.”

When nothing is really something:

According to Expedia’s research, 59% of Aussies plan to spend at least half of their time ‘doing nothing’ on their holidays in 2023, with 33% saying that actively doing nothing while travelling — without feeling guilty — is a desire that has grown in recent years. Above all else, Aussies define doing nothing as relaxing (77%), while others plan to forgo a strict itinerary (62%), live life at a leisurely pace (58%), float in the ocean or pool (53%), sleep in or nap (46%), be spontaneous (38%), read (36%), enjoy some silence (22%), or even leave the kids at home (12%).

For most Aussies, the benefits of a nothing-cation are even felt before they arrive, with 70% citing it means they don’t need to spend hours researching every facet of the trip and 68% choosing a beach destination vs. city, to help keep costs down. 

The ultimate travel hack: the return of all-inclusive accommodation

Forget what you might think about all-inclusive accommodation. Authentic experiences, fresh dining options and a focus on luxury are redefining what it means to pay for your holiday as a lump sum. Whether it’s the convenience, the added value, the thrill of endless food and drink options or just the need for a more relaxing getaway, the appeal of all-inclusive accommodation has grown substantially in the last year — over 52% according to Expedia research. More than half (54%) of Aussies are keen to book all-inclusive accommodation to avoid worrying about on-the-ground expenses, to be able to just flop and drop and make it easier when travelling with kids.

Finch continued: “Aside from the added convenience, all-inclusive is a great hack to simplify trip planning and budgeting. While travellers opting for an all-inclusive holiday should expect to pay a bit more upfront, if you’ve done your research right, you’re essentially going into your trip knowing how much money you’re going to spend, leaving you to just relax and enjoy your time away.”

Fiji, Maldives, Southeast Asia and Mexico continue to be the most popular all-inclusive destinations for Australians, with top-rated properties including Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, Samabe Bali Suites & Villas, Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa and Atelier Playa Mujeres.

Plan a nothing-cation to remember:

Looking at the top-trending international beach destinations so far this year[3], regardless of whether it’s just a short flight away or an extended beach break in Europe, it’s clear the preference is for idyllic destinations perfect for days spent doing a whole lot of nothing.

1. Lombok, Indonesia: Accommodation interest up over 1400%
2. Taormina, Italy: Accommodation interest is up over 1200% 
3. Bali, Indonesia: Accommodation interest is up almost 1200% 
4. Makarska, Croatia: Accommodation interest is up over 1000% 
5. Paros, Greece: Accommodation interest is up over 900% 
6. New Caledonia: Accommodation interest is up almost 900% 
7. Boracay, Philippines: Accommodation interest is up over 600% 
8. Vanuatu Island: Accommodation interest is up over 600% 
9. Koh Phi Phi, Thailand: Accommodation interest is up over 600% 
10. Phú Quốc, Vietnam: Accommodation interest is up close to 500% 

^*In partnership with OnePoll. Surveyed 1,000 resp’ts from 3 – 11 January 2023. The survey was conducted online using panel members who are credited to participate in surveys. Focused on AU working adults.^**Savings apply to bookings made on Expedia.com.au. Discounts are valid until the trip start date

[1] Based on international beach accommodation interest on Expedia.com.au from 1 – 30 January 2023, compared to the 1-30 January 2022.

[2] Based on international beach accommodation interest on Expedia.com.au from 1 – 31 January 2023, compared to the 1-31 January 2022.

[3] Based on international beach accommodation interest on Expedia.com.au from 1 – 31 January 2023, compared to the 1-31 January 2022.