As we step into 2026, one thing is clear: Australians absolutely fell back in love with travel in 2025. International borders felt truly “open” again, confidence returned, and Aussies headed overseas in big numbers — from nearby beach escapes to long-haul dream trips.
According to the latest travel data and reporting, Australians took millions of international trips throughout 2025, with strong growth across Asia, the Pacific, Europe and North America. Certain destinations clearly stood out — not just as favourites, but as signals of what Aussies want more of: culture, food, nature, comfort, and meaningful experiences.
This recap isn’t just a look back — it’s a planning guide for 2026.
Below we revisit the most popular destinations Aussies travelled to in 2025, why they were so appealing, and how you can use those trends — plus Pointrs strategies and tools — to plan smarter, better-value trips in 2026.
Let’s rewind 2025 — and then fast-forward your 2026 travel plans ✨
1. Bali & Indonesia — Still Australia’s Favourite Escape
Why Aussies Loved It in 2025
Bali remained Australia’s number one overseas destination again in 2025 — and honestly, it’s no surprise. It ticks every box: affordability, direct flights, warm weather, great food, wellness retreats, nightlife and family resorts — all in one compact destination.
Travellers used Bali for:
-
Short getaways
-
Remote work and extended stays
-
Honeymoons and anniversaries
-
Wellness and yoga retreats
What This Means for 2026
Bali isn’t going anywhere. In 2026, expect:
-
Higher demand during school holidays and winter
-
Popular resorts and villas booking out earlier
-
Increased value in planning ahead
📍 Use Pointrs to plan Bali 2026:
| Flights You Could Book with Points/Miles | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Pointr #9147 | Pointr #6404 | Pointr #9167 | Pointr #6395 |
|
✈️ Sydney (SYD) to Denpasar (DPS) |
✈️ Melbourne (MEL) to Denpasar (DPS) | ✈️ Perth (PER) to Denpasar (DPS) | ✈️ Brisbane (BNE) to Denpasar (DPS) |
|
Fly Sydney to Denpasar Economy Return with Garuda Indonesia (non-stop) for only 26,000 Airline Points - Save 42,000 points! |
Fly Melbourne to Denpasar Economy Return with Qantas (non-stop) for only 26,000 Airline Points - Save 39,000 points! | Fly Perth to Denpasar Economy Return with Jetstar (non-stop) for only 33,200 Airline Points - Save 2,800 points! | Fly Brisbane to Denpasar Business Return with Virgin Australia (non-stop) for only 77,500 Airline Points - Save 78,500 points! |
| Check Out All Bali Spend Less Pointrs | |||
Check out Pointrs Travel to book your accommodations — Save up to 50% on Hotels, Activites and more...
*Book for stay: Fri, 10 April to Tue, 14 April (prices as of 15/01/2026)
2. New Zealand — The Easy Adventure Next Door
Why It Surged in 2025
New Zealand remained one of the most travelled destinations for Aussies thanks to its:
-
No visa hassles
-
Minimal jet lag
-
Stunning scenery
-
Year-round activities
From Queenstown ski trips to North Island food and wine tours, it appealed to couples, families and adventure-seekers alike.
What This Means for 2026
New Zealand is perfect for:
-
Shoulder-season travel (April–May, Sept–Nov)
-
Short breaks with high impact
-
Nature-focused itineraries
📍 Use Pointrs to plan NZ 2026:
| Flights You Could Book with Points/Miles | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Pointr #35828 | Pointr #11696 | Pointr #13467 | Pointr #11706 |
| ✈️ Brisbane (BNE) to Auckland (AKL) | ✈️ Sydney (SYD) to Auckland (AKL) | ✈️ Perth (PER) to Auckland (AKL) | ✈️ Melbourne (MEL) to Auckland (AKL) |
| Fly Brisbane to Auckland Economy Return with All Airlines (via All Routes) from only 15,000 Airline Points - Save 45,000 points! | Fly Sydney to Auckland Premium Economy Return with Qantas (non-stop) from only 20,000 Airline Points - Save 45,200 points! | Fly Perth to Auckland Business Return with Air New Zealand (non-stop) for only 30,000 Airline Points - Save 130,000 points! | Fly Melbourne to Auckland Business Return with Air New Zealand (non-stop) for only 30,000 Airline Points - Save 62,000 points! |
| Check Out All New Zealand Spend Less Pointrs | |||
Check out Pointrs Travel to book your accommodations — Save up to 50% on Hotels, Activites and more...
*Book for stay: Fri, 20 February to Tue, 24 February (prices as of 15/01/2026)
3. Japan — The Cultural Superstar of 2025
Why It Took Off
Japan was one of the standout growth destinations of 2025. Aussies flocked to:
-
Tokyo’s futuristic energy
-
Kyoto’s traditional beauty
-
Osaka’s food scene
-
Hokkaido’s snow season
The combination of safety, cleanliness, transport efficiency and unforgettable culture made Japan incredibly appealing.
What This Means for 2026
Japan is now a must-do destination, which means:
-
Cherry blossom and autumn seasons book out fast
-
Award seat availability becomes more competitive
-
Planning ahead is key
📍 Use Pointrs to plan Japan 2026:
| Flights You Could Book with Points/Miles | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Pointr #46 | Pointr #6465 | Pointr #5137 | Pointr #402 |
| ✈️ Perth (PER) to Tokyo (NRT) | ✈️ Brisbane (BNE) to Tokyo (NRT) | ✈️ SYD (SYD) to Tokyo (NRT) | ✈️ Melbourne (MEL) to Tokyo (NRT) |
| Fly Perth to Tokyo Economy Return with ANA (non-stop) for only 42,500 Airline Points - Save 147,500 points! | Fly Brisbane to Tokyo Economy Return with Qantas (non-stop) for only 51,500 Airline Points - Save 40,500 points! | Fly Sydney to Tokyo Business Return with Qantas (non-stop) for only 80,000 Airline Points - Save 122,000 points! | Fly Melbourne to Tokyo Business Return with Japan Airlines (non-stop) for only 80,000 Airline Points - Save 136,000 points! |
| Check Out All Japan Spend Less Pointrs | |||
Check out Pointrs Travel to book your accommodations — Save up to 50% on Hotels, Activites and more...
*Book for stay: Thu, 23 April to Tue, 28 April (prices as of 15/01/2026)
4. The USA — The Big Dream Trip
Why Aussies Still Went Big in 2025
Despite being long-haul, the US remained incredibly popular for:
-
Bucket-list trips
-
Family holidays
-
Theme parks and national parks
-
Shopping, sports and entertainment
What This Means for 2026
With rising flight costs, the USA is exactly where smart points strategy matters most.
📍 Use Pointrs to plan USA 2026:
| Flights You Could Book with Points/Miles | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Pointr #9436 | Pointr #13939 | Pointr #21230 | Pointr #5871 |
| ✈️ Melbourne (MEL) to New York (JFK) | ✈️ Sydney (SYD) to Los Angeles (LAX) | ✈️ Perth (PER) to San Francisco (SFO) | Francisco (SFO) ✈️ Brisbane (BNE) to Boston (BOS) |
| Fly Melbourne to New York Economy Return with Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) for only 75,000 Airline Points - Save 179,000 points! | Fly Sydney to Los Angeles Premium Economy Return with ANA (via Tokyo) for only 98,000 Airline Points - Save 174,000 points! | Fly Perth to San Francisco Business Return with Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) for only 145,000 Airline Points - Save 265,000 points! | Fly Brisbane to Boston Business Return with Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) for only 160,000 Airline Points - Save 303,500 points! |
| Check Out All USA Spend Less Pointrs | |||
Check out Pointrs Travel to book your accommodations — Save up to 50% on Hotels, Activites and more...
*Book for stay: Fri, 1 May to Mon, 4 May (prices as of 15/01/2026)
5. China — The Quiet Comeback
China made a strong return in 2025 as flight routes expanded and confidence returned. Travellers were drawn to:
-
Shanghai
-
Beijing
-
Guilin
-
Yunnan and scenic regions
What This Means for 2026
China is ideal for:
-
Culturally rich itineraries
-
Food tourism
-
Photography and nature trips
📍 Use Pointrs to plan China 2026:
| Flights You Could Book with Points/Miles | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Pointr #13343 | Pointr #365 | Pointr #366 | Pointr #367 |
| ✈️ Sydney (SYD) to Hong Kong (HKG) | ✈️ Brisbane (BNE) to Hong Kong (HKG) | ✈️ Melbourne (MEL) to Hong Kong (HKG) | ✈️ Perth (PER) to Hong Kong (HKG) |
| Fly Sydney to Hong Kong Business Return with Qantas (non-stop) for only 80,000 Airline Points - Save 122,000 points! | Fly Brisbane to Hong Kong Business Return with Cathay Pacific (non-stop) for only 80,000 Airline Points - Save 122,000 points! | Fly Melbourne to Hong Kong Business Return with Cathay Pacific (non-stop) for only 80,000 Airline Points - Save 122,000 points! | Fly Perth to Hong Kong Business Return with Cathay Pacific (non-stop) for only 80,000 Airline Points - Save 100,000 points! |
| Check Out All Hong Kong Spend Less Pointrs | |||
Check out Pointrs Travel to book your accommodations — Save up to 50% on Hotels, Activites and more...
*Book for stay: Fri, 2 October to Wed, 7 October (prices as of 15/01/2026)
6. Thailand & Vietnam — The Value-Packed Favourites
These destinations remained hugely popular for Aussies wanting:
-
Incredible food
-
Affordable luxury
-
Beaches and cities in one trip
-
Excellent value for money
Bangkok, Phuket, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City all ranked strongly.
📍 Use Pointrs to plan SE Asia 2026:
| Flights You Could Book with Points/Miles | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Pointr #37018 | Pointr #36676 | Pointr #12588 | Pointr #13475 |
| ✈️ Perth (PER) to Bangkok (BKK) | ✈️ Sydney (SYD) to Bangkok (BKK) | ✈️ Melbourne (MEL) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) | ✈️ Sydney (SYD) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) |
| Fly Perth to Bangkok Economy Return with All Airlines (via All Routes) for only 41,400 Airline Points - Save 148,600 points! | Fly Sydney to Bangkok Business Return with All Airlines (via All Routes) for only 80,000 Airline Points - Save 330,000 points! | Fly Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City Economy Return with Jetstar (non-stop) for only 49,400 Airline Points - Save 14,600 points! | Fly Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City Business Return with Jetstar (non-stop) for only 123,200 Airline Points - Save 61,800 points! |
| Check Out All Thailand & Vietnam Spend Less Pointrs | |||
Check out Pointrs Travel to book your accommodations — Save up to 50% on Hotels, Activites and more...
*Book for stay: Sat, 2 May to Fri, 8 May (prices as of 15/01/2026)
7. The UK — Culture, History & Connection
The UK stayed popular for:
-
Visiting friends and relatives
-
Cultural tourism
-
European gateway travel
London, Edinburgh and regional UK trips all featured strongly.
📍 Use Pointrs to plan UK 2026:
| Flights You Could Book with Points/Miles | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Pointr #13934 | Pointr #11836 | Pointr #15782 | Pointr #13475 |
| ✈️ Sydney (SYD) to London (LHR) | ✈️ Melbourne (MEL) to Manchester (MAN) | ✈️ Perth (PER) to Birmingham (BHX) | ✈️ Brisbane (BNE) to Edinburgh (EDI) |
| Fly Sydney to London Economy Return with ANA (via Tokyo) for only 75,000 Airline Points - Save 179,000 points! | Fly Melbourne to Manchester Economy Return with Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) for only 80,000 Airline Points - Save 139,000 points! | Fly Perth to Birmingham Business Return with Emirates (via Dubai) from only 120,000 Airline Points - Save 235,000 points! | Fly Brisbane to Edinburgh Business Return with Emirates (via Dubai) from only 120,000 Airline Points - Save 285,000 points! |
| Check Out All UK Spend Less Pointrs | |||
Check out Pointrs Travel to book your accommodations — Save up to 50% on Hotels, Activites and more...
*Book for stay: Sat, 3 October to Fri, 9 October (prices as of 15/01/2026)
8. India — The Deep-Travel Choice
India attracted Aussies seeking:
-
Spiritual travel
-
History and architecture
-
Food exploration
-
Slower, immersive journeys
📍 Use Pointrs to plan India 2026:
| Flights You Could Book with Points/Miles | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Pointr #14010 | Pointr #14011 | Pointr #8706 | Pointr #6365 |
| ✈️ Melbourne (MEL) to Mumbai (BOM) | ✈️ Melbourne (MEL) to Mumbai (BOM) | ✈️ Sydney (SYD) to New Delhi (DEL) | ✈️ Sydney (SYD) to New Delhi (DEL) |
| Fly Melbourne to Mumbai Economy Return with Air India (non-stop) for only 46,000 Airline Points - Save 114,000 points! | Fly Melbourne to Mumbai Business Return with Air India (non-stop) for only 87,000 Airline Points - Save 263,000 points! | Fly Sydney to New Delhi Economy Return with Air India (non-stop) for only 46,000 Airline Points - Save 114,000 points! | Fly Sydney to New Delhi Business Return with Air India (non-stop) for only 87,000 Airline Points - Save 263,000 points! |
| Check Out All India Spend Less Pointrs | |||
Check out Pointrs Travel to book your accommodations — Save up to 50% on Hotels, Activites and more...
*Book for stay: Sat, 12 December to Fri, 18 December (prices as of 15/01/2026)
9. Fiji — The Reset Button
Fiji remained the go-to for:
-
Honeymoons
-
Family holidays
-
Relaxation trips
-
Short luxury escapes
📍 Use Pointrs to plan Fiji 2026:
| Flights You Could Book with Points/Miles | |||
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Pointr #6237 | Pointr #6234 | Pointr #37884 | Pointr #412 |
| ✈️ Sydney (SYD) to Nadi (NAN) | ✈️ Brisbane (BNE) to Nadi (NAN) | ✈️ Brisbane (BNE) to Nadi (NAN) | ✈️ Sydney (SYD) to Nadi (NAN) |
| Fly Sydney to Nadi Economy Return with Qantas (non-stop) for only 22,000 Airline Points - Save 43,000 points! | Fly Brisbane to Nadi Economy Return with Fiji Airways (non-stop) for only 22,000 Airline Points - Save 28,000 points! | Fly Brisbane to Nadi Business Return with All Airlines (via All Routes) for only 44,000 Airline Points - Save 56,000 points! | Fly Sydney to Nadi Business Return with Fiji Airways (non-stop) for only 44,000 Airline Points - Save 81,000 points! |
| Check Out All Fiji Spend Less Pointrs | |||
Check out Pointrs Travel to book your accommodations — Save up to 50% on Hotels, Activites and more...
*Book for stay: Sat, 4 July to Fri, 11 July (prices as of 15/01/2026)
🧭 What 2025 Taught Us About Planning Travel in 2026
Here’s what last year clearly showed:
✔ Aussies are travelling more again
✔ Popular destinations are booking earlier
✔ Prices are rising — especially on flights
✔ Points and miles strategy matters more than ever
The biggest opportunity in 2026?
Not just where you go — but how you book it.
That’s where Pointrs becomes your unfair advantage.
By using Pointrs to:
-
Find lower-point award seats
-
Compare airline programs
-
Unlock better-value routes
-
Stack points and discounts
…you can turn the travel trends of 2025 into smarter, more affordable adventures in 2026.
✨ Ready to Plan Your 2026 Travel?
If 2025 reminded us of anything, it’s that travel is worth prioritising — and planning early makes it better, cheaper and far more enjoyable.
Wherever 2026 takes you — whether it’s Bali, Japan, Europe or somewhere completely new — Pointrs helps you get there for less.
👉 Start planning now.
👉 Use your points smarter.
👉 And make 2026 your best travel year yet.
