TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site, today announced its 2019 Winter Holiday Destination Report, highlighting the 10 most popular overseas destinations for Australian travellers this winter, based on booking interest*. The report also highlights tips on how to uncover hidden gems and helps travellers discover these destinations like a local.
A recent TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,500 Australian travellers, revealed that 67% are planning a holiday this winter, with almost half intending to travel internationally. One of the main reasons behind Aussies reaching for their passports was to escape the cold (32%), and 48% of those surveyed have plans to visit a beach destination between June to August this year.
The Winter Holiday Destination Report also found that 38% of Aussies are spending more than three weeks jet setting during winter. Travellers want ample time to explore everything a destination has to offer, providing them with an opportunity to browse and take advantage of TripAdvisor’s unparalleled number of reviews of 8.3 million accommodations, restaurants, experiences, airlines and cruises.
“It’s no surprise travellers in Australia love these popular winter spots — they are all known to offer a great holiday experience, and with TripAdvisor as your travel planning companion, travellers can explore more off-the-beaten track options,” said Cheryl Long, Senior Communications Manager, APAC, TripAdvisor. “Whether planning before a trip or in-destination, travellers can use TripAdvisor to find the best places to stay, eat and play that show them a different side of these destinations."
Popular Winter Spots and How to Explore Like a Local
1. Bali
Bali is a living postcard, an Indonesian paradise that feels like a fantasy. Soak up the sun on a stretch of fine white sand, or commune with the tropical creatures as one dives along coral ridges or the colourful wreck of a WWII war ship. On shore, the lush jungle shelters stone temples and mischievous monkeys. The “artistic capital” of Ubud is the perfect place to see a cultural dance performance, take a batik or silver-smithing workshop, or invigorate the mind and body in a yoga class.
- A place to stay that may not be on the radar: Uma Sapna
- A local restaurant to try: Sukun Restaurant
- A hidden gem not to miss: Jimbaran Fish Market
2. London
There's so much to see and do in London, it's easy to be overwhelmed. Major sights like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace are on most visitors' itineraries, but regardless of one’s interests, travellers are likely to find something here. Art lovers should make a beeline for the National Gallery and the Tate Modern whilst military history buffs should not miss the Cabinet War Rooms. Finally, banish thoughts of bland, mushy British food and explore London’s thriving restaurant scene.
- A place to stay that may not be on the radar: The Nadler Victoria
- A local restaurant to try: Barge East
- A hidden gem not to miss: Highgate Cemetry
3. Singapore
Singapore is known as a bustling metropolis, that also happens to be one of the cleanest and safest cities of its size in the world. With its melting pot of cultures, it is no wonder Singapore’s food scene is a true food lover’s paradise. Travellers can explore historic sites like the Thian Hock Keng temple, superlative shopping (including gargantuan malls) along Orchard Road, and a bevy of rooftop bars. Nature lovers can take a walk through the National Orchid Garden within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, or visit the newly opened Jewel Changi Airport, where nature meets retail.
- A place to stay that may not be on the radar: Quincy Hotel by Far East Hospitality
- A local restaurant to try: Po
- A hidden gem not to miss: The Intan
4. Phuket
Phuket offers a rainbow spectrum of spectacular holiday sights from blue lagoons and pink sunsets to orange-robed monks. Three wheeled-Tuk Tuks, taxis, buses and long tailed boats transport visitors between these marvels. Phuket's south coast offers its most popular beaches whilst the north is more tranquil. Diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing are just a few active options and travellers can also head inland, where forested hills, mountains and cliffs are waiting to be explored.
- A place to stay that may not be on the radar: Avista Grande Phuket Karon - MGallery Hotel Collection
- A local restaurant to try: Pad Thai Shop
- A hidden gem not to miss: Ao Sane
5. Oahu
Say aloha to tropical breezes, oceanfront luaus and iconic Diamond Head on Oahu, the most populated Hawaiian island. Follow in the footsteps of surfing forefather Duke Kahanamoku on Waikiki Beach, visit the royal quarters of Iolani Palace and tour Pearl Harbor. Sample hot malasadas (local doughnuts) and shaved ice while shopping for vintage floral-print shirts on Honolulu's Kapahulu Avenue. Get off the tourist trail with a hike to Makapuu Lighthouse on the South Shore.. One can even learn to hula!
- A place to stay that may not be on the radar: The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club
- A local restaurant to try: Uncle Bo's Pupu Bar & Grill
- A hidden gem not to miss: Hawaii Plantation Village
6. Santorini
Glamourous Santorini is deliciously different. Geographical newness is in part to thank. The island’s popular black volcanic Perissa and Kamari beaches are big draws, as is its arguably most famous Red Beach near Akrotiri, which is the place to go for archaeology buffs. Santorini curves round a giant lagoon in the Cyclades islands, offering stunning views from sky-high towns, eclectic cuisine, lovely galleries, thriving nightlife and excellent wines.
- A place to stay that may not be on the radar: Astra Suites
- A local restaurant to try: Meroula Restaurant
- A hidden gem not to miss: Hiking Trail Fira - Oia
7. Viti Levu
Fiji's largest island, home to capital Suva, offers some wonderful beaches. Palm-fringed Natadola Beach, reputed to be one of the best beaches in the world, is a picture-perfect crescent of powdery sand leading to dramatic cliffs. The striking azure lagoon is sure to be a hit with sunseekers and swimmers alike.
- A place to stay that may not be on the radar: Volivoli Beach Resort Fiji
- A local restaurant to try: The Boatshed Restaurant and Lifeboat Bar
- A hidden gem not to miss: Sabeto Hot Springs and Mud Pool
8. Paris
Everyone who visits Paris for the first time probably has the same list of major attractions to hit: The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, etc. Be sure to leave some time to wander the city’s grand boulevards and eat in as many cafes, bistros and brasseries as possible. And don’t forget the shopping - from Louis Vuitton or Les Puces (the flea market), travellers can find something to bring home from the City of Lights.
- A place to stay that may not be on the radar: Hotel Fabric
- A local restaurant to try: La Grange Aux Canards
- A hidden gem not to miss: Chapelle Notre Dame de la Medaille Miraculeuse
9. Rome
It is nicknamed the Eternal City for a reason. From Rome’s awe-inspiring architecture and delicious food to breathtaking art and vibrant street life, it is easy to see why Italy’s capital is one of the world’s most charismatic cities.Rome is also a city of contrasts; few places on earth could be home to both the Vatican and La Dolce Vita.
- A place to stay that may not be on the radar: Nerva Boutique Hotel
- A local restaurant to try: Pizza E Mozzarella
- A hidden gem not to miss: Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori le Mura
10. New York
The ‘City That Never Sleeps’ is renowned for its irrepressible energy, diverse culture and rich history. Whether it is the bright lights of Broadway in Times Square and the leafy paths of Central Park, or discovering the buzzing hole-in-the-wall bars and quirky shops, no day in New York is ever the same.
- A place to stay that may not be on the radar: Library Hotel by Library Hotel Collection
- A local restaurant to try: John's Coffee Shop
- A hidden gem not to miss: Kings County Distillery
Additional statistics from the 2019 Winter Holiday Destination Report
- 59% of Australian travellers who are travelling between June to August this year are travelling with a partner/spouse/significant other. 20% are travelling with family, 13% solo and 8% with friends.
- For those travelling domestically, QLD (43%) and NSW (42%) are the most popular states to explore in the cooler months.
- 20% of Aussie travellers surveyed are spending more than $10,000 on travel between June to August this year.
- The most popular destinations for winter travel this year are:
- Beach - 48%
- City - 47%
- National Park - 24%
- Mountain - 23%
- ENDS -
*Popular destinations were determined by booking interest from travellers in Australia for winter (June to August) 2019. Booking interest includes hotel and attraction commerce clicks/revenue
Survey statistics based on a TripAdvisor survey of 1,553 Australian travellers, conducted in May 2019.
