School leavers celebrating their end-of-year freedom are opting to head overseas rather than party in Australia, new data suggests.
But while Bali and Thailand are renowned as hotspots for the 17 and 18-year-old ‘schoolies’, a new spot has emerged as the destination of choice.
Europe has become the hotspot for international travel insurance quotes among the Year 12 graduates, with 27 per cent heading to the region, News.com.au reports.
School leavers celebrating their end-of-year freedom are opting to head overseas rather than party in Australia, new data suggests
While Bali and Thailand are renowned as hotspots for the 17 and 18-year-old ‘schoolies’, a new spot has emerged as the destination of choice (Pictured are people celebrating)
The report, which comes from finder.com.au, found South East Asia a close second-favourite, with 24 per cent of school leavers looking to make their way there.
While the South Pacific region, which includes tropical nations such as Fiji and Vanuatu, was third on the list with 11 per cent of travellers.
Looking at individual countries however, Indonesia was considered the top destination, followed by the United States and Australia.
Other countries topping graduates list’s were Japan, the UK, France, Thailand, The Philippines, Canada and New Zealand.
The report, which comes from finder.com.au, found Europe the top travel destination by way of insurance quotes purchased, while south-east Asia was a close second (Pictured are students enjoying the end of their school year)
Schoolies celebrations in Queensland kicked off early, with one class from Somerset College in Mudgeeraba getting in on the action Friday afternoon as they ran into the surf
But the Gold Coast is still expected to be a favoured destination at home, with more than 20,000 students taking part in festivities there this year, according to the Gold Coast Bulletin.
One class from Somerset College in Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast got in on the action early Friday, running into the water at Burleigh Heads Beach.
Schoolies celebrations will kick off in Queensland on Saturday, with similar events in NSW and Victoria beginning on November 25.