Booking.com shares its seven travel predictions for Australians in 2022

One of Australia’s most popular travel companies has released its predictions for booking trips in 2022, with giving back to the community, leaving work at home and choosing new types of vacations high on the list.

Booking.com offers more than 28million total reported accommodation listings, including over 6.2million listings alone of homes, apartments and other unique places to stay.

The company’s Travel Predictions Report for Australia in 2022 reveals how much our nation is looking forward to breaking free from regular mundane life and spending big on holidaying after more than two years of battling the Covid pandemic.

According to the statistics a whopping 72 per cent of travellers interviewed didn’t realise how important travel was for their wellbeing until it was no longer an option, and 87 per cent believe having something to look forward to in their calendar will have a positive effect on their emotional wellbeing.

We’re excited to try new cuisine (62 per cent), experience a different way of life (62 per cent) and hear a new language (30 per cent) with 76 per cent of Australians planning to leave their work completely at home during their stay someplace else.

For most individuals it has been years since they have taken time out for themselves, so 72 per cent plan on saying ‘yes’ to just about any opportunity that comes their way. 

Because the pandemic, and resulting lockdowns, have kept many inside, those who were able to save (42 per cent) are planning on spending their hard-earned pennies abroad and 65 per cent don’t even mind where the destination is.

A record 57 per cent of Aussies are happy to holiday differently than they would have done pre-pandemic, so many are turning to Booking.com’s Homes feature to secure a more intimate experience than a hotel can provide.   

A incredible 61 per cent want their trip to benefit the local community (stock image)

The company was one of the early pioneers of the short-term rental market and has been offering these types of stays since the company was founded. 

The first apartment was listed in 2000, almost a full decade before some of the other well-known players in the space. 

One such rental is Seascape in Sydney’s oceanside paradise of Palm Beach, which features spacious poolside terraces and an oversized fireplace for cosy and relaxed evenings. 

The property boasts air-conditioned rooms with a private pool, sea view and a balcony. 

One such rental is Seascape in Sydney’s oceanside paradise of Palm Beach, which features spacious poolside terraces and an oversized fireplace for cosy and relaxed evenings

Booking.com announced the recipients of its 10th annual Traveller Review Awards recently, with a number of Australian regions voted ‘the most welcoming’ in the world, proving Australia’s southern charm still reigns supreme. 

It’s clear Australians are still keen to travel domestically, whether that be in homestay type accommodation or in luxury resorts, with the Sunshine State dominating the statistics: four out of the top ten most welcoming cities featured in Queensland. 

Victoria and Western Australia destinations also rank highly, with scenic spots and renowned beaches receiving a deserved mention in the top ten.