Aussie kids under the age of 13 are set to become the nation’s most domestically travelled and educated generation, according to new research commissioned by go-to domestic travel site Wotif.com, placing them in a unique position as the local travel experts of tomorrow.
The study shows that despite the last 12-months being turbulent for Aussie kids, there is a silver lining. As a result of international border closures, appetite to explore Australia remains strong, with 86% of Aussie families intending to take a local holiday in the next year, including six in ten (61%) that plan on taking multiple trips.
Prior to the pandemic, international travel was the clear preference for young families. Only 22% of families with kids under 13 opted for domestic holidays, compared to almost half (45%) that ventured on international getaways, according to the research. However, two thirds (61%) of Aussie parents, now say their children are more excited about exploring their own backyard, particularly as domestic travel remains top of mind for all Australians.
The research also revealed Aussie parents today are far more likely to plan at least one annual domestic family holiday (91%), compared to their own parents when they were kids (36%), suggesting kids under the age of 13 will see more of Australia than generations before. So, this winter, Wotif is handing over the reins to Aussie kids – the domestic travel experts of the future – to curate the ultimate bucket list of Australian travel experiences worth ticking off before the age of 13.
Home to over 8,000 islands, 600 national parks and wildlife species that are found nowhere else on earth, Australia has some of the world’s most incredible wonders worth exploring. Whether it’s witnessing the nightly penguin parade on Phillip Island, or jungle surfing the treetops of Cape Tribulation in Tropical North Queensland, Wotif is calling on Aussie parents to share the fun, adventurous and joyful travel experiences that are at the top of their children’s travel wish lists to bring to life Wotif’s first everAussie Kids Bucket List.
Wotif Managing Director, Daniel Finch said: “There’s no doubt the last 12 months have been tough for all Aussies, including kids. Our research shows kids have missed out on so many meaningful experiences, particularly the joy that comes from a family holiday. However, in the current environment, kids are in a truly unique position to see more of Australia in an intimate way, like no other generation of our time.
“Kids have a special way of looking at the world, often finding joy in the simple pleasures which are overlooked by adults. With the winter school holidays around the corner, we want Aussie kids to tell us what their next dream holiday experience is. Whether it’s taking on the slopes in Thredbo or hitting up the Gold Coast theme parks – who better to inspire and inform than the Aussie travel experts of tomorrow.”
Wotif research found that Aussie kids are eager to do a wide range of things on family holidays and are most excited about trips that involve theme parks (49%), getting up close and personal with wildlife (41%) or seeing a ‘big thing’ (22%). When it comes to what they love most about family holidays, bonding tops the list (51%), followed by the chance to get out of the house (47%) and try something new (45%).
Launching today, Wotif is encouraging Aussie parents to visit Wotif.com/kidslist to nominate their kid’s dream Aussie travel experience to tick off before the age of 13. The entry judged the most creative and original will win a $2000 Wotif travel credit*.
In June, the Wotif Aussie Kids Bucket List will be revealed, as the ultimate kid approved must-do travel experiences to tick off before the age of 13.
Visit Wotif.com/kidslist for full competition details and to submit your kids travel bucket list nomination.