Aussies defy high costs to keep travel dreams alive in 2025

27 January 2025
Consumer Spending

• Four in 10 saving for big buys
• Holidays top savings list for almost 50% of savvy savers
• Other hot savings goals: new cars, household gadgets and home deposits

As Australians settle back into their routines and consider plans for 2025, NAB’s latest data has revealed many are already mapping out their next big adventure.

According to the data, four in 10 Australians are actively budgeting for a major expense, with almost half of those (47%) saving for travel.

NAB Head of Everyday Banking Claire Righetti said while people have prioritised saving to take a trip, travel has evolved for some as budgets remain under pressure.

“Despite higher costs, people are still putting money aside to take a relaxing getaway or tick off bucket list locations,” Ms Righetti said.

“Many are finding ways to spend less, whether it’s going on fewer trips, travelling outside of peak times, visiting destinations where they can snag the best deal, or choosing locations closer to home.

“Regardless of how they make it happen, the travel dream remains alive and well – and there will still be many chasing an overseas adventure despite the weak Aussie dollar.”
NAB Customer Hayley Campbell is one of them. For the past two years, she has been saving up for her dream European holiday.

“Seeing the world is still really important to me. This trip has been a long time in the making ” Hayley said.

“I’ve got a high interest savings account dedicated to travel. One of my budgeting rules is that I must put more money into that account each month, even if it’s just $50, it all adds up. Seeing the savings tick up is an awesome motivator.

Hayley has also found creative ways to maximise her savings, like choosing to travel in the off-season.

“I’ll be travelling just after Europe’s summer. This was a deliberate choice to benefit from lower prices and less crowds,” she said.

The NAB data also showed other popular savings goals for people actively budgeting included:

• New car (26%)
• Fridges and washing machines (23%)
• Home deposits (23%)
• Home renovations (22%)

Ms Righetti said with many household budgets remaining tight this year, Australians remained considered in how they spend.

“As 2025 gets rolling, millions of Australians are mapping out their budgets to plan when and how they’ll spend their money,” Ms Righetti said.

“They’re researching, shopping around for the best deals and making thoughtful choices to balance their savings and spending goals effectively.”