It’s been a tricky time for travel. Many of you are already out and about, but some are still sticking close to home. Our most read destination articles of the year tell us where you wanted to be in 2022. The results of our OA Travel Insights survey 2023 tell us where you want to go in 2023.
You wanted to stay close to home in 2022. This much was revealed in the most read destination articles of the year. Not one international destination appeared in the top 10. This might be slightly ‘depressing’ except for the fact that we live in a marvellous country.
Victorian towns tickled your fancy most, with Ellie’s story about the stunning villages you can visit in Victoria topping the list – by far. It seems you were also interested in the top tourism towns of 2022. And why wouldn’t you be, with towns such as Mudgee – the Top Tourism Town – Bendigo and Mandurah in the mix. Smaller towns such as Exmouth in WA, Sheffield in Tasmania and Port Fairy in Victoria also make for great weekends away or even a day trip for some. And the tiny towns of Strahan in Tasmania (I can personally vouch for Strahan), Winton in Queensland (home of all those dinosaurs) and Mount Macedon in Victoria all beautiful towns that should be pinned on your road trip maps.
Speaking of road trips, it was our story about the four best NSW road trips for first timers that rounded out the top three. In fourth place was the guide to Queensland’s film locations for the film Ticket to Paradise, starring Academy Award winners George Clooney and Julia Roberts. And many of you were intrigued by where you’ll find Australia’s worst big thing. This was a compilation of the 32 weirdest big things – and the Aussie public’s vote for the worst – put together by Geoff Rissole, the New Zealand-born co-founder of the satirical website Sh*t Towns of Australia (STOA).
The slices of paradise found throughout Australia was a popular article. And why wouldn’t it be? It covered ‘usual suspect’ holiday hotspots such as Broome (which got the gong), Port Douglas, Noosa, Cairns and Mudgee, but also listed 50 top holiday towns to add to your travel wishlist.
We also covered the best destinations for solo travellers, Janelle regaled us about the one place she didn’t tick off her bucket list on a trip to the Northern Territory (don’t worry, it’s given her an excuse to go back!), and Jan offered some recommendations for spending a day on Bruny Island. To round out the top 10, our girl up north, Shelley Winkel, shared insider tips for seeing outback Queensland like the locals do.
In 2023, it seems you’re keen on getting overseas. And we really hope you do. Tourism in Australia has been a bit behind the rest of the world. What was once the biggest cruise crowd in the world, Aussies aren’t exactly flocking back on board the big boats (don’t let the cruise lines know I called their ships ‘boats’), but we’re hoping that all changes this year. Australians aren’t travelling overseas in droves as expected. That is sure to change this year as well.
You told us in the YourLifeChoices OA Travel Insights Survey 2022 that at least 31 per cent of you will take one international trip next year, 27 per cent will take two trips and 12.5 per cent will take three or more (lucky you!).
The top international destinations on your 2023 wishlist, according to your responses, are:
- New Zealand
- UK
- US
- Thailand
- Canada
- Italy
- France
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Fiji
Domestic travel is still front of mind for most of you. Just over one in 10 (12 per cent) will take one domestic trip in 2023, while 29 per cent will take two, 18 per cent will take three, 16 per cent will take four and 16 per cent will take five or more.
And here’s where you told us you want to go:
- Queensland
- Western Australia
- NSW
- Victoria
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
- South Australia
- ACT
Now, my travel highlight this year was cruising the Inside Passage from Vancouver to Alaska. It was on my bucket list for years and I am very happy (and lucky) to have been able to cross it off. Sure, I had some reservations, but once on board I was highly impressed with how safe, secure and comfortable I was made by the crew of the Holland America Line’s MS Koningsdam. I want to spread the word that cruising feels safe again. It’s never a guarantee, but if it’s a case of now or never for you, then I’d say consider the now over the never!
Which of the most read destination articles was your favourite? Where do you want to go in 2023? Will you be more inclined to cruise? Or is a long road trip on your radar? Why not share your opinions in the comments section below?
