10 top travel destinations for Australians

1. New Zealand

The Land of the Long White Cloud is one of our closest international neighbours. From the east coast of Australia, you can get there in under 4 hours, making it ideal for short trips. Once there, you can tap into untouched landscapes, award-winning wineries and some of the best ski resorts in the world.

Between 2018-2019, New Zealand was the number one destination for Aussies travelling for short breaks.

Australian citizens also have an agreement with New Zealand that allows us to easily visit, live and work, which doesn't hurt either.

Alternative destination: For a landscape similar to New Zealand, you can't go past Iceland. There are rolling plains, waterfalls, glaciers and adventurous activities aplenty.

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2. Indonesia

This one should come as no surprise. In fact, according to the Australian Embassy in Indonesia, Aussies account for a quarter of all visitors to Bali. And why not? The short flight coupled with budget fares, blissful beaches and affordable resort accommodation makes this destination a winner.

Alternative destination: Why not branch out and discover another part of Indonesia? Yogyakarta is quieter and filled with history, and Batam is a hotbed of luxury resorts and nightlife.

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3. Thailand

Swoon-worthy islands lined in powder-soft sands speckle the Thailand coast. The price tag is just right and whether you're here to dive, relax or party, you can do it all.

According to the ABS, Australians generally spend an average of 12 days in the country, which is a comfortable amount of time to island-hop and even to get to some of the bigger cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Thailand was the number 1 destination Australians were searching for on Agoda and our own Finder data shows that Thailand is a popular destination at the top of the mind for many Aussie travellers.

Alternative destination: They say Myanmar is what Thailand was decades ago, so if you're seeking a less touristy Thailand with a similar feel, this is where it's at.

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4. The Philippines

The Philippines is made up of over 7,500 islands, with just 2,000 inhabited. Across those islands, you'll find everything from pristine beaches and jungle tracks to luxury resorts.

Best visited in April-May or November-December outside of the rainy season, the Philippines was the third most searched for destination on Agoda.

Alternative destination: Once you've had your fill of tasty sisig and adobo look to nearby Thailand or Malaysia for more culinary delights, relaxing beaches and adventure.

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5. Japan

The Land of the Rising Sun has been rising (literally) up the popularity ranks year on year. In 2017, it was the tenth most visited destination by Australians, meaning it has gained 3 positions in 2 years. According to the ABS, over the past decade, it has seen a 226.8% increase in Australian visitors.

Alternative destination: If you're keen to avoid the masses, then jump across to the mainland and pay Seoul in South Korea a visit. It has a similar buzzing nightlife of neon signs and drinking dens, and history in spaces with palaces and temples that you can explore on foot.

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6. USA

Visit Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Chicago and more. There are so many unique squares to bite off and savour in the US that it needs more than a single trip. Perhaps that's why Australians visit it so much?

Head to California for that beachy-keen lifestyle coloured with Hollywood glamour, make your way to the Deep South for its culture and flavoursome foods, or visit the north for the high-rise concrete jungles of New York and Chicago.

Alternative destination: We've listed some of the most popular and well-known cities in the USA, but we think it's safe to say that each state has its own unique characteristics. Add Portland to your itinerary for its arts and food culture, Columbus for its architecture and San Antonio for a touch of Mexicana.

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7. Singapore

Both city and country, the constantly changing destination of Singapore is one you can return to time and time again. From technological and architectural changes to that delectable burst of food that draws from a variety of nations, there's something for everyone.

It's often hailed as one of the cleanest and safest countries in the world, meaning it's a shoo-in for anyone looking to dip their toes into travel.

Alternative destination: Located just north of Singapore, Malaysia shares a very similar culture and food to Singapore, and it might just be making a comeback in popularity, landing number 8 on Agoda's most searched for list.

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8. Fiji

Comprised of flecks of sun-kissed beaches, crystal clear waters and hammocked palm trees, the island nation of Fiji is a paradise on Earth.

It doesn't discriminate either, with water activities for the adventure seekers, honeymoon suites and adult pools for the romantics, and kid-friendly accommodation for families.

Keep in mind that being an island nation, you'll be paying island prices. On the plus side, budget airline Jetstar does fly to Nadi from Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Darwin and Cairns.

Alternative destination: Pass on the crowds and take your island adventure to another South Pacific beauty. Vanuatu, Samoa and the Cook Islands are all blissful alternatives with similar flight options to Fiji.

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9. India

India came out of nowhere with a 206.3% trend spike over the past decade. This was the second-most rapid growth on the list, falling just behind Japan. The diversity of this vast nation holds a lot of promise for the Australian adventurer, with food, colour and culture all bound to turn you saucer-eyed.

Also, its low currency rate and relatively affordable fares on airlines such as AirAsia and Scoot make it attractive for travellers searching for something a little more unique.

Alternative destination: Those who have ticked India off their bucket list can do no wrong by turning to Morocco for another burst of food, colour and culture.

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10. The UK

Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Big Ben – the UK has more icons than you can poke a stick at, making it the place of bucket lists.

Australia's relationship with the nation doesn't hurt either, with Australian citizens allowed to visit for up to 6 months at a time, making it an ideal base for a larger trip through Europe.

Alternative destination: Make sure you see more than London on your trip. Head north into Scotland to pay a visit to Edinburgh, Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands, or hop across to Ireland for its rolling green hills.

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