After many Australians were forced to cancel Christmas holiday plans last minute, pent-up demand is driving steep price increases for key 2021 travel dates, including Easter and April school holidays.
With domestic prices already up 19% year over year, KAYAK.com.au predicts prices will rise even further for those who don’t book within the next month. Though prices are hard to predict in the current travel climate, historical data suggests a 20% increase in flight price is likely if booking after February 7 for travel over the Easter holiday period.*
Aussie deal hunters should book this month for Easter & School Holidays
While most Australians have been planning trips within 30 days of travel or less, budget-conscious travellers should not wait if they want to avoid additional price increases and disappointment during the next holiday break.
“Even though flight searches are down (-22% year over year), Australia has been one of the fastest rebounding domestic tourism markets globally and following a Christmas of cancelled plans for many, pent-up demand is quickly driving prices up for travel dates in early 2021. Historical data* shows January is usually the best time to book flights to beat the predicted price hike for April holiday travel,” said Ben Connell, VP of APAC Marketing at KAYAK.
For Aussies looking ahead to the June and July school holiday period, swapping international trips for winter vacations closer to home, historical data from KAYAK suggests booking late March to mid-April to beat price hikes.
The advice comes after KAYAK.com.au analysed historical price trends and potential savings for Aussies planning travel further in advance. *
Book with confidence
With travel restrictions and border closures constantly changing, Aussies can use KAYAK’s Flexible Filter to take advantage of flexible travel being offered by airlines and hotels and compare policies – all in one place. Travellers can find good deals now and book with confidence, knowing that dates and fees are flexible should travel conditions change.
Popular Australian destinations are already seeing price jumps in 2021
As Aussies plan 2021 travel – whether to visit family, or for a much needed coastal getaway – KAYAK.com.au have rounded up the most popular domestic destinations: **
Gold Coast, Queensland
Hobart, Tasmania
Brisbane, Queensland
Cairns, Queensland
Sydney, New South Wales
While average domestic flight prices are up 19% year over year across the country, Aussie travellers can expect the steepest price jumps on flights to popular Queensland destinations. Hobart, on the other hand, is the only popular destination that shows a price decrease (down -2% year over year).***
Gold Coast: average price $246, YoY +28%
Hobart: average price $232, YoY -2%
Brisbane: average price $272, YoY +17%
Cairns: average price $341, YoY +15%
Sydney: average price $209, YoY +2%
With so many destinations, restrictions and prices to navigate, KAYAK.com.au is a comprehensive resource for those looking for guidance on trending destinations, price deals and the latest restrictions.
KAYAK pioneered the metasearch category in 2004 and today is the world’s leading travel search engine. For more tips on how to plan the next getaway, KAYAK’s suite of travel tools, including Price Alerts, Travel Restrictions Map and Flexible Filter, visit KAYAK’s COVID-19 Travel Guide.
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