The new trending overseas destinations for Aussies and none of them are Bali
New flight routes mean more options for holidays abroad.
The hottest trending international destinations for Australians this year take advantage of new flight routes and prioritise sun seeking while not breaking the bank.
Expedia's 2025 Winter Travel Outlook found Aussies are chasing the sun and venturing beyond the usual hotspots, with interest rising for "secondary cities".
Interest in Malta grew 80 per cent year on year, making it the top trending destination for 2025, the report showed. Rounding out the top five were Milos in Greece (rising 70 per cent), Seoul in South Korea (up 60 per cent), Osaka, Japan (a 55 jump) and Da Nang, Vietnam (up 45 per cent).
Other trending destinations were Nice, France; Athens, Greece; Tokyo, Japan; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and Bangkok, Thailand.
Expedia travel expert, Sarah King, said this year's trends show Aussies are prioritising value and convenience above all else.
"We're seeing strong interest in Asian destinations - like Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bangkok - while increasing flight options from hubs like Doha and Singapore mean we're also seeing increasing interest for accessible European destinations like Malta, Athens and Nice," Ms King told Explore.
The new Virgin-Qatar partnership is set to offer more options for Aussies flying to Europe, with more routes opening up via Doha in June.
"The other Virgin partnership to keep an eye on this winter, is with Air New Zealand, giving Aussies in Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney, even more choice when travelling to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch," Ms King said.
And though Bali wasn't in the top-10 trending destinations list, it was still the most popular destination for Aussies overall this winter, followed by London, Tokyo, Paris and Singapore.
"Looking at Bali, with new AirAsia flights from Adelaide launching in June and new Jetstar flights from the Gold Coast launching in August, we're sure to see competitive airfares as the airlines work to attract Aussies from right across the country," Ms King said.
Other destinations jumping in popularity are Paris, Shanghai, Palma de Mallorca and Seoul.
The report also found, across Asia-Pacific, travellers are prioritising dining, nature, and wellness as key motivators for travel, seeking meaningful moments over traditional sightseeing.
Global culinary hotspots are Gianyar in Bali, Indonesia, known for its Babi Guling spit-roasted pork, and Queenstown in New Zealand, where restaurants welcomed tourists from 44 countries in 2024, the report said.
It also found Thailand is among the destinations leading the way in relaxation experiences and self-care.
My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.
Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.
My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
Travel's Top Picks
Travel's Most Viewed
Stopover sting as gastro claims surge in Asian transit hubs
Entering one of Australia's favourite destinations is about to get harder
Why simply reusing your hotel towel isn't saving the planet
Holidaying on this Asian island just got cheaper thanks to a major rule change
The one that got away: tourists reveal the souvenirs they regret not buying
6-hour airport chaos: new European border rule causing nightmare delays
Western Sydney's new 24/7 airport opening date and $59 launch fares revealed
