Despite global turmoil, Australians' wanderlust remains unshaken! 2025 was a year of travel triumphs and surprising shifts for Aussie adventurers. But here's where it gets controversial: while some destinations soared, others stumbled, and the reasons might not be what you expect.
Australians took a staggering 12.5 million international trips in the year leading up to November 2025, a nearly 9% increase from the previous year. This resilience in travel appetite is remarkable, considering the backdrop of wars, fluctuating entry requirements, and a weakened Australian dollar.
And this is the part most people miss: even the much-discussed 'Trump slump' – the decline in US visitors attributed to the former president's policies – wasn't as drastic as predicted. The US retained its spot as the fourth most popular destination for Australians, with over 726,000 visits. However, this figure did represent a slight dip of around 1% compared to the previous year, with some sources suggesting a steeper 6% decline.
Interestingly, the US was one of the few destinations, and the only one in the top 10, to experience any decline. All other top destinations saw increases, some truly remarkable. Could the US have seen growth without the 'Trump factor'? It's a question worth debating.
While the US grappled with a 4.5 million visitor drop overall in 2025, with significant declines from Germany, France, South Korea, and a staggering 26% fall from Canada, other destinations flourished.
Israel and Iran, rebounding from conflict-driven lows in 2023, saw the most dramatic growth, with visitor numbers surging by 32% and 22% respectively. While these increases are impressive, it's important to note they started from very low bases.
Sri Lanka, after a challenging decade, is experiencing a travel renaissance, with a nearly 19% increase in Australian visitors in 2025. This trend is expected to continue in 2026, fueled by Jetstar's new budget flights from Melbourne to Colombo.
Vietnam, already a favorite, saw a substantial 17% increase, surpassing half a million Australian visitors. Japan and the UK also experienced significant growth, with Japan up 14% and the UK up 12%, despite a stronger pound making the UK less affordable for Australians.
So, where will Aussies flock to in 2026? Experts predict a resurgence in Egypt and a surge in interest in the 'Stan countries of Central Asia. However, the US might face further challenges if the proposed social media data requirements for visitors are implemented, despite co-hosting the FIFA World Cup.
What do you think? Will the US continue to lose its appeal to Australian travelers? Will the 'Stan countries become the next big thing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Craig Platt, digital editor of Traveller, has been at the helm of travel content for the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times, and WAtoday since 2007. With over 25 years of journalistic experience, Craig's passion lies in aviation, wildlife tourism, and increasingly, family travel. He's explored every continent, even managing to visit six out of seven in a single year (Africa eluded him that time!).
