nib Travel reveals seasonal travel trends

As Easter and ANZAC Day fast approach, many Australians are packing their bags and heading to warmer destinations. With extended long weekends providing the perfect opportunity for travel, Australians are set to make the most of their time off this April. 

Leading travel insurance provider, nib Travel, says Bali and the United States remain top international destinations at this time of year, attracting almost 9,000 Australians combined in April 2023, though numbers dipped to 6,242 in the same month in 2024.  

Dylan Wilkinson, General Manager International & Partnerships at nib Travel, said: “As Australians look to visit warmer destinations and make the most of the break, it’s important to consider travel insurance. Insurance may cover unexpected disruptions, medical emergencies and trip cancellations,” Mr Wilkinson said.  

Easter and ANZAC Day travel trends   

nib Travel data shows the United States is top of the destination list for Australians travelling at this time of year, attracting close to 5,000 Aussie travellers in April 2023, though numbers dipped to 3,300 in April 2024.  

"When traveling to destinations like the United States, it’s important to ensure you have adequate travel insurance, particularly for unexpected medical events which can add up quickly in countries like the U.S. where healthcare comes at a high cost,” said Mr Wilkinson. 

Bali, Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand remain consistent favourites for trips around 10-13 days. Bali, in particular, remains popular with 2,868 visitors in April 2024. Japan also proves to be popular with almost 3,000 visitors in April in 2023 and 2024.  

Data shows most Australians book their travel insurance around 50 days in advance. Mr Wilkinson said the best time to ensure you are covered for your trip is at the same time as booking. “Many travellers don’t realise how important it is to secure travel insurance early. If you book your insurance with nib Travel at the same time as booking your trip, you’re more likely to be covered for situations that could arise before you head away — from job loss to health emergencies. If you wait until closer to departure, you could be left without cover for key cancellation events, potentially leaving you out of pocket.” 

Maximise your time off, stay protected  

Back-to-back long weekends make for the perfect time to maximise annual leave but also come with heightened disruptions. Mr Wilkinson said. “Whether you’re travelling near or far, our policies cover a wide range of situations, whether it’s lost luggage, a missed flight, or an emergency medical event.”  “During busy periods, we typically see more delays and cancellations, so it’s important to consider coverage for unexpected interruptions,”  

For more information on nib Travel, contact your local travel professional or visit: https://www.nibtravelinsurance.com.au, opens in a new tab.