More than a quarter (28%) of Australians say they’d be likely ‘Intentionally travel’ for an upcoming trip; and create a meaningful journey that aligns with their specific passions, rather than just taking part in a typical ‘plug and play’ holiday. This shift represents a move away from tick-box tourism toward deeper, more personal travel experiences.
What is Intentional Travel? Aussies will be travelling with intention in 2025, and the underlying theme we’ll see for travel plans is that it’s not about ticking off the bucket list but instead breaking away from travel norms and cultivating experiences that count.
Types of Intentional Travel
- Wellness-Focused Journeys: 63 per cent of travellers being health conscious are weaving wellbeing into their trips
- Learning Adventures: Cooking classes in Italy, language immersion in South America
- Cultural Immersion: Living with local families, participating in traditional ceremonies
- Creative Retreats: Photography workshops, writing residencies, art classes
- Conservation Tourism: Wildlife research participation, environmental restoration projects
Planning Intentional Travel
- Define Your Purpose: What do you want to learn, experience, or achieve?
- Research Deeply: Look beyond tourist attractions to find authentic experiences
- Choose Quality Over Quantity: Spend longer in fewer places
- Connect with Locals: Seek opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange
- Document Mindfully: Focus on experiencing rather than photographing everything
Australian Intentional Travel Ideas
- Aboriginal cultural tours in the Kimberley
- Cooking workshops with multicultural communities in Melbourne
- Conservation work with marine life in Queensland
- Art retreats in the Grampians
- Mindfulness retreats in the Blue Mountains
The Long-Term Impact Intentional travel often leads to lasting personal growth, new skills, and deeper understanding of other cultures. It’s travel that continues to enrich your life long after you return home.