SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL SHIFT AS AUSSIES DODGE CROWDS AND CLIMATE RISKS

Australians are quietly rewriting the rules of travel, moving away from peak-season getaways and crowded hotspots as climate concerns and changing habits reshape the industry, new research from Booking.com shows.

The 2026 Travel & Sustainability Report reveals that timing and destination are now central to how Australians approach travel, with 42 per cent planning to holiday outside peak periods and 43 per cent actively avoiding overcrowded destinations.

This is not just about comfort. It reflects a broader shift in thinking, where travellers are increasingly aware of their impact on places they visit, with many deliberately trying to reduce pressure on popular destinations.

At the same time, climate is no longer a background consideration. It is shaping decisions in a far more immediate way. Nearly three-quarters of Australians now factor extreme weather into where and when they travel, while more than a quarter have already changed or cancelled trips in the past year due to weather events.

There is also a growing sense that some destinations are becoming less viable altogether. More than half of Australians say certain locations have become too hot to visit at their preferred time of year.

A generational split is emerging

While sustainability is now firmly on the agenda, the report highlights a gap between what travellers say and what they actually do.

Younger Australians tend to express stronger views about sustainable travel, yet it is older travellers who are more likely to follow through with practical actions such as reducing waste, cutting energy use and shopping locally.

That does not mean younger travellers are disengaged. They are more likely to participate in cultural experiences and conservation-focused activities, pointing to a different interpretation of what sustainable travel looks like.

From intention to behaviour

The shift is already playing out in booking patterns. Across the region, more travellers are choosing accommodation with recognised sustainability credentials, and sustainable travel is moving from a niche consideration to a mainstream expectation.

Yet barriers remain. Cost, confusion and a lack of clear information continue to hold some travellers back from making more sustainable choices, suggesting the industry still has work to do in making those options accessible and easy to understand.

For now, the direction is clear. Travel is becoming less about ticking off destinations at peak moments and more about timing, impact and experience.

Or, put more simply, Australians are still travelling, just a little more thoughtfully than before.

From unlimited shore excursions and Michelin-inspired dining to premium drinks, butler service and spacious suites, Regent Seven Seas Cruises® is redefining what all-inclusive, ultra-luxury really means.

For today’s affluent travellers, true luxury is no longer measured by extravagant extras or lavish upgrades.

Instead, it is about effortless experiences, exceptional service and the freedom to simply enjoy the journey without constantly reaching for your wallet and having to unpack more than once.

That philosophy sits at the heart of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, whose invitation to “Cruise in All-Inclusive, Unrivalled Luxury™” has redefined what all-inclusive travel can be.

Unlike many cruise holidays where additional charges can quickly add up, Regent includes almost every aspect of the journey in the upfront fare.

Everything from unlimited shore excursions, speciality dining, premium wines, spirits, craft cocktails and speciality coffees to spa access, WiFi, gratuities, valet laundry and 24-hour in-suite dining is all part of the all-inclusive experience.

The result is a holiday where guests can focus entirely on exploring the world rather than managing a travel budget.

Luxury without compromise

Regent’s approach extends well beyond what is included.

Its fleet of intimate ships, ranging from 244 to 411 suites, offers one of the industry’s highest crew-to-guest ratios and some of the most spacious accommodation at sea.

Almost every suite features a private balcony, allowing guests to enjoy uninterrupted ocean views throughout their voyage.

From personalised butler service in Penthouse Suites and above to elegant public lounges, fine art collections and world-class wellness facilities, every detail has been designed to create a relaxed yet refined onboard atmosphere.

Every destination becomes part of the journey

For many travellers, the highlight of any cruise is discovering new destinations, and Regent has built its reputation around making those experiences as immersive as possible.

Guests can choose from thousands of included shore excursions across more than 550 destinations worldwide, ranging from cultural tours and culinary experiences to visits to iconic landmarks and hidden local gems.

Many itineraries also feature extended stays in port, allowing travellers more time to experience each destination at their own pace.

Select voyages can also be paired with exclusively curated pre-cruise land programmes, including experiences aboard the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer™ in Canada or luxury hotel stays throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Dining takes centre stage

Cuisine has become one of the defining features of luxury travel, and Regent places dining at the centre of the guest experience.

Guests can choose from multiple speciality restaurants, enjoy carefully selected wines from their dedicated sommeliers, order in-suite dining around the clock or participate in onboard culinary classes inspired by the destinations they visit.

Several ships also feature dedicated Culinary Arts Kitchens, where guests can immerse themselves in hands-on cooking classes inspired by the destinations they visit.

Led by expert chefs, the highly personalised experiences range from mastering French classics to learning the art of Argentine grilling, while exploring the stories, traditions and local ingredients behind each cuisine.

Guests leave not only with new culinary skills, but with recipes they can recreate long after returning home

A seamless way to see the world

As more Australians seek meaningful travel experiences over material possessions, the appeal of an ultra-luxury cruise lies in its simplicity.

Instead of unpacking at every destination or worrying about hidden costs, guests enjoy the convenience of settling into one elegant suite while waking up somewhere new each day.

It is this combination of generous inclusions, personalised service and carefully curated experiences that has helped Regent Seven Seas Cruises build a loyal following among discerning travellers looking for an effortless way to explore the world.

For more information, call 1300 455 200, visit RSSC.com or request a complimentary brochure at RSSC.com/order-brochure.