How Much Do Aussies Think They Need To Earn To Travel Without Stress?

For many Australians, a holiday is meant to be a break from stress—but for a growing number of people, the financial burden of travel is making that harder to achieve. A new survey by TravelInsurance.com.au reveals that nearly one in four Australians believes they need to earn at least $200,000 a year to travel without worrying about money.

That figure is striking, considering it’s almost double the average full-time annual salary in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average full-time income sits well below that threshold, which highlights just how much people feel the pinch when it comes to booking flights, accommodation, and all the extras that make up a holiday.

The idea of “stress-free” travel varies from person to person, but the study shed light on what Australians actually mean by it. For around 26 per cent of respondents, being able to splurge a little more on food, flights, or experiences without guilt defines comfort. Another 20 per cent said staying in better quality accommodation was their benchmark for a worry-free trip. Others equated stress-free travel with being able to plan without obsessively comparing prices or cutting corners to save cash.

The challenge is that travelling has become significantly more expensive in recent years. Since the pandemic, the cost of flights, hotel stays, insurance, local transport, dining, and tours has risen noticeably. What used to be considered a “mid-range” holiday is now seen as a premium experience. Families, in particular, are finding it harder to plan vacations without stretching their budgets or cutting back in other areas of daily life.

This financial pressure has shifted the way many Australians approach travel. While some are adjusting by booking fewer trips, others are seeking out budget airlines, cheaper destinations, or shorter getaways. Even so, the rising cost of living at home, combined with more expensive travel options abroad, means that the dream of a completely relaxed, carefree holiday feels out of reach for many.

Interestingly, the survey suggests that Australians aren’t necessarily looking for extravagant, five-star luxury. Instead, they are craving a sense of freedom in spending—the ability to choose a nicer meal, a room upgrade, or a spontaneous excursion without feeling guilty about the price tag. For some, that sense of freedom only feels possible with a six-figure salary.

Eden Radford, spokesperson for TravelInsurance.com.au, noted that travel should ideally provide an escape from financial worries, but for many, it has become another source of stress. “Australians love to explore and take holidays, but the rising cost of travel has definitely changed what people consider to be a comfortable experience,” Radford said.

Ultimately, the findings highlight the tension between the enduring Aussie love of travel and the harsh reality of financial limits. Whether it’s saving for years to fund a big overseas trip or sticking closer to home for more budget-friendly getaways, Australians are having to adapt.

For now, stress-free travel may not depend solely on income—but on how well people balance expectations, budgets, and the rising price of adventure.