Grim news for Aussie travellers

More than one-third of Aussies have been priced out of overseas travel, with hopeful holiday-makers being hit with soaring airfares amid a deepening cost of living crisis.

The new research from Finder has also found about a quarter of Aussies are only just able to afford travel, with many cutting corners to make their dream holidays happen.

With prices climbing across everything from petrol to potatoes, even budget vacations have become a luxury simply out of reach for many – and that number is growing.

Finder travel insurance expert James Martin said flights were “no exception” to rising costs.

“Discretionary spending is taking a back seat as many look for ways to cut back,” he said.

In 2017-18, the price of an average flight from Melbourne to London, one of the most popular travel destinations for Australians, sat at $1412.

Today the average of $2677 is almost double that price.

For sightseers who successfully save enough to go abroad, there are some simple steps that can be taken to help keep spending within budget.

“Book in advance, travel off-peak and keep tabs for airfare sales to secure the cheapest international flights,” Mr Martin said.

“Using banked-up rewards points and travelling domestically are great ways to save money.”

Mr Martin said a large expense like an international holiday should be planned five years in advance, and if one couldn’t afford travel essentials such as insurance, then they simply should not be vacationing abroad.

“If you can’t afford to insure your trip, you can’t afford to take the holiday,” he said