The latest research from global travel app, Skyscanner, has revealed that 3 in 5 Aussies are using travel as a means to boost morale for the year.

Still, despite the wellbeing boost travel brings, high costs and the need for detailed planning have seen travelling make the list of stressful big life decisions for Aussies. The research also showed that 1 in 3 Australians are gearing up to make a major life decision in January, cementing the first month of the year as the nation’s peak decision-making period.

The New Year resolution period stress compounds, and even fun travelling is impacted: 39 per cent of Aussies feel overwhelmed when it comes to travel planning. In fact, 34 per cent say overthinking can sometimes prevent them from booking a holiday.

Skyscanner Travel Expert, Jarrod Kris said there are tools and hacks for Aussies to use in the New Year to reduce stress and get the best bang for their buck. Skyscanner wants to encourage Aussies to use January to get their travel planning underway and book a holiday now.

“Aussies have no issues with locking in travel plans once they have all the information they need,” Kris said. “In fact, our research shows 75 per cent of Aussies are decisive when it comes to planning. For 53 per cent of Aussies, the cost is a major barrier to booking a holiday. However, just by starting the year planning for it and taking advantage of smart hacks, travellers will find incredible ways to book their dream trip overseas and not break the bank.

“There are so many ways to get ahead when planning travel for the year that also maximise ‘bang for buck’. Using Skyscanner’s Whole Month Search, you can look at pricing for the whole year ahead, to pinpoint when it’ll cost you the least to travel to your desired location. Using something like the Whole Month Search tool can help in giving you a holistic view of travel for your year, so you can ensure you’re not double booking yourself and applying for that annual leave in time!

“As well as this, if you’re looking to book in the New Year, consider booking on ‘less desirable’ days and times. Fridays and Saturdays are often some of the most expensive days to fly given high demand, so you may look to fly on the last flight out to cut costs or shift to a Tuesday instead.

“We also know that each location is different so knowing how far out to book can be a challenge. Aussies can use the Savings Generator tool to find when in the year will be the best time to book your flights and when you’ll find the best savings too.”

For Aussies looking for a stress-free year ahead, Skyscanner has partnered with Neurologist Dr. Faye Begeti on tips and advice for stress-free travel.

•  Combat decision fatigue: Decision fatigue can overwhelm the brain, making even simple choices feel exhausting. Narrowing down the options is key for any decision.
• Prioritise key decisions early: Tackling big decisions when mental energy is highest is key. For lesser important choices, adopting a “good enough” approach when a choice meets the criteria helps avoid overthinking and decision fatigue.
• Balance mental energy with the right holiday: Choosing a holiday that aligns with your mental state can help. Travellers feeling mentally overloaded can opt for a nature-focused retreat while under-stimulated adventurers can consider a city break.
• Leverage anticipatory dopamine: The human brain thrives on anticipation, making the build-up to a holiday feel as exciting as the trip itself. So, use it to your advantage and bookmark your dream destinations in a saved list and revisit them as you refine your plans, making the planning a less stressful and more exciting experience.
• Break free from routine: As we get older, time can feel like it’s moving faster, often because we get stuck in familiar routines. Overcome the status quo bias that keeps you locked into these patterns. Try stepping out of your comfort zone when planning your holiday and explore unexpected destinations; this can lead to more memorable experiences.