Young Aussies still prioritising travel despite cost-of-living pressures

Travel remains firmly on the agenda for Gen Z and Millennials, with more than half (56%) of Australians aged under 35 either having booked, planning or saving for a trip, according to new YouGov research commissioned by Ubank.

The findings come as Ubank receives a Canstar Outstanding Value Travel Debit Card Award for a seventh consecutive year (2020-2026), recognising the value the Ubank Spend card delivers to Australians travelling overseas.

The award comes as more young Australians plan and save for travel, with Ubank helping customers keep more money for their trip by it charging no international transaction fees, no monthly account fees, no ATM withdrawal fees*, and access to competitive Visa exchange rates when travelling.

Key findings from the YouGov research among Australians aged under 35:

More than half (56%) have either booked, are planning, or are saving for a trip.
One in eight (12%) have already booked a trip.
Almost three in ten (28%) are actively planning a getaway.
One in seven (15%) are currently saving towards their next trip.

The findings suggest that despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures, many younger Australians continue to prioritise travel and other meaningful experiences.

Canstar: “Ubank has consistently delivered a strong combination of value and useful features for travellers”

Canstar Group Manager, Research, Josh Sale said, “Managing money overseas can be a minefield, with fees quickly eating into your holiday budget. Choosing a card with no overseas transaction fees can help keep more money in your pocket, while features such as fee-free international ATM withdrawals* and real-time spending alerts can make it easier to keep tabs on your money while you’re away”.

“Ubank has consistently delivered a strong combination of value and useful features for travellers, which has helped it stand out in our assessment and secure an Outstanding Value Travel Debit Card Award for a seventh consecutive year,” he said.

Young Aussies are gearing up for their next getaway

Ubank Chief Customer & Digital Officer Andrew Morrison said travel remains an important financial goal for many younger Australians.

“Travel continues to be a priority for younger Australians, and Ubank customer spending data shows strong demand for destinations such as Japan, Bali, the UK and the US,” he said.

“As younger Australians start planning summer holidays and overseas adventures, they want more of their money going towards the experience rather than unnecessary fees. The seventh consecutive Canstar award reflects Ubank’s ability to meet the needs of a new generation of value-conscious travellers,” Morrison said.

For more information visit Off on a trip? Take Ubank with U – Ubank

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*Ubank does not charge international transaction fees or ATM withdrawal fees. However, you may still be charged fees by a third party.

Research commissioned by Ubank and conducted by YouGov surveyed 1060 Australians aged 18-45 between 25 August and 1 September 2026.

Ubank customer data
Ubank customer data is based on aggregated, anonymised insights from recent customer app usage.

About Ubank
Part of the NAB Group, Ubank is Australia’s first homegrown digital bank, helping more than one million customers do money better. Designed to fit the lives of young Australians, Ubank makes it easy to organise your banking around your life. With helpful tools, real-time insights and personalised features that help you get ahead, money just makes sense with Ubank. With clear, simple and secure banking that helps you to feel more in control, Ubank is money done better for the next generation.

Ubank wins a Canstar Outstanding Value Travel Debit Card Award for 7th consecutive year