Originally published: Travel Weekly, 5 December 2025
The Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) has released new data revealing that two thirds of Aussie holidaymakers are considering a digital detox in summer with Gen Z are the most eager to take a break from their phones and social media.
TTF’s annual Summer Travel Survey of 1,510 Australians reveals 76 per cent of 18 to 25-year-olds are willing to do a digital detox this summer, compared with just 53 per cent of 55 to 64-year-olds and just 49 per cent of over-65s, suggesting older Australians are the most resistant to unplugging their devices.
“Young travellers are embracing the idea of being fully present on holiday this summer,” TTF CEO Margy Osmond said. “They’re craving sunshine, quality time with friends and family and the chance to create proper memories, not endless scrolling.
“With the national conversation on screen time growing louder, Gen Z is showing that there’s increasing appetite for real experiences. And holidays are becoming the moment where they consciously step back from the noise of social media.”
The new survey also reveals more Australians plan to take their pet on holiday this summer than ever before – a record one in five Australians (20 per cent), rising from 15 per cent this time last year.
Osmond also said the surge in pet-inclusive travel is fantastic news for tourism, helping to support hotels, airlines and local destinations that cater to four-legged friends.
“Fewer Australians than ever before are leaving their pets behind this summer, particularly those aged 25 to 44, with many balancing family life, work and travel plans that allow their beloved animals to come along,” Osmond added.
“With strong demand for new, pet-friendly flights over Christmas and New Years, as well as an increasing number of road trips with furry companions, pets are no longer just passengers, they’re full-on holidaymakers.”
The survey, commissioned from Pureprofile, collected responses from 27 November to 1 December.
