Why more Aussies are finding holidays stressfull

New research reveals the majority of Aussies find holidaying stressful, with more than two in five blaming overcrowded destinations.

In the year ending 2024, Aussies took 15.2 million caravan and camping trips, spending $14 billion.

With more Aussies looking to swap crowded airports for peaceful campgrounds, ArcMate is helping first-time and seasoned campers alike make their holidays easier, more enjoyable and stress-free.

New research reveals that nine in ten (90%) Australians find holidaying stressful, with more than two in five (41%) pointing to overcrowded destinations as a major trigger. Instead of boarding planes, more Aussie families are now opting to camp as an affordable, meaningful way to switch off.

The new study, commissioned by Australian camping company ArcMate, shows that these pressures are particularly tough on younger families with one third (32%) of Aussies aged 35–44 years saying the process of travelling itself is most stressful. By contrast, only 15% of those aged 65 and over share the same concerns, suggesting that family responsibilities amplify the burden.

The financial squeeze is also adding to these stresses. According to The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Australians used to enjoy a healthy chunk of disposable income compared with the rest of the world, but that’s been slipping in recent years. Since mid-2022, the average Aussie’s take-home cash has dropped by around 8%, while the OECD average has increased by 9.3% over the same period. “In this environment, it is little wonder that Australians are looking for holidays that deliver more value with less hassle,” says Co-Founder of ArcMate, Cassandra Kirkland. “Camping offers that rare combination – it’s affordable, flexible, and creates the kind of
shared experiences families remember long after the trip is over.”

With families increasingly seeking stress-free, meaningful getaways, camping has emerged as the perfect solution. In the year ending 2024, Aussies took 15.2 million caravan and camping trips, spending $14 billion – a figure that has soared well above pre-COVID levels. Remarkably, 91% of those trips were in regional Australia, injecting billions into local communities.

“When you’re juggling kids, packing, and travelling long days, the ‘holiday’ often doesn’t feel like a break at all,” adds Cassandra. “For us, camping was the answer – you slow down, spend time together, and the stress just melts away. That’s why we started ArcMate: to
take the fuss out of camping so more families can experience it.”

The new research also reveals that while Australians are increasingly drawn to the idea of camping, many are unsure how to get started with more than half (57%) of Aussies describing themselves as novice campers, while only one in five (19%) consider themselves as experts.

ArcMate Co-Founder, Michael Kirkland, says that while camping can seem intimidating at first, the real joy comes from the shared experiences and the lessons learned along the way. “When we started out, we forgot pegs, got caught in storms – you name it. But those are stories we laugh about now, and they’re moments that build resilience,” adds Michael.

 “Camping isn’t about complicated gear or the perfect set-up; it’s about enjoying the experience. Our mission is to make camping simple stress-free, and fun – because once you try it, you’re hooked.”

To help first-timers, Cassandra and Michael are sharing their practical advice for easier, more enjoyable getaways:

• Keep packing simple: Create a packing list and stick to it. Using the same list each trip means no last-minute scrambling or second-guessing what’s been forgotten.
• Choose functional, portable gear: Bulky gear can make travelling stressful, especially with restless kids and an overloaded car. Portable, easy-to-pack equipment keeps things organised before you leave and stress-free when you arrive.
• Don’t overcomplicate camp set-up: A campsite doesn’t need to be fancy to be fun. The simpler the set-up, the more time there is to relax, explore, and enjoy the outdoors.
• Embrace the mishaps: Every camper has a story about forgetting the pegs or getting rained out. Small hiccups are part of the adventure, so plan well enough to avoid the big headaches, and laugh off the little ones.

“Camping doesn’t need to be complicated or uncomfortable. With the right approach, it can be the most relaxing part of your year – the kind of break that helps you switch off properly and come home refreshed,” concludes Michael.

With more Australians looking to swap crowded airports for peaceful campgrounds, ArcMate is helping make the transition easier for first-time and seasoned campers alike. From portable, functional gear to practical advice drawn from their own experiences, their
mission is to make trips easier, more enjoyable and stress-free.