Remember the days when booking a holiday meant popping into your local travel agent, flipping through glossy brochures, and walking out with a neat little folder containing everything you needed for your trip?
Well, dust off your nostalgia, because that classic style of holidaying is making a big comeback—and it’s not just for the sentimental among us!
In a world where everything seems to be getting more complicated, Australians are rediscovering the joy of the humble package holiday. Virgin Australia, which paused its holiday packages during the pandemic, has just announced they’re bringing them back, and they’re not alone.
Jetstar and other travel operators are also jumping on board, offering bundled deals that take the stress out of planning your next adventure.
Why the Sudden Revival?
According to research by YouGov, half of Aussies are craving simpler, more time-efficient ways to plan their holidays. Let’s face it: after years of border closures, travel restrictions, and endless online comparison shopping, who wouldn’t want someone else to do the heavy lifting?
Virgin Australia’s Chief Marketing and Customer Operations Officer, Libby Minogue, summed it up: ‘With more Australians seeking value and convenience, we’re bringing together flights, accommodation and Velocity benefits in one seamless booking experience.’ Translation? Less time stressing, more time sipping cocktails by the pool.
What’s on Offer?
The new packages are designed to suit a range of tastes and budgets. Fancy a tropical escape? How about Bali, with flights from Sydney and four nights’ accommodation from just $845?
Or maybe you’d prefer to keep it local with a sunny break in Cairns. The options are growing, and the deals are looking better than ever.
The Industry’s Perspective
Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association, says package holidays are one of the fastest-growing segments in the travel industry. ‘More Australians are travelling than ever before, and demand for packaged products is surging,’ he explains. Operators like TripADeal have seen remarkable growth, and now Virgin Australia is joining the fray.
But it’s not just about convenience. Long points out that package holidays often lead to higher-quality, safer experiences—and they can be more sustainable for the communities you visit. When everything’s bundled, there’s less risk of dodgy operators or last-minute surprises.
‘When travellers choose tours and packages, they’re more likely to have a high-quality, safe experience and critically, one that is sustainable for the local communities they visit,’ he said.
A Blast from the Past
Did you know the package holiday has roots stretching all the way back to 1841? Thomas Cook, a name many of us remember from the golden age of travel, started it all with a simple train trip in Leicestershire, UK. He soon expanded to European and global adventures, and the rest is history.
Now, as we crave a return to simpler times, it’s no wonder this retro style of travel is back in vogue.
Travel Agents: Back in Business
It’s not just package holidays making a comeback. Remember the friendly travel agent on the high street? While many closed their doors as online booking took over, they’re now reopening—sometimes with a twist. Luxury Escapes’ new shop even boasts a Champagne bar, and many agents now offer virtual services for clients across the country.
Adam Schwab, co-founder and CEO of Luxury Escapes, says the goal is to combine ‘the ease and convenience of digital and the magic of real person expertise and experience.’ It seems Aussies are once again valuing the reassurance and personal touch that only a real human can provide.
Too Much Choice?
With social media bombarding us with endless travel inspiration, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. TripAdvisor’s Head of AsiaPacific, Scott Wegener, notes that millennials—those in their 30s and 40s—are especially keen for human input to cut through the noise.
Despite this, Statista found that 70 per cent of travel bookings globally were still made online last year. But the pendulum is swinging, and more of us are seeking a balance between digital convenience and expert advice.
Why It’s Great News for Over-60s
For our Seniors Travel Club members, this trend is a win-win. Package holidays mean less hassle, more value, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything’s sorted. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a solo adventure, or a relaxing retreat with friends, there’s a package out there to suit your needs.
Plus, with travel agents back in the mix, you can get personalised recommendations, insider tips, and support if anything goes awry. And let’s be honest—sometimes it’s just nice to have a friendly face (or voice) guiding you through the process.
Key Takeaways
- Virgin Australia is bringing back package holidays, offering Aussies easier, all-in-one booking options with flights and accommodation bundled together.
- There’s a growing trend towards package holidays and travel agents making a comeback, as more Australians seek convenience, value, and expert advice when planning trips.
- Research shows that 50 per cent of Australians want simpler and more time-efficient ways to plan their holidays, driving demand for package deals both domestically and overseas.
- While the majority of travel bookings are still made online, many travellers – especially millennials – are turning to in-person travel agents for personalised help, as too much online information can be overwhelming.
Have you booked a package holiday recently? Are you tempted to try this ‘old-school’ approach for your next trip? Or do you prefer to plan every detail yourself? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your stories in the comments below!
Happy travels, and here’s to making your next holiday as easy and enjoyable as possible!
