Australians recorded 922,460 short-term overseas returns in May 2026, according to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Indonesia remained the most popular destination, followed by New Zealand and Japan, while countries such as Vietnam recorded some of the strongest annual growth.
Use the interactive tool below to search the top destinations, compare travel numbers with May 2025, see which countries are gaining popularity and explore the figures on a real world map. The data measures short-term resident returns, so it records overseas trips completed by Australian residents rather than unique individual travellers.
Australian travel data
Where Australians Are Travelling in 2026
Search and compare the most popular overseas destinations using the latest official Australian travel figures.
May 2026 data · Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Short-term resident returns
922,460
Down 4.9% compared with May 2025
Search a destination
Search the top 10 countries included in the latest figures.
This destination is not included in the current top 10.
Indonesia
Australian resident returns
153,220
Up 2.8% compared with May 2025
Popular destinations
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Top destinations
Ranked by Australian resident returns in May 2026.
Destinations gaining popularity
Largest percentage increases compared with May 2025.
Compare destinations
Select two countries to compare their latest figures.
| Measure | Indonesia | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| May 2026 trips | 153,220 | 94,680 |
| Annual change | +2.8% | +14.0% |
| Change in trips | +4,140 | +11,660 |
| Share of trips | 16.6% | 10.3% |
| Rank | #1 | #2 |
About the data
These figures represent short-term resident returns from overseas trips lasting less than one year. They measure border crossings rather than unique travellers, so a person may be counted more than once if they took multiple trips.
What the Latest Travel Figures Show
Indonesia was the most popular overseas destination for Australian residents in May 2026, with 153,220 short-term returns. New Zealand ranked second with 94,680 returns, followed by Japan with 78,270. Travellers considering the two Asian destinations can explore what the weather in Bali is like during May or discover lesser-known places to visit in Japan.
Vietnam recorded the strongest annual growth among the top destinations, rising by 22.1% compared with May 2025. Anyone considering a trip can start with our Vietnam bucket list. New Zealand also increased sharply, while travel to the United States, United Kingdom, Thailand, India and Japan declined.
Key Findings
- Indonesia: 153,220 returns, up 2.8% year on year.
- New Zealand: 94,680 returns, up 14.0%.
- Japan: 78,270 returns, down 5.6%.
- Vietnam: 48,960 returns, up 22.1%.
- United States: 57,800 returns, down 16.7%.
Planning a Trip to One of the Top Destinations
Vietnam offers several very different itineraries. Our guides cover Hanoi and Ha Long Bay in the north, as well as the mountain landscapes around Sapa. Travellers comparing more of Southeast Asia can also use our two-week Thailand itinerary and guide to the best time to visit Southeast Asia.
For longer journeys, our USA trip planner helps organise a multi-stop American holiday, while the Scotland travel guide provides a starting point for Australians heading to the United Kingdom.
Before booking, it is also worth checking the flight-booking myths that could cost you money. Travellers facing a lengthy journey can use these long-haul flight comfort tips to make the trip more manageable.
Overall, Australian residents recorded 922,460 short-term overseas returns during the month, down 4.9% from May 2025. The figures count completed overseas trips rather than individual travellers, so someone taking more than one trip may appear multiple times.
You can view the full tables and methodology in the official Australian Bureau of Statistics release .
