This European island tops winter trending destinations for Aussies

Expedia has revealed the destinations Aussies plan to visit to escape the winter chill.

When the weather starts to cool down, many Aussies start looking internationally to prolong summer. And new data from Expedia reveals they will be chasing the sun in Europe and Asia.

The prominent online travel agency has shared the most popular and trending international destinations drawing Aussies’ attention in 2025, and it’s a mix of summer favourites and emerging hotspots.

international destinations australian winter — Bali remains a popular getaway for 2025. (Image: Getty/ Lord Baileys)

Unsurprisingly, Bali took the spot as the most popular destination for Aussies this winter, with major cities London, Tokyo and Paris trailing just behind.

“Cost of living and accessibility remain top of mind for Aussies looking to stretch their travel dollars further, and one of our top tips to save is to keep an eye on new flight routes," said Sarah King, Expedia Travel Expert.

“Looking at Bali, with new AirAsia flights from Adelaide launching in June and new Jetstar flights from the Gold Coast launching in August, we’re sure to see competitive airfares as the airlines work to attract Aussies from right across the country," she added.

Malta, as the top trending destination, highlights a shift in Aussie travel preferences. Increased flight connectivity from Australia to Malta is contributing to its growing appeal as a Mediterranean hotspot – an 80 per cent increase in bookings – and Australians discovering the beauty of this sunny island.

“As Aussies get set to benefit from the new Virgin and Qatar partnership this winter, many European destinations have also become more accessible, resulting in a spike in accommodation interest," explained Sarah King.

“Malta tops the list, with direct flights resuming from Doha to Malta in July, making it easier and faster for Aussies to get their dose of European sun," she added.

Malta. International destinations Australian winter — Valetta is the capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A blend of ancient history, natural beauty and modern convenience culminates in Malta, which has a long-standing reputation as one of the Mediterranean’s best-kept secrets. Spend your days lazily ticking off the many beaches with some of the clearest water in Europe, discovering megalithic temples, admiring wonderfully preserved medieval and Baroque architecture in Mdina and snacking on mouthwatering pastizzi – a traditional Maltese pastry filled with ricotta cheese or mushy peas. Whether you’re a history buff, beach lover, foodie or cultural enthusiast, Malta offers plenty for visitors.

Interest in destinations such as Milos, Greece and Da Nang, Vietnam, are also on the rise, further highlighting how Aussies are exploring outside of the usual hotspots.

Looking to escape Aussie winter? Check out Expedia’s most popular international destinations and top trending international destinations for some inspiration.

Expedia’s most popular international destinations

Bali, Indonesia
London, UK
Tokyo, Japan
Paris, France
Singapore
Nadi, Fiji
Rome, Italy
Athens, Greece
New York, USA
Honolulu, USA

Malta: +80%
Milos, Greece: + 70%
Seoul, South Korea: +60%
Osaka, Japan: +55%
Da Nang, Vietnam: +45%
Nice, France: +45%
Athens, Greece: +40%
Tokyo, Japan: +35%
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: +35%
Bangkok, Thailand: +25%

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

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