Each year Google releases its Year in Search lists, which (for better or worse) reveals what the nation has been searching for in 2023. While the food list was a hodgepodge of TikTok trends, royal recipes and retro dishes, which you can check out here, the international travel list is pretty predictable.

Taking out the top spot for the country most Aussies searched was Bali. Now, this will come as no surprise. Bali has always been a hotspot for Aussie travellers and with the opening of new restaurants, lush hotel offerings, an easy direct flight and relatively affordable, it’s a no brainer. 

Coming in second, is Tokyo. The Japanese capital is growing in popularity Down Under thanks to more affordable airlines launching direct services to the Land of the Rising Sun. Virgin Australia flies direct from Cairns to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Jetstar flies direct from Brisbane to Tokyo’s Narita Airport. Getting there has never been easier or cheaper. 

Even though flights to Europe were astronomically priced in 2023, that did not deter travellers’ interests in the continent. Europe came in at number three, followed by the destination that took over everyone’s Instagram’s feed this year, Vietnam. The introduction of low-cost carrier, Vietjet, was a game changer for Australians looking to travel to Vietnam on a budget. 

The Year in Search list for travel was completed by the following destinations: 

1. Bali 
2. Tokyo 
3. Europe
4. Vietnam
5. New Zealand 
6. Thailand 
7. Noumea 
8. Samoa 
9. New Caledonia 
10. London 

If you’re keen to check out what got Australians googling in 2023, you can access the fill breakdown of 2023 search lists here. 

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