
Heading to Europe to escape the winter blues is no small affair, as flights, food, and accommodation can add up to thousands of dollars
But some Aussies are spending that amount, and then some, just to get ready for their European summer holiday
New data from insurance company PassportCard Australia found that travellers are buying new clothes and makeup, and undergoing beauty treatments and wellness sessions specifically for their holidays
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sydneysider Vanessa Valderama has just left Australia with her partner to visit the continent and celebrate their 15-year anniversary
The 28-year-old told Yahoo Lifestyle she’s forked out close to $4,000 to ensure she will look her best during the two-week trip
Aussie reveals London problem now creeping into Bali
Ben Fordham addresses calls to be Karl Stefanovic’s Today show replacement
Aussies discover $11 Chemist Warehouse buy for glowing skin
“Since it’s my first time in Europe, I want my photos to look good. I’m doing it for myself. I want to feel good about myself.”
While social media content was one of the reasons for this spend, Vanessa said it’s also nice to look back on those memories later in life
Advertisement
Advertisement
She knows not <a href="https://healthylife7.com/when-be-a-caregiver-for-everyone-else-starts-hurting-you/” title=”When Be a Caregiver for Everyone Else Starts Hurting You”>everyone will agree with the choice, but the data shows she’s far from the only one doing this
Do you have a travel hack you want to share? Emailclaudia.poposki@yahooinc.com
“Older generations might see spending this much as unnecessary and prefer to save that money for the future or other priorities,” she said.
“But for us, it feels more balanced. Of course, we’re thinking about the future too, but we also don’t want to spend our lives only preparing for later
“We work hard, and we want to enjoy the present, invest in ourselves and feel good about who we are now.”
Phrases like “nothing is more expensive than me before a trip” and “when the pre-travel prep is starting to get more expensive than the actual trip” have become popular on social media ahead of the European summer this year
Advertisement
Advertisement
And it shows just how far Aussies are willing to go to look good
What has Vanessa spent to get ready for her trip?
To get ready for her two weeks in France, Italy and Switzerland, Vanessa spent close to $300 on her hair, $95 on acrylic nails and a pedicure, and $550 on makeup refills
She also forked out around $1,400 on beauty treatments, like anti-wrinkle injections to make her jawline “snatched”, as well as lip and chin fillers
“I think one of the biggest expenses that I’ve had is my outfits,” she added

“I started buying clothes at the beginning of the year, and I think all in all I’ve spent at least $1,200 on outfits
Vanessa also spent $300 on things such as AirTags for her luggage and a travel pillow for her flight
Advertisement
Advertisement
All up, that’s $3,845 before she’s even stepped onto the plane
The couple has also spent around $11,600 on flights, accommodation and train tickets
New Aussie travel expense trend revealed
According to PassportCard Australia, there are a lot of elements that go into a holiday before you leave
Some will buy new clothes, start a fitness or weight-loss routine, focus on their skincare, or indulge in wellness or self-care treatments
Others will try to whiten their teeth, get cosmetic injectables, or even plan the social media content they intend to take once they’ve landed
The data found 29 per cent of Aussies spend between $300 and $500 on clothing before a trip, while one in 10 spend between $1,000 and $2,000
Advertisement
Advertisement
Ten per cent also pay between $300 and $500 for beauty and aesthetics
![]()
Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure to follow us onFacebook,Instagram,andTikTok


