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Kids growing up today may not get to experience the long summer holidays that used to typify the laid-back Aussie lifestyle.
A weak global economy and rising cost of living mean that a number of individuals and their families will either be spending this Christmas at home.
A nationwide poll of 1,200 Australians aged between 18 to 64 has shown that as many as 55 per cent of us are planning to pass on international travel and a third of all those who took part in the study said they would be spending the holidays journeying around Australia.
The Newspoll survey, which was a part of the study, also found that 54 per cent of survey participants are taking holidays for a week or less, and 19 per cent for three nights or less.
And of the different accommodation options on offer bunking down with family and friends was at the top of the list – with 42 per cent of people identifying 'mum and dad's' as their number one travel destination.
And while Australian's have a reputation for spending big on holidays – often to tucked away locations – it seems that this year's budget has been reigned in with most people spending less than $1,000 on all travel, accommodation, food and spending money for household members.
Almost two in every ten Australians with children will spend just $500 for the entire family holiday.
Jackie Crossman, managing director at Crossman Communications and survey spokesperson said that the findings indicate that many families are feeling the pressure the rising cost of living and uncertain economic conditions have on household budgets.
"So many amazing memories are created when we take time out, get away, relax and have fun in the sun together and, with a third of us planning a summer holiday in Australia, this is a real opportunity for domestic tourism operators to entice people to their place," she asserted.
Ms Crossman also pointed out that a holiday in Oz or at home with the family does not mean that individuals should feel as if they are missing out on better deals.
"Australian's love their summer holidays and we're lucky that we have so many brilliant places to go within out own country with lots of accommodation options, from low budget camping and caravan parks to more expensive apartments and resorts, to choose from," she said.
The survey also found that 24 per cent of New South Wales residents will be holidaying in their own state this holiday season.