Carnival Cruise Line Australia has unveiled new research* that reveals Aussies are hungry for fun, with 42% of the nation saying they’ve had less fun than usual in the last two years, while another 8% have had ‘no fun at all’.
Nearly one in four Australians feel like they’ve forgotten what they like to do for fun over the past two years and nearly one in five (18%) say they don’t consider themselves a fun person.
So how do they plan to raise the fun-o-meter in a post-pandemic world?
While 61% of Aussies have identified women as the most-fun gender, 42% of survey participants say they’ve had less fun than usual in the last two years, and 72% of those respondents say they wish they had more fun with their partners.
Relaxing, kicking back and forgetting their worries (68%), experiencing and discovering new places (66%) and spending time with loved ones and creating new memories (60%) top the list of ‘the most fun’ experiences.
Nine in ten (90%) Aussies say they know what their partner likes to do for fun, and eight in ten (82%) think their partner knows what they do for fun. One in five Aussie parents (20%) also don’t know what their kids like to do for fun.
On the research findings, Psychologist Jaimie Bloch says that it’s essential for Australians to rediscover what they like to do for fun to be able to reconnect with one another.
“It’s been a difficult two years for all of us, but what this time has allowed us to do is re-evaluate our idea of fun. The research clearly reflects this with 70% of Aussies saying that their idea of fun has changed. It’s also no surprise that we are eager for a break and adventure – especially considering that we’ve been stuck at home for so long.
“Holidays are a great space to have fun together, strengthen relationships with our friends and family and let our stresses and worries go. However, it can be difficult to find a holiday that meets everyone’s expectations because what is fun for me is not necessarily fun for you. This can create stress and tension, especially in the planning stage.
“Knowing what you, and your loved ones, like to do for fun makes this process easier. That’s why Carnival’s ‘Fun Type’ quiz is such a useful tool. Cruises are also a great option for this same reason; offering as much or as little routine or structure as you like, a whole range of entertainment options, relaxation, flexibility and above all more time to be together and reconnect. What could be more fun than that?”
Over one in ten (15%) respondents say that they can’t even remember the last time they had a holiday! Nearly half of all Aussies (45%) also said that although their last holiday was ‘okay’, there was room to improve.
When it comes to booking a holiday with our family, 48% of us find it difficult to plan one that everyone will enjoy. In fact, half of all Aussie parents (50%) say that they have more fun on holiday without the kids.
In terms of local holiday destinations, the Sunshine State is king with 33% of all respondents saying that Queensland would be the most fun Australian state or territory to visit. NSW follows at 18% and Victoria at 15%.
On top of everything, Australians still love a coastal getaway with “a tropical holiday in a warm destination with the sea, sun and sand” at the top of the list for a third of the nation (32%). This was followed by “a cultural holiday with days planned out and full of sightseeing” (20%), “a holiday to reunite and reconnect with family and friends” (16%), and “a chance to kick back, relax and be pampered” (12.3%).
Kara Glamore, Carnival Cruise Line VP, says that Australians need to appreciate their relationship with fun and discover their ‘fun type’. “What this research has shown is that Aussies need to find that fun-version of themselves again. Many of us no longer know what we like to do for fun after being deprived of it for so long! We consider ourselves fun experts at Carnival. Whether you are the type to slide down waterslides and seek adventure every day or sit by the pool with a cocktail and read a book, we have the perfect holiday for you, no matter your fun type.”
*Research conducted in November 2021 by Pureprofile on behalf of Carnival Cruise Line, on a sample of over 1000 Australians, including 475 parents.
TOP IMAGE: Beau Ryan has fun chilling/Carnival Cruise Line
