astro adventurers
To the moon and back
Keep an eye on the skies; Astro-tourism is skyrocketing.
As it’s becoming easier and more accessible to understand our place in the universe, so does our shared, collective appreciation of being part of something bigger than ourselves. Stargazing and dark skies tourism are fascinating ways to explore the wonders of space and science.
Two of travellers’ biggest
questions this year:
Where to see a solar eclipse?
Best places to see the solar eclipse?*
*Based on global Google searches in English for selected keywords for first 6 months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 (source: Mangools)
There will be four eclipses for travellers to experience in 2025
13-14 March
Total Lunar Eclipse
29 March
Partial Solar Eclipse
7-8 Sept
Total Lunar Eclipse
21 Sept
Partial Solar Eclipse
Check out Time and Date to find out where to see them.
The top dark sky experiences for Australian travellers are:
58%
Catching the Northern Lights
39%
Going to an observatory
38%
Watching a solar / lunar eclipse
Astronaut and author Kellie Gerardi shares her favourite places where travellers can turn their eyes to the skies.
Where do travellers want to see the Northern Lights up close? On 1 January 2024, global searches for Tromsø, Norway, increased by 142% compared to the previous year.
Kellie Gerardi
Astronaut
“Astro adventures are more popular than ever. My best advice is to plan early with flexibility. If your schedules don’t line up with a major celestial phenomenon, you can still enjoy incredible views year-round at places like Mauna Kea in Hawaii or dark sky parks like Galloway Forest Park in Scotland.”
“If your schedules don’t line up with a major celestial phenomenon, you can still enjoy incredible views year-round in major hubs like Mauna Kea in Hawaii or dark sky parks like Galloway Forest Park in Scotland.”
Skyscanner checked in with Preston Dyches from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who shared these tips on how to stargaze like a pro:
Preston Dyches
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
1. Find dark skies
Move away from city lights, as human-made light pollution makes it much harder to see stars.
2. Seek open landscapes
Choose a location with unobstructed views, such as a lake shore or meadow, to increase your visibility of the night sky.
3. Check the weather
Make sure the skies are clear by checking the weather for clouds and wildfire smoke, ensure the winds won’t be too gusty, and be prepared for the forecast temperatures.
4. Reach higher altitudes
Higher locations, above dense air and haze, give you clearer skies and better views.
5. Scout safety
Visit your stargazing spot during the day to identify and avoid any potential hazards like rocks and branches. And be aware of local wildlife.
Written in the stars:
The rise of astrology-led travel
Unsure where to go next? Maybe it’s time to ask the stars.
Astro-tourism combines the adventure of exploring celestial events alongside the mystical insights of astrology. Astrology is something more Australian travellers are enjoying, especially younger Gen Z and Millennials, who are seeking a sense of connection with the cosmos.
Percentage of population age groups that believe in astrology:
18-24-year-olds
24-34-year-olds
Overall population
42%
of 25-34-year-olds
are interested in using astrology to determine their next trip.
Pisces
Leo
Sagitarius
These traveller star signs are the most likely to use astrology when planning their travels.
of AU travellers say planetary and lunar activity, such as full moons and Mercury retrograde, can heighten their sense of emotion and disrupt their travel plans.
Discover the travel trends
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Cowboy Core
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Gami-Vacation
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Future of Travel
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Unpacking the trends
Get the lowdown
