ING: Carbon footprint and cost front of mind for Australia’s growing ‘Conscious Travellers’

It’s a known fact that Australians have travel on the brain, but it turns out that more and more of us are thinking beyond the hotels we’ll be staying at or the food we’ll be eating while abroad.
New research from ING has revealed that 82% of Australians now consider themselves to be ‘conscious travellers’ - travellers who are increasingly thinking about the impact their trips are having on the environment and the countries they’re visiting.
So what’s causing this move towards more conscious travel?
In a survey of 1,041 Australians conducted on behalf of ING, respondents reported the following as the most common factors behind becoming a more conscious traveller:
- Awareness of the negative impact tourism can have on particular countries
- Concern about the negative impact travel can have on the environment
- Becoming more aware of their own carbon footprint compared to previous years
It’s not just a change in mindset though, because Aussie travellers also reported that they are willing to take action.
According to ING, 69% of those surveyed said they would be willing to spend more on a holiday if it meant they could minimise their carbon footprint while 36% said they have already considered travelling by train, bus or boat instead of flying (which is more carbon intensive).
Cost consciousness also key
It turns out that ‘conscious’ Aussie travellers aren’t only focused on taking more environmentally-friendly trips though.
ING found that the ‘low-waste and sustainability trend’ was flowing through to travel budgets, with 47% of survey respondents admitting to restricting any unnecessary splurging overseas as part of more conservative budgeting.
One of the major ways Australians are looking to save while on holiday is by giving overseas card fees on their travel debit cards or credit cards the flick.
The ING survey revealed that 62% of travellers were ‘concerned’ about getting charged overseas transaction or ATM withdrawal fees, while 48% admitted to limiting their use of ATMs in order to avoid getting hit with fees.
“Our research shows Aussies are a mindful lot. Not only are we inspired to make important changes to the way our travel impacts the environment, but we’re also looking to minimise money waste, sticking to budgets that don’t allow for frivolous spending,” said ING’s Head of Retail, Melanie Evans.
“When it comes to cutting back on holiday spending, one of the easiest ways is opting for a card that doesn’t charge unnecessary overseas fees. It’s great to see a quarter (26%) of Aussies are already using credit or debit cards that don’t charge international or ATM withdrawal fees, but there are still a number of Aussies who are burdened by carrying an excessive ‘travel wallet’ and being charged fees that could be avoided.”
According to the latest figures from the Mozo database, only seven banks offer a debit card with a $0 overseas ATM withdrawal fee and a 0% international transaction fee: Citi, HSBC, ING, Macquarie Bank, UBank, Up and Xinja.
However, ING is the only bank that rebates overseas ATM owner fees to its Orange Everyday customers, providing that they meet the minimum monthly criteria of a $1,000 deposit and at least five card purchases.
RELATED: Best travel credit cards in Australia 2020
Getting prepped for your next international vacay? Check out some of the great travel debit cards in the table below, or take a read of our helpful guide on how to avoid fees when spending overseas.
Compare travel debit cards - rates updated daily
Transaction Account
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayIDDebit MastercardEarn 1.75% p.a. interest on all balances. No monthly account fees. Winner of a Mozo Experts Choice Australia's Best Bank 2022^.
Transaction Account
Earn 1.75% p.a. interest on all balances. No monthly account fees. Winner of a Mozo Experts Choice Australia's Best Bank 2022^.
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 2.25% p.a.
Balances from $250,000: 1.85% p.a.
Balances from $1,000,000: 1.15% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from any Australian ATMs, EFTPOS, phone, internet, BPAY and direct debits
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Transaction Account
Choice
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$5.00$0 monthly account fee if you deposit min. $2,000 per month or are aged under 30.Apple, Pay, Google, Pay, Samsung, Pay, Fitbit, Pay, Garmin, Pay, Digital, CardDebit Mastercard$5 account fee waived when you deposit $2,000 each month (conditions apply). No account fee for customers under 30. Cardless cash feature. Apple, Google, Samsung Pay, Garmin, Fitbit and digital card pay. Partner discounts offered through Westpac App.
Choice
$5 account fee waived when you deposit $2,000 each month (conditions apply). No account fee for customers under 30. Cardless cash feature. Apple, Google, Samsung Pay, Garmin, Fitbit and digital card pay. Partner discounts offered through Westpac App.
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from internet, phone, network ATMs, EFTPOS, BPAY, branch deposits and withdrawals, and cheque.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Choice
Everyday Options
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayIDVisa DebitAn easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. $0 monthly account keeping fees & option to add up 9 sub-accounts.
Everyday Options
An easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. $0 monthly account keeping fees & option to add up 9 sub-accounts.
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
Balances from $1: 0.01% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from own-bank ATM, atmx ATM, Big 4 banks ATM, EFTPOS, counter withdrawals, counter deposits, phone and internet
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Everyday Options
Classic Banking Account
with Standard Visa Debit Card
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung PayVisa Debit or
EFTPOSNo monthly account fees ever, with no conditions. Free use at over 7,000 ATMs around Australia. No overdrawn fees if you happen to go over your account balance. Open an account in less than 7 minutes.
Classic Banking Account
No monthly account fees ever, with no conditions. Free use at over 7,000 ATMs around Australia. No overdrawn fees if you happen to go over your account balance. Open an account in less than 7 minutes.
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.01% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from own-bank ATM, EFTPOS, counter withdrawals, counter deposits, phone, internet and Visa debit purchases
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Classic Banking Account
Glide Account
account fee
Payment Options
what kind of card
$0.00Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID, Samsung Pay, FitBit Pay, GarminVisa DebitUnlimited free internet transactions. Super fast transfers & use Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. No account keeping fees. Access Any Major Bank & MyState Bank ATM Fee-Free.
Glide Account
Unlimited free internet transactions. Super fast transfers & use Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. No account keeping fees. Access Any Major Bank & MyState Bank ATM Fee-Free.
- interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- fee-free transactions
- Unlimited free internet transactions.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Glide Account
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